Responses to seasonality: the experiences of peripheral destinations

Abstract

The issue of seasonality is well documented in the tourism literature, particularly in relation to peripheral regions of northern Europe and North America. The reasons for significant variation on the demand-side are also well documented and relate to climatic, demographic, lifestyle as well as structural or institutional factors. A review of tourism development policies for most peripheral tourism destination regions in the British Isles, Scandinavia and Canada reveals ‘extending the season’ or ‘reducing the impact of seasonality’ as a key objective. There has been very mixed success in achieving this objective and, where it has been possible, other structural factors within the economy or society (such as school vacation dates) have impeded the impact of response. This paper is based upon field research undertaken in a number of locations in the British Isles, Scandinavia and Canada and is an analysis of various local responses to the seasonality challenge. The objective of the study was to identify ‘good practice’ through use of ‘lesson-drawing’ methodologies with respect to seasonality responses so that destination communities elsewhere can learn from the examples and prepare their own strategies for extending the existing season or developing opportunities at different times of the year. A general analysis of ‘success factors’ in combating seasonality will also be undertaken. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.