Tourism and Travel Commons^™

Pineapple Express: The Legality Of Introducing Cannabis Tourism To Arkansas, Chloe Tyner

Human Nutrition and Hospitality Management Undergraduate Honors Theses

This research delves into the legal aspects of introducing cannabis tourism to Arkansas. The objective of this study was to create a framework for hospitality professionals in Arkansas to understand what areas of recreational cannabis law would impact their industry should Arkansas legalize recreational cannabis. Through a document analysis comparing Arkansas and Colorado’s liquor and cannabis laws, this study investigated how both states regulate alcohol and cannabis and the legal challenges Colorado has seen since its inception of recreational cannabis sales.

Challenges to this study included a limited existing body of knowledge for cannabis tourism and the contradicting federal and …

The Quick Service Food And Beverage Line Of Business And How It Is Aligned With The Overall Objectives For The Walt Disney World® Resort And The Walt Disney Company, Meghan Mcclure

Management Undergraduate Honors Theses

The Disney College Program allows for many opportunities, such as instructor lead offerings, experiential learning, career path development, and academic support. This internship gives us hands-on work in a global company but also helps us further ourselves in our career by providing networking opportunities and behind-the-scenes access to things others may never experience.

As an intern in Food and Beverage, it was my job to provide not just food but experiences to guests from all around the world. It was my job not only to make sure guests left the restaurant locations happy, but also to maximize production. To do …

The Effects Of Short-Term Rentals On Communities And How To Legislate Them: An Expanded Literary Review, William Cherry

Finance Undergraduate Honors Theses

A literary review of the economic and socioeconomic effects of short-term rental properties, specifically the commercialization of the industry based upon other research studies. An in-depth look at how commercialized short-term rentals effect the younger generation, hospitality industry, housing market, communities they reside in, and other externalities. A further review of different legal case studies of short-term rental legislation in major cities across the globe and their varying degrees of effectiveness.

Artificial Intelligence In The Hotel Industry: The Benefits And Effects On Corporations, Carlie Malone

Human Nutrition and Hospitality Management Undergraduate Honors Theses

This research delves into the benefits and effects of artificial intelligence in the hotel industry. Through a qualitive design, the study shows how the hotel industry since Covid-19 has tried to grow in the technology. The findings were valuable insights from CEO’s, CFO’s, Executives, Directors, and Managers. Nine hotel and technology executives from around the country participated in interviews covering the basic topics of demographics, AI utilized in/on the hotel property, AI and employee experiences, and guest satisfaction with AI.

The challenges stated by the participants were that AI is still in its early stages and being developed. An additional …

Pressure From Tourism Hardest For Religious World Heritage Sites And Those In Forest And Coastal Areas, Eva Hagsten, Martin Thomas Falk

GSTC Academic Symposium - In conjunction with the GSTC Global Conference Sweden April 23, 2024

Short abstract (max 250)

This study empirically investigates tourism as a threat to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, given their characteristics and location. The main contribution of the study is a new measure that relates the time from inscription to the occurrence of a threat, based on data from the State of Conservation reports. In this database, there is information on 1,200 World Heritage sites for the period 1978-2023 with 29,000 observations. Two indicators relating to tourism as a threat are used: One relating to demand and the other to supply. Estimation results reveal that the occurrence of a tourism threat …

An Integrative Literature Review Of Covid-19-Driven Sustainability-Based Strategies For Tourism: 2020-2023, Maryanne Eva

GSTC Academic Symposium - In conjunction with the GSTC Global Conference Sweden April 23, 2024

The unprecedented impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic exposed severe vulnerabilities within existing business models. Global supply chains, educational services, health care systems, and specific industries such as the travel and tourism sectors have been profoundly disrupted. The adverse effects on businesses and socio-economic systems suggest the need to reevaluate and reshape existing management strategies to increase business preparedness and responsiveness to future global disruptions. This integrative literature review presents a critical analysis and synthesis of the literature during the height of the pandemic from 2020 to 2023, exploring how the latter generated momentum for adopting new sustainable business models within …

Juggling Expectations And Certification Standards: Journey Of A Norwegian Destination Towards Acquiring The Sustainable Destination Label, Per Strömberg, Ajay Kumar

GSTC Academic Symposium - In conjunction with the GSTC Global Conference Sweden April 23, 2024

Juggling expectations and certification standards: Journey of a Norwegian destination towards acquiring the sustainable destination label.

Authors: Ajay Kumar & Per Strömberg, University of South-Eastern Norway

Short abstract: External third-party audits are crucial for ensuring the quality of sustainability in tourism, utilizing tools like certifications and accreditations. Certification is widely employed as a means of assessing quality in sustainable tourism practices, enhancing credibility and overall quality standards. In 2018, Innovation Norway's Sustainable Destination Standard achieved the esteemed status of being recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). This standard, consisting of 45 criteria and 108 indicators, undergoes thorough assessment, …

Threats From Climate Change Are Increasing For Natural World Heritage Sites, Martin Falk, Eva Hagsten

GSTC Academic Symposium - In conjunction with the GSTC Global Conference Sweden April 23, 2024

The aim of the paper is to analyse the occurrence and intensity of threats to Natural World Heritage Sites from climate change as assessed by IUCN experts. The data comes from the Conservation Outlook Assessment database, which covers 250 sites for three time periods (2014, 2017 and 2020). The threat of climate change is broadly defined and includes temperature extremes, rapidly disappearing glaciers, coral bleaching, droughts, desertification, rising temperatures and rising sea levels. Simultaneous probit and ordered models with individual site effects are used to analyse the occurrence and intensity of both a perceived actual and a potential threat.

The …

Raising Sustainability Standards In Leisure Industry, Gorete Araújo, Alexandra Lavaredas, Francisco Dias

GSTC Academic Symposium - In conjunction with the GSTC Global Conference Sweden April 23, 2024

Raising sustainability standards in leisure industry

Nowadays, it became clear that the option for sustainable development (SD) is not a discretionary choice, but an imperative for all of humanity. The SDG propose a common framework of peace and prosperity for people and the planet. The exponential growth of tourism, its multiple and transformative impacts on economies and the environment, place this industry at the epicentre of concerns about SD.

Based on the European DIRECTIVE (UE) 2022/2464, which complies European companies to produce a sustainability file integrated in the annual management report, this paper highlights social, cultural, environmental and governance indicators …

Türkiye's Sustainable Tourism Transformation: An Overview, Mustafa Sogut

GSTC Academic Symposium - In conjunction with the GSTC Global Conference Sweden April 23, 2024

Türkiye has initiated a paradigm shift in its tourism industry, marked by a collaboration with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), renowned for setting robust sustainability standards. The agreement, initiated in 2022, prioritizes sustainability commitment, commencing with formulating national program criteria and certification bodies training. The initial phase is targeted for completion by the end of 2023, with subsequent stages progressively implemented by 2025, ultimately aiming to meet all international standards by 2030.

This strategic move aims to position Turkey prominently in sustainable tourism, aligning with the goals of The Paris Agreement. Turkey has proactively steered its tourism industry towards …

Lonoke County Park Suggestions, Rayna N. Van Keuren

ATU Research Symposium

Research Question: Based on information obtained from examining Lonoke County Park user demographics, user preferences, and examining local parks in the area, what are some suggestions that can increase user satisfaction and increase the overall number of visitors?

Methods: I used online data sources as well as my own experience visiting local Lonoke County Parks to form my suggestions.

Analysis: After sorting through all my data, I settled with three different Lonoke County Parks that I provided suggestions for. The parks included Cabot Community Pond Development, Lonoke Ball Park, and Anthony Schmidt Memorial Park. Some common themes within the parks …

A Review Of River And Small Ship Cruising In The Mid-Atlantic, Northeastern United States, And Eastern Canadian Markets, Mark Mitchell, Michael Dowd, Paul Clark

Atlantic Marketing Journal

Currently, there is a lack of cruise industry related articles in the tourism, business, and marketing literature. This manuscript provides an overview of river and small ship cruise activity in the Mid-Atlantic, Northeastern United States and Eastern Canada in three geographic clusters and waterways: (1) Mid-Atlantic Coast; (2) New England Coast and Canadian Maritimes; and (3) Eastern Canada & the Saint Lawrence Seaway. The existing cruise options in each market are identified. The operating characteristics of this region that aid and challenge cruise operators are then explored. Finally, the Product-Market Growth Matrix is used to present growth strategies available to …

Proposed Charlotte To Atlanta High-Speed Passenger Rail Line: An Economic, Infrastructural, And Developmental Analysis In The Upstate Of South Carolina, Ian C. Macurda, Kimberly Whitehead

SC Upstate Research Symposium

This research paper is an in-depth analysis of the high-speed passenger rail line proposed between Charlotte, NC and Atlanta, GA and its impact on the economy, infrastructure, and future development of the Upstate of South Carolina. Currently, passenger rail service between Charlotte and Atlanta is offered on Amtrak at late hours throughout the night on its long-distance passenger rail line The Crescent from New York City, NY to New Orleans, LA. The train is often delayed and is operating at a deficit for Amtrak, like most of their long-distance routes. Traffic on Interstate 85 through the Upstate is another issue …

Changes In Reef Tourism’S Adaptive Capacity After Severe Climate Disturbances, Henry Bartelet, Michele Barnes, Lalu Bakti, Graeme S. Cumming

Quantitative Methods and Information Technology Faculty Publications

Knowledge about adaptive capacity and its determinants has increased significantly over the last decade. However, most research on adaptive capacity has been static, not considering how adaptive capacity might change over time, particularly after severe disturbances. We studied the adaptive capacity dynamics of Asian-Pacific reef tourism operators affected by coral bleaching and tropical cyclones compared with a control group with non-affected operators. We found that impacts from tropical cyclones were associated with frequent changes in adaptive capacity. Notably, we found a reduction in tangible attributes (assets and flexibility) of adaptive capacity, whereas intangible attributes (agency and social organization) increased. Our …

Medical Tourism In The Post-Covid Era: Cultural Differences In Attitude Formation, Helena F. Allman, Anton P. Fenik, Hilmi A. Atadil

Association of Marketing Theory and Practice Proceedings 2024

Rising health care costs in the United States have been historically shown to increase the U.S. consumers’ interest in medical tourism. The number of uninsured people in the United States is still astronomically high compared to other advanced economies around the world. As a result, medical tourism was on the rise for decades prior to Covid. The pandemic introduced certain stressors and higher levels of risk associated with both the travel and medical treatment services. While the majority of the U.S. population now has some kind of Covid immunity, the long term mental effects of Covid stress in everyday decision …

‘You Have To Respect The Water’: Participant Experiences Of Appreciating And Managing The Risks Associated With Open Water Swimming – A Rapid Ethnographic Study, Mark A. Christie, David Elliott

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Open water swimming (OWS) has rapidly grown in popularity, driven by the purported health benefits of cold-water immersion. A paucity of research remains specifically considering the notable risks inherent in OWS participation, and a lack of qualitative research on freshwater swimming experiences, and safety-related issues therein. This rapid ethnographic study, based at a dedicated OWS lake in the UK, conducted semi-structured interviews with OWS participants (n=17; female=11, male=6). Two core themes emerged: environmental issues impacting OWS experiences and behaviours; and knowledge and education of OWS which highlighted safe/unsafe practices, levels of education for managing risks, personal preparedness, swimming solo/with others, …

Barriers: Location, Functionality, And Method Of Access In Childhood Pool/Spa Submersion Incidents, United States, 2000-2017, Alison Miller, Kristina R. Anderson, William D. Ramos

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Drowning is a leading cause of fatality among children in the United States, and residential pools/spas currently account for as much as 80% of these submersion incidents. This study reviewed narrative case reports obtained from the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to understand barrier location, type, and functionality as methods of pool/spa access for childhood submersion incidents. Retroactive analysis of 1,523 fatal and non-fatal submersion incidents among children aged 13 years old and younger was conducted using the CPSC in depth investigation dataset from 2000-2017. Narrative descriptions were coded according to the attributes of barrier location, functionality, and …

Lay Rescuer Equipment Preferences And Efficacy During A Simulated Drowning Event, Alison M. Miller, William D. Ramos, Kristina R. Anderson, Jill Cuvala

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

During a drowning incident where a lifeguard is not present, a bystander – referred to as a lay rescuer - may put themselves in danger by attempting a rescue. When lay rescuers can avoid entering the water by using rescue equipment to help a drowning victim, it serves to not only help the person actively drowning, but also provides a layer of protection to a lay rescuer. This study sought to examine the following questions: (a) which pieces of rescue equipment were preferred by lay rescuers at pre-determined short and long distances, (b) do lay rescuers select appropriate rescue equipment …

What Hospitality And Tourism Higher Educators Learned From Covid-19: A Case Of Turkiye, Ayse Collins, Ayse S. Dulger, Muharrem Tuna, Muzaffer Uysal

Journal of Global Education and Research

Among all the sectors, the hospitality and tourism sector has been detrimentally affected by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This research aimed to determine how changes have been experienced specifically in the Turkish tourism higher education and tourism sector. Twenty-seven academics from the hospitality and tourism education departments were interviewed. Most agreed that restrictions have limited student access to hands-on practical courses and internships, which are crucial to developing necessary competencies. Moreover, the results showed the curriculum does not always meet the needs of the hospitality industry for a trained and skilled workforce. The challenge is to decide what …

A Queer Chinese Pilgrimage: Encountering Catholic Life In Manila, George Wu Bayuga

Journal of Global Catholicism

Starting in the late 1990s, Chinese Catholic priests, sisters, and seminarians began journeying to the Philippines to undergo religious and spiritual formation. This paper documents this journey and characterizes it as a kind of queer pilgrimage. Recognizing the queer theoretical parallels between minoritized populations under hegemony and Catholic life under socialism, this paper calls for attention to the queer work of imagining futures that emerges through processes of movement, encounter, and reflexivity across new political and social spaces. Specifically, this paper highlights how state-religious relations under socialism can differentially shape how Chinese Catholics think of themselves, faith formation, and how …