J. S. Perry Hobson

An analysis of the sexual, alcohol and drug related behavioural patterns of students on spring break

Abstract Little information is available regarding the consensual sexual activity of young adults on holiday. Both academic and popular press coverage of sex and travel has tended to focus on commercial sex. This study examines the sexual activity, alcohol and drug use of US college students during ‘Spring Break’ at a popular Florida beach destination. The results suggest that students engaged in more sexual activity and had more new sexual partners during their holiday than in the previous month. Students were also found to engage in heavy alcohol consumption and some drug abuse, placing them at higher risk for contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Those motivated to visit this destination by its ‘party reputation’ consumed significantly more alcohol, compared to those with other motivations. The results suggest implications for health education, tourism marketing, and public policy decisions.

Making hotel brands work in a competitive environment

Despite the hotel industry looking to develop global brands, the industry must be careful that these global chains do not become price-based commodities. This paper explores the importance of an integrated approach to brand development in the hotel industry. It identifies that an integrated brand message can only come from companies being able to ‘say it, do it and confirm it’ with their markets and that they must also internalise such messages with their employees. Acquisition by corporate entities and the subsequent problem of de-branding of established brands is also examined. In order to develop a long-term sustainable advantage, this paper identifies that an integrated branding approach is a strategy that can work providing it clearly differentiates the chain from its competition.

Virtual reality and tourism: fact or fantasy?

Abstract Virtual reality (VR) experiences have been the subject of speculation for computer programmers, futurists and scientists for many years. More recently there has been considerable media hype and discussion about the possible uses of virtual reality throughout society. This article will highlight some of the potential uses of VR within the tourism industry, but also address the realistic shortcomings of VR technology. In addition, some future developments will be identified, to determine when and whether VR is likely to offer the potential it promises.

Analysis of the US cruise line industry

Abstract The cruise line industry has been through a metamorphosis. From being a declining mode of travel in the 1960s, the cruise line industry turned the corner in the 1970s and became one of the fastest growing segments of the wider tourism industry during the 1980s. This paper examines the reasons behind this growth, the current structure of the US cruise industry and the issues facing the industry in the 1990s as it heads towards the next century.

The Forces Shaping China's Outbound Tourism 推动中国出境旅游的力量

The study of outbound tourism in China has been dominated by the consumer approach, and individual travelers have been the focus of research. This article adopts an alternative approach to studying outbound tourism in China by analyzing the macro‐environment. It is found that socio‐economic and political factors play important parts in shaping the outbound international tourist flows from China. The market‐driven economy and state control are two key dialectic forces in the macro‐environment in China promoting and checking the outbound international tourist flows. The analysis shows that while the state lets market forces exert its influence, it will maintain the ultimate control and will not hesitate to intervene the market to ”correct„ the development path of outbound tourism because of its political significance. 中国出境旅游研究一直是以消费者研究方法为主导，以旅游者为研究重心的。本文尝试采用另一种研究方法，即通过分析宏观环境来研究中国出境旅游。本文发现社会经济和政治因素对中国出境国际旅客流量的形成有重大的影响。市场导向经济和国家管制能够促进和抑制出境国际旅客的流量，是中国宏观环境中两股关键而又对立的力量。本文分析表明，中国虽然没有对市场力量的影响进行干预，但基于出境旅游的政治重要性，仍然会维持终极控制，并会毫不犹豫地干预市场，以纠正出境旅游的发展道路。

Tourism and Politics: The Implications of the Change in Sovereignty on the Future Development of Hong Kong's Tourism Industry

Hong Kong is a world renowned city and tourism destination. Its growing tourism industry is now a vital part of its economy. Intraregional tourism has been increasing rapidly, and Hong Kong is receiving more short-haul regional tourists. Furthermore, the rapproche ment between Taiwan (ROC) and China (PRC) and the booming economy of China have led to dramatic changes in the composition of visitor arrivals to the territory in recent years. However, the current political environment and the 1997 change in sovereignty from Britain to China will inevitably impact Hong Kongs current markets and its future market position and strategies. These issues are discussed and the likelihood of a cooperative marketing strategy for the emerging greater Hong Kong area is presented.

Cultural and structural issues affecting Japanese tourist shopping behaviour

This paper identifies and examines the various cultural issues that affect Japanese tourist shopping. The paper looks beyond the concept of omiyage and at some of the deeper issues that influence Japanese shopping patterns. Apart from looking at cultural issues that influence the tourist, the paper also examines the tripartite relationship between the tourist, tour operators and retailers that service the overseas Japanese tour market. Finally the paper proposes a model to explain how these relationships interact to influence Japanese tourist shopping behaviour.

Macau: gambling on its future?

Abstract Macau is Portugals last remaining Asian territory. Situated opposite Hong Kong at the mouth of the Pearl River delta, the enclave will be returned to Chinese administration in 1999. Since the sovereignty agreement was signed in 1987, Macau has been changing rapidly. An international airport will open in 1996 and by the end of the decade the enclave will have expanded its land size by 25%. Until now, Macaus tourism industry has been linked with its legalized gambling industry. The international airport and the economic growth of the region have created new opportunities for the tourism industry in this tiny enclave. However, with Chinas aversion to legalized gambling, and with various other contentious issues leading up to the handover of Macau, a question mark now hangs over the future direction of its tourism industry.

Feng Shui: Its Impacts on the Asian Hospitality Industry

Feng Shui (pronounced “fung shui”) means literally wind and water and is a type of geomancy or divination from nature. It originated in China, and relates to nature and the position of man and of buildings within it. Many hotels and restaurants in the Asia‐Pacific region have been specifically designed using feng shui principles, and recently Hilton International hotels used this as the focus of their advertising campaign. Discusses the origins of feng shui, and its impact on the location, design, layout, fixture and fittings and marketing of hotels and restaurants.

Spring break student travel: a longitudinal study

Spring break travel is a unique North American youth tourism phenomenon, generating millions of dollars for the tourism industry. This longitudinal study surveyed students at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, USA, over a four-year period. It examines the changes that have occurred in spring break travel patterns over the years of 1991 to 1994. Implications for marketers, tour operators and destinations are presented.