Foreign Holidays Research Articles

Economic Change and the Labour Market in Britain’s Seaside Towns

Beatty C. and Fothergill S. (2004) Economic change and the labour market in Britain’s seaside towns, Reg. Studies 38, 461–480. For thirty years, Britain’s seaside towns have faced the challenge of the rising popularity of foreign holidays. This paper explores how their economies have adapted, and in particular the extent to which high claimant unemployment in many of the towns is rooted in local job loss. By deploying ‘labour market accounts’ for 1971 to 2001, the paper shows that in fact the continuing imbalance in seaside labour markets owes more to high levels of in-migration than to job loss, and even the sectors of the local economy most closely linked to tourism show growth in employment.

Key trends in Southeast Asia

AbstractTempted to do business in Southeast Asia (SEA)? Many SEA countries offer very attractive incentives—in addition to a low‐cost, high‐quality labor force. They also allow 100 percent foreign ownership, tax holidays, and capital allowances. But there are important differences compared to developed countries. Government agencies and corporations play a different role, and business decisions may not be made in the way you expect. What must you know to avoid potential problems? Where are the best opportunities? © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Exposure to ultraviolet radiation: association with susceptibility and age at presentation with prostate cancer

A positive association between latitude and prostate cancer mortality has been interpreted to indicate that ultraviolet radiation (UVR) protects against development of this cancer. We aimed to examine this hypothesis. We compared exposure between 210 cases and 155 controls. Childhood sunburn (odds ratio 0.18, 95% CI 0.08-0.38), regular foreign holidays(0.41, 0.25-0.68), sunbathing score (0.83, 0.76-0.89), and low exposure to UVR (3.03, 1.59-5.78) were associated with development of prostate cancer. Furthermore, cases with low UVR exposure developed cancer at a younger median age (67.7 years, IQR 61.5-74.6) than cases with higher exposure (72.1 years, 67.5-76.4); p=0.006. These findings are compatible with UVR having a protective role against prostate cancer.

Diabetic holiday foot syndrome – the dimension of the problem and patients' characteristics

AbstractFrequency, course and outcome of diabetic foot ulcers originating during foreign holidays, known as the recently described ‘diabetic holiday foot syndrome’, was investigated during an ongoing prospective study.Among 435 study patients, 17 (3.9%) experienced their foot lesions during a foreign holiday. Unaccustomed exercise and barefoot walking on the beach were the predominant causative events leading to the observed lesions. Patients suffering from the described condition were of younger age and had shorter known diabetes duration than patients with foot lesions of other origin. There was also a higher proportion of male patients, a lower prevalence of ischemic lesions, and a shorter delay of presentation to the foot clinic among the ‘holiday foot’ group. Severity of the lesions at presentation (Wagner classification) and frequency of unavoidable amputation were comparable for patients in both groups.Our results demonstrate the need for including preventative considerations during holiday travels and unaccustomed exercise in intensified education for diabetic patients at high risk for foot lesions. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Factors Influencing Demand for International Tourism: Tourism Demand Analysis Using Structural Equation Modelling, Revisited

Previous work on the application of structural equation modelling to tourism demand analysis is extended by examining more varied origin–destination pairs, in particular those involving longer travel distances and fewer direct economic ties. The main potential economic determinants of international tourist flows disaggregated into holidays, business visits and visits to friends and relatives (VFR) are examined simultaneously using structural equation modelling. The tourist flows studied are inbound tourism to New Zealand from Australia, Japan, the UK and USA. The empirical results show that international trade plays the major role in influencing business tourism demand, retail sales are the major influence on the demand for foreign holidays, and new private car registrations are the major determinant of VFR tourism demand. Comparison of the previous and current studies demonstrates the consistent importance of international trade in influencing business tourism, and origin income and destination price in influencing VFR tourism.

Towards a renaissance in urban parks

Public parks have been a familiar and popular feature of our towns and cities since their appearance throughout the 19th century. They arose out of social concern over public health and happiness and as a reaction to the squalid conditions endured by the masses. Civic pride determined that they were maintained to a very high standard as symbols of municipal power and excellence. Public parks were the first resort for local communities, especially children, to have fun and to relieve the pressures of modern life. As well as providing an urban pastoral they also provided for the exuberance of amatuer sport and lively play. They continued and strengthened the British fascination with horticultural magnificence ‐council apprenticeships provided the head gardeners for the National Trust and private estates as well as the men who competed with their peers in ever more imaginative and technically accomplished picture‐and carpet‐bedding displays which adorned the nation's premier public parks. All this has sadly passed. The decline of parks can be traced back to the removal of railings for the War effort and consequent loss of sense of place, but the real damage became cumulative from the mid‐1970s. Local government reorganisation, political struggle between local and central government, privatisation of local services, year‐on‐year cuts in capital and revenue budgets and a shift of emphasis to foreign holidays and car‐borne countryside recreation all contributed to the downfall of urban parks into the dismal, neglected and vandalised landscapes which have become so familiar today. Responding to the concerns of voluntary and professional bodies, the Heritage Lottery Fund launched the Urban Parks Programme in 1996 to begin to address the issues. The Urban Parks Programme experience has highlighted how seriously underfunded parks have been and has committed far more money than intended to tackle the massive backlog of repairs to essential park infrastructure. It has also tried to address the causes of decline in partnership with local authorities and other bodies in the field ‐ loss of management structure and skills, lack of political support and understanding, and dearth of relevant data concerning parks. This article traces the fortunes of public parks from their inception to their decline and documents the stirring of a potential renaissance as the government shows its concern with quality of life issues, with social exclusion, with multiple deprivation and with regeneration of the economic vitality and social coherence of urban areas. A government Select Committee has recently examined the state of the nation's parks and declared itself shocked and appalled at the extent of the problems that parks have faced in the last 30 years. There is now a chance that the long downward trend in the status and condition of urban parks can be reversed if a vigorous lead is given by government.

Incidence of malignant melanoma of the skin in Norway, 1955-1989: associations with solar ultraviolet radiation, income and holidays abroad.

Norway has the highest incidence of melanoma in Europe. This study analyses geographical variations in melanoma incidence within Norway and their association with possible aetiological factors. Data on melanoma incidence from the Norwegian Cancer Registry were used to calculate standardized incidence ratios (SIR) for the 19 counties in Norway for each 5-year period from 1955 to 1989. Multiple regression analysis was used to examine the associations between these SIR and local UVB levels, holidays abroad and income. Similar methods were also used to analyse changes in SIR between 1955-1969 and 1985-1989. There was a highly significant association between melanoma incidence and UVB in each of the time periods studied. Income showed a significant positive association in the 1960s and early 1970s but not later. Foreign holidays showed a significant positive association in the 1980s, but not earlier. Changes in melanoma SIR between 1955-1969 and 1985-1989 were significantly positively associated with holidays abroad and negatively with income levels. Melanoma incidence in Norway is closely related to local levels of UVB radiation independently of other factors suggesting that local exposures carry significant risk. Risks would probably increase if ozone depletion led to enhanced UVB flux (estimated as 1.6% rise in incidence for each 1% increase in UVB). By the end of the study period income was no longer a significant factor but holidays abroad had started to have a detectable effect on melanoma incidence.

Survey highlights risks of foreign holidays

Survey highlights risks of foreign holidays

Benign Pigmented Nevi in Children

<h3>• Background and Methods.—</h3> Prevalence of benign melanocytic nevi (moles) has been shown to be a major predictor of malignant melanoma. In this study the prevalence of moles in a group of 2140 children, aged 4 to 11 years, was determined. A standard questionnaire was completed by the parents of each child and included information on environmental and life-style factors. Examination data for each child were linked to the data obtained from the questionnaire. <h3>Results.—</h3> Prevalence increases rapidly throughout childhood and studies of children may indicate which factors contribute to mole development. Boys had more moles than girls, as did white children when compared with other ethnic groups. Prevalence of moles increased with age in children of both sexes. Among whites, skin color had little influence on mole prevalence. The following characteristics, however, were associated with an increased prevalence of moles: a propensity to burn rather than tan, a history of sunburn, a tendency to freckle, and a life-style involving increased sun exposure. A striking positive association between prevalence of moles and number of foreign holidays in a hot climate was observed. This association was independent of a history of sunburn. <h3>Conclusions.—</h3> The study supports the hypothesis that environmental factors influence the prevalence of moles in childhood. (<i>Arch Dermatol.</i>1992;128:1201-1206)

Benign pigmented nevi in children. Prevalence and associated factors: the West Midlands, United Kingdom Mole Study.

Prevalence of benign melanocytic nevi (moles) has been shown to be a major predictor of malignant melanoma. In this study the prevalence of moles in a group of 2140 children, aged 4 to 11 years, was determined. A standard questionnaire was completed by the parents of each child and included information on environmental and life-style factors. Examination data for each child were linked to the data obtained from the questionnaire. Prevalence increases rapidly throughout childhood and studies of children may indicate which factors contribute to mole development. Boys had more moles than girls, as did white children when compared with other ethnic groups. Prevalence of moles increased with age in children of both sexes. Among whites, skin color had little influence on mole prevalence. The following characteristics, however, were associated with an increased prevalence of moles: a propensity to burn rather than tan, a history of sunburn, a tendency to freckle, and a life-style involving increased sun exposure. A striking positive association between prevalence of moles and number of foreign holidays in a hot climate was observed. This association was independent of a history of sunburn. The study supports the hypothesis that environmental factors influence the prevalence of moles in childhood.

Maintaining Cultural Boundaries in Retailing: How Japanese Department Stores Domesticate ‘Things Foreign’

AbstractThis essay explores the division between ‘things Japanese’ and ‘things foreign’ in contemporary Japanese life through an analysis of modern retailing. Japanese department stores domesticate ‘foreign things’, including customs, holidays, goods, and people, by creating for these meaning consistent with the existing fabric of Japanese culture. Their role in gift-exchanges, in the adoption of foreign holidays and in establishing special advocacy centers for foreigners reinforces the distinction between ‘Japanese’ and ‘other’ that shapes and affirms Japanese identity (economy, national identity, symbolism, popular culture, gift-exchange, Japan).

Precipitation of hypercalcaemia in sarcoidosis by foreign sun holidays: report of four cases

Hypercalcaemia after foreign sun holidays in four patients is described. Although only one was a known case, all had sarcoidosis. The pathogenic mechanisms are discussed and the implications of excessive sun exposure for the mode of presentation and the management of sarcoidosis are highlighted.

UK tour operators and retail travel agents: ABTA and the public interest

In the 1960s the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) introduced rules to safeguard the public against the failure of tour operators to fulfil holiday contracts. When the Restrictive Trade Practices (Services) Order 1976 took effect, certain ‘registrable restrictions’ were rescinded. Remaining restrictions were defended in the Restrictive Practices Court. The exclusive trading arrangement between ABTA tour operators and retail agents for the sale of foreign inclusive holidays (Stabilizer) was retained. But rules relating to the standard of premises, and to the control by the principals over prices charged, were found to be unjustifiable. Modified staffing rules were upheld. EEC approval for these decisions was obtained.

Relations between private practice and the NHS: a personal view.

I have been chairman of the Joint Consultants Committee/ Central Committee for Hospital Medical Services Independent Practice Subcommittee for six years. But, as I have now retired from the National Health Service and private practice, I handed over this role to Mr John Chawner last month. I feel strongly about the importance and legitimacy of private practice in this country and think that this is an opportune moment to record my views on the subject. Some people believe that in a country with a national health service private practice should not exist. If honestly held this view must command respect. Unfortunately, at least some of those who hold such a view will not concede that there is an alternative view that deserves consideration. I believe that the continuation of private practice may be justified on three counts. Firstly, choice is essential in a free society. Economic con? siderations may preclude such a choice for many citizens, but that is a criticism of the financial structure of society rather than an argument against the existence of choice. Apart from the very poor, many people who elect to use the NHS have the means to use the private service but prefer to spend their money on consumer durables or foreign holidays. This is entirely a matter for them: they are merely exercising their fundamental right to freedom of choice. Secondly, it is essential for staff and patients of the NHS that it should not be a monopoly provider of health care. For the staff?especially those whose professions are exclusively applicable to the care of patients?there must be alternative ways for them to earn a living. There must be a market place where an independent valuation may be put on their services, lest they find themselves tied inescapably to an unjust level of remuneration. Indeed, it may be argued that the recent problems relating to the pay of non-medical staff in the NHS, particularly nurses, arose because the NHS is a near monopoly. If the balance between the NHS and private practice was more equal market forces would protect incomes more efficiently than a review body ever could. For patients, the existence of an alter? native to the NHS provides a vital comparison against which the standards of NHS care may be judged. It is, of course, equaUy true the other way round. The NHS provides extremely well for emergency patients and those who are gravely ill and this is a great challenge for the private sector. On the other hand, the private sector provides extremely well for the more routine problems and must always be consumer oriented to a greater degree than the NHS. This competition is advantageous to NHS and private patients. I would not like to see it replaced by a monopoly in health care. Thirdly, British patients who seek private health care have paid their full share in the cost of the NHS. If, either by direct payment or by subscription to a provident association, they pay again for private service they are increasing the total pool of resources for the provision of health care and leaving much needed time and facilities in the NHS for others. It might be supposed that they would be particularly welcome in NHS hospitals on such terms but, sadly, this is often not the case. I see great merits in this arrangement, compared with a system that allows rebate of health contributions to those seeking other methods of insurance. It provides a clear protection against the accusation that the NHS subsidises the cost of private health care.

A Binary Choice Model of Foreign Holiday Demand

A binary choice model explaining the distribution of holidays abroad undertaken by UK residents is constructed and estimated. The foreign holiday demand function is generated from a comparison of holiday costs and benefits, and stochastic behaviour is permitted. In addition, the effects of incomplete knowledge on holiday choice are incorporated in the model. It is shown that the empirical results support the theoretical framework and that the £50 foreign currency limit imposed by the British Government between 1966 and 1969 resulted in a shift in the distribution of foreign holidays.

An Empirical Comparison of Alternative Forecasting Methods as applied to the UK Foreign Holiday Market

There are two distinct types of forecasting model in which past experience is used as an indicator of the future, and these may be termed “causal” models and “non‐causal” models. (An extensive discussion of these model types appears in Robinson and Wood and Fildes.) Non‐causal (naive) models simply extrapolate past history on the forecast variable and disregard those forces which caused the particular pattern for the time series. The object is to select the type of curve which provides the closest fit to a given historical series, and complex statistical procedures exist for carrying out this exercise. The great problem with forecasting by extrapolation is that it presupposes that the factors which were the main cause of growth in the past will continue to be the main cause in the future, which may be incorrect, and if this is the case the use of this technique will result in poor forecasts. If one considers sales of foreign holidays as an example, one realises that there may be significant changes in the variables affecting these sales, such as income changes, fare changes, and changes in exchange rates. In order to forecast sales of foreign holidays reasonably accurately it is therefore necessary to construct a causal model in which sales are explicitly related to the determining forces.

An econometric comparison of uk and german foreign holiday behaviour

AbstractEconometric models which explain the generation and distribution of foreign holidays undertaken by UK and German residents are constructed and estimated. These comprise the basic model, a less constrained transformation and a modified model which incorporates supply constraints and habit persistence. Both versions of the basic model are shown to exhibit a structural break across the two sets of origin data, suggesting that habit and/or supply factors are important. The empirical findings also imply that the British regard foreign holidays as luxuries whereas Germans view them as necessities.