Dissecting preference heterogeneity in consumer stated choices

This paper investigates alternative methods to account for preference heterogeneity in choice experiments. Heterogeneity can be explained by assuming its influence to impact the systematic component of utility, the stochastic one or both. Seven different models were estimated to search for heterogeneity along the three dimensions described. The comparison based on model performance and willingness to pay measures shows that methods to search for heterogeneity are not independent one from the other and might produce substantially different results giving rise to different policy implications.     

Multi-agency management of a World Heritage Site: Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area,China

Involving a variety of stakeholders, heritage tourism management requires a collaborative multi-actor approach. Due to the current grid management system, shared management among multiple agencies is not rare in heritage sites in China; however limited research has addressed this situation. A multi-agency management model is thus proposed to highlight the roles of a coordination agency and a collaboration mechanism. Taking Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area as an example, this paper compares the management status and assesses management collaboration between its two main management bodies. Semi-structured interviews with management staff are used as the primary research method. It is revealed that shared management has resulted in the inefficient use of human and financial resources, and inconsistency in the application of management measures and standards due to the lack of an efficient coordination agency and collaboration mechanism. Suggestions are made to facilitate collaboration and enhance management efficiency in this multi-agency management context.     

Advertising of National Identity and Tourism Bureaucracy

This paper examines the presentation of notions of nationality within tourism advertising for the World Heritage Sites by the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO). Heritage tourism is related to historical processes and present day judgements and encompasses issues of identity and political gains. Based on qualitative research, the empirical work succeeds in making a practical and theoretical contribution to the way a bureaucratic state organisation presents the ‘nationness’ of the state by interpreting various sites and approaching them in a symbolic way. This is an issue that has implications on the way tourism policies legitimise their actions towards such promotions. It reflects the dependence of the bureaucratic industry of tourism on symbols rather than on rationality according to the principles of bureaucracy.     

Residents’ recreational and social use of and perspectives on a World Heritage Site: Temple of Heaven,Beijing, China

Many heritage sites are shared by tourists and local residents. Possessing more familiarity and often a deeper understanding of local heritage meanings and values, residents are often considered to be more worthy users of the heritage resources. However, the recreational use of heritage resources by local residents, who are often portrayed and examined as service providers and impact receivers, is often neglected at heritage sites. This research identifies the use patterns, motivations, perceptions and experiences of local residents at Temple of Heaven World Heritage Site in Beijing, China. Research findings enhance understanding of the recreational use of residents and their perspectives on the heritage sites. Practical implications are generated to inform future planning and management decisions at heritage sites shared by local users and tourists.     

Asymmetric preference formation in willingness to pay estimates in discrete choice models

Individuals when faced with choices amongst a number of alternatives often adopt a variety of processing rules, ranging from simple linear to complex non-linear treatment of each attribute defining the offer of each alternative. In this paper we investigate the presence of asymmetry in preferences to test for reference effects and differential willingness to pay according to whether we are valuing gains or losses. The findings offer clear evidence of an asymmetrical response to increases and decreases in attributes when compared to the corresponding values for a reference alternative, where the degree of asymmetry varies across attributes and population segments.     

Attributes driving the selection of trucking services and the quantification of the shipper’s willingness to pay

This paper investigates the selection of trucking services by shippers that require the movement of truck shipments. A set of pragmatic attributes are postulated to describe trucking services. They are used in a stated choice experiment that collects data and preferences from shippers. A mixed logit model is estimated in order to test the attributes and quantifying the shipper willingness to pay for them. The results are used to provide meaningful negotiation guidance for truck-related shippers and carriers, a significant contribution to literature in transportation, logistics, and supply chain management. A numerical example illustrates the use of the model.