Evan J. Jordan

The interplay of governance, power and citizen participation in community tourism planning

This research examines a unique case of tourism planning and explores the relationships between governance, power, and citizen participation in community decision-making. In less than two years, the community of Sitka, Alaska, undertook two separate tourism-planning processes in response to proposed tourism development. The first plan followed a participant-led governance structure; the second plan a council-led governance structure. The participant-led governance structure produced a plan through a collaborative process that empowered citizen participants and sought to limit growth, while the council-led structure utilized an external consultant and produced a more pro-growth plan that downplayed citizen concern for maintaining quality of life. The council-led plan was adopted as the guiding document for the community. Ultimately, the power over plan adoption and implementation lay in the hands of the local government, creating a stressful community environment for many involved in both planning processes. Evidence of the advantages and disadvantages of citizen participation in each planning process is presented.

Planning as a Coping Response to Proposed Tourism Development

This case study explores the psychological concepts of stress and coping as experienced by residents of a host community. Stress can negatively affect communities and individuals in myriad ways, leading to community dysfunction, negative health outcomes, and psychological consequences. Successful coping actions can moderate the effects of stress on individuals and communities. Over the span of two years, the community of Sitka, Alaska, undertook two tourism planning processes in response to the proposed development of a cruise pier. Thematic analysis of 29 interviews of Sitka residents and tourism planning participants revealed that the tourism planning process was a form of community coping with the stress of proposed tourism development. Interviews also revealed that individuals engaged in coping to address stressors that manifested during each planning process. Understanding how residents of host communities respond to stresses brought about by tourism development is a step forward in understanding the host–guest relationship.

Pre-trip expectations and post-trip satisfaction with marine tour interpretation in Hawaii: Applying the norm activation model

ABSTRACT This article examines environmental education by focusing on recreationist expectations for interpretation on marine tours, satisfaction with this interpretation and whether expectations were met, and how these perceptions correlate with components of the norm activation model. Recreationists surveyed before and after tours to Molokini, Hawaii (n = 439) had high pre-trip expectations for interpretation (e.g., about reefs, history), but satisfaction was lower and expectations for many recreationists were not met. Those who had their expectations met had higher problem awareness and ascribed more responsibility (i.e., norm activation) than those who did not, suggesting that interpretation is desired and may promote pro-environmental behavior.

Predictors of Intention to Travel to Cuba across Three Time Horizons: An Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior

As the relationship between Cuba and the United States evolves, many Americans are entertaining the idea of travel to Cuba. This study used the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to examine predictors of US residents’ intentions to travel to Cuba across three time horizons: 1 year, 5 years, and 10 years. TPB constructs were administered to a cross-sectional panel of US residents. Results varied by time horizon, with US residents’ negative attitudes toward Cuba having a positive and significant influence on their intention to visit Cuba within one year. This finding suggests that some US residents match Plog’s Allocentric profile of tourists and that the current “rough edges” of Cuba are what attract them to travel in the short rather than long term. Findings from this study provide baseline data that is valuable for Cuban and American tourism organizations, should the US market become more accessible.

Residents’ Perceptions of Stress Related to Cruise Tourism Development

ABSTRACT Stress is one potential impact that can affect tourism host community residents through tourism development activities. Stress is experienced through an increase in daily hassles, which, with long-term exposure, can result in negative health and behavioral outcomes and decreased quality of life. The community of Falmouth, Jamaica recently hosted development of a new cruise port, and is now one of the busiest ports in the Caribbean. A random sample of Falmouth residents were qualified for a study on stress and then asked to complete a survey. Seventy-eight percent (n = 362) of survey respondents perceived stress related to development of the new cruise port, while 22% reported no stress. Thematic analysis revealed unmet expectations, crowding/congestion, increased cost of living, pollution, police harassment, displacement, and overused utilities were causes of stress. Post-hoc chi-square tests revealed significant differences in perceived stressors by those with differing levels of education. This research provides insight into an intangible psychological impact of cruise tourism development, one element of host community resident quality of life.

An in-depth exploration of residents’ perceived impacts of transient vacation rentals

ABSTRACT The recent explosion of transient vacation rental (TVR) accommodations has been aided by websites like AirBnB, Vacation Rentals By Owner (VRBO), and HomeAway and this segment continues to grow in popularity. Many communities have enacted bans on TVRs with little empirical data to support decisions. This study explores TVR-related impacts as perceived by residents, and why those particular impacts are perceived. A series of 12 semi-structured, in-depth interviews of key resident stakeholders on Oahu, Hawai’i, United States (US) were conducted. Thematic analysis revealed residents perceived both positive and negative impacts in the economic, environmental, and sociocultural realms. Extended quotes from interviewees reveal the connection of perceived impacts to the presence of TVRs in residential zoned areas and the lack of a proprietor to manage the property and tourists like a traditional bed and breakfast (B&B). Findings provide a baseline for future research examining the unique impacts of this area of rapid tourism growth. Marketing implications are discussed.

Tour Guides’ Roles and Their Perceptions of Tourism Development in Cuba

ABSTRACT US tourists had been exploring Cuba with government licensed local guides on cultural exchange trips since 1999. In 2016, changes in US–Cuban relations have further opened Cuba to US tourists and some loosening of the government controlled tourism system. This research examines tour guides’ role in formulating US tourists’ perceptions of Cuba before more free-market tourism, including tour guiding, was allowed. Cuban government guides that work with a US receptive operator were interviewed using a semi-structured script by a local bilingual researcher. Cohen’s [(1985). The tourist guide. Annals of Tourism Research, 12(1), 5–29. doi:10.1016/0160-7383(85)90037-4] tour guide communicative roles and Canally and Carmichael’s [(2011). Political economy of destination image: Manufacturing Cuba. Tourism Analysis, 16, 731–746] image model with government prism filter were useful to interpret findings. Cohen’s tour guide roles were found amongst the government employed guides except for fabrication. Canally and Carmichael’s [(2011). Political economy of destination image: Manufacturing Cuba. Tourism Analysis, 16, 731–746] model was supported by the omnipresence of guarded responses by tour operators and their adherence to government controlled jobs and messaging to tourists, particularly US tourists.