Tourism Commons^™

Ecotourism In Costa Rica: Empowering Local Communities, Rachel Lequire

Renée Crown University Honors Thesis Projects - All

This paper explores a community-based ecotourism initiative called La Tortuga Feliz, in Pacuare Beach, Costa Rica. This organization founded and run by Western expatriates using a conservation approach provides benefits to the local community while meaningfully involving them in the process.

My research included an extensive literature review, informal and formal interviews as well as participant observation for one month on-site. The objective was to understand what it means to empower and involve local communities in a meaningful way in community-based ecotourism projects.

I will argue that La Tortuga Feliz, although facilitating some benefits to the community, also disempowers the …

Predicting Expenditure Patterns Based On Motivations To Travel For Active Sport Tourists, Chris Brown

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The present study continued the line of research into general tourism motivations and expenditures by further expanding the scope into active sport tourists traveling to participate in a specific sport. In completing this research, a broad range of travel, expenditure, and motivational factors were considered. In addition, multiple regression was utilized to answer the proposed research question in an attempt to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of active sport tourists' motivations for travel and their subsequent expenditures.

Maymester 2011: New York City Trip, Eneida Marie Santiago

Undergraduate Research Conference

The NYC Maymester Trip 2011 was an unconventional learning experience. A small group of students drove up to NYC with Professor Peter Andrew for a Maymester Advanced Art Studio Course. Each student was responsible for making a connection between this class and their major. One condition set for making this class trip was an agreement to document it and upon returning create a piece of artwork that reflected our experiences to showcase in a group exhibit.

Education Structures For Ecotourism: A Case Study On Shangri-La, Ruth Donaghey

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Tourism is changing Shangri-La’s physical and economic landscape. Though tourism can provide revenues to support the community, it can also have negative impacts. In the midst of the myriad positives and negatives of Shangri-La’s tourism industry, the area has tremendous environmental and cultural assets, along with capable eco-tourism leaders, that can all be used to affect positive tourism growth. At the root of this growth lies fundamental education and training programs that are essential in establishing sustainable ecotourism. In an area where tourism is booming, integrating ecotourism within the larger picture will prove essential for the proper development of the …

Responsible Tourism In Samoa: An Exploration Of Attitudes In Samoa Towards Responsibility In Tourism, Teresa Kline

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The goal of this research was to determine what tourists, Samoans working in the tourism industry, and employees of the Samoa Tourism Authority believe the impacts of tourism on Samoa are, and what responsibilities tourists have as visitors. After establishing a definition of responsible tourism according to each group studied, the STA’s tourism goals and risk assessment were analyzed to determine how well they relate to these definitions. The actions of both tourists and employees in the tourism industry impact the effects tourism has on Samoa, and understanding what the perceived responsibilities of tourists are can help mediate the effects …

Cambiar El Negocio De La Finca: Un Perfil Del Agroturismo En La Provincia De Herrera, Julianne Gagnon

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

In 2008, Panama formulated a long-term tourism plan for the country, and agritourism was a main element that was being introduced. There are requirements and qualifications for a farm to be considered an agritourism farm by the Panamanian government and these farms are increasing in number each year. A farm must be accredited by both the Ministerio de Desarrollo Agropecuario (MIDA), which evaluates the agricultural practices for “buenas practicas,” and by the Autoridad de Turismo de Panama, which determines if the farm’s infrastructure is compatible with visitors. Since it is such a new form of tourism in Panama it is …

Reacciones Al Turismo En Los Tejidos De Huilloc Y Chinchero: Una Comparación Entre Dos Pueblos, Sarah Lyon

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Los textiles en la cultura Andina no son un arte estacionario, sino como la gente, se adaptan a los nuevos tiempos y la cultura occidental. Eso no es porque la cultura y arte de los pueblos indígenas en los Andes son más propensos a las influencias de afuera, o que son más variables que otras culturas. Pensar que los pueblos indígenas y su cultura están ‘influenciado’ o ‘impactado’ por la cultura occidental es pensar que los pueblos indígenas son pasivos sin la voz para decir lo que van a escoger a sacar de la cultura occidental. Es mejor para hablar …

An Investigation In Culinary Life And Professional Identity In Practice During Internship, Frank Cullen

Other resources

This paper forms part of a larger Doctorial research study into internship and provides an overview of culinary life and of the many celebrated chefs who travelled to gain culinary experience before Erasmus funding was available for internship. I also use this paper to provide a synopsis of kitchen systems and present a review of studies related to internship. I attempt to provide some insight into internship and culinary practice in order to augment the forthcoming internship framework. The paper commences with a short review of Georges Auguste Escoffier, one of the most celebrated chefs of all time and one …

Inbound International Tourism To The United States: A Panel Data Analysis, E. M. Ekanayake, Mihalis Halkides, John R. Ledgerwood

Publications

The objective of this paper is to analyze the demand for tourist arrivals to the United States, using the panel cointegration technique. The study attempts to identify and measure the impact of the main determinants of inbound international tourism flows to the United States. The study uses annual data from 1986 to 2011 for tourist arrivals from 50 major countries of tourist origin. The specified model includes several country-specific determinants. The panel unit root tests indicate all the variables are integrated of order one. The panel cointegration tests show that all seven test statistics reject the null hypothesis of no …

The Hotel As The Holiday/Stay Destination: Trends And Innovations., Gereva Hackett, Detta Melia

Conference papers

This paper analyses trends in the international hotel industry and provides insights into the trends that are most likely to influence future business success. Trends, such as, design, social and lifestyle changes, the eco-hotel, the historically significant hotel, the sports hotel, the health spa, the quirky hotel, the boutique hotel and the fashionable hotel which are differentiating the traditional hotel product are discussed. This paper is based on primary and secondary research providing a comprehensive snapshot of trends in the sector. Primary research was carried out through an in-depth study and content analysis of hotels worldwide.

These hotels are now …

The Role Of Language In Shaping The International Cultural Tourism Experience Of Student-Travelers, Avina Ramnani

Master's Theses

This qualitative, exploratory study sought insight into how language affects the cultural tourism experience in the international tourism context. Data were obtained through semi-structured interviews of 13 student-travelers, who traveled with the San Jose State University's study-abroad programs. The analysis of the data was carried out within a socio-linguistic context using grounded theory methods. Findings indicated that travel motivations and the perception of significance of the language spoken at a destination were intimately connected. Further, the desire on the part of the student-travelers to experience the local culture affected the desire for interaction with the host population, which was in …

Achievingsustainable Tourism Futures: Putting The Dit-Achievmodel Into Practice, Jane Fitzgerald, Sheila Flanagan, Kevin Griffin

Conference papers

No abstract provided.

Stretching Ties: Social Capital In The Rebranding Of Coos County, New Hampshire, Michele Dillon

Carsey Publications

Place rebranding is gaining in popularity as cities and rural communities alike attempt to expand their revenue streams through innovative marketing strategies that seek to revitalize or create tourism destinations. These efforts tend to come about as part of an economic development strategy pursued by communities that have borne steep economic losses resulting from global economic restructuring and the decline in traditional manufacturing, agriculture, and natural-resource extraction. Author Michele Dillon explores the role of social capital in rural wealth generation by focusing on how it was used to advance place rebranding in Coos County in northern New Hampshire.

A Geologic Guide To The Gokyo Ri Trek: Its Hazards, Nepal’S Hindrances, Allison Bolger

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The purpose of this Independent Research Project is to study the geology of the Gokyo Ri Trek and record it in the form of a publishable, trailside guidebook. This guidebook will not only enhance trekkers’ academic experience with enjoyable, interesting facts about Gokyo’s geology, but will also inform them of the natural hazards all around. From glacial lakes and high mountain peaks to precarious scree slopes and towering ice falls, the geology of Sagarmatha National Park offers more than just rocks and snow. With these natural, yet highly unpredictable wonders and the tourists they attract also comes the power to …

Social Tourism And Sustainable Policy: A Natural Fit, Or A Forced Relationship?, Kevin Griffin, Jane Stacey

Conference papers

The issue of Social tourism (the title of which is a much contested term) has been on the European agenda for a number of years. In Ireland, while there is a multitude of Social tourism provision there is little or no recognition for it at an official level, with the largest share of provision being at the voluntary / NGO level. At the same time, across Europe a variety of official structures promote 'tourism for all'.

This paper reflects on the various approaches that could be taken to promote Social Tourism and have it recognised as an agenda item for …

Above The Mukpa: The Shifting Ground Of Khumbu's Sacred Geography, Noah Brautigam

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The Himalayan region is suffering from global warming,2 and the effects are felt at all scales, from the local to the global. Himalayan glaciers feed ten major Asian rivers, and 1.3 billion people in southern and southeast Asia reside in those river basins (Eriksson, et al. 2009:1). Global warming is melting these glaciers at a rapid rate, with retreat ranging from 10 to 60 meters per year on average, and many smaller glaciers already disappearing (Mool, Bajracharya and Shrestha 2008:1). This research is a study of local perceptions of global warming and glacial melt among the Sherpas of Khumbu, Nepal. …

The Grand Tour And Development Of Tourism: 1600-1900, Osher Map Library

Osher Map Library Exhibition Catalogs

The Grand Tour and Development of Tourism, 1600 to 1900.

October 4, 2011 to April 28, 2012

The 400th anniversary of Thomas Coryat’s "Crudities" (1611), the first tourist memoir, is celebrated by this history, to 1918, of the European tourism industry and the development of guidebooks and maps.

Curated by Yolanda Theunissen, USM.

“Gente Que Va Y Viene”: Relaciones Entre El Turismo Y Las Comunidades Mapuche En La Zona De San Martín De Los Andes “People Who Come And Go”: Relationships Between Tourism And Mapuche Communities Near San Martin De Los Andes, Katharine Sullivan

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

In this Independent Study Project, I investigate the relationship between tourists and the tourism industry and two indigenous Mapuche communities located near the popular vacation destination of San Martín de los Andes, located in the province of Neuquén in Argentinean Patagonia. Historically, these Mapuche communities have had a difficult and complex relationship with the government, Lanín National Park, and the tourism industry of San Martín de los Andes due to repeated human rights violations, discrimination, and marginalization on the part of these institutions. However, recently attempts to foster mutually beneficial and culturally respectful forms of tourism in the Mapuche communities …

Medical Travel Facilitator Websites: An Exploratory Study Of Web Page Contents And Services Offered To The Prospective Medical Tourist, Dan Cormany, Seyhmus Baloglu

Faculty Publications

The growing trend of traveling outside of one's country for medical services, commonly known as “medical tourism” is expected to continue to grow exponentially in the next ten years (Keckley, 2008). With multiple destinations from which to select, and available information representing this type of travel being of variable reliability, many prospective medical travelers turn to the use of a “medical tourism facilitator”, who perform a variety of trip coordination responsibilities for the medical traveler. These medical tourism facilitators, themselves a new phenomenon to support travel to various global regions, may operate within the traveler's home country or the destination …

Putting The Dit-Achiev Model Into Practice “Empowering The Tourism Industry”, Kevin Griffin, Sheila Flanagan, Jane Fitzgerald

Conference papers

No abstract provided.

A Survey And 5-Point Analysis Of Modern Day Human Trafficking, Sarah Wietbrock

Social Sciences

No abstract provided.

Do Travelers Support Green Practices And Sustainable Development, Patrick Tierney, Mercedes Hunt, Pavlina Latkova

Journal of Tourism Insights

A 2007 survey of managers from RCRA members found strong motivational support for green practices. These and other findings suggest there is broad support for green practices among resort managers. However, it is unclear the level of traveler support for eco-friendly practices. Study objectives were to: Investigate consumers’ attitudes toward environmentally responsible or green practices in the travel industry; identify green practices they’ve undertaken while traveling; explore factors influencing traveler adoption of green practices; and provide implications for the travel industry. In spring 2008 an intercept survey of travelers visiting the California Welcome Center at Pier 39 in San Francisco, …

Examining The Use Of Rv Travel Forums For Campground Searches, Jill Fjelstul, Kimberly Severt

Journal of Tourism Insights

The aim of the present study is to explore how RV travelers use online travel forums in their campground search. The identification of such variables will assist campground owners and operators in their marketing strategies, competitive positioning, and improving the overall experience for the RV traveler at their chosen campground and destination.

Spring Break: Pulling In The Student Market, Sheila A. Scott-Halsell, Wanlanai Saiprasert

Journal of Tourism Insights

Spring Break is big business for many tourism destinations. Although many students are budget conscious, by sheer volume, they make a noteworthy financial impact on a destination and the local community. To better understand what pulls current domestic Spring Break travelers to their destination choice, a study was conducted evaluating the importance of Spring Break destination attributes in students’ trip decisions. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted which reduced 24 pull attributes to four core Spring Break decision making pull factors. The core factors identified are: Destination Attributes, Financial, Accessibility, and Uncertainty Avoidance. Further analysis demonstrated only limited significant differences in …

Food And Wine Tourism In Post-War Lebanon, Lindsay Milich

Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration

Tourism has played a major role in Lebanon since its peak period of 1930-1974; sometimes subsiding as a result of war and conflict, but always rebounding at least to some extent. Lebanon’s touristic appeal includes its geographic location between the East and the West, its varied landscape (beaches and mountains), its hospitable and diverse population, and its well loved cuisine. The focus of this study was food and wine initiatives across the country, and their role as related to the traditional tourism industry. The purpose of this study was to develop an understanding of the nature of regional and community …

Determinants Of Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking And The Urgent Need For A Global Cultural Shift, Karen M. Hoover

Senior Honors Theses

In the United States, an overtly selfish and sexual culture contributes to the spread of human trafficking, thereby requiring a complete culture shift in order to diminish this modern day slavery initiated by the aberrant culture. Sex trafficking of minors in the United States encompasses a variety of factors that facilitate the bondage and brutal enslavement of American children. These children are bought and sold hundreds of times, with no regard for their personal well-being. Major factors such as demand, vulnerability, and America’s induced culture of sex serve to increase the environment that trap children and youth in commercial sexual …

Yongzhi Village: An Example For Sustainable Tourism And Development In Deqin County, Kiersten Brown

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Nestled beneath misty mountain peaks, among the Salween, Mekong, and Yangtze rivers, a beautiful Tibetan village lies. Alongside low-lying mountain creeks and waterfalls this village is in Deqin County of Yunnan’s Deqin Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (Deqin TAP). The Deqin TAP is the most Northwest prefecture of Yunnan. Deqin boasts that 33% of its population is comprised of the dominant minority group, Tibetans. Deqin prefecture is comprised of three counties, Shangrila County, Deqin County, and Weixi County. Deqin County is mostly comprised of small Tibetan towns and villages like Yongzhi. About 100 families inhabit Yongzhi. The village is placed right along …

Cultural Tourism Products: A Case Study In The Xi’An City, Yining Zhang

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Nowadays, culture has been a major driver of tourism. Cultural tourism is another form of tourism by involving cultural elements. Some people traveled specifically to gain a deeper understanding of the culture or heritage of a destination. In order to satisfy tourists’ cultural needs and wants, cultural tourism products typically attracts consumers by the cultural attributes. A cultural attest is not a cultural tourism product unless it transforms itself into products that could be consumed by tourists. The market value of cultural tourism can be realized by cultural tourism products. This paper is to explore the development and evaluation of …

Explore The Phenomenon Of Buddhist Temple Stay In South Korea For Tourists, Wei Wang

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Temple Stay program is a newly developed but comparatively mature tourism product in Korea, which is to accommodate and cater tourists in Buddhist temples and have them experience over 1700 years Korean traditions of Buddhism and culture. As a product of compromise between Korean Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the most influential Buddhist organization Jogye Order, Temple Stay program was first launched in 2002 during FIFA World Cup to receive excessive international tourists. Through almost ten-year systematical development, Temple Stay program turns out to be a distinctive phenomenon which successfully establishes a unique identity of Korean culture and tourism, …

The Tourists And The Toured: Identity In Greenmarket Square, Sophia Perlman

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

This project explores the intersection between vendors and tourists in Greenmarket Square, a popular arts and crafts market in Cape Town. I examine the way in which the identities of the vendors and tourists are co-constructed in this market setting. I focus, in particular, on how vendors articulate and negotiate their identity through the tourist gaze. In addition, I consider the role of the objects in the co-construction of the tourists and toured identities. My findings are based on data gathered through participant observation with vendors, interviews with vendors and tourists, and content analysis of objects and tourist guidebooks. My …