Tom Hinch

Tourism, sport and seasons: the challenges and potential of overcoming seasonality in the sport and tourism sectors

Abstract The modern history of the tourism industry is one of rapid change and mass market development. This point, which has been stated ad infinitum in the tourism literature, demonstrates many interesting parallels with the modern development of sport. Both have been opened relatively recently to mass participation. In the process both have sought to mitigate the shackles of seasonality. One aspect of the professional development of sport has been the demise of the sport season. This article explores the changing seasonal aspect of sport and considers the implications for the tourism industry. The professional development of Rugby Union in New Zealand is used as a case study. Primary interview transcriptions are used to explore the changing relationship between sport and tourism seasonality. The authors conclude that links between sport and tourism are becoming more clearly defined. The hitherto vexing issue of tourism seasonality can be mitigated by tourism managers with careful consideration of changing sport seasons. The potential for mutually beneficial links between sport and tourism administrations is upheld.

Sport Tourism: a Framework for Research

Sport-based travel has grown dramatically over the past two decades but it has only recently become the focus of concentrated academic inquiry. This paper contributes to the emerging body of literature by conceptualising sport in the context of tourism’s activity, spatial and temporal dimensions. A definition of sport tourism based on these dimensions and featuring a sociological perspective of sporting activity is presented. The distinguishing features of sport as a tourist attraction are then highlighted through the use of Leiper’s systems model of attractions. Finally, the paper proposes a framework which highlights a series of research questions that emerge as the relationships between the fundamental dimensions of sport tourism are systematically explored. Copyright # 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Leisure Constraint Theory and Sport Tourism

Participation in sport tourism is characterized by constraints. It is constrained by spatial barriers such as travel distance and physical barriers such as fitness, along with a broad range of other factors that have yet to be systematically considered. Leisure constraint theory provides a strong foundation from which to gain insight into this dimension of sport tourism. The merits of using this approach are articulated in this essay by first highlighting the existence of constraints in sport-related travel. Next, key developments in leisure constraint theory such as the introduction of the ideas of negotiation and a hierarchical order of constraint factors are presented. The most recent developments in modelling constraints are then described and considered in the realm of sport tourism in general. Finally, to illustrate the merit of leisure constraints models in a specific sport tourism context, downhill skiing is used as an exemplar.

Inter- and intra-gender similarities and differences in motivations for casino gambling.

Abstract The two objectives of this study were to examine if motivations for casino gambling vary by gender and, based on motivations for casino gambling, to ascertain different types of male and female gamblers. To accomplish these objectives, five casino motivation scales were developed. Nine hundred male and female casino patrons living in two major Canadian metropolitan areas completed a telephone questionnaire. Male study participants rated risk-taking/gambling as a rush and learning/cognitive self-classification as being more important than did female participants. Two types of male casino gamblers existed: men who gave primacy to risk-taking/gambling as a rush and emotional self-classification, and men who gave primacy to communing. Three types of female casino gamblers existed: women who gave primacy to emotional self-classification and escaping everyday problems, women who gave primacy to communing and emotional self-classification, and women who gave primacy to communing alone. Gender theory was used to explain these findings, and study limitations and future research recommendations also were discussed.

Sport, Tourism and Authenticity

Abstract The thesis underpinning the theoretical discussions presented in this paper is that sport has unique advantages over other types of cultural tourist attractions when considered in the context of commodification and authenticity. Leipers tourist attraction system is used to situate sport as an attraction and to argue that sport is a reflection of local culture. Sport attractions are then critically considered in relation to the concepts of commodification and authenticity. Key characteristics of sport attractions include: (1) the uncertainty of outcomes; (2) the role of athletic display; (3) the kinaesthetic nature of sport activities; and (4) the visceral nature of many types of sporting engagements. The combination of these traits increases the likelihood that sport attractions are, more than many other types of tourist attractions, able to withstand the processes of commodification and, therefore, are more likely to provide sport tourists with authentic experiences.

SPORT AND TOURISM RESEARCH: A GEOGRAPHIC APPROACH

This article responds to recent criticism of research serving the field of sport and tourism (Weed, 2005a, 2005b). It adopts a geographical perspective to highlight the unique research questions and directions that emerge in the study of sport and tourism within this particular field of the social sciences. The geographic concepts of space, place, and environment are reviewed and applied to the study of sport and tourism. Drawing upon these key concepts, a number of research directions are highlighted and discussed. It is argued that these research directions, among others, should be systematically addressed by researchers so as to build coherent bodies of knowledge. Consideration is also given to methodological approaches that might be applied to effectively advance this area of research in sport and tourism.

Ecotourists and Indigenous Hosts: Diverging Views on Their Relationship With Nature

Despite the initial impression that ecotourists are an ideal market for indigenous tourism developers, a closer examination suggests that these groups do not necessarily share similar views of the relationship between humans and nature. Conflict is likely to arise between these groups unless a greater understanding of these differences is achieved and successfully used in the planning and management of indigenous tourism developments.

Urban Tourism: Perspectives on Sustainability

Sustainable tourism represents a challenge within urban environments just as it does within wilderness and rural environments. This paper considers the concept of sustainable urban tourism from four general perspectives. First, the essence of urban tourism is characterised, including the nature of scholarly activity in this area. Second, the relevance of the concept of sustainability in relation to the tourism function of the city is argued. Thirdly, sustainability is examined in the context of the built, natural, and cultural dimensions of the urban environment. Finally, a framework is presented that identifies four basic organisational approaches to sustainable urban tourism, including (1) open market, (2) public control, (3) industry leadership,and (4) regulatory partnership.

Constraints to Sport Tourism: A Cross-Cultural Analysis

Previous studies related to sport tourism and culture have tended to focus broadly on sport as a cultural tourist attraction rather than culture as an influence on sport tourism participation. This study used a constraint-based approach to drive research questions related to culture and sport tourism, focusing on the activity of downhill skiing. Qualitative methods were used to explore the value of a new model for leisure constraints, a model that recognizes the importance of culture as well as the traditional concepts of intrapersonal, interpersonal and structural constraints. Interviews and focus groups were conducted with Chinese-Canadians and Anglo-Canadians. Themes of motivations, constraints and constraint negotiation were found, with some interesting differences between the two cultural groups. In general, Chinese-Canadians perceived a higher number of intrapersonal constraints, whereas for Anglo-Canadian participants the key constraints were structural in nature. Self-construal and cultural identity clearly have an influence on constraints and motivations.

Casino Markets: A Study of Tourist and Local Patrons

This paper compares the socio-demographic characteristics and motivations of tourists from Alberta who visit casinos while travelling, with Albertans who patronise local casinos; and tourists from Alberta for whom a casino visit was a major trip activity versus those for whom it was a minor activity. Data were collected from 900 residents of Albertas two major metropolitan areas who had visited a casino in the previous 12 months. Findings demonstrate that tourist patrons are more likely to be female, to have a university education and to have management or professional occupations. They are also more likely to be motivated by social or communal goals and less likely to be motivated by risk seeking than local patrons. Those tourists for whom casino gaming is a major trip activity are more strongly motivated by risk-taking and the wish to escape their regular lives than are tourists for whom gaming is a minor trip activity. Differences also exist in terms of several key travel profile dimensions.