Leisure Studies Commons^™

Unraveling The Labyrinth: Disability, Spectacle, And Paranormal Tourism In The Winchester Mystery House, Karenna Gm Pullen

Student Theses

This thesis examines the intersection of disability, paranormal tourism, and cultural narratives through an analysis of the Winchester Mystery House and its owner, Sarah Winchester, from a Disability Studies perspective. The research problem centers on the commodification of disability within paranormal tourism, where disabled bodies and spaces are transformed into spectacles for public consumption. Using the Winchester Mystery House as a case study, the research explores how disability is framed within narratives of paranormal tourism, with a focus on stigma, fear, and cultural mythmaking. The methodology involves historical research, discourse analysis, and architectural evaluation to reveal how Sarah Winchester’s disability …

Use Of Creative Outlets To Impact Quality Of Life For Individuals With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Andria Burden, Helen Carey, Zeida Gutierrez

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) profoundly impacts quality of life by limiting participation in meaningful activities. This mixed-methods study explored the role of creative outlets in enhancing quality of life for individuals with ALS. Quantitative data from the ALS-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire-Short Form (ALSSQOL-SF) and qualitative insights from semi-structured interviews revealed key themes of adaptation, purpose, community, and quality of life. Findings indicate that creative outlets foster self-expression, social connection, and cognitive engagement while reducing isolation. Recommendations include integrating tailored creative activities into occupational therapy (OT), emphasizing group settings and early introduction to promote adaptability and community-building. This study underscores …

Pokémon Go: Fostering Community In Location-Based Augmented Reality, Miranda Ward

Communication Studies

While most modern video games are played from the comfort of one's own home, Pokémon GO (2016) is a game that requires people to leave their homes and interact with other people in the real world. Pokémon GO contains community-building mechanics that reward players for interacting with each other and catching Pokémon. Due to this, players use third-party applications to organize meetups, particularly through Campfire, which is an app owned by the same company who created the game, Niantic. Uses and Gratifications Theory can be applied to understand why players choose to play Pokémon GO and what needs the game …

Cooke City – Summer/Winter Visitor Data, Kara Grau, Melissa Weddell, Sophie Morris

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

This research note summarizes the findings of ITRR’s Summer (2023) and Winter (2024) Cooke City Visitor Studies. Data was collected from visitors to the Cooke City, Montana, area to gain insight into who visits and what their visits entail. The following tables present travel group demographics and trip characteristics for visitors surveyed during both the summer and winter phases of the study.

Amplifying The Coloring Art Of A Friend With Alzheimer’S Disease Through Collaboration, Liz Langdon

International Journal of Lifelong Learning in Art Education

The act of coloring pages, is recognized for its therapeutic value and this research shows how amplifying the artistry of a practitioner with Alzheimer’s disease enhances understanding about the disease, improves relationships and adds value to an underrated art practice. My collaboration with a neighbor experiencing Alzheimer’s disease involved presenting her coloring pages as fine art in a gallery, increasing recognition of the practice as valuable for maintaining normalcy and serving as a model for other people with dementia (PWD) and their caregivers.

Enhancing Event Reputations: Insights And Recommendations For Secure And Engaging Experiences, Emma Carroll, Catriona Murphy Dr.

ICHRIE Research Reports

This research report presents evidence-based recommendations derived from focus group research to enhance the reputable value of events for practitioners in the industry. The study highlights the increasing pressure on event planners to prioritize attendee safety amidst external threats such as terrorism, pandemics, and ongoing conflicts. The findings emphasize the significant impact of these challenges on attendee behavior and perceptions, necessitating a balance between ensuring safety and delivering enjoyable event experiences. Key recommendations include the development of online reputation management protocols and the integration of semiotic analysis to align event messaging with audience expectations. These interventions seek to equip event …

Montana's Trail To The Stars: Understanding Stargazing In Eastern Montana And Beyond, Carter Bermingham, Ava Worbets, Melissa Weddell

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

Night sky recreation is an emerging yet relatively unexplored segment of the tourism industry within Montana. Despite being home to some of the darkest skies in the nation, little is known about those who choose to stargaze in Montana. This study was designed to gather insights from previous visitors to Montana to better understand night sky recreation in the state and how visitors perceive Montana’s night skies. Part of the research purpose also was to provide information on respondents who visited a site along Montana’s Trail to the Stars, a collaborative effort between Southeast Montana, Central Montana, and the Missouri …

Montana Resident Report: Tourism Impacts And Perceptions Of Recreation And Visitor Behavior Q1 2024, Carter Bermingham, Megan Schultz, Matthew Pettigrew, Glenna Hartman

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

A summary of Montana residents’ perceptions of others’ ability to appropriately participate in outdoor recreation. Other topics include community respect, as well as amenities and challenges presented from tourism.

Valuate Jammu & Kashmir Tourism In Breadth Of Media Dailies And Time Period: A Content Analysis, Tahmeed Ahmad Badam Mr

Journal of Tourism Insights

Background: The study takes in to consideration Jammu & Kashmir tourism industry from media’s point of view; quantitative cum qualitative content analysis for articles has been carried out to evaluate different trends and aspects.

Objectives: Firstly, to analyze reportages in the index of assigned nomenclatures regarding Jammu & Kashmir tourism among selected local and national dailies. Secondly, measure the average mean values and their variance in respect to number of contents and classified themes.

Sampling selection: Four renowned media dailies have been selected conveniently for content analysis on the basis of their circulation. Systematic random sampling framework has been carried …

Tourist Behavior And Accommodation Preferences: Analyzing Expenditure And Stay Motives In Goa., Mr. Alroy Anthony Salvador Mascarenhas, Prof. (Dr.) Anthony Rodrigues

Journal of Tourism Insights

Tourism in Goa plays a significant role in its economic development, attracting both domestic and international tourists. This study focuses on analyzing the behavior and preferences of tourists, particularly regarding their expenditure patterns and accommodation choices. The unique characteristics of Goa's tourism, including its natural beauty and cultural heritage, provides an opportunity to promote different types of tourism. This study examines Indian and international tourists' perceptions of Goa's tourism promotion, concentrating on their spending, stay length, and hotel choices. Using Chi-Square Test of Independence, Multinomial Logistic Regression, Multiple Regression Analysis, Ordinal Logistic Regression (Proportional Odds Model), the study examines the …

Understanding The Factors Influencing Tourist Adoption Of Peer-To-Peer Accommodation Services: Attitudes, Intentions, And Behavioral Insights, Maya Talwadker, M.S. Dayanand Dr., Edgar Dsouza Dr.

Journal of Tourism Insights

This study investigates the factors influencing the adoption of peer-to-peer (P2P) accommodation services among Indian tourists, integrating Behavioral Reasoning Theory (BRT), Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), and Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Data were collected from 526 tourists using self-administered online and paper-based surveys. The findings reveal that modern lifestyles significantly enhance perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness, which positively influence behavioral intentions toward P2P accommodations. Psychological ownership emerged as a critical factor, indicating that emotional attachment to the accommodation enhances user engagement and satisfaction. Interestingly, privacy concerns did not significantly impact behavioral intentions or perceived usefulness but did influence …

Safety First: Unpacking Key Roles Of Arctic Adventure Guides, Barbara Olga Hild, Betty Weiler Professor

International Journal of Tour Guiding and Visitor Attraction Research

Building on past research on tour guides and guiding, this paper provides an in-depth examination of the safety management role of tour guides leading adventure trips. A review of previous literature identifies broad dimensions of tour guiding and, within these dimensions, specific guiding roles mainly in relation to communication. The current study’s qualitative examination of experienced Arctic guides, however, illustrates how environmental conditions contribute to near misses and points to safety management as an adventure guide’s fundamental role. The findings highlight the need for guide competence and certification and underpin recommendations for research in relation to guide education and practices …

Clark Fork River Pedal & Farm Tour, Plains, Montana, Kika Bradford, Megan Schultz, Rebekah Ficek

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

This study was conducted to provide insight into the characteristics of attendees of the 2024 Clark Fork River Pedal & Farm Tour. 43 participants completed online surveys. The 2024 Clark Fork River Pedal & Farm Tour in Plains, Montana, attracted a diverse group of visitors, with 60.5% from Montana and 39.5% from out of state. The event was the primary reason for 91.7% of attendees’ visits, and 72.7% of non-local participants stayed at least one night, averaging 2.84 nights. This led to significant spending, particularly on accommodations and dining, totaling $6,524.00. Overall satisfaction was high, with 85.7% indicating they would …

Montanafair 2024, Billings, Montana, Kika Bradford, Megan Schultz, Rebekah Ficek

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

This study was conducted for MetraPark to provide insight into the characteristics of attendees of the 2024 MontanaFair. 606 attendees of the event completed the survey. Results show that 97.8% of respondents were residents of Montana, of which 93.2% were from Yellowstone County. Out-of-county respondents spent an average of 3.51 nights in Billings, reporting a total spending of $32,547.00, mostly in hotel/motel/bed and breakfasts. Results provide event organizers with useful data for future event planning, making improvements to the event, event marketing/promotion, and understanding the visitor spending associated with the event.

Residency Reflections, Naleen Patel Md

Journal of Wellness

No abstract provided.

Economic Contribution Of 2022/2023 Averaged Nonresident Travel Spending In Montana Travel Regions And Counties, Kara Grau

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

Nonresidents spend over $5 billion in Montana each year. This report looks at the distribution of spending across Montana’s six travel regions, as well as 19 of the 56 counties with the highest spending based on an average of 2022 and 2023 spending data.

Itrr Presentation: Latest Updates For The Tourism Advisory Council (Tac), October 2024, Melissa Weddell

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

ITRR Presentation: Latest Updates for the Tourism Advisory Council (TAC)

East Helena Valley Rodeo 2024, East Helena, Montana, Kika Bradford, Megan Schultz

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

This study was conducted for the East Helena Valley Rodeo Association to provide insight into the characteristics of attendees at the 2024 East Helena Valley Rodeo. Surveys were completed by 554 attendees during and after the event using a tablet, paper surveys, and online link. Results show that 96.2% of respondents were residents of Montana, with 86.1% of these Montana residents from Lewis and Clark County. Out-of-county respondents spent an average of 4.16 in the East Helena area/Lewis and Clark County and more people spent money on accommodations ($15,639) and restaurant/bar ($11,833) than any other spending categories. In total, respondents …

Montana Folk Festival 2024, Butte, Montana, Kika Bradford, Megan Schultz

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

This study was conducted for the non-profit Mainstreet Uptown Butte to provide insight into the characteristics of attendees of the 2024 Montana Folk Festival. Paper surveys were completed by 567 attendees of the event. Results show that over 80% of respondents were residents of Montana, of which 18% were from Butte-Silver Bow County. Out-of-county respondents spent an average of 3.3 nights in Butte-Silver Bow County, reporting a total spending of $130,608.00, mostly in hotel/motel/bed and breakfasts. Results provide event organizers and Mainstreet Uptown Butte with useful data for future event planning, making improvements to the event, event marketing/promotion, and understanding …

Smeltermen's Day Weekend 2024, Anaconda, Montana, Kika Bradford, Megan Schultz

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

This study was conducted for Discover Anaconda to provide insights into the characteristics of attendees of the Smeltermen’s Day Weekend 2024. Surveys were completed by 79 attendees of the event. Results show that 86.1% of respondents were residents of Montana, with 66.2% from Deer Lodge County. Out-of-county respondents spent an average of 4 nights in Deer Lodge County, reporting a total spending of $21,566.00, primarily in accommodations, restaurants, and gasoline. The study provides event organizers and Discover Anaconda with valuable data for future event planning, improving the event experience, refining marketing strategies, and understanding the economic impact of visitor spending …

Itrr Annual Report - 2023, Melissa Weddell

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

Within this report, you will discover a comprehensive overview of our past and future research projects, travel and outdoor recreation information, and behind-the-scenes stories of our impact. By transparently sharing our work, we aim to foster stakeholder engagement that supports rigorous and impartial research focused on continuous improvement. Reflecting on 37 years of milestones, ITRR has evolved and flourished through innovation, collaboration, and an unwavering mission to serve Montanans.

Exploring The Use Of Social Media Among Theme Park Guests: A Uses And Gratification Theory Approach, William J. Henderson

All Dissertations

Theme parks have provided billions of dollars to the local economies of tourist destinations (Blair & Rush, 1998; Warden, 2019). In the digital age, the theme park experience is shared with vast online audiences and so there is a need to understand how theme parks are presented on social media from the guest perspective. Specifically, it is vital to understand the uses and gratifications of social media use and content creation from guests and influencers within a theme park context.

The Uses and Gratifications Theory serves as a foundational theory for this research to understand the psychological gratifications found through …

The Effect Of Crime On Tourism In Indonesia, Muhammad Farhan, Hera Susanti

Journal of Strategic and Global Studies

Tourism sector is widely known as one of economic sectors that can be the engine of economic growth in an effort to reduce poverty in a country. However, growth in the tourism sector can be influenced by safety factors. Tourists tend to avoid tourism destination areas with high crime rates in order to avoid becoming victims of crime. This study aims to analyze the effect of crime on the number of tourist arrivals in Indonesia by using four proxies of crime, which are total crime rate, property crime rate, violent crime rate, and fraud crime rate. This study utilizes a …

Reconciled To Leisure: The Relationship Between Christianity, Leisure And Restorative Justice, Hannah Janzen, Paul Heintzman

Movement and Being: The Journal of the Christian Society for Kinesiology, Leisure and Sports Studies

This paper seeks to explain the mutually reinforcing relationship between leisure and reconciliation from a Christian perspective. The paper begins by briefly defining the holistic approach to leisure from a Christian perspective, which will be the definition of leisure that is used throughout the paper. Christian teachings on reconciliation will then be outlined, both between the individual and God and between individuals. Restorative justice, the specific example of reconciliation that will be used in this paper, is defined as a process of justice that seeks to repair the harm that was caused through a crime.The paper then describes how leisure …

Analisis Potensi Wisata Industri Manufaktur: Studi Kasus Pada Pt. Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indonesia Dan Jaguar Land Rove, Vanessa Leandra Ishak, Anisatul Auliya, Farrah Munif

Jurnal Sosial Humaniora Terapan

Industrial Tourism serves as a gateway for the community to gain deeper insights into the operations, innovations, and contributions of the industrial sector. The practice of industrial tourism has been extensively adopted by various companies across the globe, aiming to provide education-based tours and simultaneously foster interest in the products and services produced by the industry. This research undertakes a comparative analysis of industrial tourism within the manufacturing sector, drawing data from direct observations conducted at PT. Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indonesia in Indonesia and Jaguar Land Rover in the United Kingdom. The objective is to discern the distinctive characteristics of …

Parting Comments From The Outgoing Editor, Steven N. Waller Ph.D.

Movement and Being: The Journal of the Christian Society for Kinesiology, Leisure and Sports Studies

This short reflective essay captures several transitional thoughts as Movement and Being: The Journal of the Christian Society for Kinesiology, Leisure and Sports Studies transitions the editorship of the journal. The following pages offer an examination of the strengths/assets of the journal as well as a “snapshot” of some of the challenges the journal has faced in the last five years. There are several recommendations offered to continue moving the journal forward. Implementation of these suggestions are contingent upon the incoming editor’s and Board of Directors review and approval. Most important need is to think strategically about the sustainability of …

Hospitality Services And The Promotion Of Religious Tourism: A Study Of Redemption City, Nigeria, Elizabeth Abiola-Oke, Timileyin Osiobe

International Journal of Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage

Religious tourism is acknowledged as a fast-growing sector within the tourism business, and hospitality services’ role in supporting this growth is important. This study used a quantitative research design to explore the specific function that hospitality services have in promoting religious tourism. Literature study and the distribution of structured research questionnaires to Redemption Resort visitors during monthly programs were the methods adopted for the collection of data. The results show that hospitality services promote religious tourism by providing a safe and comfortable stay, planning religious activities and ceremonies, and providing regional and traditional foods. The study also discusses issues like …

Sentiment Analysis In Relation To Jordan’S Churches - For The Promotion Of Christian Pilgrimage And Religious Tourism In Jordan, Malek Bader

International Journal of Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage

Jordan has many famous tourist destinations of Christian importance, but it is unable to attract many Christian pilgrimage tourists. With churches being the epicenter for Christian pilgrimage tourists, an effort was made to understand the sentiments of the people towards the churches of Jordan. A VADER sentiment analysis was performed on 1,758 tweets after biased data removal and data pre-processing of Twitter data for one year. The results showed that 56% of people had positive sentiments, 27% had neutral sentiments, and only 17% had negative sentiments towards the churches of Jordan. The most frequently appearing words in the total word …

Rpe-3100 Therapeutic Recreation For Individuals With Disabilities I, Mary Lou Fierle Ms.

Open Educational Resources

This is the syllabus for the course RPE-3100 Therapeutic Recreation for Individuals with Disabilities I

Knock And The Door Shall Be Opened Unto You, Using Strength And Conditioning As A Tool To Open Doors For Ministry, Tim Dornemann

CSKLS Annual Conference

This professional presentation will discuss how the power of meeting a need can open doors for ministry. Christian Sports Performance Ministry utilizes strength and conditioning to encourage, equip, and enable athletes, coaches, and educators to create relationships through which the Gospel can be shared. In areas of the world where current conditioning methods are not commonplace, education on how to enhance physical performance can be very attractive.

In conjunction with Athletes in Action Philippines, Christian Sports Performance has successfully been using strength and conditioning to open doors for ministry since 2011. Initially, a skill-based training system was developed and used …