Groups Of Visitors Research Articles

Diurnal anthophilous fauna in Brazilian Chaco vegetation: phenology and interaction with flora

Phenology is the basis for understanding the life cycle of plants or animals throughout the year. Thus, we surveyed diurnal anthophilous fauna on plant species in the Brazilian Chaco to determine (1) groups of floral visitors and occurrence; (2) richness and abundance of fauna in relation to flowering flora and meteorological variables; (3) groups of visitors that pollinate or thieving flora; (4) distribution of herbaceous and woody strata throughout the year of flowering; (5) variation in flowering as a whole community, in the context of abiotic factors; and (6) the predominant plant families and species. We sampled eight groups of floral visitors, totalling 105 sampled species and 644 specimens. The flies and bees were the richest groups, with bees forming the most abundant group. The phenology of the fauna and flora was not clustered and exhibited a continuous and bimodal flowering. The abundance and richness of floral visitors were positively related to the quantity of plant species and flowering, as well as rainfall. Herbaceous and woody strata are important for the maintenance of anthophilous fauna throughout the year. Plant species with the highest abundance and the longest flowering period presented the highest richness and/or abundance of floral visitors. The percentage of pollination was higher than that of resource theft. Bees and flies were the main groups of pollinators, whereas flies were the main thieves. The present survey is only a starting point for future studies on the networks of interactions between plants and their floral visitors in the Brazilian Chaco.

Flower Colour Polymorphism inGeranium nepalense(Geraniaceae): Adaptation to Non-Pollinator Agents

Flower colour polymorphism is attributed to pollinator or non-pollinator mediated selection. Geranium nepalense has common white morph and very rare pink morph. We compared pollinator visitation frequencies, temperature and soil moisture between two morphs in the mixed morph population. We also compared morph ratio and reproductive success between white and pink flower individuals. Our results indicated that no visitor groups were different between two colour morphs. But visitor groups differed in visits between two years. Halictidae preferred pink morph in the year of 2012 but showed no discrimination in 2014, whereas Syrphidae preferred white morph in 2014 but no discrimination in 2012. Overall, pink morph produced more seeds than white morph, but exhibited variation between two years. However, visitor discrimination was not the main cause of the difference in female fitness. Soil moisture was not different between two colour morphs. Temperature of white morph was lower than pink in evening but not different in morning and noon. The results indicated that non-pollinator factors may exert the selective pressure to maintain the flower colour polymorphism in this species. Although pollinators did not exert selection on the flower colour polymorphism, we suggest that they provided potential pollination environment of fluctuating selection to drive flower colour evolution if visitors were limited.

The structural relationships of destination image, awareness, uniqueness and destination loyalty in periurban ecotourism destination

Abstract This study is designed to explore the conceptualization of ecotourism in order to expand the concept into ecotourism activities in our daily lives. To this end, the author proposes the ‘periurban ecotourism’ concept and conducts an empirical study with a focus on Nabari City, a small Japanese city with a well-preserved natural environment that has been attracting a number of visitors. In this study, destination image, awareness and uniqueness are presented as key independent variables to set directions for the development as a periurban ecotourism destination and to thereby develop a “theoretical periurban ecotourism model”, and four hypotheses for this study are examined. Findings from the examination reveal that destination image and awareness have a positive impact on overall satisfaction while destination uniqueness generates statistically significant result. In a group of first visitors, however, destination uniqueness appears to have a significant impact of some degree, with less influence than expected. In order to help redefine ecotourism and suggest a variety of research questions for ecotourism markets, it is necessary to conduct an empirical study covering “periurban ecotourism” and its conceptualization, motivation of ecotourists, and lifestyles from a more concrete perspective.

Consumer-based brand equity of a destination for sport tourists versus non-sport tourists

Destination authorities invest in sport venues and related infrastructure to attract sport events due to their influence on destination image and visitation. Several studies have revealed a significant influence of image on behavioral intentions of sport or event tourists; however, a comprehensive assessment of consumer-based brand equity (CBBE) inclusive of image, consumer value, brand value, quality, and loyalty by comparing sport and non-sport tourists is lacking. The current study conducted an online survey with a sample of the US population and compared Orlando’s CBBE from the perspectives of sport and non-sport tourists in general and those sport and non-sport tourists who have visited Orlando in the past. Results revealed some differences between sport and non-sport tourists, both in the general sample and in the past visitor group. Although both groups revealed a strong CBBE in general, sport tourists have a better perception of Orlando in some image and loyalty dimensions. General sport tourists’ overall quality, image, and consumer value influence their loyalty, while only image and quality influence loyalty for those sport tourists who visited Orlando before.

최초방문자와 재방문자의 관광목적지 선택차이 연구 -서울지역을 중심으로

본 연구는 순수 관광을 목적으로 서울 지역을 방문하는 외래관광객을 최초방문자와 재방문자로 분류하여 이들이 선택한 관광목적지에 차이가 있음을 검증하는데 목적이 있다. 이를 위해 한국 문화체육관광부에서 주관한 '2015 외래관광객 실태조사'의 데이터를 활용하여 외래관광객이 방문한 관광지 20개소를 중심으로 연결망 자료를 구성하고 사회연결망 분석방법을 적용하여 밀도와 중심성 분석을 실시하였다. 분석결과, 첫째, 최초방문자와 재방문자의 관광지들은 주로 강북 지역에 편중되어 있었으나 전체적으로 매우 유기적인 연결을 보이고 있었다. 이는 방문자들의 이동량이 많을 뿐만 아니라 전체 이동네트워크가 활발함을 의미한다. 둘째, 관광지들의 연결정도, 근접, 매개 중심성을 분석한 결과, 최초방문자와 재방문자의 상위 관광목적지는 전반적으로 동일했지만 재방문자가 선택한 관광목적지 중 신촌/홍대주변, 강남역, 가로수길 등은 중심성 지수가 높아지면서 결절지로서의 역할이 강화되는 변화를 보였다. 즉, 재방문자는 최근 국내에서도 젊은 연령층에게 각광받고 있는 신흥관광지에 더 매력을 느끼고 있는 것으로 파악된다. 이러한 분석결과를 통해 본 연구가 방문자 특성에 따른 관광상품 개발 및 운영에 기여할 수 있을 것으로 판단된다. This paper investigates differences of tourism destination choices for sightseeing in Seoul between first-time visitors and repeat visitors. We constructed social network using secondary data from '2015 International Visitor Survey' and analyzed its density and centrality. Study results find that: (1) first-time and repeat visitors' tourism destinations are concentrated in areas located north of the Han river. The proximity of destinations suggests the positive effects resulting from the movement network. (2) As the result of degree centrality, closeness centrality, betweenness centrality, the highest ranking tourism destinations for both visitor groups are identical, but indexes of centralities in repeat visitors' destinations increase, including Shinchon/ Hongik University, Gangnam station, and Garosu-gil. Therefore, the roles of these destinations are becoming established as tourism hubs and are popular among younger visitors as well as attract repeat visitors. Results of this study will be a useful reference in developing and managing new tourism products.

A show cave management: Anthropogenic CO2 in atmosphere of Výpustek Cave (Moravian Karst, Czech Republic)

Anthropogenic impact on CO2 levels was studied in the Bear Chamber of the Výpustek Cave, a show cave in the Moravian Karst (Czech Republic), during a period of active ventilation and enhanced attendance. The study showed that the natural CO2 levels were controlled by (i) the natural CO2 influxes from soils/epikarst (up to ∼5.64×10−2mols−1); and, (ii) the advective CO2 fluxes out of cave atmosphere (up to 4.66×10−2mols−1). During visitor presence, the anthropogenic CO2 flux into the chamber reached up to ∼0.13mols−1 and exceeded all other CO2 fluxes. The reachable anthropogenic steady states at sufficient duration of stay (up to 2.65×10−1molm−3) could exceed the natural CO2 levels by factor of more than nine based on the number of visitors. Recession analysis of anthropogenic pulses showed that intervals between individual visitor groups would have to be up to ∼6h long if the cave environment has to return to natural conditions. As such pauses between individual tours are hardly realizable, a risk analysis was conducted to find the consequences of breaking natural conditions. It showed that the condition under which dripwater becomes aggressive to calcite (i.e., the point when PCO2 in cave atmosphere exceeds the hypothetical CO2 concentrations in epikarst that has participated on the water formation, PCO2(H)=10−1.56) is potentially reachable under extreme conditions only (enormous visitor stay period and visitor number). In case of condensed water, however, any increase in CO2 concentration will cause an increase of water aggressiveness to calcite. Therefore, in the periods and sites of enhanced condensation, it is important to strive for preservation of natural conditions.

PLACE‐BASED ATTRIBUTES AND SPATIAL EXPENDITURE BEHAVIOR IN TOURISM

ABSTRACTIn recent discussions on local sustainable development, notions like “local for local” and “home bias” have often played a role. The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether preferences for specific place‐based attributes might constrain or support tourism participation and tourism destination choice of distinct socioeconomic groups of visitors. To test this proposition, a large data set from the Italian Households Budget Survey for the period 1997–2007 has been used and, by means of the double‐hurdle model, tourism participation and expenditure are modeled over the life‐cycle of tourists. These data are next merged with location‐specific attributes including natural amenities and infrastructural and regional‐economic context variables. Our results show that location‐specific or place‐based characteristics affect intra‐ and interregional tourism differently, as well as destination choices. Regional differences between residents in two different macroareas in Italy (North and Center‐South) are investigated. Location‐specific characteristics may be either push or constraint factors for tourism participation. For families living in the North, participation in the tourism market is supported by the tourist characteristics of their home region. For families living in the central and southern regions however, economic conditions of the area where they reside appear to be more significant.

More than just a chat: Bringing service user involvement to an online community of practice

The Department of Health (DH) advocates communities of practice (CoPs) as a key vehicle for delivering service transformation ( DH, 2011 ). In 2012, a health visitors' online community of practice ( Kendall and Ikioda, 2014 ) extended the concept through a web-supported platform. A recent development involved a closed Facebook group to bring a group of health visitors and service users together through a series of online ‘chats’, aimed at learning more about the service user perspective of receiving an evidence-based service. This article explores the experience of service user involvement in the interpretation of research-based practice, drawing on the narratives of both groups, and considers the impact this could have on service delivery.

Measuring the influence of the Camp de Tarragona high-speed rail station on first-time and repeat tourists visiting a coastal destination

This paper explores the effects of high-speed rail (HSR) services on the destination choice of first-time tourists and repeat tourists arriving in the Costa Daurada, a mature coastal destination in Catalonia, using HSR services. The analysis is based on a probabilistic method and uses data from a survey of HSR passengers at the Camp de Tarragona HSR station during the summer of 2014. It concludes that the increase in probability of visiting this particular destination because of the existence of the HSR station among this specific group of visitors is quite larger in the case of first-time tourists (23.9%) than in repeat tourists (12.9%). At the same time, significant differences are found in the profiles of both segments of HSR passengers.

Demand for bear viewing hikes: Implications for balancing visitor satisfaction with safety in protected areas

Wildlife viewing is a popular activity in wilderness recreation areas. However, a desire to avoid human–wildlife conflicts often results in trail restrictions; though meant to safeguard visitor safety, these restrictions can curtail park visitors’ opportunities to see wildlife against their wishes and limit a park's economic benefits for the local community. Visitor demand for wildlife viewing must be balanced against the need for public safety. Little research has been conducted on the balance between wildlife-viewing opportunities and human safety. This study uses a discrete choice experiment to quantify park visitors’ willingness to pay to view brown bears (Ursus arctos) on hiking trails in Japan's Daisetsuzan National Park. A latent class model is applied to capture preference heterogeneity among park visitors. The results reveal that two visitor groups—non-local and local—are involved. Non-local visitors evince significant demand for bear viewing and bear-related lectures from trained guides. They also prefer group tours and round-trip hikes that include currently restricted areas. On the other hand, local visitors are not interested in either bear viewing or group tours; they do not want extra information from the guide but prefer to hike to the closest destination from the trailhead. These results suggest that implementing a variety of zoning management practices and well-designed nature-based tours in bear habitat areas can improve visitor satisfaction and provide new economic benefits while also protecting visitors from bear attacks. Management implications•The present study has shown that the introducing organized bear viewing tours can create a win-win situation for park visitors and a local community.•This study has demonstrated that bear viewing tours do not only satisfy with visitors’ demand for bear viewing but also enhance their safety by promoting group-hiking in a bear habitat.•This study strengthens the idea that bear viewing tours provide new economic benefits to the local community while avoiding unexplained trail restrictions.

Response of tropical avifauna to visitor recreational disturbances: a case study from the Sinharaja World Heritage Forest, Sri Lanka

We investigated the impact of human recreational disturbances on the distribution of birds along a popular nature trail in Sinhararja World Heritage Forest, Sri Lanka. It was hypothesized that visual and noise stimuli caused by the presence of humans affect the distribution of avifauna associated with this nature trail. Nine circular plots of 25 m fixed-radius laid along the trail (0 m), and 18 plots laid perpendicular to the trail at 75 and 150 m intervals, were studied from March 2013 to January 2014. The degree of human recreational disturbances was assessed in terms of visitor group size (visual disturbance) and their noise level (sound disturbance). These disturbances were categorized along a four-point scale (no human disturbance, low, medium and high disturbance). The relationship between disturbance levels and the abundance of birds was statistically tested. ANOVA results revealed that the abundance of birds differed significantly under various intensities of recreational disturbances at each distance level. A significant negative correlation between abundance of birds and intensity of disturbance at 0 m distance suggests an avoidance of edge habitats by birds in the presence of humans. Abundance of birds increased at the 75 and 150 m distance levels with increasing disturbances occurring at the trail. Significant negative correlations were further observed between disturbance level and the abundance of birds in ground/understory and sub-canopy vertical strata of the forest at 0 m distance. Under high levels of recreational disturbance occurring at this trail, the abundance of birds near the trail declined significantly, while bird abundance in the interior of the forest increased. The sensitivity of individual bird species to visitor disturbances varied with the vertical stratum of the forest they usually occupy. Birds occupying the ground, understory and sub-canopy are particularly sensitive to recreational disturbances while bird species occupying the canopy and above are less vulnerable to recreational disturbances.

Entering through the narrow gate: A morphological filter explains specialized pollination of a carrion-scented stapeliad

The flowers of stapeliads (Apocynaceae: Asclepiadoideae) are well known for their foul odours and unusual morphologies which have been assumed to represent mimicry of carrion or faeces. However, detailed field-based studies of pollination ecology and floral traits have rarely been carried out for this group of plants. Observation of the South African stapeliad Orbea lutea subsp. lutea revealed that flowers attract various muscid, calliphorid and sarcophagid flies. However, pollination was carried out by a single species in the genus Atherigona (Muscidae). These flies foraged on flowers, lapping at small droplets of liquid (assumed to be nectar) on the outer corona lobes before probing the cavity beneath the guide rails where nectar typically collects in stapeliad flowers. During this process, pollinaria were collected on the margins of the labium. Morphometric measurements confirmed that Atherigona flies were the only group of visitors whose heads could fit between the inner corona lobes in order to access the cavity below the guide rails, required to remove and insert pollinia. The floral scent is dominated by dimethyl di- and trisulfide which are typical volatiles of flowers that mimic carrion and are known to be attractive to a broad range of fly families. The antenna of a female Atherigona fly responded strongly to dimethyl trisulfide, but not dimethyl disulfide, in an electroantennographic detection (GC–MS-EAD) experiment using a headspace scent sample. Although the flowers are bright yellow and conspicuous to humans, the chromatic contrast between flowers and background leaves and soil was minimal in a model of fly vision, implying that colour cues may not be important for pollinator attraction. We conclude that Orbea lutea subsp. lutea deploys typical carrion volatiles to attract saprophilous flies and achieves further specialization through a mechanical filter which excludes incorrectly proportioned fly species from making contact with the reproductive parts.

Planning forest recreation in natural protected areas of southern Durango, Mexico

This research investigated the usefulness of the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) for managing forest recreation in two natural protected areas of southern Durango, Mexico. We used onsite interviews to document the recreation activities visitors participated in, the characteristics of their preferred recreation sites, and socio-demographic information. A cluster analysis identified visitor groups based on the characteristics of preferred recreation sites and the resulting clusters were compared to the recreation activities and socio-demographic data to create a typology of visitors. We used the ROS framework to identify three classes in each natural protected area including (1) zones with easy access and basic facilities (ROS rural class), (2) natural-appearing zones with few facilities (ROS roaded class), and (3) reserve zones (ROS semiprimitive non-motorized or primitive class). Overall, the ROS framework appears to fit appropriately in these two case studies and could be used for recreation planning purposes in other forest areas of the country.

Differences in Neuroticism Between Patients with Glaucoma Who Have Discontinued Visits to Ophthalmologists and Those Who Make Regular Visits: Implications for Adherence to Topical Glaucoma Medications.

IntroductionNeuroticism is a personality trait often described in individuals with glaucoma (GLC), but is not necessarily representative of the total population of patients. There is a population of patients with GLC who are invisible to clinical ophthalmologists; in other words, those who once have been diagnosed with GLC, but spontaneously stop visiting an ophthalmologist. Little is known about their neuroticism personality trait. In the present study, the authors compared the level of neuroticism between patients no longer visiting an ophthalmologist and those who continue visit them regularly.MethodsPatients were assigned to two groups according to the duration of their last visit to an ophthalmologist: the Discontinued group included those patients who had not visited an ophthalmologist for the last 6 months, and the Regular Visitor group included those patients who continued to make regular visits to an ophthalmologist. The Japanese version of Ten Items Personality Inventory (TIPI-J), a questionnaire specifically used to assess the Big Five personality traits (extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness), was completed by patients through a dedicated website.ResultsThree-hundred and seventy-three patients with GLC were recruited. The neuroticism score from the TIPI-J in the Discontinued group was significantly lower than that in the Regular Visitor group (7.63 ± 2.23 vs. 8.23 ± 2.21, respectively; P = 0.01). No significant difference was found in the other TIPI-J sub-item scores between the Discontinued and the Regular Visitor groups.ConclusionIn this study, the authors showed that neuroticism trait in patients with GLC who have discontinued visiting their ophthalmologists was lower than that in patients who regularly visited them, on the basis of the Big Five personality traits as measured by the TIPT-J.FundingSanten Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

Mountain biking in peri-urban parks: Social factors influencing perceptions of conflicts in three popular National Parks in Australia

Mountain biking is a popular recreational activity including in protected areas close to cities. Although there has been increased research focus on this topic including mountain bikers’ characteristics such as who, when and where they ride, few studies have assessed why they visit peri-urban parks and their environmental values and perceptions about different recreation activities. We address these issues by surveying mountain bikers in three popular peri-urban national parks in Queensland, Australia. The riders were relatively homogeneous in socio-demographic factors, values and perceptions. They were mainly university educated males aged between 25 and 55 years, motivated by the desire for exercise, who engage in recreational activities and frequently visit the parks. Based on responses to a set of standardized questions relating to environmental values, nearly all riders would be characterized as having ecocentric values, particularly those who frequently visit the parks. They tended to have strongly positive perceptions about the three most popular activities during the survey, i.e. mountain biking (44%), hiking (14%) and running (8%). Overall, they had slightly positive perceptions about other activities such as picnicking, horse riding and dog walking that were uncommon during the survey, but where many riders had interacted with these park users on previous visits. As a result, bikers demonstrate limited interpersonal or social value conflict with a range of recreation activities. Expanding the survey to also (1) assess a wider range of activities such as trail bike riding and four-wheel driving, (2) asking other user groups about their values and perceptions, and (3) assess other locations and times may identify different social acceptability thresholds among park visitors. Management implications●Information on the socio-demographics, motivations, values and perceptions of mountain bikers and other visitor groups is important for protected area managers.●There can be limited conflict among different user groups on multi-use wide trails even at times of high usage in peri-urban parks.●Mountain bikers can have positive perceptions of their own and a range of other non-motorized recreation activities.●Mountain bikers perceptions can reflect an ecocentric value system.

Heterogeneous preferences for social trail use in the urban forest: A latent class model

This study explored visitors’ preferences for social conditions of trail use in urban forests. It is important to understand the heterogeneous nature of visitor preferences because the recreational use of urban forests is characterized by multipurpose uses with different visiting motivations. To understand preference heterogeneity, this study used a discrete choice experiment using a latent class model that incorporated motivational and sociodemographic factors as membership likelihood function. In 2006, 256 visitors to the Nopporo Forest Park, Hokkaido, in northern Japan, completed questionnaires with a series of discrete choice tasks using computer-manipulated images presenting various social conditions of trail use, such as visitor numbers and harvesting behavior on wild food plants. The study identified two visitor groups. One group consisted of more elders whose motivation was to enjoy the natural environment. Although they tended to tolerate crowded conditions, they particularly disliked plant pickers, who harvest wild vegetables alongside the trail. The other group was less tolerant of crowds, and enjoying the natural environment was not their primary purpose for visiting the park. These visitors especially disliked excessive numbers of visitors, but they did not dislike plant pickers. These results suggest that traditional park management assumptions about typical visitors poorly serve the heterogeneous nature of the visitor population.

Paid accommodation use of international VFR multi-destination travellers

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the use of paid accommodation by international visitors who also stay with a friend or relative in another destination.Design/methodology/approachThis paper conducts analysis of secondary data to look at the proportion of person nights in paid accommodation attributable to visitors who also stay with a friend or relative in another destination, and comparison of different visitor groups and their likelihood to use paid accommodation.FindingsResults show that 14.5 per cent of all person nights spent by international visitors to Canada in paid accommodations were attributable to people who also stayed with a friend or relative in another destination. This proportion is higher for destinations outside of the largest cities and varies by source market.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper is limited the structure of the secondary data set, which does not separate visiting friends from visiting relatives, and does not capture host behaviour.Practical implicationsThis paper has implications for destination marketers and tourism businesses as a source for reflection on drivers of their local and international business.Social implicationsThis paper helps position residents in a more central role regarding tourism in their regions and should encourage marketers and service providers to appreciate and engage residents as hosts.Originality/valueThis paper offers an original position by combining concepts from visiting friends and relatives and multi-destination travel that provides a foundation for further research in this area.

Promotion du dépistage d’infection à Chlamydia trachomatis en soins primaires

Background: Lower urogenital tract Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) infection is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection in Europe, especially among young people with multiple partners. Often asymptomatic, its spread and severity are due to delayed diagnosis, highlighting the need for early detection.Objective: Implementation and evaluation of a complex intervention targeting GPs in the Alpes-Maritimes (06) promoting opportunistic screening of Ct infection in young patients.Method: Academic detailing visits provided 105 randomized GPs with tools and patient self-testing kits to include 10 patients over a 6-month period followed by a quantitative (prescribed screenings / reimbursed screenings among visited GPs and all GPs in the Alpes-Maritimes compared to the previous year) and a qualitative assessment (post-interventional interviews with GPs and trainers).Results: In the context of a global increase in screening between the 2013 and 2014 seasons (+15%), the intervention resulted in a significantly higher rate (73%), p = 0.02. Screening was performed in 73 (48%) patients and 12 were PCR-positive. Qualitative analysis of post-interventional interviews with GPs and a focus group of AD visitors highlighted facilitating factors and obstacles to screening. Conclusion: Our intervention, appreciated by the visited GPs, demonstrates its potential impact and feasibility in primary care. GPs used facilitating factors to overcome the identified obstacles. To sustain this intervention, evaluated tools will be available on line to help GPs promote Ct screening as well as for sexual health training targeting GPs.

Singing with the Bees: Abeille, an exhibition

Singing with the Bees: Abeille, an exhibition

Why do People Attend Sport Events at Mature Tourist Destinations? An Analysis of Visitors’ Motivation to Attend the Windsurf World Cup on Sylt

Abstract Introduction. Sport events have become a popular tool for the marketing of tourist destinations. In this regard, it has to be kept in mind that the effects events can generate for destinations largely depend on the motivation of the attendees. Building on this insight, the aim of this paper is to compare the motivational structures of two types of visitors (primary purpose event visitors and casual visitors) to the German island of Sylt during a Windsurf World Cup. This event-destination combination was chosen because it represents the tendency for popular tourist resorts to use small-scale sport events in their marketing efforts. Material and methods. The research was conducted using an a priori segmentation of event attendees as casual visitors and primary purpose event visitors that is based on a well-established theoretical background. Results. The results revealed that both visitor groups were mainly motivated by cheering for the surfers and indulging in vicarious achievement. Furthermore, both showed some interest in learning more about the destination. Interestingly, many other motives that had been identified in (sport) tourism research did not seem to be very relevant for the respondents. Conclusion. Event marketers should heavily emphasise the opportunity to watch and closely relate to the surfers. Thus, including internationally popular athletes - if they are also popular in Germany - as well as local heroes in the event seems to be reasonable.