Joan C. Henderson

Cooked food hawking and its management: the Case of Singapore

A case study of cooked food hawkers in Singapore is presented in this article, which also makes reference to activity in the wider Asian region and beyond. A model of cooked food hawking functions and attributes is devised and forms the analytical framework for the discussion of core characteristics and future prospects. The sector is shown to serve various purposes, including that of tourist amenity, and contributes to local lives and economies in the cities where activity is concentrated. At the same time, hawking poses challenges for authorities concerned about adverse impacts and traditional hawkers are at risk from modernization and globalization. The official approach to dealing with cooked food hawkers in Singapore is revealed to be distinctive regarding the level of intervention and control, reflecting the history and defining features of the city state. Nevertheless, some lessons can be learned from experiences there about the management of hawking in the 21st century, which include the importance of regulation and maintenance of food safety standards. A more general conclusion is that the contribution of cooked food hawkers should be given due recognition in urban planning and tourism marketing.

Muslim travellers, tourism industry responses and the case of Japan

ABSTRACT Muslim travellers are increasing in volume and value, inciting the interest of the tourism industry worldwide. However, Islam calls for adherence to certain practices which impact tourist behaviour and create distinctive requirements. This paper is concerned with the phenomenon of Islamic tourism, encompassing the particular needs of Muslim tourists and industry responses. It reviews recent trends and underlying determinants, making specific reference to circumstances in Japan. The country has seen some success in attracting Muslim visitors, and its strengths and weaknesses as a destination for them are discussed alongside issues of tourist–resident relations. The market, overall, is shown to be growing and have good prospects, but realising potential is a challenge for service providers. Efforts must be made to understand the defining characteristics of Muslim tourists and take action to meet their expectations while also satisfying the demands of non-Muslims and avoiding possible conflicts with locals.

The use of urban built heritage for boutique hotels: examples from Malaysia and Singapore.

This article examines aspects of the adaptive reuse of old buildings in historic urban districts for the purpose of boutique heritage hotels, seeking to illuminate opportunities and problems. A case study approach was employed whereby a selection of properties housed in vernacular architecture in Melaka, Penang, and Singapore were surveyed. Fieldwork was undertaken that included informal and more structured interviews with hotel owners and operators. Relevant secondary data were also analyzed. There appears to be a growing demand for and supply of boutique heritage hotels, characterized by smallness of size and distinctiveness expressed in the occupation of converted older buildings. Heritage is a key element, although it may be fused with modern design, and these enterprises have the potential to contribute to urban conservation and sustainability. Insights are afforded into the boutique heritage hotel trend within a Southeast Asian context, highlighting some of the challenges confronting both hoteliers and authorities.

Population Ageing, Tourism and Travel Insurance

This Department is devoted to research reports, notes, conference résumés and other significant research events. Two copies of write-ups, not exceeding 3,000 words, may be mailed to the Section Editor, Professor David A. Fennell, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada L2S 3A1; e-mail: david.fennell@brocku.ca. In all cases, one copy of the report should be mailed to the Chief Editor, TRR.

Analysis of the serviced apartments sector and its prospects in Southeast Asia.

Serviced apartments are a distinct and sometimes neglected form of accommodation which is growing in commercial significance in the Southeast Asian region and beyond, marked by the emergence and expansion of international companies offering a variety of brands. Traditionally located in cities and targeting business travelers, there may be unrealized potential at alternative sites related to leisure tourists. Beach resorts and vacationers are one such opportunity, but there are constraintsnon development evidenced by market conditions in the popular Thai destinations of Phuket and Pattaya. The analysis of key attributes and trends concludes with some suggestions about avenues for further research.