Eric retired from full time academic work as a Professor of Tourism Managemewnt about 20 years ago.He has had 19 academic books published, most recently Elephant Tourism, CABI 2021.He continues to be a Visiting Professor in many countries
Abstract This chapter details the development of elephant tourism in Thailand. Following a loggin... more Abstract This chapter details the development of elephant tourism in Thailand. Following a logging ban enacted by the government in 1989, in response to devastating floods and loss of life brought about by unsustainable logging practices, elephants used in logging and their mahouts suddenly found themselves unemployed. From positions of high esteem, some 2000 elephants and their mahouts were forced to resort to begging on the streets of Thailand, in order to survive. Seeing this as an opportunity, Thai entrepreneurs began to offer visits to old logging camps that had been turned into attractions for tourists, beginning the involvement of elephants in the tourism sector. The welfare of the elephants at this stage was at best a secondary concern for many of the camp owners and operators. The authors note however that this is now changing. Interestingly, for the elephants in Thailand, the improvements in their welfare resulted from the actions of travel trade associations such as ABTA (the Association of British Travel Agents), travel trade channel members, and specialist animal welfare and ethnic community NGOs.
This chapter draws on the political underpinnings of destination marketing and explores how the i... more This chapter draws on the political underpinnings of destination marketing and explores how the image of the Brisbane River produced a controversy that allows a better understanding of the problems that relate organic and inorganic images of a destination. While the Brisbane River flows through the city and symbolically and geographically connects many of its suburbs, the argument presented in the chapter outlines the theoretical context by which this complexity may be better understood. It then gives an empirical account of events and issues in the evolution of a river tourism policy for Brisbane, and provides an initial analysis of these.
This paper provides two comparative case studies focusing on the factors that led to differential... more This paper provides two comparative case studies focusing on the factors that led to differential development of a new niche market in two coastal destinations. The cases analyze the development of leisure viewing of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales, Australia. In one destination, a new niche market has developed based on commercial dedicated whale watch boats while in the other, free land based whale watching is integrated into the overall destination experience. The events in these cases leading to these outcomes are conceptualized using systems theory and illustrate how destination system development can follow different paths. In one destination the focus of important actors in the system on economic development stimulated commercial products, while in the other destination, social values of actors appear to have dictated limits to the development of whale watching, at least from an economic perspective. Based on these cases, the paper seeks to extend the application of systems theory perspectives of destination development by examining the dynamic relationship between systems inputs and outputs in terms of the structure of the systems and the actions of system participants.
This case study will demonstrate a shift in the normal paradigm of how government, society and th... more This case study will demonstrate a shift in the normal paradigm of how government, society and the private sector work together, resulting in a village being able to keep its culture while allowing sustainable tourism to develop. The success of this model can be replicated and ...
This chapter incorporates important insights from complexity, network and stakeholder theories in... more This chapter incorporates important insights from complexity, network and stakeholder theories in order to further develop various approaches and solutions to destination governance. The concept of 'destination' is contextualized in the discussion of a multifaceted definition. A distinction is made from the traditional visitor-focused approach in which a tourist destination is seen only as a purposebuilt, multi-amenity place where visitors base themselves. The chapter acknowledges that more recent concepts include local involvement and decision making, as well as environmental considerations and a component-sector approach (including various sectors of the tourism industry). In developing this concept further, there is also discussion of scale issues for tourist destinations at the local/regional (micro) level and management activities (programmes, structures, systems and processes), as opposed to the national (macro) level where broader policies and planning occur and have influence on these destinations. After making the micro-macro connection and developing the concept further regarding the tourist destination, the authors discuss the important strategic approach of destination governance that includes planning, management and development, as well as including sustainability principles highlighting the involvement of the diversity of stakeholders for the benefit of all. Of special importance in this discussion of tourist destination governance solutions is the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in the development and effective use of networks, collaborations and community engagement, as well as change. The authors emphasize the numerous benefits of the use of ICT in the context of destination development, in facilitating these approaches, providing knowledge and information distribution, increasing efficiency and productivity, enhancing decision making, reducing costs and improving the interaction of stakeholders and networks of relevance. As discussed in the above summaries, each of the chapters in this part of the book provides further understanding regarding the approaches and solutions of tourist destination governance, including aspects of structural change, community engagement, networks and collaborations in the context of tourist destinations.
This paper examines aspects of the development of tourism in the hinterland of the Gold Coast, Au... more This paper examines aspects of the development of tourism in the hinterland of the Gold Coast, Australia. It examines the contrasts between the commercialized coast and rainforested hinterland as well as between two eco-lodges located in the hinterland.
Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research, 2017
This article examines the meaning and significance of screen tourism location authenticity. The a... more This article examines the meaning and significance of screen tourism location authenticity. The article analyses the interrelationship among places (real vs. substituted historical sites associated with tourists’ favorite films and TV programs) and activities (reenactment of photo shootings and costume rentals). The study finds a number of visitor segments go to screen tourism locations. For Screen Authentic Tourists, objective and existential authenticity do not matter as long as the destinations are associated with their favorite films. Screen tourism is a rapidly growing sector; this article examines its dynamics and evaluates various approaches to screen tourism authenticity, particularly theoplacity.
Abstract This chapter details the development of elephant tourism in Thailand. Following a loggin... more Abstract This chapter details the development of elephant tourism in Thailand. Following a logging ban enacted by the government in 1989, in response to devastating floods and loss of life brought about by unsustainable logging practices, elephants used in logging and their mahouts suddenly found themselves unemployed. From positions of high esteem, some 2000 elephants and their mahouts were forced to resort to begging on the streets of Thailand, in order to survive. Seeing this as an opportunity, Thai entrepreneurs began to offer visits to old logging camps that had been turned into attractions for tourists, beginning the involvement of elephants in the tourism sector. The welfare of the elephants at this stage was at best a secondary concern for many of the camp owners and operators. The authors note however that this is now changing. Interestingly, for the elephants in Thailand, the improvements in their welfare resulted from the actions of travel trade associations such as ABTA (the Association of British Travel Agents), travel trade channel members, and specialist animal welfare and ethnic community NGOs.
Abstract This chapter is a record of interviews with John Roberts, director of the Golden Triangl... more Abstract This chapter is a record of interviews with John Roberts, director of the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation, previously the director of elephants at the Anantara Golden Triangle Resort. The two major topics explored were, first, how John become interested in elephant welfare issues, and, second, the origins and development of the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp and related activities.
Tourism as a field of study is challenged to identify a theoretical core and disciplinary boundar... more Tourism as a field of study is challenged to identify a theoretical core and disciplinary boundaries. While the phenomena of tourism may be considered a system of interlinked parts, the scholarly body of knowledge of tourism may be described as a mosaic of knowledge. This paper identifies a number of methodological problems that tourism research must address. We further propose that future attention should focus its attention on core issues of tourism related to consumer’s pursuit of difference in their travel. Further, these core issues should be addressed using the most appropriate disciplinary theory and methodology providing the data needed to produce a holistic picture for deeper analysis.
... The important point then is: what have the Japanese authorities actually done about disaster ... more ... The important point then is: what have the Japanese authorities actually done about disaster risk ... A number of physical factors contribute to the high incidence of natural disasters in Japan, these ... needs to be examined in any analysis of how tourism may be affected by such ...
Abstract This chapter details the development of elephant tourism in Thailand. Following a loggin... more Abstract This chapter details the development of elephant tourism in Thailand. Following a logging ban enacted by the government in 1989, in response to devastating floods and loss of life brought about by unsustainable logging practices, elephants used in logging and their mahouts suddenly found themselves unemployed. From positions of high esteem, some 2000 elephants and their mahouts were forced to resort to begging on the streets of Thailand, in order to survive. Seeing this as an opportunity, Thai entrepreneurs began to offer visits to old logging camps that had been turned into attractions for tourists, beginning the involvement of elephants in the tourism sector. The welfare of the elephants at this stage was at best a secondary concern for many of the camp owners and operators. The authors note however that this is now changing. Interestingly, for the elephants in Thailand, the improvements in their welfare resulted from the actions of travel trade associations such as ABTA (the Association of British Travel Agents), travel trade channel members, and specialist animal welfare and ethnic community NGOs.
This chapter draws on the political underpinnings of destination marketing and explores how the i... more This chapter draws on the political underpinnings of destination marketing and explores how the image of the Brisbane River produced a controversy that allows a better understanding of the problems that relate organic and inorganic images of a destination. While the Brisbane River flows through the city and symbolically and geographically connects many of its suburbs, the argument presented in the chapter outlines the theoretical context by which this complexity may be better understood. It then gives an empirical account of events and issues in the evolution of a river tourism policy for Brisbane, and provides an initial analysis of these.
This paper provides two comparative case studies focusing on the factors that led to differential... more This paper provides two comparative case studies focusing on the factors that led to differential development of a new niche market in two coastal destinations. The cases analyze the development of leisure viewing of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales, Australia. In one destination, a new niche market has developed based on commercial dedicated whale watch boats while in the other, free land based whale watching is integrated into the overall destination experience. The events in these cases leading to these outcomes are conceptualized using systems theory and illustrate how destination system development can follow different paths. In one destination the focus of important actors in the system on economic development stimulated commercial products, while in the other destination, social values of actors appear to have dictated limits to the development of whale watching, at least from an economic perspective. Based on these cases, the paper seeks to extend the application of systems theory perspectives of destination development by examining the dynamic relationship between systems inputs and outputs in terms of the structure of the systems and the actions of system participants.
This case study will demonstrate a shift in the normal paradigm of how government, society and th... more This case study will demonstrate a shift in the normal paradigm of how government, society and the private sector work together, resulting in a village being able to keep its culture while allowing sustainable tourism to develop. The success of this model can be replicated and ...
This chapter incorporates important insights from complexity, network and stakeholder theories in... more This chapter incorporates important insights from complexity, network and stakeholder theories in order to further develop various approaches and solutions to destination governance. The concept of 'destination' is contextualized in the discussion of a multifaceted definition. A distinction is made from the traditional visitor-focused approach in which a tourist destination is seen only as a purposebuilt, multi-amenity place where visitors base themselves. The chapter acknowledges that more recent concepts include local involvement and decision making, as well as environmental considerations and a component-sector approach (including various sectors of the tourism industry). In developing this concept further, there is also discussion of scale issues for tourist destinations at the local/regional (micro) level and management activities (programmes, structures, systems and processes), as opposed to the national (macro) level where broader policies and planning occur and have influence on these destinations. After making the micro-macro connection and developing the concept further regarding the tourist destination, the authors discuss the important strategic approach of destination governance that includes planning, management and development, as well as including sustainability principles highlighting the involvement of the diversity of stakeholders for the benefit of all. Of special importance in this discussion of tourist destination governance solutions is the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in the development and effective use of networks, collaborations and community engagement, as well as change. The authors emphasize the numerous benefits of the use of ICT in the context of destination development, in facilitating these approaches, providing knowledge and information distribution, increasing efficiency and productivity, enhancing decision making, reducing costs and improving the interaction of stakeholders and networks of relevance. As discussed in the above summaries, each of the chapters in this part of the book provides further understanding regarding the approaches and solutions of tourist destination governance, including aspects of structural change, community engagement, networks and collaborations in the context of tourist destinations.
This paper examines aspects of the development of tourism in the hinterland of the Gold Coast, Au... more This paper examines aspects of the development of tourism in the hinterland of the Gold Coast, Australia. It examines the contrasts between the commercialized coast and rainforested hinterland as well as between two eco-lodges located in the hinterland.
Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research, 2017
This article examines the meaning and significance of screen tourism location authenticity. The a... more This article examines the meaning and significance of screen tourism location authenticity. The article analyses the interrelationship among places (real vs. substituted historical sites associated with tourists’ favorite films and TV programs) and activities (reenactment of photo shootings and costume rentals). The study finds a number of visitor segments go to screen tourism locations. For Screen Authentic Tourists, objective and existential authenticity do not matter as long as the destinations are associated with their favorite films. Screen tourism is a rapidly growing sector; this article examines its dynamics and evaluates various approaches to screen tourism authenticity, particularly theoplacity.
Abstract This chapter details the development of elephant tourism in Thailand. Following a loggin... more Abstract This chapter details the development of elephant tourism in Thailand. Following a logging ban enacted by the government in 1989, in response to devastating floods and loss of life brought about by unsustainable logging practices, elephants used in logging and their mahouts suddenly found themselves unemployed. From positions of high esteem, some 2000 elephants and their mahouts were forced to resort to begging on the streets of Thailand, in order to survive. Seeing this as an opportunity, Thai entrepreneurs began to offer visits to old logging camps that had been turned into attractions for tourists, beginning the involvement of elephants in the tourism sector. The welfare of the elephants at this stage was at best a secondary concern for many of the camp owners and operators. The authors note however that this is now changing. Interestingly, for the elephants in Thailand, the improvements in their welfare resulted from the actions of travel trade associations such as ABTA (the Association of British Travel Agents), travel trade channel members, and specialist animal welfare and ethnic community NGOs.
Abstract This chapter is a record of interviews with John Roberts, director of the Golden Triangl... more Abstract This chapter is a record of interviews with John Roberts, director of the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation, previously the director of elephants at the Anantara Golden Triangle Resort. The two major topics explored were, first, how John become interested in elephant welfare issues, and, second, the origins and development of the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp and related activities.
Tourism as a field of study is challenged to identify a theoretical core and disciplinary boundar... more Tourism as a field of study is challenged to identify a theoretical core and disciplinary boundaries. While the phenomena of tourism may be considered a system of interlinked parts, the scholarly body of knowledge of tourism may be described as a mosaic of knowledge. This paper identifies a number of methodological problems that tourism research must address. We further propose that future attention should focus its attention on core issues of tourism related to consumer’s pursuit of difference in their travel. Further, these core issues should be addressed using the most appropriate disciplinary theory and methodology providing the data needed to produce a holistic picture for deeper analysis.
... The important point then is: what have the Japanese authorities actually done about disaster ... more ... The important point then is: what have the Japanese authorities actually done about disaster risk ... A number of physical factors contribute to the high incidence of natural disasters in Japan, these ... needs to be examined in any analysis of how tourism may be affected by such ...
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