Search results

1 – 10 of over 2000
Book part
Publication date: 22 June 2015

Carla Silva, Elisabeth Kastenholz and José Luís Abrantes

This chapter analyses residents’ perceptions of mountain destinations. The aim is to develop a scale for assessing residents’ mountain images. An extensive literature review and…

Abstract

This chapter analyses residents’ perceptions of mountain destinations. The aim is to develop a scale for assessing residents’ mountain images. An extensive literature review and insights from an empirical study of 315 residents of the Serra da Estrela in Portugal, the Alps in France, Austria and Switzerland, and the Peaks of Europe in Spain show that mountain images held by local people refer to the dimensions: mystic/sacred, historic-cultural life; health and affective image. Results were obtained by both content analysis of open-ended questions and by a quantitative approach based on scale items identified as belonging to specific dimensions in the literature review, whose relevance was confirmed through a confirmatory factor analysis using LISREL. Discussion is focused on theoretical and practical implications of findings and limitations are also presented.

Details

Marketing Places and Spaces
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78441-940-0

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 January 2004

Peter W. Williams, Alison M. Gill and Neil Chura

This paper explores the potential influence and consequences of corpora te branding on mountain resort destinations. It examines the extent to which corporations emphasize…

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Abstract

This paper explores the potential influence and consequences of corpora te branding on mountain resort destinations. It examines the extent to which corporations emphasize “placefulness” in the branding of their tourism products and services, as well as the degree to which they intentionally match their brands with values held by other destination stakeholders. “Placefulness” refers to the relative extent to which corporate branding strategies reinforce a destination's “sense of place” The findings suggest that a corporate as opposed to a community approach to branding is emerging in many tourism destinations. This has resulted in some significant redefinition of destination identities to reflect the changing needs of markets and corporations. Probably the most apparent identity shift in mountain communities brought on by corporate influence has involved the repositioning of many areas from being ski resorts to becoming four season destination resorts.

Details

Tourism Review, vol. 59 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1660-5373

Article
Publication date: 9 April 2018

Chiara Mauri and Lorenzo Turci

This paper aims to examine tourists’ preferences for package holidays offering different bundles of activities at a winter mountain destination. A winter mountain destination is…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine tourists’ preferences for package holidays offering different bundles of activities at a winter mountain destination. A winter mountain destination is usually chosen for snow sports, particularly skiing, but increasingly more tourists want to fully exploit their holiday opportunity with an authentic and comprehensive experience of the place. After collecting qualitative data on how tourists spend their typical day, quantitative research is conducted to segment the demand on the basis of tourists’ preferences for bundles of activities undertaken during a winter mountain holiday.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a mixed method. Two focus groups are included to understand how tourists spend their time at a winter destination; results are then used to identify the components of the holiday, which are then combined in eight packages using an orthogonal array. A questionnaire is administered to a sample of 273 tourists at a well-known mountain destination to measure their preference for different packages. Results are analyzed using factor analysis, conjoint analysis and cluster analysis.

Findings

The most significant findings are as follows: winter mountain holidaying is a highly segmented market. Even at a mountain destination strongly associated with skiing, there are many tourists who do not ski and spend their time doing something else; food and beverage, and all their related activities, are at the top of all tourists’ interests, and passionate skiers very highly rate the experience of tasting, eating, understanding and buying local food; and there are four segments of winter mountain holiday tourists who show very differentiated interests for the different activities that can be experienced at a mountain location.

Originality/value

This paper considers what lies beyond sport at winter mountain destinations, and it reveals new possibilities for configuring bundles of activities to attract different segments of tourists.

Details

Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, vol. 10 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1755-4217

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 April 2018

Raphaël Dornier and Chiara Mauri

This paper aims to offer some key summary points drawn from the collection of articles gathered in this theme issue as to how Alpine destinations can manage tourism sustainability.

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to offer some key summary points drawn from the collection of articles gathered in this theme issue as to how Alpine destinations can manage tourism sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper summarizes the contribution made by different articles published in this issue and discusses their connection to the strategic issue of tourism sustainability.

Findings

The paper presents four key points that contribute to the debate on tourism sustainability: the sharing economy geared for winter mountain destinations; marketing perspectives on sustainability in winter mountain destinations; sustainability and transportation; and the institutional, legal and socio-economic aspects of sustainability.

Originality/value

Drawing on indicators of tourists’ behavior and from the findings of the articles published in this issue, this concluding study identifies the challenges that winter mountain destinations will have to address in the future. The originality and value of this issue lies in the multidisciplinary approach that was adopted – most research on sustainability tends to focus on a single academic stream. Moreover, the focus is on mountain areas with a cross-border perspective, whereas most research on sustainability is designed for a single country, and wider applicability is bounded by constraints.

Details

Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, vol. 10 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1755-4217

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 30 July 2019

Akke Folmer, Ali (Tanya) Tengxiage, Hanny Kadijk and Alastair John Wright

The purpose of this paper is to explore domestic experiential travel by Chinese millennials, a group of consumers who will increasingly influence the global travel and tourism…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore domestic experiential travel by Chinese millennials, a group of consumers who will increasingly influence the global travel and tourism industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research method was adopted to explore motivations and memorable experiences of Chinese millennials who successfully mountain biked the Qinghai–Tibet Highway in China.

Findings

For Chinese millennial mountain bikers in Tibet, experiential travel motivations and experiences are important. During the trip, they challenged their mental and physical abilities, enjoyed nature, bonded with friends and perceived a warm welcome by Tibetan families. This study adds to existing knowledge on experiential travel, as it was found that transformation was perceived as important outcome of the trip. Participants perceived personal change in attitude and behaviour, which will help them face everyday life challenges.

Research limitations/implications

Further research could focus on gaining insight into other types of Chinese adventure tourists, on comparing wishes and demands of Chinese with other mountain bikers and on developments in transformative travel.

Practical implications

Adventure tourism organisations could adjust their tourism product range to cater more for Chinese millennials who aim to improve their physical and mental skills.

Originality/value

In-depth research into motivations and experiences of Chinese millennials is scarce. The influence of Chinese millennials on the tourism market is already large and will continue to increase.

Details

Journal of Tourism Futures, vol. 5 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2055-5911

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 8 November 2019

Hubert J. Siller and Stefanie Haselwanter

Alpine destinations have a large number of decentralized actors who behave autonomously, but they jointly contribute to the tourism product of the destination. Guests expect…

Abstract

Alpine destinations have a large number of decentralized actors who behave autonomously, but they jointly contribute to the tourism product of the destination. Guests expect quality standards comparable to those they experience in large businesses. Leadership is needed that goes beyond pure management tasks. The analysis of “Showcase Stubai” reveals how leadership for an alpine destination in Austria initiated a successful development of summer tourism by means of courageous goals, simple processes, and regionally adapted measures. The destination of Stubai is increasingly becoming a model for the hiking theme in the alpine region. Impressive numbers, data, and facts have confirmed the achievement of this development throughout the last five years.

Article
Publication date: 25 June 2020

Hugues Seraphin and Frederic Dosquet

The purpose of this study adopts a news media narrative approach to Yield insights on aspects of the COVID-19 impact.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study adopts a news media narrative approach to Yield insights on aspects of the COVID-19 impact.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a news media narrative approach as this method can yield insights on aspects of the COVID-19 impact.

Findings

In the post-COVID-19 lockdown context, second-home tourism and mountain tourism could play the role of placebo. The dual dimension of second-home tourism and mountain tourism reflect the Janus-faced character of the tourism industry. Beyond the fact that this study has highlighted the placebo role that both forms of tourism are probably going to play, it makes the connection between mountain tourism and second-home tourism; highlights the Janus-faced character of both forms of tourism; and highlights the mutation impacts of COVID-19 on tourism trends.

Originality/value

COVID-19 is the current concern, and this paper offers a timely perspective on a topic of significant interest.

Details

Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, vol. 12 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1755-4217

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 June 2020

Hugues Seraphin

The purpose of this viewpoint paper is to discuss whether children can play a role in the sustainability of the tourism industry as a whole.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this viewpoint paper is to discuss whether children can play a role in the sustainability of the tourism industry as a whole.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a literature review of key terms: sustainable tourism; mountain tourism; children; and empowerment.

Findings

Children could potentially play a role in the sustainability of tourism if they are empowered to do so. mini-clubs in mountain resorts could, for instance, contribute to their social empowerment using a catalytic strategy.

Practical implications

Practitioners involved in the sustainability of the tourism industry should investigate ways to make the sustainability endeavour of the industry more inclusive. As for academics, they should devote time for research on children, as they are an important stakeholder group for the industry.

Originality/value

This paper focusses on children in the tourism industry. There is a dearth of research in this area.

Details

Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, vol. 12 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1755-4217

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 November 2019

Jose Maria Martin Martin and Jose Manuel Guaita Martinez

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors that condition decision making by entrepreneurs in the tourism sector. Specifically, the authors consider whether the…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors that condition decision making by entrepreneurs in the tourism sector. Specifically, the authors consider whether the decisions related to seasonal closure are conditioned by non-economic factors related to quality of life.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses data from a survey of entrepreneurs in two highly seasonal tourist locations in Spain: one coastal destination and one mountain destination. The information provided by the survey was used to determine the factors that condition the decision to close for part of the year and to analyze the way in which entrepreneurs evaluate the costs and benefits associated with the period of closure.

Findings

The results show that entrepreneurs acknowledge the cost of shutting down during the off-peak season. However, although they recognize this cost, other elements are important in their decision making such as the quality of life of the entrepreneur, the presence of a more profitable secondary activity in a different destination and the tenure regime of the business. Entrepreneurs attach great importance to factors that justify the closure of establishments for several months a year. This, in turn, means that public policies designed to reduce the intensity of seasonality lose effectiveness.

Originality/value

This paper sheds light on whether there are underlying non-economic motives that lead to a shutdown during the off-peak season. There are no previous studies that analyze the influence of the decision to close and which consider aspects related to the quality of life of entrepreneurs. Therefore, the study presents the first analysis of entrepreneurs’ assessments of the costs and benefits of a seasonal resting period.

Details

International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, vol. 26 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2554

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 November 2010

Francesca d'Angella, Manuela De Carlo and Ruggero Sainaghi

The systemic nature of tourism products generates the need for a broad involvement of destination stakeholders in the destination management organization's (DMO) activities and…

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Abstract

Purpose

The systemic nature of tourism products generates the need for a broad involvement of destination stakeholders in the destination management organization's (DMO) activities and makes destination governance, defined as the setting up and developing of rules and mechanisms for business strategies by involving stakeholders (Beritelli et al.), an interesting topic. Over the last seven years the authors have conducted an in‐depth study of governance and performance of 13 European tourism destinations – three mountain and two seaside destinations, four urban cities and four small heritage cities (Sainaghi; d'Angella; De Carlo and Dubini) – which represent an interesting sample to study this topic. This paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative methodology is adopted; applying a theoretical model (Airoldi et al.) to the sample, the authors analyzed the governance structure of the selected destinations in terms of typologies of stakeholders involved, contributions provided, rewards obtained, decision‐making processes and mechanisms which link these four components.

Findings

The clinical cases (Yin; Eisenhardt) reported in the paper reveal several archetypes in destination governance structures defined according to different variables: destination manager characteristics; amount (absolute and relative) of financial contributions managed by the destination manager; financial model (firms and public bodies participation in destination manager annual budget); number of actors participating in the governance structure; number of actors participating in permanent meta‐management activities.

Practical implications

The empirical analysis offers interesting implications for both the academic debate and practitioners. From an academic point of view, this categorization enriches the academic contributions on destination governance, which are often descriptive. Moreover, the model allows identifying key variables and relationships in order to analyze and assess destination governance structures. At the same time, this framework offers interesting insights for destination managers responsible for the design and management of the governance structure.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a model originally projected to analyze firms' governance for the analysis of DMOs governance. The authors decided to apply this model because it offers a new perspective to study destination governance, which considers the complexity of the environment and the different kinds of relationships between stakeholders.

Details

Tourism Review, vol. 65 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1660-5373

Keywords

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