Visitor Survey Research Articles

The tourism value of international freedom campers to New Zealand

ABSTRACT This study evaluates the economic contribution of international freedom campers to New Zealand over the period 1997–2018. Using the International Visitor Survey (IVS) data, we categorise tourism activities undertaken by freedom campers as free, low value and high value and estimate whether over this period the proportion for each category increases or decreases. We also compare the economic value of the activities undertaken by freedom campers with those undertaken by tourists staying in commercial accommodation. The findings show that over the last 21 years, freedom campers have undertaken more free activities compared to those staying in hotels, motels and luxury accommodation. However, their uptake of high expense activities are similar to tourists staying in B&Bs or homestay, and camping/national park. Accordingly, this research note demystifies the perception that freedom campers are cheap tourists with nothing to contribute economically.

How adaption of historic listed buildings affords access

Purpose Providing accessible and inclusive environments fulfils legislative obligations and creates financial benefits. Historic-listed buildings rely on heritage tourism for continued financial support. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how historic-listed buildings adapt to afford access to people with disabilities (PwD), through physical and non-physical interventions. Design/methodology/approach Using a case study approach of an historic property, research comprises of: an observational visitor survey, determining visitor demographic regarding visible disabilities; an access audit, determining current accessibility; interviews with the property’s Access Team; and desktop-based research. Findings The results depict the complexity, challenges and barriers in making historic buildings accessible for PwD. Through alternative training and inclusive initiatives, the findings reveal how historic buildings may support the multiplicity of individuals’ access requirements. Research limitations/implications Further research incorporating longer surveying periods, wider demographic of interviewees and multiple case study analysis would provide richer, comparable data in understanding the intrinsic complexities involved in creating accessibility within historic buildings. The implications of this research could transcend management, conservation and adaptation of listed buildings in identifying the defined barriers and solutions to overcome them. Originality/value The originality of this paper relates to the use of alternative services creating access when physical changes are deemed “unreasonable”. A conceptual framework is developed depicting the complexity, challenges and barriers in making historic buildings accessible for PwD.

Intra-destination Travel Behaviors Analyses using Social Network Analysis Method among FITs from China, Japan, and North Americans to Seoul, South Korea

Purpose - This study aims to compare intra-destination travel behavior among Chinese, Japanese, and American international inbound tourists to Seoul, by means of social network analysis (SNA) using 2015 International Visitor Survey data. Design/methodology/approach - The raw data were converted into social network data and then social networks among the sub destinations were constructed using UCINET software for SNA. Findings - Results indicate that first, the density indices contrastingly differ across three intra-destination travel networks and the different destinations of high normalized centrality indices were also identified in the networks. Second, different attractions of high scores in terms of frequency and normalized centrality indices were identified. Lastly, this study discovered that three nationality-based networks have a contrastingly different network structure through Quadratic Assignment Procedure (QAP) analysis. Research implications or Originality - Marketing and planning implications for practitioners were also presented along with suggestions for future research venue.

이용자 인식조사를 통한 고궁활용 프로그램의 개선방안 연구: 경복궁, 덕수궁, 창덕궁 이용자를 중심으로

The purpose of this study was to investigate the ways of revitalizing cultural programs for the palaces by conducting an awareness survey of visitors to each of the palaces. As a result of the analysis based on visitor satisfaction of the three major palaces, it was found that improvement of the traditional cultural experience programs was necessary regardless if the program was on a weekday or weekend. Gyeongbok Palace will be able to establish itself as the center of tourism in South Korea by opening a cultural experience program and tourism program, linking the palace to the region. It is possible for Changdeok Palace to preserve its cultural assets as much as possible considering the fact that it is a world cultural heritage. By opening a cultural experience and sightseeing program, Changdeok Palace will become a true landmark by emphasizing Korean image. Finally, if Deoksu Palace can create and introduce a program that can acquire historical knowledge along with cultural experiences and sightseeing programs, it will become a place for leisure and recreation for general citizens in addition to becoming a place for historical education. The rich cultural contents of each palace are things that cannot be provided by other cultural heritage sites. The cultural programs for the palaces should allow visitors to experience the elegance of each palace, creating a deep understanding for their value and historical significance.

Festival loyalty to a South African literary arts festival: action speaks louder than words!

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to fill the gap in the literature by focusing on the profile and loyalty of visitors to a literary arts festival in South Africa. In addition, this research advocates that festivals can influence visitors’ supplementary behavioural intentions and actions beyond loyalty in the form of literary arts appreciation, purchases and tourism. Design/methodology/approach A visitor survey was conducted at one of the oldest literary arts festivals in the country where a total of 391 completed self-administered questionnaires were obtained. The statistical analyses comprised three factor analyses (motives to attend the festival, satisfaction with the festival offering elements and behavioural intentions) as well as structural equation modelling, to establish the relationship between the motives, evaluation of the “festivalscapes”, behavioural intentions and loyalty. Findings The findings confirmed that literary arts festival loyalty is the principle behavioural intention that will occur after attending a literary arts festival. However, the results demonstrated that literary arts festivals also have the potential to increase and stimulate supplementary behavioural intentions in the form of greater awareness of the arts, increased purchasing behaviour of literary works, increased travel to support the literary arts and greater personal involvement. Practical implications Festivals, irrespective of the art form that they showcase, therefore, play a significant role in encouraging and increasing purchasing behaviour, which is vital to the viability and continuation of the arts industry. Originality/value This is one of the first studies to research the literary arts festival market in South Africa, thereby making a distinct contribution by expanding the literature on the needs of this neglected market and the aspects that influence loyalty to these types of festivals.

How Sensitive are Spatial Estimates of Wilderness Recreation Values to Information about Hiking Destinations?

This study uses individual survey data to investigate the impact of information about hiking destinations on estimated wilderness values in a spatial context. The data is derived from a revealed preference survey of backcountry visitors who responded to questions about their recreation behavior in the San Jacinto Wilderness of southern California. Two GIS data layers are developed showing spatial representations of non-market values derived from a Kuhn- Tucker demand model, with and without destination information. Each pixel in each data layer contains an estimate of the recreation value at that location. The destination data provides more detailed information on recreation behavior that can be used to more accurately allocate the landscape values. Results show that including destination information produces significantly greater heterogeneity in parcel value estimates for large areas of the wilderness.

Filling the Egyptian pollinator knowledge-gap: checklist of flower-visiting insects in South Sinai, with new records for Egypt

Flower visitor surveys were conducted across the St Katherine Protectorate of South Sinai, Egypt, between April-July 2012 and 2013. We present a checklist of 112 species of flower visitors belonging to the orders Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera and Lepidoptera. The Hymenoptera were the most diverse group of flower visitors, consisting of 69 species from eight families: Apidae (14), Colletidae (8), Crabronidae (10), Halictidae (13), Megachilidae (19), Scoliidae (1), Sphecidae (2) and Vespidae (2). We recorded nine species that were endemic to the region and thirteen that were new to the Egyptian fauna, including one new to science, Hylaeus oliviae Dathe, 2015. The study provides a valuable initial checklist of pollinators within the St Katherine Protectorate, but the description of novel species and the high proportion of new records for Egypt suggest that species numbers are likely to be underestimated. We highlight the need for future research into Egyptian pollinator fauna, particularly within the St Katherine Protectorate where endemic bees are still being described.

Atlas of Yellowstone, 2nd Edition: Celebrating 150 Years of the World’s First National Park, 1872–2022

Abstract. The Second Edition of the Atlas of Yellowstone will celebrate the 150-year history of the world’s first national park – and reflect on the future of Yellowstone and its evolving place in the world. Like the first Atlas of Yellowstone published in 2012, the Second Edition will provide a comprehensive view of the human and natural setting of Yellowstone National Park. Also like the First Edition, the new edition will portray variations over space and time, explore human-nature interactions throughout the region, document connections of Yellowstone to the rest of the world, and – ultimately – guide the reader to a deeper appreciation of Yellowstone.Beyond that, the new edition will provide much expanded coverage of the park’s history. Readers will better understand the many different ways in which the creation of Yellowstone National Park has preserved and altered the landscapes and ecology of Yellowstone and conservation thought and practice, both locally and around the world.The new atlas will also reflect advances in scientific data collection, knowledge, and insight gained since publication of the first edition. New topic pages will address key management issues ranging from increased visitor impact to wildlife disease to light pollution. In addition, many of the 850 existing graphics will be updated, reimagined, or replaced by new graphics that capture the remarkable wealth of data that has become available since the First Edition. Whether it be tracking of individual wolves, ecosystem imagery from space, or detailed visitor surveys – new data provide insights that could not be graphically displayed before.The Second Edition celebrates 150 years of America’s best idea and what that has meant to the world. The significance of Yellowstone National Park to conservation, scholarship, and the human experience is enormous, and deserves a volume that captures that importance.

Geovisualizing space and time in a science-art exhibit

Geovisualizing space and time in a science-art exhibit

International visitor surveys

International visitor surveys

PROTECTED AREAS - DEVELOPMENT SUSTAINABILITY, ECONOMIC BENEFIT AND INTEGRATION OF LOCAL CULTURE IN GEORGIA

Tourism is based on deliberate and reasonable consumption of tourist resources. The object of research is Ecological Tourism, Protected Areas - Development Sustainability, Economic Benefit and Integration of Local Culture in Georgia. The understanding and recognition of significance of sustainable tourist achievements became the base of eco-tourism. In the world of tourism the notion sustainable tourism and eco-tourism are used in the same way. Besides this close relation each of them has slight, but important special features. Sustainable tourism means the duty of the society to provide the protection and maintenance of the environment for the future generations. These conditions are not only political and economic factors and needs strengthening with the help of making decisions. We should realize what does ecologically sustainable environment means for the development of tourism and what part in this case plays eco-tourism as one of the main parts of the development of the sustainable tourism. With its natural landscapes it is known that protected areas now play an important role in protecting Georgia›s biodiversity, natural heritage. In the work there is a significant place for visitors ‹statistics on the protected areas, survey of visitors› satisfaction, income from tourism and the sustainability of tourism sustainability. So as to provide sustainable economy for tourism, tourist sustainability is needed. During the sustainable development of tourism the resources should be used so as to satisfy economic, social and esthetic needs, but at the same time maintain the originality of the country.

Protocol for development of a risk assessment tool for planning and management of religious mass-gathering events of India\u2014a health system-strengthening initiative

BackgroundReligious mass gatherings (MGs) have always been an integral part of our society. At the outset, mass-gathering events provide challenging settings to plan a suitable emergency public health response. Published studies basically talk about retrospective reviews, case studies of the public health preparedness, or health care provided at individual events. Developing an understanding of the variables associated with MGs is the first step for public health managers. Risk assessment (RA) is a crucial part of pre-event planning as it helps foresee potential risks. Based on RA, one can develop preventive measures and ensure that the infrastructure to control the potential problems is in place. This study is an attempt to systemize RA process during MG events in a country that is culturally rich but with poor resources to handle such events. A RA tool will be developed for planning and management of religious MG events of India.Methods/designVarious strategies will be used to develop the risk assessment tool (RA tool). Extensive review of literature clubbed with key informant interviews will be done in order to identify the risk variables and decide the domains and items of the tool. Further, this tool will be developed as a mobile-based application. The feasibility of the mobile-based RA tool will be tested in real-time MG event in one part of the country. Concurrently in the same event, a community survey of residents and visitors will be done in order to assess public perceptions of public health and environmental risks associated with MG events.DiscussionThe findings of this study will provide insights into the public health and environmental concerns that need to be considered if preventive strategies and intervention programs are to be designed for MG events. A “RA Tool,” which can be used in the planning and management of MG events by the public health managers will strengthen the existing health systems preparedness plans for MGs.

Promoting mental health through a Rural Art Roadshow: perspectives of participating artists

BackgroundThe therapeutic potential of art to contribute to mental health, well-being and recovery is widely recognised. Benefits include improved self-esteem, self-confidence, communication skills, personal relationships, and fostering greater social inclusion. The Rural Art Roadshow is a collaborative art project between the University of Tasmania and not-for-profit mental health and disability support service, Wellways. The Rural Art Roadshow is a travelling art exhibition that takes selected artworks submitted by individuals affected by mental illness, to 4–6 small rural towns across Tasmania, Australia. The broad aim of the project is to help reduce stigma and promote a positive image of mental health in rural communities. Whilst the positive impact of art exhibitions has been recognised, there is little research that reports on the experience of participating artists. This study aimed to gain an understanding of the experience of artists impacted by mental illness who participated in the Rural Art Roadshow.MethodA mixed-methods approach was employed. The qualitative data described the experience of 23 artists (17.4% male) who exhibited their work. Data were collected during a series of semi-structured interviews and thematically analysed. This was augmented by survey data (n = 145) from visitors to the exhibition over 3 successive years.ResultsThree overarching themes were identified from the interviews: Community Impact, Social Gains and Personal Gains. Sub-themes were: community inclusion, engagement in rural communities, mental health promotion, mental health literacy, connecting with others, enhancing family relationships, creating conversations, positive sense of self, increased self-efficacy and professional recognition for artists. These themes were consistent with visitor survey results.ConclusionsThe findings demonstrate that community art exhibitions can have social and personal benefits for participating artists whilst contributing to rural community wellbeing. This is particularly important for rural communities where isolation and stigma around mental illness is often exacerbated. The Rural Art Roadshow is a promising mental health promotion approach for rural and remote areas of Australia. Future research could assess the community health gains of Rural Art Roadshow participation as well as explore the impact on local service providers.

Chinese venturers to Pacific Small Island Developing States: Travel and lifestyle

AbstractThis study emphasizes the necessity to understand the needs of the growing Chinese market, while also assessing how ready Small Island Developing States of the South Pacific are for these new visitors. Through a mixed method approach, combining individual visitor surveys and focus groups, this study investigates the lifestyle characteristics of outbound Chinese tourists to the Cook Islands and the motivation and travel behavior of these travelers. We refine a model for the travel lifestyle of Chinese tourists that has applicability to Small Island Developing States elsewhere around the world.

Steering Clear: A 3-E Typology of Motorcycle Event Visitors

Africa Bike Week, considered South Africa's premier biking event, attracts large numbers of bikers, especially Harley-Davidson bikers, and bike enthusiasts from across the country. However, the relocation of the event to another host city and province could influence the profile, needs, and motives of the motorcycle riders attracted to the event, implying that the event could attract a different market. This research attempted to determine the extent to which the relocation influenced the market by conducting a visitor survey at the event in 2017. Respondents were segmented, based on their motives to attend the event, which provided a 3-E typology of the market, namely Enthusiasts, Escapists, and Entourages. The typology is descriptive of the characteristics that resemble each segment, which should guide marketing campaigns to expand the event. Additionally, the research identified for the first time the attributes that the motorcycle market in South Africa regards as important when selecting routes. This information is valuable, not only for events such as the Africa Bike Week but also for destination managers and marketers who want to expand motorcycle routes and tourism in the country. Moreover, this research provides guidelines to event organizers and marketers on how to efficiently manage the relocation of an event.

Co-Creation Tourism in an Ancient Chinese Town

ABSTRACTThis study examines and presents co-creation as a possible action to prevent the ongoing decline of the Naxi ethnic minority due to mass tourism and commercialization in their ancient hometown of Lijiang. A co-creation theoretical model was developed to examine the antecedents and outcomes of co-creation experiences. A questionnaire survey of visitors to the Old Town showed that should co-creation tourism experiences be presented with the involvement of greater interaction, involvement, and the ability to share experiences, this could significantly influence visitor satisfaction, visit intensity, and desire to return. Perceived authenticity would not positively affect co-creation experiences though, revealing a lack of understanding of what Naxi culture was. The study advances cultural tourism understanding revealing co-creation, with visitors engaged in the co-production of their experiences as a viable elucidation to secure sustainable tourism development at this ancient setting.

Les données de téléphonie mobile peuvent-elles améliorer la mesure du tourisme international en France ?

Since July 2015, the Banque de France and the French Ministry for the Economy and Finance have been experimenting with the use of mobile phone data to estimate the number and overnight stays of foreign visitors in France. The purpose of the experiment is to assess the ability of such data to eventually replace, in part or in whole, the traffic data by mode of transport currently used to establish the representativeness of foreign visitor surveys (Enquete aupres des visiteurs venant de l’etrangers or EVE). Mobile phone data have yet to be incorporated into the method used to count tourists. However, estimates based on mobile phone data have a number of benefits in terms of the time required to obtain data, the level of temporal and geographical detail and short-term trend monitoring. This ongoing trial illustrates the difficulty of exploiting original Big Data and demonstrates the importance of drawing on traditional survey data to improve the quality of estimates.

Influences on coastal tourism demand and substitution behaviors from climate change impacts and hazard recovery responses

Climate change impacts can negatively affect tourism demand and, subsequently, local economies by disrupting access and altering physical conditions, including those from adaptation and recovery efforts. Research is needed that helps destinations become more climate ready, including studies of decision factors that influence trip-taking behaviors. This paper presents findings from a discrete choice experiment to determine how physical and economic changes could affect visitation behaviors to a vulnerable coastal destination, the Outer Banks region of North Carolina, USA. We embedded our experiment within an on-site visitor survey to reveal thresholds of negative changes to coastal attributes that tourists are willing to tolerate, and also examined tourists’ willingness to substitute their future trips to the region. Transportation-related changes had the highest relative importance among the four selected attributes. The likelihood of three types of spatial substitution, spurred by not being able to access the destination, were consistently related to residency but less consistently related to place meanings, visitation history, and other demographic variables. Study results can inform climate change planning within coastal zones to minimize negative impacts to tourism demand, such as the need to develop creative revenue streams to maintain resilience in communities that rely on occupancy taxes.

Visitor and resident perceptions of the slow city movement: the case of Japan

The concept of Slow Tourism has evolved in recent years, and while the literature discussion about the Cittaslow (Slow City) movement has been increasing, little is known about its application in destinations outside of Europe where it originated. Through a survey of visitors and residents, this study examined the awareness level of the movement in the pioneer case of Japan. The discussion of this paper sought to investigate the movement, as a way to understand the interest in, and appropriateness of increased visibility for Kesennuma Cittaslow, located in the northeast corner of Miyagi prefecture, Japan. The study provides new insights into the Cittaslow phenomenon that has been gaining attention within the academic discourse.

The dining and tipping behaviour of Black South Africans: a segmentation approach

The literature on dining and tipping behaviour has focused mostly on the United States of America (USA), while minimal research has been conducted in African countries. While there is a negative and grounded perception surrounding black diners being poor tippers in the USA, hardly any research has focused on the dining or tipping behaviour of this dining market from a developing country perspective. The intention of this exploratory research was to fill the current knowledge gap by segmenting black South Africans on the basis of their motives for dining out and to determine the differences in the dining and tipping behaviour of the different segments. To target potential black diners, a visitor survey was conducted at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival. A total of 256 usable questionnaires were returned and included in the analysis. Socialisation, gastronomy enjoyment, lifestyle and escape and status were identified as the four motives for dining out. Based on these motives, different black dining segments were identified and an OSI (Occasionalists, Socialisers and Indulgers) typology of diners proposed. The dining and tipping behaviour of these dining segments are furthermore influenced by several factors, with clear implications for both the server and restaurateurs. The results shed light on the dining and tipping behaviour of black South African diners and showed that this dining market cannot be regarded as bad tippers.