bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Empirically Profiling Four Recreational Vehicle Market Segments
Authors: Hawes Douglass K.
Published: March 2008

The recreational vehicle (R V) industry and attendant consumer market characteristics have received scant attention in research journals. This article examines the characteristics of owners, those who would like to own, those who would not like to own, and those who are not sure about owning either a travel trailer, camping trailer, or truck camper. The data indicate varying differences between owners and the other three market segments.
Skiing: Last in Line for Land?
Authors: Fry John
Published: March 2008

John Fry, Editorial Director of SKI Magazine, speaks out on the use of land for skiing. He presents some interesting ideas that have been shared with other audiences. These ideas suggest new policy implications, and readers' comments are invited.
Highlights of the Ninth Annual TTRA Conference Ottawa, Canada, June 26-28, 1978
Authors: Dicke Karen P. , Goeldner Charles R.
Published: March 2008

The following paragraphs briefly summarize the ninth Annual Conference of The Travel Research Association held in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Conference registrants and members of TTRA will automatically receive a copy of the confer ence proceedings when they are published. Other readers who wish to receive a copy of the proceedings may order copies for $25 from Mari Lou Wood, Executive Secre tary, TTRA, Bureau of Economic and Business Research, University of Utah, Box 8066, Foothill Station, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108.
Tourism Barometers: The Arizona Case
Authors: Bond M.E. , Mcdonald Bill
Published: March 2008

A growing interest has recently developed in the tourism industry and its impact on state and local economies. Unlike other industries that are indigenous to an area, no clear yardstick of economic performance exists to measure tourism. This article proposes the tourism barometer as a workable measure of this industry, using the Arizona example as a means of examining the concept—the development, initial results, assumed benefits, and most notable weaknesses.
Travel Compatibility on the Upper Mississippi River
Authors: Becker Robert H.
Published: March 2008

A compatibility index illustrates how boaters on the Upper Mississippi River feel about encounters with each other along the riverway. All five principal craft types—runabouts, houseboats, cabin cruisers, fishing boats, and canoes—enjoyed meeting others using the same craft over all other craft types. Users in cabin cruisers were the most tolerant toward other user groups. However, they were uniformly the least tolerated group. Canoeists, on the other hand, were the least tolerant group, but were highly tolerated. Separating the average compatibility index (ACI) into components allows construction of a desirability coefficient which could prove useful in developing management techniques to optimize each river use group's enjoyment.
Highlights of TTRA Preconference Educators' Meeting San Antonio, Texas, June 3, 1979
Authors: Dicke Karen P. , Goeldner C.R. , Barnet Ed , Mead Bernard , Pizam Abraham , Jafari Jafar
Published: March 2008

The following paragraphs briefly summarize the TTRA Educators' Meeting held on Sunday, June 3, at the 10th Annual TTRA Conference in San Antonio, Texas. While this session was the result of the efforts of many people, it was coordinated by Henry Cohen of the New School for Social Research. Readers interested in obtaining additional information should contact Dr. Cohen, Dean, Graduate School of Management and Urban Professions, New School for Social Research, 66 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10011.
A Case Study of Secondary Impacts Comparing Through and Vacationing Travelers
Authors: Harmston Floyd K.
Published: March 2008

This paper describes a study conducted in Southwestern Wyoming in the early 1960s to determine the comparative impact of through versus recreational travelers. While the data used are old, it is felt that the methodology used is worthy of review as studies of this nature are rare in the travel industry. It is hoped that results shown will encourage others to design surveys to further test the comparative impact of these travelers.
Highlights of TTRA Educators' Meeting Savannah, Georgia, June 15, 1980
Authors: Goeldner C.R. , Dicke Karen , Mead Bernard
Published: March 2008

The following paragraphs briefly summarize the TTRA Educators' Meeting held on Sunday, June 15, at the 11th Annual TTRA Conference in Savannah, Georgia. While this session was the result of the efforts of many people, it was coor dinated by Bernard Mead, University of Wyoming. Readers interested in obtaining additional information should contact Dr. Mead, 401-D Willow Street, Alameda, California 94501.
The Case for Restricted Deep Discount Air Fares
Authors: Thiel Gerald E.
Published: March 2008

The airline industry and the general public benefit from sound discount fares which meet the conditions for economic justification. Types of discount fares-promotional and structural-and the importance of the discount fare meeting the test of economic justification (improving the profitability of the offering airline or the industry) are discussed.
Dissertations on Travel, Recreation, and Leisure
Authors: Bachus Diana
Published: March 2008

This manuscript is a compilation of dissertations on travel, recreation and leisure as listed in Dissertation Abstracts International.
Improved Mileage, Discretionary Income, and Travel for Pleasure
Authors: Bryan William R.
Published: March 2008

The nation's automobile fleet is changing toward increasingly fuel-efficient automobiles. These changes will have a favorable impact on discretionary income and, further, will lead to substitution effects favoring driving for pleasure. Such developments are likely to lead to an increased demand for tourist facilities geared toward such travel.
Applying a Package Goods Research Method to Tourism Marketing
Authors: Eastlack Joseph O.
Published: March 2008

A visitor survey tackles the problem of increasing the efficiency of Curacao's marketing strategy. This article focuses on two areas: (1) the tourists' biggest problems with Curacao, which must be the focus of corrective efforts, and (2) Curacao's nonproblem areas, or positive aspects which can be featured in advertis ing and promotion. A consumer research technique called problem detection, widely used in package goods marketing, was applied to the development of an improved marketing strategy for Curacao.
Guidelines for Socially Appropriate Tourism Development in British Columbia
Authors: Cooke Karen
Published: March 2008

The economic benefits traditionally associated with tourism development are now being measured against its potential for social disruption. Increasingly there are examples of tourist-resident tension and conflict resulting from the imposition of visitor facilities, and especially attitudes and values, on the host culture. This article is based on the premise that there is a limit, in any community, to resident tolerance to tourism: this is defined as community carrying capacity for tourism. To investigate this hypothesis, an exploratory study was undertaken in two British Columbia communities characterized by very different social conditions. The conclusions of this study were used to describe paradigms of socially appropriate tourism development. Finally, guidelines were developed for future British Columbia tourism planning that will respect resident needs and priorities while maintaining the quality of the tourism experience.
Managerial Leadership: The Hospitality Industry's Response to the New Work Aesthetic
Authors: Keegan Brendan M.
Published: March 2008

While the old ethic toward work remains, concern with the quality of work in the workplace has emerged. This aesthetic has created a demand for jobs which fill the employee's emotional, social, and motivational needs, and accordingly demands changes in the traditional styles by which people have been managed. This change presents a particular challenge to the hospitality industry, where jobs do not have the inherent aesthetic qualities that are demanded. Consequently, the focus must be on improving the managerial leadership. This article presents a leadership model which emphasizes supportive relationships between management and employees and encourages an increased participation by employees in issues that affect their work. The benefits of this model for improving the overall service and hospitality environment are also discussed.
The Use of Travel Research for Manpower Planning
Authors: Gibson Ken
Published: March 2008

Rapid growth and constantly changing delivery systems subject the travel and tourism industry to dramatic fluctuations in the number of workers and the skill required to efficiently deliver the product. This is evidenced by seasonal peaks and valleys in the volume of activity, and consequently the personnel needs present a major challenge to the tourism manager. This article explores the use of travel research techniques and data to assist management in better anticipating staffing requirements, and planning for an orderly delivery system.
Segmenting State Travel Information Inquirers by Timing of the Destination Decision and Previous Experience
Authors: Perdue Richard R.
Published: March 2008

In an effort to evaluate the effectiveness of its travel advertising programs, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development annually conducts an inquiry-conversion study. This survey gathers, among other data, information on the trip characteristics and travel decision-making behaviors of individuals who visit Nebraska. This article reports these data relative to when the destination decision was made (whether before or after receiving the Nebraska Travel Informationpacket) and to previous experience in Nebraska.
Olympulse II - Evolving Resident Attitudes Toward the 1988 Olympic Winter Games
Authors: Ritchie J.R. Brent , Aitken Catherine E.
Published: March 2008

This article describes the second of a series of ongoing studies designed to monitor resident attitudes towards various aspects of the hosting of the XV Olympic Winter Games to be held in Calgary in 1988. Data for the present research were gathered in March 1984.
Ste p Two in Benefit Segmentation: Learning the Benefits Realized by Major Travel Markets
Authors: Woodside Arch G. , Jacobs Laurence W.
Published: March 2008

The benefits realized from product use may differ widely for different market segments. The benefits experienced from traveling to the same vacation destination by three different national samples are reported. Canadian visitors most often reported rest and relaxation as the major benefit realized from their Hawaii visits, mainland Americans reported cultural experiences, andJapanese visitors reported family togetherness as major benefits realized. Different marketing positioning strategies are recommended for each national market segment based on the results of the study. Travel research on the benefits realized by different visitor markets is recommended.
Deriving a Relative Price Index for Inclusion in International Tourism Demand Estimation Models
Authors: Uysal Muzaffer , Crompton John L.
Published: March 2008

This article describes a model which explains and predicts international tourist flows to Turkey. Weights used for the relative price indexes of tourist-generating countries are adjusted to incorporate the competitiveness of the other destination countries relative to Turkey.
Black American Tourists: Some Research Findings
Authors: Goodrich Jonathan N.
Published: March 2008

Although the 27 million blacks in the United States represent 12% of the population, no large-scale study of black tourist behavior has been done in the U.S.A. This pilot study of black tourists indicates some countries outside the U.S.A. that blacks would most like to visit for vacations, why they would be inclined to visit these countries, criteria for selecting a vacation destination outside the U.S.A., reasons for and against travel, satisfactions from travel, magazines blacks read, and demographics.
Locational Analysis I n Campground Development Decisions
Authors: Fesenmaier Daniel R. , Roehl Wesley S.
Published: March 2008

Recreation planning agencies increasingly are becoming market-oriented, and resources are being managed to meet standards of cost effectiveness. As a part of this new perspective, recreation planners and managers are employing locational analysis to aid their site selection and development decisions. This study illustrates the use of locational analysis in evaluating the potential for campground development in Texas, and reveals that successful commercial campground operators in Texas have tended to locate near large bodies of water, population centers, and major thoroughfares. The results also indicate, however, that few areas in the state warrant new campground development. Finally, it was suggested that beyond locational decisions managerial strategies strongly influence the success of commercial campgrounds.
The Influence of Unplanned Attraction Visits on Expenditures by Travel-Through Visitors
Authors: Perdue Richard R.
Published: March 2008

The purpose of this research was to examine the relationship between unplanned or im pulse attraction visits and expenditures by travel-through visitors to Nebraska. Of 1,424 travel-through visitors to Nebraska who entered the state with no plans to visit an attrac tion, 136 (9.6%) made one or more unplanned or impulse attraction visits. As compared to travel-through visitors who did not make an attraction visit, these individuals spent sig nificantly more money in the state. Using a log-linear regression model, the number of attraction visits was significantly related to expenditures, even when controlling for length of stay and party size. Thus, for travel-through regions, the study results support the com mon marketing focus on "getting visitors off the interstate."
Foreign Pleasure Travel by Americans
Authors: Taylor Gordon D.
Published: March 2008

This article summarizes the findings of a market survey of Americans who are candidatesforpleasure travel to Canada and compares Canada with three otherpotential destinations — the Caribbean, Europe, and Mexico — in terms of the demographic characteristics of travelers to those areas.
Travel 1986: The Year I n Review
Authors: Goeldner C.R.
Published: March 2008

The following paragraphs briefly summarize the First Annual Travel Review Conference co-sponsored by the Travel and Tourism Research Association and the U.S. Travel and Tourism Administration, February 20, 1987 in Washington, D.C. Proceedings will be pub lished and can be ordered from Mari Lou Wood, Executive Director, TTRA, Bureau of Economic and Business Research, University of Utah, P.O. Box 8066, Foothill Station, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108.
Tourism: The Orphan Of Caribbean Programs
Authors: Zagaris Bruce , Emery Louis E.
Published: March 2008

This article proposes several means by which tourism in the Caribbean basin can be encouraged.
Terrorism And Travel: Managing The Unmanageable
Authors: Conant Jeffrey S. , Clark Terry , Burnett John J. , Zank Gail
Published: March 2008

This article reports the findings of a study undertaken to ascertain how travel agency marketing directors confronted the terrorism crisis of 1986. Results from a mail survey conducted with the 359 largest U. S. travel agencies during the height of the crisis, mid-summer 1986, indicate that promotion strategies played an integral role in overall crisis management. Respondents also recommend that improvements be made in traveler security systems. Managerial implications are assessed and the importance of advance crisis planning is stressed
Group Tour Management: Does Good Service Produce Satisfied Customers?
Authors: Whipple Thomas W. , Thach Sharon V.
Published: March 2008

A modified version of the expectation/performance paradigm was applied in a specific group tour situation to measure the relative importance of tourism services and attractions to satisfaction with a weekend motorcoach tour to Niagara Falls. It was determined that the experience level of the traveler did not significantly affect expectations norperformance ratings. Utilizing repeated measures ANOVA, two service features (tour escort service and convenience of departurepoints) and one attraction (sightseeing) were singled out as being the attributes which contributed significantly to satisfaction with the trip and to intention to book another tour. These three variables were not rated as most important in the travelers' tour selection processes.
Assessing The Contribution Of Tourism To International Understanding
Authors: Mings Robert C.
Published: March 2008

This research explored the capability of tourists to affect international understanding. The study focuses on the question of whether the Barbados hotel employees have greater knowledge and more positive attitudes toward the United States than other Barbadians with less American contact. The results of 400 worker interviews indicate that while hotel employees demonstrate knowledge of and sympathy toward the United States, their performance is not significantly different from other Barbadians outside of the tourist industry.
A Model Of Tourists' Propensity To Buy: The Case Of Japanese Visitors To Hawaii
Authors: Keown Charles F.
Published: March 2008

The findings of a survey of 490 Japanese tourists visiting Hawaii suggest a model for tourists' propensity to buy goods in a vacation destination. The verbal model considers types of products available, level of domestic tax and import duties, relative value of specific goods, and retailer strategy.
The Relationship Between Sociodemographic Variables, Benefits Sought and Subsequent Vacation Behavior: A Case Study
Authors: Gitelson Richard J. , Kerstetter Deborah L.
Published: March 2008

This article reports an empirical test of the relationship between sociodemographic variables, benefits sought and subsequent vacation behavior. Thedatawereobtainedusing a questionnaire administered to consumers who requested the 1984 North Carolina Travel Information Packet. The results of the study supported two notions: that a relationship does exist between some sociodemographic variables and the benefits vacation travelers seek and that the benefits sought are in turn related to certain travel behaviors. The findings can be used in developing various segmentation strategies.
Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Travel Trade Shows And Other Tourism Sales-Promotion Techniques
Authors: Pizam Abraham
Published: March 2008

This article analyzes the uses of sales-promotion programs in the tourism industry and proposes a number of quantitative and qualitative methods for evaluating their effectiveness.
Highlights Of The 21 st Annual TTRA Conference New Orleans, Louisiana, June 10-13, 1990
Authors: Dipersio Cindy , Hayden Gin , Goeldner C.R.
Published: March 2008

The following paragraphs briefly summarize the 21st Annual Conference of the Travel and Tourism Research Association held in New Orleans, Louisiana. Conference registrants and members of TTRA will automatically receive a copy of the conference proceedings when they are published. Other readers who wish to receive a copy of the proceedings may order copies from Mari Lou Wood, Executive Director, TTRA, Bureau of Economic and Business Research, University of Utah, P.O. Box 58066, Foothill Station, Salt Lake City, Utah 84158.
Highlights Of The 22nd Annual TTRA Conference Long Beach, California, June 9-13, 1991
Authors: Dipersio Cindy , Hayden Gin , Little Jan Crispen , Goeldner C.R.
Published: March 2008

Thefollowingparagraphs briefly summarize the 22ndAnnual Conference ofthe Travel and Tourism Research Association held in Long Beach, California. Conference regis trants and members of TTRA will automatically receive a copy of the conference proceed ings when they are published. Other readers who wish to receive a copy of the proceedings may order copies from TTRA, Bureau of Economic and Business Research, University of Utah, P. O. Box 58066, Foothill Station, Salt Lake City, UT 84158.
Tourism Forecasting: Error Magnitude, Direction of Change Error, and Trend Change Error
Authors: Witt Stephen F. , Witt Christine A.
Published: March 2008

Forecasting accuracy can be assessed in various ways. The most popular accuracy measures are based on the magnitude of error, but directional accuracy and trend change accuracy are also important. Seven quantitative forecasting methods are used to forecast one-year-ahead international tourist flows, and the consistency of accuracy rankings across the various accuracy measures is analyzed. The "no change" extrapolation model is ranked most accurate in terms of error magnitude, econometrics is ranked first in terms of direction of change error, and exponential smoothing is ranked first in terms of trend change error.
An American Study of Tourism Marketing: Impact of the Persian Gulf War
Authors: Goodrich Jonathan N.
Published: March 2008

This is a touristic study of 315 travelers (including 10 travel agents) during the Persian Gulf War, regarding the impact of the war on their business and leisure plans and on tourism marketing. A structured questionnaire was the main instrument of data collection and was supplemented with secondary data. Some of the impacts included reduced travel abroad, tightened security at airports and hotels, the increased growth of video conferencing, more aggressive tourism promotion by individual states, the greater use of telemarketing and champagne and cheese parties to lure corporate travelers, and travel discounts to soldiers who fought in the war.
The Social, Economic, and Environmental Costs of Tourism to a Gaming Community as Perceived By Its Residents
Authors: Caneday Lowell , Zeiger Jeffrey
Published: March 2008

Residents' and entrepreneurs' attitudes were studied in Deadwood, South Dakota, with respect to the impact of tourism on the economy, social structure, employment opportunities, lifestyle, and environment of the community. The value of tourism is recognized, and the impact of re-introduction of gambling is acknowledged by both groups.
The Influence of Multiple Trips on Inquiry Conversion Research Results
Authors: Perdue Richard R. , Gustke Larry D.
Published: March 2008

The purpose of this article is to examine the implications of multiple visits to inquiry conversion results. Across five inquiry conversion studies, an average of 16.8% of the survey respondents reported making multiple trips to the destination area (1) after receiv ing the travel information packet, and (2) during the calendar year of the inquiry. Of those individuals who visited the destination, an average of 30.1% made more than one trip. Allowing for multiple trips increased the estimate of total trips by 37.7%, of total person- nights by 39.4%, and of total visitor expenditures by 34.7%.
The Impact of Family Life Cycle on the Vacation Decision-making Process
Authors: Fodness Dale
Published: March 2008

This study explored the impact of family life cycle on family travel decision making. Stages in the family life cycle were found to be reflected both in information search and in the final decision. Implications for tourism marketers interested in influencing consumer choice are discussed.
Tourism in a Global Context: The Case of Frequent Traveler Programs
Authors: Mowlana Hamid , Smith Ginger
Published: March 2008

International tourism integrates itself into the complex world of contemporary global affairs through its dependence on telecommunications technologies and its tolerance for widely fluctuating political, economic, and social conditions. A little-explored area which illustrates the relationship of telecommunications and tourism in terms of factors of globalization is the frequent traveler, and especially the frequent flyer program concept.
A Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Socially and Environmentally Responsible Tourism
Authors: d'Amore Louis J.
Published: March 2008

Ecotourism — socially responsible, environmentally protective tourism — is a growing field of increasing interest. This article describes efforts at the global level, and particularly in Canada, to develop guidelines and codes of ethics to shape ecotourism in response to the 1987 report from the U.N. Commission on the Environment and Develop ment (The Brundtland Commission).
Service Quality and Customer Loyalty in the Commercial Airline Industry
Authors: Ostrowski Peter L. , O'Brien Terrence V. , Gordon Geoffrey L.
Published: March 2008

The study examines issues related to service quality and customer loyalty in the commercial airline industry. The results of an empirical study, using data collected on two air carriers, indicate that current levels of perceived service quality are below potential and that customer loyalty to airlines is low. A significant relationship was found to exist between service quality (carrier image) and retained preference, a measure of customer loyalty.
Measuring Destination Attractiveness: A Contextual Approach
Authors: Yangzhou Hu  , Ritchie J.R. Brent
Published: March 2008

This study examines two different types of vacation experiences as the experimental factors and empirically incorporates a context specific approach into the measurement of destination attractiveness. A total of 400 respondents were interviewed by telephone. Three areas were examined for two different vacation experiences: (1) the relative importance of touristic attributes in contributing to the attractiveness of a travel destination, (2) the variations in the perceived ability of destinations to satisfy tourists' needs, and (3) the influence of previous visitation experience with each destination on perceived attractiveness. A multiattribute situational attitude measurement model was employed to obtain a numerical index of the touristic attractiveness for each of the five destinations studied. Finally, the implications of these findings concerning marketing and development initiatives to improve the physical and perceptual attractiveness of the various destinations under study are discussed.
A New Index for Tourism: The Case of Maine and the Canadian Provinces
Authors: Sanders Thomas B. , Beard Sarah J. , Levesque David , Smith George
Published: March 2008

A new measure of tourism spending expenditures, using sales tax data, might be more complete than other methods found in the literature. The authors assert that benefits of tourism spending can be measured only in terms of profits in the form of actual taxes the jurisdictions collect and by returns to tourism proprietors, net of expenses. In contrast, other studies that focus only on gross spending overestimate the benefits of tourism.
Segmenting Travel Markets with the International Tourism Role (ITR) Scale
Authors: Mo Chul-Min , Havitz Mark E. , Howard Dennis R.
Published: March 2008

Although many attempts have been made to segment travel markets, few studies have used conceptually-based, standardized instrumentation. This study illustrates how the International Tourism Role (ITR) scale by Mo, Howard, and Havitz (1993), developed using the conceptual framework of Cohen's (1972) tourist role typology, can be used to segment international tourist markets. Cluster analysis of ITR factor scores indicated the 461 respon dents could be classified into four distinct clusters. The clusters were confirmed by selected sociodemographic and behavioral trip characteristic variables. The composition of the clusters partially supported Cohen's classification scheme, but also revealed nuances result ingfrom the ITR scale's multidimensional interpretation of novelty in international tourism. Although results cannot be generalized beyond the study population, this study shows the potential for segmenting international travel markets with the ITR scale.
Traveler Preferences for Information Center Attributes and Services
Authors: Perdue Richard R.
Published: March 2008

The purposes of the research reported in this article were to measure consumer preferences for different visitor information center attributes, to examine the importance of these attributes for travelers as compared to center managers, and to determine the best location for a proposed new visitor information center in Colorado. The data collection included an open-ended attribute identification task, a Likert assessment to determine the impor tance of the identified attributes, and a conjoint experiment to determine more specifically the importance of selected center access attributes. The key center attributes were ease of access into the center, ease of access back onto the interstate, and distance from the interstate. Distance from the state border and location vis-à-vis the first exit with extensive services were not important to travelers. Visitation estimates as a function of traffic flow and center attractiveness were then calculated for each of the proposed sites for the new center.
Wildlife-Viewing Tourists in New Zealand
Authors: Pearce Douglas G. , Wilson Paula M.
Published: March 2008

This article profiles wildlife-viewing tourists in New Zealand, establishing how their characteristics differ from other international visitors to that country and examining a range of behavioral and attitudinal factors. Results indicate that these tourists have above average total expenditure and lengths of stay and spread the expenditure more widely through New Zealand. The evidence also suggests that for most people engaging in wildlife-viewing tourism in New Zealand this activity is only one activity among many.
Identifying Market Potential: The Application of Brand Development Indexing to Pleasure Travel
Authors: Bonn Mark A. , Brand Richard R.
Published: March 2008

Tourism and travel marketing executives have historically been faced with challenges related to the accurate measurement of market demand and the accurate identification of market potential. Market demand and market potential differ from each other. It is there fore important to understand how they differ with respect to tourism and hospitality services marketing. This study applied brand development indexing (BDI) to tourism. This marketing tool, traditionally used for identifying market potential and resource allocation for goods and products, was found to be very successful in identifying pleasure travel market potential when combined with the proposed opportunity matrix. The study suggests that the utility of brand development indexing for the travel and tourism industry has tremen dous potential for destinations, attractions, and other hospitality services.
The Family That Gambles Together: Business and Social Concerns
Authors: Thompson William N. , Pinney J. Kent , Schibrowsky John A.
Published: March 2008

In order to meet the competition from new gambling venues, Las Vegas casinos have embarked upon a new marketing strategy. They are seeking the patronage of family vaca tioners. This approach will result in many children being directly exposed to the gambling activity in casinos — activity heretofore considered to be suitable for adults only. This arti cle looks at business advantages and disadvantages inherent in this marketing effort. It also considers the positive and negative social consequences of marketing casino products to families.
Casino Gambling in Illinois: Riverboats, Revenues, and Economic Development
Authors: Truitt Lawrence J.
Published: March 2008

Advocates of legalization maintain that casino gaming is a key destination attraction that can stimulate and revitalize a community's economy, particularly its tourism industry. However, the primary political motivation to legalize gambling appears to be to capture the tax revenues it generates. The goals of legalized gaming are to attract tourists and to keep residents and their money at home. This study investigated the early Illinois experience with casino gambling and assessed the impact of gambling on businesses in riverboat communities in the state. The findings suggest that riverboat gambling in Illinois has not stimulated economic development and tourism to the degree that had been advertised and expected. Policymakers should consider methods of tying legalized gaming licenses with capital investments in order to accomplish their developmental goals.
Services Marketing in the Lodging Industry: An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Yucelt Ugur , Marcella Maria
Published: March 2008

This study examines lodging marketing managers' methods of value addition, improvements in service quality, application of service guarantees, and overall commitment to the satisfaction of lodging consumers through service. A total of 250 marketing directors in various hotels, motels, inns, casinos, and resorts were interviewed using a self-administered mail questionnaire. Ninety-five usable questionnaires were returned, and the data were analyzed using a multiple discriminant analysis in SPSSX routine. The findings indicated that service marketing and value addition through services were valued by lodging marketers in specific market segments. This information holds serious managerial implications for marketing managers in all segments of an increasingly competitive lodging market.
Using the Internet for Tourism Research: "Information Highway" or "Dirt Road"?
Authors: Williams Peter W. , Bascombe Philbert , Brenner Nancy , Green Donna
Published: March 2008

This report provides a synopsis of the types of information and search tools that are currently available to individuals who want to use the Internet for tourism research purposes. It provides a listing of search tools and web sites that appear to be especially useful in this regard. The article also outlines a set of critical issues that should be addressed to make the Internet a more effective and efficient research instrument for tourism researchers. These issues relate to credibility, ownership, dynamism, and access challenges that the tourism research community could play a significant role in addressing.
Relation, by States, between Population and Number of Travel Agencies
Authors: Rutledge Joy L. , Hunter John F.
Published: March 2008

In this study regression techniques were used to investigate the relationships between (1) members of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents and the population of all eight states and territories of Australia, and (2) members of the American Society of Travel Agents and the population of all 50 states and the District of Columbia of the United States. In both cases the relationship is essentially linear, permitting a simple calculation of a by-state expected per-agency value. Simple illustrative examples are given of possible com petitive use. The per-agency value for Australia is close to 11,000; for the United States it is nearly 16,000. The significance of this difference is briefly discussed.
The Global Structure of the Nature Tourism Industry: Ecotourists, Tour Operators, and Local Businesses
Authors: Higgins Bryan R.
Published: March 2008

Nature tourism and ecotourism are rapidly growing components of the international tourism industry. Although a substantial research literature has developed on this topic, few works have systematically examined the increasing number of nature tour operators or the global business structure of the nature tourism industry. In response, this article reviews the literature regarding the global dimensions of the nature tourism industry, outlines a more comprehensive framework for understanding the global business organization of this sector, and sketches a geography of nature tour operators based within the United States.
The Economic Impact of the Casino Industry in South Korea
Authors: Lee Choong-Ki , Kwon Kyung-Sang
Published: March 2008

This study estimated the economic impact of the casino industry in South Korea using an input-output model. The casino multipliers were derived from 405 X 405 transactions tables in terms of output, personal income, employment, value added, indirect tax, and import. The casino industry was compared with the export industry based on the multipliers and the rate of foreign exchange earnings. The substitution effects of casino earnings for export goods (semiconductors, TV sets, and passenger cars) were also analyzed for an easier understanding of the casino industry's economic performance. The demographics and preferences of casino visitors are presented in this study.
Attributional Analysis of Customers' Hotel Selection Criteria by U.K. Grading Scheme Categories
Authors: Callan Roger J.
Published: March 2008

This article presents a literature review of service quality attributes and the size and characteristics of the U.K. hotel classification and grading schemes. The research methodol ogy incorporated the use of focus group and in-depth interviews together with a quantitative survey of hotel customers. The basis for determining the equivalence of hotel grades is indicated. Comparative findings of customers using the dif ferent grading categories are presented, including a demo graphic profile, use of grading schemes, and reservations methods employed. A comparative analysis between grades and important and unimportant attributes employed to select a hotel are described. The findings are contrasted with Automobile Association criteria to reflect the identified differ ences. The research concludes that, generally, the needs of customers were satisfied by the grades of the hotels they se lected. There is, however, value in the analysis of unimportant as well as important attributes when designing products for focused market segments.
Modeling Tour Operators' Voluntary Compliance with Ecotourism Principles: A Behavioral Approach
Authors: Sirakaya Ercan , McLellan Robert W.
Published: March 2008

The purpose of the study was to understand the potential factors affecting tour operators' compliance with ecotourism principles. To accomplish this task, the study developed and tested a compliance framework for its explanatory power on a sample of ecotour operators. Almost half of the variation was explained by thefactors included in the proposed framework. The results suggested that tour operators' beliefs sys tems toward the ecotourism guidelines play an important role in determining their self-reported compliance behavior. Specifically, belief in the economic utility of compliance with the guidelines and familiarity with ecotourism guidelines were found to be significantly related to behavioral compli ance. The voluntary nature of the guidelines was one determinant that reduced compliance scores of individual tour op erators. Some strategies in dealing with compliance issues are suggested.
Forecasting Tourist Arrivals: Nonlinear Sine Wave or ARIMA?
Authors: Chu Fong-Lin
Published: March 2008

This article builds a model for data series that have both seasonal and nonseasonal ARIMA patterns. In this type of model, the seasonal and nonseasonal elements are multiplied by each other. The model is then used to fit the tourist arrival data. Specifically, this approach is applied to Singapore tourist arrival data, and the fitted model is then used to forecast the tourist arrivals. It is shown that the proposed model generates forecasts with lower error magnitudes than a sine wave nonlinear time-series model. Policy implications are also addressed.
Measuring the Economic Value of Ecotourism Resources: The Case of South Korea
Authors: Lee Choong-Ki , Lee Ju-Hee , Han Sang-Yoel
Published: March 2008

This article attempts to quantify the economic benefits of ecotourism resources. The contingent valuation method was employed to measure the economic value of ecotourism resources for recreational use at Mt. Minju in South Korea using a dichotomous choice questionnaire. The empirical results show that the economic value of ecotourism resources per recreationist was estimated at 20, 792 won (approximately U.S.$24) and 23,307 won (approximately U.S.$27) using the parametric and nonparametric approaches, re spectively, under the hypothetical market scenario. The total economic benefits then were estimated by multiplying the per capita economic benefit by the number of visitors. The findings are sufficient to demonstrate that ecotourism resources as nonmarket goods have their own economic value and have considerable economic benefits. This implies that significant economic benefits will be lost as a result of the development of a ski resort with golf courses in an environmentally sensitive area.
Progress in Tourism and Hospitality Research
Authors: Faulkner Bill , Goeldner C.R.
Published: March 2008

This report presents highlights of the 1998 Australian Tourism and Hospitality Research Conference, convened under the auspices of the Council for Australian University Tourism and Hospitality Education. Copies of the proceed ings are available from the Bureau of Tourism Research, GPO Box 1545, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia; e-mail: bureau. tourism.research@dist.gov.au.
Highlights of the 29th Annual TTRA Conference Ft. Worth, Texas, June 7-10
Authors: Goeldner C.R.
Published: March 2008

The following paragraphs briefly summarize the 29th an nual conference of the Travel and Tourism Research Asso ciation held in Ft. Worth, Texas. Conference registrants and premier TTRA members will automatically receive a copy of the conference proceedings when they are published. Stan dard TTRA members and student members may purchase copies for $125. Nonmembers may purchase copies for $150. Copies can be orderedfrom Lisa Carey, TTRA Executive Di rector, Host Communications, 546 East Main Street, Lexing ton, KY 40596-3071.
Geeks, Meta-Geeks, and Gender Trouble
Authors: Dunbar-Hester Christina
Published: March 2008

In this paper, I consider the activities of a group of individuals who tinker with and build radio hardware in an informal setting called `Geek Group'. They conceive of Geek Group as a radical pedagogical activity, which constitutes an aspect of activism surrounding citizen access to low-power FM radio. They are also concerned with combating the gendered nature of hardware skills, yet in spite of their efforts men tend to have more skill and familiarity with radio hardware than women. Radio tinkering has a long history as a masculine undertaking and a site of masculine identity construction. I argue that this case represents an interplay between geek, activist, and gendered identities, all of which are salient for this group, but which do not occur together without some tension.
Molecular Embodiments and the Body-work of Modeling in Protein Crystallography
Authors: Myers Natasha
Published: March 2008

Protein molecules, those objects of increasing interest and investment in post-genomics research, are complex, three-dimensional structures made up of thousands of atoms. Protein crystallographers build atomic-resolution models of proteins using the techniques of X-ray diffraction. This ethnographic study of protein crystallography shows that becoming an expert crystallographer, and so making sense of such intricate objects, requires researchers to draw on their bodies as a resource to learn about, work with, and communicate precise molecular configurations. Contemporary crystallographic modeling relies intensively on interactive computer graphics technology, and requires active and prolonged handling and manipulation of the model onscreen throughout the often arduous process of model-building. This paper builds on both ethnographic observations of contemporary protein crystallographers and historical accounts of early molecular modeling techniques to examine the body-work of crystallographic modeling, in particular the corporeal practices through which modelers learn the intricate structures of protein molecules. Ethnographic observations suggest that, in the process of building and manipulating protein models, crystallographers also sculpt embodied models alongside the digital renderings they craft onscreen. Crystallographic modeling at the computer interface is thus not only a means of producing representations of proteins; it is also a means of training novice crystallographers' bodies and imaginations. Protein crystallographers' molecular embodiments thus offer a site for posing a new range of questions for studies of the visual cultures and knowledge practices in the computer-mediated life sciences.
Restructuring welfare for the unemployed: the Hartz legislation in Germany
Authors: Fleckenstein Timo
Published: March 2008

The `Hartz legislation' of 2003/04, which restructured the benefit and administrative system for the long-term unemployed in Germany, is commonly ascribed to the recommendations made by the Hartz Commission and the political leadership of Chancellor Schröder. These aspects have been crucial politically in policy making, but are insufficient to fully explain this legislation. Here it is argued that the Hartz Commission was largely insignificant in Policy formulation instead learning prior to the Commission located in an expert forum by the Bertelsmann Foundation as well as a Ministry of Labour project group explains the direction and content of this reform. The case of the Hartz legislation, whereby the `frozen welfare state' of Germany critically departed from its conservative path, provides strong support for the significance of learning in major social policy reforms.
Social Skills Training for Secondary Students With Emotional and/or Behavioral Disorders
Authors: Cook Clayton R. , Gresham Frank M. , Kern Lee , Barreras Ramón B. , Thornton Sage , Crews S. Dean
Published: March 2008

Secondary students with or at risk for emotional and/or behavioral disorders (EBD) can be characterized as having severe deficits in social competence. Moreover, as students transition into the secondary grades, social competence takes on increased complexity and importance. Social skills training (SST) represents a class of interventions routinely implemented with secondary-age students identified as EBD as a means of improving their social competence. What is unknown, however, is whether the evidence base supports the use of SST for this particular subset of students. The purpose of this research was to synthesize the meta-analytic literature evaluating the efficacy of SST for secondary students with EBD. Results from this analysis indicate that SST produces improvements in two thirds of secondary students with EBD, compared to only one third of controls. The results from this analysis are interpreted in light of opposing opinions regarding the efficacy of SST for secondary students with EBD.
A Short Version of the Occupational Self-Efficacy Scale: Structural and Construct Validity Across Five Countries
Authors: Rigotti Thomas , Schyns Birgit , Mohr Gisela
Published: March 2008

Occupational self-efficacy is an important resource for individuals in organizations. To be able to compare the occupational self-efficacy of employees across different countries, equivalent versions of the standard instruments need to be made available in different languages. In this article, the authors report on the structural and construct validity of an instrument that assesses occupational self-efficacy across five countries (Germany, Sweden, Belgium, United Kingdom, Spain), based on an overall sample of N =1,535. The instrument can be recommended for comparative use in German, Swedish, Belgian, Spanish, and British organizational contexts.
Does Anyone See Me? Playing Host to the Uninvited Guest of Post-Polio Syndrome
Authors: Ward Susan M.
Published: March 2008

Drawing on Arthur Frank's illness narratives, this autoethnographic account of an adult child's experience as a child of a parent with post-polio syndrome (PPS) explores the influence of disability on how the adult child sees herself. The essay is centered on the author's re-remembrance of her child as she understands it through her mother's chaos narrative. The author explores how living in the shadows of PPS has prompted her to ask the world around her: Does anyone see me? The journey through the crisis of PPS has pushed her to confront PPS head on and to challenge its claim that she does not matter.