Paul Brunt

Host perceptions of sociocultural impacts.

Abstract This paper investigates community perceptions of the sociocultural impacts of tourism and examines the extent to which they coincide with their classifications made by academic writers. A literature review revealed a range of sociocultural impacts related to tourism development, the tourist–host interaction, and resulting influences. A resident survey was undertaken which showed that perceived impacts reported by informants coincided with the majority of those identified in the literature. This suggested that the general analyses of the sociocultural impacts of tourism could be applied to the perceptions of residents of a small British coastal tourist resort.

Tourist victimisation and the fear of crime on holiday

Abstract This paper reviews research undertaken in the field of tourism and crime which suggests that there is empirical evidence that tourism does contribute to an increase in crime. The paper also focuses on research aimed at assessing the nature of tourist victimisation and the fear of crime exhibited by British holidaymakers. A postal survey of 514 readers of `Holiday Which’ finds that respondents generally experience considerably higher rates of victimisation as tourists than they are likely to experience while at home (when compared to the results of the British Crime Survey). In terms of respondents’ fears of crime while on holiday it is found that neither crime nor incivilities are seen as a major issue. It is concluded that tourism crime rates that are far higher than crime rates within Britain have not, as yet, been translated into a tourism and crime problem.

Tourism sandwich placements: an appraisal

Abstract Many courses in higher education now feature a ‘sandwich placement’ of some duration. This article reviews the literature on the aims and relevance of periods of time spent in industry during degree and Higher National Dipolma programmes in tourism management. The findings of a small-scale survey are presented and compared with the work of authors in the field. Key skills required by applicants for placements are identified as are those which are developed during the time with the employer. The possible benefits of sandwich placement students to employers are considered along with typical remuneration by tourism industry sector for the years 1995 to 1997.

Victimisation on Holiday: A British Survey

While a number of tourism researchers have considered the relationship between tourism and crime, the topic has rarely been addressed by criminologists, and most of the evidence available is derived from official statistics. Using data from an exploratory survey of peoples experiences and perceptions of crime on holiday, this paper assesses the extent to which holidaymakers are victimised. Compared with BCS data, the findings indicate that tourists are highly likely to experience crime. The reasons for this are considered in terms of the different lifestyles adopted by people on holiday.

Gay Tourist Victimisation

This study examines the phenomenon of gay tourist victimisation, from the viewpoint of gay tourists. A review of literature suggests that the victimisation of gay men as tourists has received little attention. This is despite the fact that both tourists in general and gay men are highly likely to suffer criminal victimisation. The paper questions whether taking these findings together suggests that gay tourists suffer particularly higher levels of victimisation. A qualitative survey of a sample of gay tourists is undertaken with two rounds of interviews. The findings suggest that gay tourists do suffer high levels of victimisation on holiday, though measurement difficulties prevent generalisations. In common with other research, it is also found that: incidents are not reported (for fear of further victimisation in some cases); the types of crime are similar to those suffered by other tourists with additional homophobic related crimes; the lifestyle choices of gay men influence victimisation; offenders of homophobic crimes are more likely to be other tourists; and gay men are often discriminated against by the tourism industry. The paper concludes by arguing that, although a complex issue, experience and fear of victimisation influence the holiday decision-making processes of gay men.

The propensity of visitor attractions to carry out customer surveys

It is generally suggested that the tourism industry has a low propensity to undertake marketing research because of the proportion of small businesses, close customer contact and negative attitudes. Such characteristics may be typical of attractions, with the exception of the publicly owned, where ‘public accountability’ justifies research. There appears, however, to be little ‘evidence’ for these assertions, hence this paper reports on the findings of a survey of UK attractions. Focusing on the specific area of customer surveys the results suggest that the sector is more active in research than may previously have been the case. However, the size of the attraction is an influential factor. Copyright