Caves,Cultures and Crowds: Carrying Capacity Meets Consumer Sovereignty

This paper draws on research at Waitomo Caves in New Zealand to argue that the re-emergenceofplace as apolitical perspective has some important implicationsforthe concept of consumer sovereignty in tourism. The Waitomo case study identifies that differences in perceptions of crowding between various nationality groups produces a displacement of visitors less tolerant to crowding, in this case domestic tourists. It is argued that a failure to address the issue of domestic visitor displacement in the wider policy arena results in thematerialisation of the issues at the local level. Here, demands for indigenous sovereignty over heritage sites complicates the otherwise uninterrupted flow of consumer sovereignty via the market-driven management model.     

Are neighbour tourists more sensitive to crowding? The impact of distance on the crowding-out effect in tourism

The concept of the crowding-out effect has been employed in the tourism literature to analyse complex phenomena. However, there is limited insight into the crowding-out effect on tourists by tourists, and even less into the impact of distance on the crowding-out of tourists. This paper examines the relationship between crowding perceptions, tourists' attitudes toward crowding and the consequences of being crowded out. Results from a sample of 729 international tourists in Hong Kong suggest that there is a crowding-out effect on tourists by tourists, but this has only a marginal influence on the majority. The limited crowding-out effect is induced by tourists in general rather than by a single segment. The study also investigates the effect of distance on tourist crowding. The findings reveal a decaying effect of distance on tourists’ crowding perceptions, as neighbour tourists are more susceptible to tourist crowding than tourists from long-haul markets.     

Factors contributing to perceptions of recreational crowding

Abstract

This paper examines perceptions of crowding in a river recreation setting, using an alternative to the conventional crowding measure and a diverse set of potential predictor variables that have not been examined concurrently in previous studies. Analysis focuses on differences between three groups of respondents: crowded floaters, whose enjoyment was reduced by encounters with other people; neutral floaters; and those floaters whose enjoyment was increased by the visitor density they encountered. Findings support some previous arguments that crowding is related more to visitors’ expectations, preferences, and previous experience than to actual or perceived encounter levels. Further, perceptions of crowding were found to be related to encounter expectations and preferences at specific river locations (e.g., at put‐in and rapids) and to perceptions of other aspects of trip quality.     

Tourists’ perceptions of crowding,attractiveness, and satisfaction: a second-order structural model

Drawing on theories of stimulus overload and social interference, this study proposes a multidimensional way to measure tourists’ perceptions of crowding. Three dimensions of crowding are discussed: neutral, personal, and social. A second-order structural equation model is used to analyze the relationships among crowding perceptions, destination attractiveness, and satisfaction by surveying tourists at Mount Sanqingshan National Park (n?=?424). The results of a covariance-based SEM show that tourists’ perception of crowding (TPC) has negative effects on reported attractiveness of the destination. However, TPC dose not directly affects their satisfaction. Results of this study refine the multidimensional connotation of TPC and provide another dimension to evaluate the quality of tourists’ experiences apart from the universal construct of satisfaction. The paper then goes on to discuss the importance of managing TPC.     

Examining the Differential Impact of Human Crowding Versus Spatial Crowding on Visitor Satisfaction at a Festival

Human crowding at a festival can affect visitor satisfaction differently to spatial crowding. Festival visitors perceive human crowding as a situation in which the festival is full of people. Spatial crowding, on the other hand, is perceived as restricting movement. We hypothesized that human crowding affects visitor satisfaction in a positive way (by increasing positive affect and decreasing negative affect), whereas spatial crowding affects visitor satisfaction in a negative way (by decreasing positive affect and increasing negative affect). We tested these hypotheses using data collected through an on-site survey at the 2012 Seoul Lantern Festival in South Korea: 423 visitors attending the festival completed the survey. The survey results supported the hypotheses. Managerial implications of the findings are also discussed.     

Visitor centre staffing: Involving volunteers

Volunteer involvement in visitor centres has received little attention by tourism researchers despite the critical role staff play in welcoming tourists to a destination and promoting tourism activities. The community function of visitor centres - of which volunteering is part - has also been underplayed in previous research. Using data from a survey and interviews with visitor centre managers in Australia, this paper investigates the rationales for staffing visitor centres with volunteers and/or paid employees and, related to motivations for volunteering, the factors influencing the attractiveness of visitor centre volunteer programmes. The dominant rationales for involving volunteers are need, community involvement, visitor experience, and the personal qualities and motivations of volunteers. Visitor centre volunteering is attractive because of location and local pride, interactions with tourists and social relationships with other volunteers, and the reputation of the visitor centre and its volunteer programme.     

Visitor perceptions of crime-safety and attitudes towards risk: The case of Table Mountain National Park,Cape Town

This paper investigates tourist perceptions of crime-safety and attitudes towards risk whilst visiting Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) in Cape Town in June and July 2008. The study examined survey data of 303 domestic and international tourists during their visit to TMNP. A linear regression analysis revealed that although visitors had concerns about their personal safety they are still likely to return to TMNP and recommend it to other people. In addition, visitor attitudes towards risk did not influence perceptions of crime-safety and its effect on their intentions to revisit or recommend TMNP. The results also show that respondent's individual characteristics such as age, nationality, and purpose of visit influenced their perceptions of crime-safety. Perceptions that TMNP is unsafe tended to increase with respondent's age. Respondents on holiday were more likely to perceive TMNP as safer than those on business or visiting friends and relatives. The study's findings add to the literature by offering more insight on tourist perceptions of crime-safety and attitudes towards risk and their impact on tourist behaviour. Various tourist-crime prevention measures to enhance visitor safety at national parks are also recommended to the tourism industry and law enforcement agencies.     

Authenticity and place attachment of major visitor attractions

This paper aims to explore the relationships between place attachment and perceived authenticity of major visitor attractions. The empirical study was conducted with a sample of international tourists to major visitor attractions in two capital cities, Helsinki, Finland and Jerusalem, Israel. The results indicate a positive correlation between place attachment and authenticity. Major visitor attractions located in places with considerable heritage experience value are considered more authentic, and that authenticity of visitor attractions is influenced by place attachment moderated by iconicity and heritage value of the destination region. These findings provide insight to the ways tourists perceive authenticity of visitor attractions and highlight the importance of the heritage value of tourism destinations for strategic planning and marketing purposes.     

Culinary tourism experiences: The effect of iconic food on tourist intentions

Iconic food is unique typical dishes that represent and identify a destination and motivate tourists to visit it. This study aims to analyse whether iconic food maintains its power of attraction once the visitor has enjoyed it. We examine the effect of the type of culinary experience on the behavioural intentions. The study compares individuals who have tried the iconic food versus those who have not, but who have enjoyed other local dishes. Data were provided by international tourists of a top culinary Spanish destination. Results indicate that iconic food reinforces the effect of perceived value on the intention to repeat the experience, while a generic experience with the local cuisine favours the intention to recommend. Based on these results, destination marketers should enhance iconic food, not only as a pull factor for first-time visitors but also as an experience that will bring back memories and motivate tourists to return.     

Situational influences on normative evaluations of coastal tourism and recreation management strategies in Hawai’i

Acceptance of tourism and recreation management strategies depends on situational factors including social, resource, and facility impacts. If an area has adequate facilities, little crowding, and minimal environmental impacts, modifying existing management may be opposed. If an area is damaged and overcrowded, actions such as limiting access may be acceptable. This article measures normative acceptance of management strategies and how situational factors differentially influence acceptance. Surveys of 1399 tourists and residents at coastal sites in Hawai’i included eight hypothetical scenarios describing impacts to four factors: use level/density, presence of litter, damage to reefs, and condition of facilities. Respondents rated their acceptance of improving awareness/education, restricting use, increasing facilities, and improving maintenance for each scenario. Factors differentially influenced acceptance of these actions. Damage to reefs was the most important factor influencing acceptance of improving awareness. Use level was most important when rating acceptance of restricting people, and facility conditions were most important in acceptance of increasing maintenance and facilities.     

滨海旅游目的地游客感知价值的影响因素研究——以广西北海银滩国家级旅游度假区为例

把握影响游客感知价值的关键因素,有助于促进旅游目的地竞争力的提升。以广西北海银滩国家级旅游度假区为研究区域,采用携程旅行网北海银滩游客网络评论资料作为研究样本,运用扎根理论方法构建包括5个主范畴和18个对应范畴的滨海游客感知价值影响因素模型,并运用复杂系统的决策实验和评估实验法（Decision making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory,DEMATEL）模型构建滨海游客感知价值影响因素的关系矩阵,识别影响滨海游客感知价值的关键因素。研究发现：资源和环境、管理和保护、设施和服务、情感和成本价值构成了滨海旅游目的地游客感知价值的重要维度,天气条件、海滩规模、海滩管理和保护、游客愉悦感、游客娱乐体验项目、旅游基础设施及服务是影响滨海旅游目的地游客感知价值的关键因素。据此提出促进我国滨海旅游目的地游客感知价值提升的相关建议。     

Estimating the Economic Contribution of Visitor Spending in the Kruger National Park to the Regional Economy

Tourism has been labelled the economic driver of the 21st century due to the multiplier effect of tourist spending and the linkage of this industry to almost all other industries. This paper aims to estimate the economic impact of visitor spending in the Kruger National Park. The following objectives are set: (1) to determine the spending pattern of a typical tourist visiting the Kruger National Park, (2) to determine the contribution of tourists visiting the Park to the economy of the region. The methodology used includes both a survey and an input-output analysis. A survey conducted in June 2002 was used to determine the spending pattern of tourists visiting the Park and together with additional secondary data, were used to determine the contribution of visitor spending in the Park to the economy of the region. The results of the survey indicate that tourists spend most of their money on accommodation and transport in the Park. The South African National Parks (SANP) has created an environment that induces spending, but recommendations are made to encourage even more spending by tourists, thereby enhancing the economic benefits of the Park.     

Ecotourism and conservation: factors influencing effective conservation messages

Environmental education and interpretation have largely focused on individual mechanisms (e.g. cognitive processes) leading to intention and behavioural change. Less has been said about the role of the situation and communication processes between tour guides and tourists in ecotourism experiences. This paper examines the role of interpreters and individuals as jointly influencing the effectiveness of communicating conservation messages. A survey of over 1500 visitors was undertaken to ascertain the factors crucial to whether visitors received a conservation message in an ecotourism setting. The results indicate a three-tier effect: individual characteristics, specifically respondent's age, were initially important. The second tier represents the impact of conservation-related information from the tour guide/interpreter. This information acts as a stimulus to the third and most crucial tier of influence – visitor empowerment. The tertiary stage comprises a two-way communication process that influences a positive conservation message. The process involves the interpreter suggesting positive conservation action that translates into what we term “a locus of responsibility” for the visitor and subsequent higher levels of satisfaction. All of these drive effective communication of conservation message comprehension.     

旅游者恢复性环境感知的结构模型和感知差异

旅游者对恢复性环境的感知是旅游者对旅游目的地的一种综合性体验,是旅游者与旅游地环境相互作用的结果。文章以九寨沟国内旅游者为研究对象,基于一致性、新奇、迷人、逃逸和兼容性5个维度,探讨了旅游者恢复性环境感知特征及其差异,检验了恢复性环境感知维度间的影响关系。研究结果表明:(1)由一致性、新奇、迷人、逃逸和兼容性5个维度组成的恢复性环境感知量表具有较好的信度和效度。(2)九寨沟旅游者的恢复性环境感知在一致性、新奇和兼容性等3个维度上存在一定差异。(3)恢复性环境感知的5个维度间并不是独立的,而是一种具有影响关系的结构。一致性维度对新奇、迷人、逃逸和兼容性维度具有显著的正向影响,新奇维度对迷人、逃逸和兼容性维度具有显著的正向影响,表明旅游者恢复性环境感知是一个渐进式的心理感知过程。     

Recovery,risk and resilience: Post-disaster tourism experiences in Kaikōura,New Zealand

Tourists are essential to a destination's social and economic recovery following disaster, reducing future risk and enhancing resilience. Drawing on the results of visitor surveys in Kaikōura, New Zealand, we analyse visitors' experiences and their consideration of natural hazard risk and response abilities in relation to a damaging earthquake in the region in 2016. Despite widespread national media and significant disruption, findings suggest the disaster had very little impact on visitors' perceptions and experiences and did not translate into greater preparedness. Instead, tourists reported only limited knowledge about what to do or where to go in the event of a natural hazard event. Results suggest tourists' resilience – and Kaikōura's resilience as a whole – would be enhanced by improving knowledge sharing and awareness building. Furthermore, by considering tourists as part of a linked social-ecological system, targeted interventions to improve understanding of natural hazards can support long-term recovery trajectories and minimize future losses.     

Beyond the authentic taste: The tourist experience at a food museum restaurant

This study investigates the factors influencing food experiences perceived by food tourists in the context of a food museum and its associated restaurant. A qualitative exploratory approach was employed, using Chinese tourists visiting Hangzhou Cuisine Museum in Zhejiang province. This research finds that food tourists look for knowledge accumulation and gastronomic experiences when visiting a food museum and restaurant complex, and each experience is formed by both tourist and setting factors. The findings highlight the significant and more complex engagement of setting factors in the museum restaurants. The institutionalised characteristics of museums are equally expected within the in-house restaurants, and social trust in the museum along with external factors that verify authentic representation of the museum contributed to the perceived authenticity of the food tourist's dining experience. This paper discusses broad implications for food experience design at food museums and restaurants as emerging tourism attractions.     

Destination Image,Novelty, Hedonics,Perceived Value,and Revisiting Behavioral Intention for Island Tourism

This paper examines tourists’ experience of island tourism and investigates the causal relationships between the destination image, novelty, hedonics, perceived value, and revisiting behavioral intention. A total of 355 respondents completed a survey conducted on Green Island (Lyudao in Chinese), Taiwan. Using structural equation modeling, the results of the analysis supported the proposed revisiting behavioral intention model as follows: (1) the destination image had a significant and positive influence on novelty, hedonics, and perceived value; (2) tourists’ perceptions of the novelty of island tourism had a significant and positive influence on hedonics, but the effect on perceived value was insignificant; (3) hedonics had a significant and positive effect on perceived value; and (4) perceived value had a significant and positive influence on revisiting behavioral intentions. The empirical results indicate that the destination image leads to a greater perception of novelty, promotes hedonics and perceived value, and fosters the revisiting behavioral intention in tourists. Managerial implications with regard to island tourism are drawn based on the research findings, and suggestions for future researchers are presented.     

Residents’ perspectives of a newly developed ecotourism project: an assessment of effectiveness through the lens of an importance–performance analysis

Understanding the perceived importance and performance of various components of ecotourism to residents living in the area it is undertaken is crucial to the overall success of an ecotourism development project. This study examines residents’ perceptions of the importance and performance of ecotourism components (i.e. environmental conservation, economic wellbeing, promotion of local arts and culture, local participation, and fair share of resources), including overall ecotourism development, at the Gaurishankar Conservation Area (GCA) – a recently implemented ecotourism development project in Nepal. This study also examines the effect of socio-demographic, economic, and psychological factors on a perceived gap between the importance and the performance of ecotourism components. Findings suggest that the ecotourism development project at the GCA should concentrate on improving the economic wellbeing of residents, and on overall ecotourism development. Findings also suggest that residents’ inclusion in benefit-sharing mechanisms was associated with a reduced perceived gap between the importance and performance of ecotourism components. A comparison among different geographical segments of residents indicated that the perceived gap between importance and performance varies across different locations.     

Do strained bilateral relations affect tourists’ desire to visit a country that is a target of animosity?

ABSTRACT

This study examines the attractiveness of destination tourism offerings when the destination country and the source market country are engaged in ongoing political and economic conflict. The study is set in the Russia–United States (US) context, where Russia is the tourism-generating region and the US are the vacation destination. Specifically, the study investigates how the desire of Russian tourists to vacation in the US is affected by perceptions of the US as a country and as a vacation destination, animosity toward the US, and Russian tourists? level of national attachment and ethnocentric tendencies. The study found that country image, destination image, and general animosity have a direct effect on intention to visit. The effects of consumer ethnocentrism and national situational animosity on intention to visit are mediated by destination image and country image respectively.     

Residentsʼ attitudes and behavioural support for tourism in host communities

ABSTRACT

In our study of the “perceptions–attitudes–behaviours” sequence, we explain how resident perceptions of tourism’s impacts on host communities influence not only their attitudes towards tourism, but also their attitudes towards tourists – i.e. a new variable that has recently been introduced in literature. Moreover, we introduce the behavioural support, a concept that denotes a higher level of involvement and engagement of residents with their communities in comparison with the traditional attitudinal support. Our results indicate: (1) the residents’ perception of the positive economic and cultural impacts of tourism are the main variables influencing their attitudes towards tourism and tourists; and (2) both types of attitudes influence on behavioural support for tourism in host communities.