Artificial reefs are increasingly being used around the globe to attract recreational divers, for... more Artificial reefs are increasingly being used around the globe to attract recreational divers, for both environmental and commercial reasons. This paper examines artificial coral reefs as recreational ecosystem services (RES) by evaluating their attractiveness and effectiveness and by examining divers' attitudes toward them. An online survey targeted at divers in Israel (n = 263) indicated that 35% of the dives in Eilat (a resort city on the shore of the Red Sea) take place at artificial reefs. A second study monitored divers' behavior around the Tamar artificial reef, one of the most popular submerged artificial reefs in Eilat, and juxtaposed it with divers' activities around two adjacent natural reefs. Findings show that the average diver density at the artificial reef was higher than at the two nearby natural knolls and that the artificial reef effectively diverts divers from natural knolls. A third study that examined the attitudes towards natural vs. artificial reefs found that the artificial reefs are considered more appropriate for training, but that divers feel less relaxed around them. By utilizing the RES approach as a framework, the study offers a comprehensive methodology that brings together the aesthetic, behavioral, and attitudinal aspects in terms of which artificial reefs can be evaluated.
Michael Jerryson's (2017) strident remarks about the changing nature of Buddhism is an apt introd... more Michael Jerryson's (2017) strident remarks about the changing nature of Buddhism is an apt introduction to this Special Issue on spiritual tourism, especially his references to change, and the extent to which Buddhist contemporary practice remains in keeping with its founding tenets. Whether Buddhism is religion, philosophy or way of life has been debated, and in many ways, it mirrors the broader debates around spiritual tourism and what comprises its constituent parts - irrespective of religiosity or secularity. Defining spiritual tourism is naturally prone to contestations, especially whether underlying motivations for travel have spiritual or religious drivers, if not both. Thus, any attempt at defin- ing spiritual tourism must arguably make allowance for travel that is motivated by and abides with, either or both religious and secular narratives and the plethora of variegations in between. Although, Norman's (2011: 1) argument that one of the emergent themes in the examination of contemporary spiritual tourism is the “lack of traditional religiosity” is popularly held, travel undertaken for religious pilgrimage, observation and worship remains steadfastly evident throughout.
Please note: this is the first page only of the introductory editorial to the Special Issue on Spiritual Tourism. There are 9 other full papers in this Special Issue. If you have any questions or need further information on this Special Issue, please contact me.
The geo-psychological separation from the everyday that is embedded in spiritual travel practices... more The geo-psychological separation from the everyday that is embedded in spiritual travel practices, can be seen as a laboratory in which individuals can examine, consider and practice spirituality in a way that is not always available in daily life. This feature of the tourism experience is arguably the reason for the popularity of spiritual tourism experiences among novices to spirituality-driven endeavours, as well as to those who wish to develop and deepen their ongoing transcendent engagement through and during travel. If spirituality is the goal, traveling seems like an ideal setting within which it can be sought and, sometimes, even found. This Special Issue has identified the emergence of a binary between spiritual tourism performance as intrinsically religious and conversely, as secular practice. Considering secular motivations firstly, it is clear that underlying the many specific drivers are deliberations focused on the self with motives like wellness, adventure or recreation predominant. Conversely, religious motivations for spiritual tourism largely leverage links to religion and are centred on specific drivers that are underlined by religious observance, ritualised practice, reaffirmation of identity and cultural performance.
(Please contact me if you are unable to access the full paper)
This Special Issue of Tourism Management Perspectives is drawn from the public symposium Spiritua... more This Special Issue of Tourism Management Perspectives is drawn from the public symposium Spiritual Tourism: Transformative and Socially Engaged or Negligible? Convened on Thursday 19 November, the symposium was hosted by the Australia and International Tourism Research Unit (AITRU) at Monash University, Melbourne Australia. Mr. Ben Bowler, CEO and founder of World Weavers, leading practitioners of spiritual tourism and creator of Monk for a Month was a key participant. The phenomenon of spiritual tourism has garnered increasing attention with the growth in travel specifically for spiritual purposes and motivated by either religious or secular, non-religious motives (Norman, 2011). According to Alex Norman (2012, p. 20), “spiritual tourism has been proposed as a phenomenon in leisured travel” and “defined as tourism characterised by a self-conscious project of spiritual betterment”, while Marco Robledo (2015, p. 72) posits that “spiritual tourism is much more than religious journeys”. As reflected in this symposium, the academic discourse on spiritual tourism is often underlined by travel from the wealthy countries of the developed world in order to pursue personal growth and perceived as “contributory to meaning and identity, and/or beneficial for the individual’s health and wellbeing” (Norman, 2012, p. 21). Religions firmly rooted in the East, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism as well as wellness activities such as the practice of yoga, Ayurveda, meditation etc., have tended to underpin the trade in spiritual tourism. However, spiritual tourism has also a long history in the West with its major destinations in the Middle East (Judaism, Christianity and Islam) and Europe (The Camino in Spain and the Magdalene destinations in Southern France).
Consequently the growing desire for spiritual experiences raises a multitude of practical, theoretical, moral and ethical questions. Therefore it is anticipated that papers in this special issue will confront and interrogate the range of perspectives, contestations and problematics concerning spiritual tourism around the globe. What are the central tenets of spiritual tourism? What are the transformative effects on participants and hosts? To what extent does spiritual tourism impact the socioeconomic contexts of hosts? And to what extent does spiritual tourism lead to long-term reciprocal exchanges between participants and hosts? Papers that directly address the aforementioned and a host of other questions cross-examining the pros and cons of spiritual tourism are sought
International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 2012
ABSTRACT This prospective study examined the relationship between work alienation, country of ori... more ABSTRACT This prospective study examined the relationship between work alienation, country of origin and substance use among male hospitality workers in Israel. Results show work alienation more prevalent among Former Soviet Union origin males and those workers who binge drink and use cannabis (i.e., marijuana and/or hashish). Given the paucity of literature on hospitality workers, this brief report contributes to understanding an issue that is neither well understood nor adequately addressed. Further research is needed to validate these findings both in Israel and other countries so that such information can be useful for hotel employment and management policies as well as employee assistance programs.
ABSTRACT Aims: This study focused on binge drinking use among Israeli hospitality workers. Method... more ABSTRACT Aims: This study focused on binge drinking use among Israeli hospitality workers. Methods: A purposive sample of 430 male and female workers of Israeli and former Soviet Union (FSU) origin was interviewed in the resort town of Eilat, Israel. Findings: Last 30-day binge drinking was reported by 43% of the workers. Males binge drink more than females; Israeli origin workers binge drink more than those of FSU origin. Conclusion: This study shows gender and country of origin status associated with binge drinking among hospitality workers. Further research is needed to validate these findings and to understand the impact of other cultural factors that relate to gender status and immigrant acculturation for policy and prevention purposes, especially among young adults who, as a group, report a high level of alcohol use.
This study examines the evolution of the Palestinian village of Bil'in as a site that attracts in... more This study examines the evolution of the Palestinian village of Bil'in as a site that attracts international tourists and analyzes the factors that enable this process. Based on an analysis of primary and secondary sources, this paper shows how the village developed from a site of a local dispute into an international symbol of resistance. The study illuminates the involvement of tourists in shaping a political struggle. Our analysis of the tourist experience demonstrates that Bil'in provides visitors with touristic thrills, but in quite a protected bubble, where the risks are contained and the action is controlled. We conclude that different actors are involved in constructing and staging the events as authentic experiences and that in so doing they generate a suitable platform for the performance of political tourism.
Based on primary and secondary data, it is argued that the unique characteristics of Eilat as a r... more Based on primary and secondary data, it is argued that the unique characteristics of Eilat as a remote resort town situated on the historical and cultural margins of Israeli society combine to produce a liminal image that attracts hotel employees prone to substance abuse during what they view as a temporary sojourn in the city. In addition, this liminal image presumably shapes the perception of these temporary employees regarding their sojourn in the town on a transitional job during the period of time between their national/military service and civilian life. This article delineates the sociocul-tural, organizational, and legal conditions leading to the occurrence of this behavioral syndrome.
ABSTRACT This article aims to enrich the methodological discourse on the practice of reflexivity,... more ABSTRACT This article aims to enrich the methodological discourse on the practice of reflexivity, by presenting the concepts of religious reflexivity and theological reductionism as analytical devices with which to explore the relationship of researchers with their human research subjects. It illustrates reflexive engagement with interpersonal religious aspects from the fieldwork on an evangelical pilgrimage to Israel. Based on examples from the fieldwork, the article explores the epistemological importance and limitations of deciphering and presenting the researchers’ role in their subjects’ theological worldview.
Based on fieldwork on a Midwestern American grassroots organization that conducts evangelical tou... more Based on fieldwork on a Midwestern American grassroots organization that conducts evangelical tours to Israel, this paper seeks to enrich analysis of the pilgrimage experience by suggesting a more contextualized approach to its study. To illustrate the implementation of the contextualized perspective, three thematic examples from the fieldwork are presented: men's emotional expression; religious deeds and their political meanings; and
ABSTRACT This essay suggests a theoretical framework through which scholars may better analyze so... more ABSTRACT This essay suggests a theoretical framework through which scholars may better analyze some of the current and impending challenges facing tourism scholarship. The framework is inspired by Mills’ (1959) book The Sociological Imagination, in which he attempts to delineate the goals and meanings of social research by trying to answer questions such as “knowledge for what?” and “knowledge for whom?” In so doing, Mills raises the issue of the moral foundation upon which social research should be conducted. He suggests that the academic endeavor of examining society should incorporate two perspectives—micro and macro—such that the personal problems faced by individuals can facilitate an understanding of public issues that call for research attention.
ABSTRACT Results from a survey (n = 458) held in Eilat indicate that hospitality workers use subs... more ABSTRACT Results from a survey (n = 458) held in Eilat indicate that hospitality workers use substances much more than average rate in the general Israeli population. Based on a series of independent t-test samples utilized to examine the relationship between respondents’ attitude toward their job and their recent substance use habits, we suggest that the correlation between these two variables should be examined in light of the social legitimacy associated with the substances in the environment surrounding the workers.
International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 2013
ABSTRACT Purpose ‐ The purpose of this paper is to argue for the incorporation of ethics into the... more ABSTRACT Purpose ‐ The purpose of this paper is to argue for the incorporation of ethics into the coursework of culinary schools, utilizing the value chain analysis as a theoretical framework to explore and confront food ethics concerns. Design/methodology/approach ‐ Based on a review of the pertinent literature, this conceptual paper offers a theoretical framework whereby ethical issues relevant to the food industry can be tackled and then incorporated into the training of culinary professionals. Findings ‐ To illustrate the usefulness of the suggested framework, the paper provides a systematic analysis of ethical concerns related to the production, distribution and consumption of food. Practical implications ‐ Food ethics education is likely to have a positive impact on the credibility of the culinary arts' profession, at a time when there is a shift toward sustainability and ethical awareness; it is also likely to impact favorably on the opportunity of recruiting culinary professionals as agents of change regarding pressing moral challenges. Social implications ‐ Including ethics in the curricula of culinary schools has various positive social implications, including the development of future professionals with acknowledged ethical responsibilities toward society. Originality/value ‐ Despite the upsurge of ethical concerns and the controversies associated with the food industry, hitherto culinary schools have paid little attention to ethics within their curricula. In view of that, the article introduced a value-chain perspective for integrating food ethics into culinary arts curricula.
Artificial reefs are increasingly being used around the globe to attract recreational divers, for... more Artificial reefs are increasingly being used around the globe to attract recreational divers, for both environmental and commercial reasons. This paper examines artificial coral reefs as recreational ecosystem services (RES) by evaluating their attractiveness and effectiveness and by examining divers' attitudes toward them. An online survey targeted at divers in Israel (n = 263) indicated that 35% of the dives in Eilat (a resort city on the shore of the Red Sea) take place at artificial reefs. A second study monitored divers' behavior around the Tamar artificial reef, one of the most popular submerged artificial reefs in Eilat, and juxtaposed it with divers' activities around two adjacent natural reefs. Findings show that the average diver density at the artificial reef was higher than at the two nearby natural knolls and that the artificial reef effectively diverts divers from natural knolls. A third study that examined the attitudes towards natural vs. artificial reefs found that the artificial reefs are considered more appropriate for training, but that divers feel less relaxed around them. By utilizing the RES approach as a framework, the study offers a comprehensive methodology that brings together the aesthetic, behavioral, and attitudinal aspects in terms of which artificial reefs can be evaluated.
Michael Jerryson's (2017) strident remarks about the changing nature of Buddhism is an apt introd... more Michael Jerryson's (2017) strident remarks about the changing nature of Buddhism is an apt introduction to this Special Issue on spiritual tourism, especially his references to change, and the extent to which Buddhist contemporary practice remains in keeping with its founding tenets. Whether Buddhism is religion, philosophy or way of life has been debated, and in many ways, it mirrors the broader debates around spiritual tourism and what comprises its constituent parts - irrespective of religiosity or secularity. Defining spiritual tourism is naturally prone to contestations, especially whether underlying motivations for travel have spiritual or religious drivers, if not both. Thus, any attempt at defin- ing spiritual tourism must arguably make allowance for travel that is motivated by and abides with, either or both religious and secular narratives and the plethora of variegations in between. Although, Norman's (2011: 1) argument that one of the emergent themes in the examination of contemporary spiritual tourism is the “lack of traditional religiosity” is popularly held, travel undertaken for religious pilgrimage, observation and worship remains steadfastly evident throughout.
Please note: this is the first page only of the introductory editorial to the Special Issue on Spiritual Tourism. There are 9 other full papers in this Special Issue. If you have any questions or need further information on this Special Issue, please contact me.
The geo-psychological separation from the everyday that is embedded in spiritual travel practices... more The geo-psychological separation from the everyday that is embedded in spiritual travel practices, can be seen as a laboratory in which individuals can examine, consider and practice spirituality in a way that is not always available in daily life. This feature of the tourism experience is arguably the reason for the popularity of spiritual tourism experiences among novices to spirituality-driven endeavours, as well as to those who wish to develop and deepen their ongoing transcendent engagement through and during travel. If spirituality is the goal, traveling seems like an ideal setting within which it can be sought and, sometimes, even found. This Special Issue has identified the emergence of a binary between spiritual tourism performance as intrinsically religious and conversely, as secular practice. Considering secular motivations firstly, it is clear that underlying the many specific drivers are deliberations focused on the self with motives like wellness, adventure or recreation predominant. Conversely, religious motivations for spiritual tourism largely leverage links to religion and are centred on specific drivers that are underlined by religious observance, ritualised practice, reaffirmation of identity and cultural performance.
(Please contact me if you are unable to access the full paper)
This Special Issue of Tourism Management Perspectives is drawn from the public symposium Spiritua... more This Special Issue of Tourism Management Perspectives is drawn from the public symposium Spiritual Tourism: Transformative and Socially Engaged or Negligible? Convened on Thursday 19 November, the symposium was hosted by the Australia and International Tourism Research Unit (AITRU) at Monash University, Melbourne Australia. Mr. Ben Bowler, CEO and founder of World Weavers, leading practitioners of spiritual tourism and creator of Monk for a Month was a key participant. The phenomenon of spiritual tourism has garnered increasing attention with the growth in travel specifically for spiritual purposes and motivated by either religious or secular, non-religious motives (Norman, 2011). According to Alex Norman (2012, p. 20), “spiritual tourism has been proposed as a phenomenon in leisured travel” and “defined as tourism characterised by a self-conscious project of spiritual betterment”, while Marco Robledo (2015, p. 72) posits that “spiritual tourism is much more than religious journeys”. As reflected in this symposium, the academic discourse on spiritual tourism is often underlined by travel from the wealthy countries of the developed world in order to pursue personal growth and perceived as “contributory to meaning and identity, and/or beneficial for the individual’s health and wellbeing” (Norman, 2012, p. 21). Religions firmly rooted in the East, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism as well as wellness activities such as the practice of yoga, Ayurveda, meditation etc., have tended to underpin the trade in spiritual tourism. However, spiritual tourism has also a long history in the West with its major destinations in the Middle East (Judaism, Christianity and Islam) and Europe (The Camino in Spain and the Magdalene destinations in Southern France).
Consequently the growing desire for spiritual experiences raises a multitude of practical, theoretical, moral and ethical questions. Therefore it is anticipated that papers in this special issue will confront and interrogate the range of perspectives, contestations and problematics concerning spiritual tourism around the globe. What are the central tenets of spiritual tourism? What are the transformative effects on participants and hosts? To what extent does spiritual tourism impact the socioeconomic contexts of hosts? And to what extent does spiritual tourism lead to long-term reciprocal exchanges between participants and hosts? Papers that directly address the aforementioned and a host of other questions cross-examining the pros and cons of spiritual tourism are sought
International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 2012
ABSTRACT This prospective study examined the relationship between work alienation, country of ori... more ABSTRACT This prospective study examined the relationship between work alienation, country of origin and substance use among male hospitality workers in Israel. Results show work alienation more prevalent among Former Soviet Union origin males and those workers who binge drink and use cannabis (i.e., marijuana and/or hashish). Given the paucity of literature on hospitality workers, this brief report contributes to understanding an issue that is neither well understood nor adequately addressed. Further research is needed to validate these findings both in Israel and other countries so that such information can be useful for hotel employment and management policies as well as employee assistance programs.
ABSTRACT Aims: This study focused on binge drinking use among Israeli hospitality workers. Method... more ABSTRACT Aims: This study focused on binge drinking use among Israeli hospitality workers. Methods: A purposive sample of 430 male and female workers of Israeli and former Soviet Union (FSU) origin was interviewed in the resort town of Eilat, Israel. Findings: Last 30-day binge drinking was reported by 43% of the workers. Males binge drink more than females; Israeli origin workers binge drink more than those of FSU origin. Conclusion: This study shows gender and country of origin status associated with binge drinking among hospitality workers. Further research is needed to validate these findings and to understand the impact of other cultural factors that relate to gender status and immigrant acculturation for policy and prevention purposes, especially among young adults who, as a group, report a high level of alcohol use.
This study examines the evolution of the Palestinian village of Bil'in as a site that attracts in... more This study examines the evolution of the Palestinian village of Bil'in as a site that attracts international tourists and analyzes the factors that enable this process. Based on an analysis of primary and secondary sources, this paper shows how the village developed from a site of a local dispute into an international symbol of resistance. The study illuminates the involvement of tourists in shaping a political struggle. Our analysis of the tourist experience demonstrates that Bil'in provides visitors with touristic thrills, but in quite a protected bubble, where the risks are contained and the action is controlled. We conclude that different actors are involved in constructing and staging the events as authentic experiences and that in so doing they generate a suitable platform for the performance of political tourism.
Based on primary and secondary data, it is argued that the unique characteristics of Eilat as a r... more Based on primary and secondary data, it is argued that the unique characteristics of Eilat as a remote resort town situated on the historical and cultural margins of Israeli society combine to produce a liminal image that attracts hotel employees prone to substance abuse during what they view as a temporary sojourn in the city. In addition, this liminal image presumably shapes the perception of these temporary employees regarding their sojourn in the town on a transitional job during the period of time between their national/military service and civilian life. This article delineates the sociocul-tural, organizational, and legal conditions leading to the occurrence of this behavioral syndrome.
ABSTRACT This article aims to enrich the methodological discourse on the practice of reflexivity,... more ABSTRACT This article aims to enrich the methodological discourse on the practice of reflexivity, by presenting the concepts of religious reflexivity and theological reductionism as analytical devices with which to explore the relationship of researchers with their human research subjects. It illustrates reflexive engagement with interpersonal religious aspects from the fieldwork on an evangelical pilgrimage to Israel. Based on examples from the fieldwork, the article explores the epistemological importance and limitations of deciphering and presenting the researchers’ role in their subjects’ theological worldview.
Based on fieldwork on a Midwestern American grassroots organization that conducts evangelical tou... more Based on fieldwork on a Midwestern American grassroots organization that conducts evangelical tours to Israel, this paper seeks to enrich analysis of the pilgrimage experience by suggesting a more contextualized approach to its study. To illustrate the implementation of the contextualized perspective, three thematic examples from the fieldwork are presented: men's emotional expression; religious deeds and their political meanings; and
ABSTRACT This essay suggests a theoretical framework through which scholars may better analyze so... more ABSTRACT This essay suggests a theoretical framework through which scholars may better analyze some of the current and impending challenges facing tourism scholarship. The framework is inspired by Mills’ (1959) book The Sociological Imagination, in which he attempts to delineate the goals and meanings of social research by trying to answer questions such as “knowledge for what?” and “knowledge for whom?” In so doing, Mills raises the issue of the moral foundation upon which social research should be conducted. He suggests that the academic endeavor of examining society should incorporate two perspectives—micro and macro—such that the personal problems faced by individuals can facilitate an understanding of public issues that call for research attention.
ABSTRACT Results from a survey (n = 458) held in Eilat indicate that hospitality workers use subs... more ABSTRACT Results from a survey (n = 458) held in Eilat indicate that hospitality workers use substances much more than average rate in the general Israeli population. Based on a series of independent t-test samples utilized to examine the relationship between respondents’ attitude toward their job and their recent substance use habits, we suggest that the correlation between these two variables should be examined in light of the social legitimacy associated with the substances in the environment surrounding the workers.
International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 2013
ABSTRACT Purpose ‐ The purpose of this paper is to argue for the incorporation of ethics into the... more ABSTRACT Purpose ‐ The purpose of this paper is to argue for the incorporation of ethics into the coursework of culinary schools, utilizing the value chain analysis as a theoretical framework to explore and confront food ethics concerns. Design/methodology/approach ‐ Based on a review of the pertinent literature, this conceptual paper offers a theoretical framework whereby ethical issues relevant to the food industry can be tackled and then incorporated into the training of culinary professionals. Findings ‐ To illustrate the usefulness of the suggested framework, the paper provides a systematic analysis of ethical concerns related to the production, distribution and consumption of food. Practical implications ‐ Food ethics education is likely to have a positive impact on the credibility of the culinary arts' profession, at a time when there is a shift toward sustainability and ethical awareness; it is also likely to impact favorably on the opportunity of recruiting culinary professionals as agents of change regarding pressing moral challenges. Social implications ‐ Including ethics in the curricula of culinary schools has various positive social implications, including the development of future professionals with acknowledged ethical responsibilities toward society. Originality/value ‐ Despite the upsurge of ethical concerns and the controversies associated with the food industry, hitherto culinary schools have paid little attention to ethics within their curricula. In view of that, the article introduced a value-chain perspective for integrating food ethics into culinary arts curricula.
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Papers by Yaniv Belhassen
Please note: this is the first page only of the introductory editorial to the Special Issue on Spiritual Tourism. There are 9 other full papers in this Special Issue. If you have any questions or need further information on this Special Issue, please contact me.
(Please contact me if you are unable to access the full paper)
Consequently the growing desire for spiritual experiences raises a multitude of practical, theoretical, moral and ethical questions. Therefore it is anticipated that papers in this special issue will confront and interrogate the range of perspectives, contestations and problematics concerning spiritual tourism around the globe. What are the central tenets of spiritual tourism? What are the transformative effects on participants and hosts? To what extent does spiritual tourism impact the socioeconomic contexts of hosts? And to what extent does spiritual tourism lead to long-term reciprocal exchanges between participants and hosts? Papers that directly address the aforementioned and a host of other questions cross-examining the pros and cons of spiritual tourism are sought
Please note: this is the first page only of the introductory editorial to the Special Issue on Spiritual Tourism. There are 9 other full papers in this Special Issue. If you have any questions or need further information on this Special Issue, please contact me.
(Please contact me if you are unable to access the full paper)
Consequently the growing desire for spiritual experiences raises a multitude of practical, theoretical, moral and ethical questions. Therefore it is anticipated that papers in this special issue will confront and interrogate the range of perspectives, contestations and problematics concerning spiritual tourism around the globe. What are the central tenets of spiritual tourism? What are the transformative effects on participants and hosts? To what extent does spiritual tourism impact the socioeconomic contexts of hosts? And to what extent does spiritual tourism lead to long-term reciprocal exchanges between participants and hosts? Papers that directly address the aforementioned and a host of other questions cross-examining the pros and cons of spiritual tourism are sought