- Email: [email protected]
Planning for tourism, leisure and sustainability, international case studies
Book reviews / Tourism Management 33 (2012) 1604–1609
of the serious challenges in which managers and marketers must engage and meet daily. It is relatively short, ten chapters, easily a good read for a quarter, semester or trimester, and will certainly add to any course designed for this purpose.
Reference Clawson, M. & Knetsch, J. L. (1966). Economics of outdoor recreation. Baltimore: John Hopkins Press.
Steven F. Illum Office of Leisure Research, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO, USA E-mail addresses: [email protected], [email protected] doi:10.1016/j.tourman.2012.01.006
Planning for tourism, leisure and sustainability, international case studies, Anthony S. Travis. CABI Publishing (2011). Price £85.00, pp. 336 (hardback), ISBN: 978 1 84593 742 3 Planning for Tourism, Leisure and Sustainability, is an exemplification of Travis’s work for over fifty (50) years. One would expect a case study book to be filled with examples within on a particular context, but based on the concepts and models discussed in this book, the examples are applicable to other contexts. This is perhaps the main strength of Travis’ book which was primarily written by Travis with seven (7) contributing authors, Egmond, Haukeland, Jones, Kaucz J., Kaucz W., Koscak and Trumbic. Tourism planning is viewed as a type of ‘applied dynamic ecology’ after the work of Patrick Geddes’ spatial hierarchical approach to planning. For this book the hierarchy scales downwards from national, regional, local, resort and then finally site bases. It is only upon reading page 277 will one discover his philosophical basis for structuring the book and hence the reason one wonders if the latter chapters are intended to start the book. This would have been a practical structure since the book would have created an integrated planning build up (as building up a puzzle) from micro to macro planning. Nonetheless, as expected in a planning book, scale, balance, impacts, conservation, temporal, capacity and design are the main concepts. The book comprises forty-seven (47) chapters within six (6) parts. Each chapter is a short case study of a country, region and in the latter chapters a resort or site. In some instances, some chapters comprise several case studies. An attempt is made at the end of most chapters to evaluate the case study based on the idea of sustainability. In the introductory chapter, Travis sets out four models to explore planning case studies: (a) multiple stakeholder; (b) tourism carrying capacity assessment; (c) sustainable tourism planning; and (d) resource management and planning. However, it is not always evident which model is being explored in each chapter and applied to the case study, for example an event tourism chapter. However, in some instances the title of the chapter is an indicator of the model being discussed as for example Chapter 4 by J. and W. Kaucz regarding The Philbara: a Sub-national Australian Study in 21st Century Resource Development Planning. Although the book’s title indicates planning there are discussions surrounding implementation and governance issues as well. Hence, the book broadly relates to tourism development. This is
1605
not a criticism of the book but an indication that planning does not happen in a vacuum but involves an integrated process to develop the tourism sector. At the start of the planning process there must be political will for tourism development or perhaps pressure groups advocating for the process. In addition, planning is not only needed in the spatial context but also the very temporal nature of tourism activity means that planning has an important role towards the success of such activity. The book’s chapters include many diagrams, models and pictures and these assist with clarifying the cases under discussion. The main sections are based on planning scales such as national and regional or planning themes such as coasts and heritage. Sustainable tourist transport issues are integrated within several chapters throughout the book and are also discussed in a separate chapter, chapter 35. Transport as a temporal activity may have been better placed as a theme in a separate part with specific case studies expounded upon. Part I outlines the ‘International and National Scales of Tourism and Leisure Planning.’ This section highlights the issues with developing tourism on the national scale including political and environmental issues. The countries that are explored within a tourism planning framework include the England, Poland, Australia, Netherlands, Israel, Denmark and the Maldives. A historical perspective with regard to the development of tourism in England is outlined in an early chapter and this chapter discusses the London 2012 Olympic games in the contexts of governance and sustainability. Travis (2011) contends that consultation is a key ingredient in the development process. Illustrations of tourism planning as a vehicle to bring about social change, transformation and integration are highlighted. Conservation is linked with physical planning and it is suggested that this should be supported with continuous cooperation. Hence, the best of tourism development pursuits can be a vehicle for sustainability. Part II expounds on ‘Regional Tourism Planning, and Natural Resources Planning.’ One concern at the regional scale is finding the right balance and to achieve this zoning policies, balanced infrastructure with superstructure, resource capacity planning are well known strategies. However, what is not so well known is the aspect of cultural heritage conservation as a planning strategy. Travis (2011) points out that conservation and tourism can mutually reinforce each other and in particular that community-based rural development is an ideal starting point for sustainability (p. 136). Alternative models of rural development are shown to support the rationale of site selection for accommodation and attraction establishments. The ability for tourism activity to integrate easily makes it an attractive economic proposition, however, balance is only achieved by spreading establishments and activities through the landscape. Part III entitled ‘Coastal and Maritime Planning and Management’ concerns itself with impacts of climate change and rapid growth of tourist activities. There are issues of public access and conflicts of use in these areas. Added to this, extreme climate events create the greatest threat to coastal zones. Given these circumstances the role of planning seems to be one of ‘cure’ rather than prevention to avert continuous coastal degradation. However, to suggest that an assessment of ‘Tourism Carrying Capacity’ can reverse the damage that has been done seems ‘a little too late.’ Tourism Carrying Capacity Assessment (TCCA) with particular reference to the Mediterranean region is one case study within this part of the book. It is suggested that TCCA can be useful when it is integrated with other forms of planning such as structural planning and integrated coastal management. Also controversial is the suggestion that an output of TCCA is a precise number (p. 180). Part IV discusses ‘Historic Cities and Sustainable Tourism Planning.’ This part begins with a detailed introduction to the topic
1606
Book reviews / Tourism Management 33 (2012) 1604–1609
including a model of the urban planning process (p. 191). The importance of multi-sectoral planning, a spatial strategy of de-centralization and a spreading strategy of temporal activities are highlighted. The role of the regulatory framework to support planning is another consideration and for this case study Travis (2011) draws reference to the Salzburg case study. The regulatory framework is essential to maintain the integrity of the area. Also important for the integrity of heritage sites is the research into that heritage and a link between planning and research by use of the Williamsburg case study is discussed. Munich is presented as a good model for sustainable design in spatial management and transport (p. 219). Arts and events strategies are viable aspects of urban tourism and in this regard Birmingham is presented as a case study and an example of the UK’s largest continuous pedestrianized system. In addition, bidding activity for example the Olympic Games, raised the profile of Birmingham and this resulted in inward investment. Part V entitled ‘Local and Site Scale of Tourism and Leisure Services Planning’ involves the smallest scale of planning. This part of the book is perhaps the most useful to tourism destination managers since there are many practical considerations that should be integrated within tourism plans. Travis (2011) points out that many of the case studies emphasize twin planning relating to both conservation and balanced development. Design and material selection are also important considerations. At the local scale, spatial placement attraction clusters, central shopping, transport links and capacity management are other important considerations. An overall strategy to deflect or absorb pressures from the mass market appeal of several sites can also be adopted. Outdoor versus indoor activities, signage and visitor entrance fees are tactics which can help avert visitor pressures. An interesting reference is made to ‘green infrastructure’ with networked green and blue trails integrated within the landscape. Contextual planning of building, estate and traffic is highlighted as a useful tool at the site scale with reference to the Beaulieu, UK case study. Travis (2011) suggests that planning at the local scale materialises with architecture of central cores and development zones. Part VI, the final part discusses ‘Slicing the Cake Differently – Resorts, Spas, Pilgrimages and City Tourism’ and these are the three main themes in this part. The seaside resort evolution was theoretically analysed using Butler’s revised resort cycle (Butler, 1980). Three case studies are expounded including Scheveningen, the UK Sea-Change programme and Bournemouth. A chapter concerning the pilgrimage was included because this topic was viewed as a classical element of tourism. City planning is the final chapter and its significance relates to a link between city development and waterways and the diverse opportunities for tourism. The book clarifies issues relating to tourism planning in a wide variety of contexts although the rationale for its structure and inclusion of some chapters are not clear. Nonetheless, the work adds to that of Gunn (1988), an early author of tourism planning. Any student of tourism planning will treasure the book and practitioners of tourism planning and tourism destination management may find the several models and strategies presented useful.
References Butler, R. W. (1980). The concept of tourism area cycle of evolution. Implications for the management of resources. Canadian Geographer, 24 (1), 5–12. Gunn, C. A. (1988). Tourism planning (2nd ed.). London: Taylor & Francis. Travis, A. S. (2011). Planning for tourism, leisure and sustainability, international case studies. UK: CABI.
Michelle McLeod University of the West Indies, Jamaica E-mail address: [email protected] doi:10.1016/j.tourman.2012.01.008
Research Methods for Leisure, Recreation and Tourism, Edited Ercan Sirakaya-Turk, Muzaffer Uysal, William Hammitt, Jerry J. Vaske (Eds.). CAB International, Wallingford (2001). Research is foundational for the production of new knowledge. It is a set of processes that can grow our understanding of tourism, leisure, hospitality and related fields. Consequently, a new textbook for students in higher education presenting the fundamentals of these processes should be of great interest to instructors and scholars. Four editors have prepared this book to fill a void they have identified as the lack of a research methods textbook for students in “the field of leisure sciences” (xvi). They maintain it is designed for an introductory research methods course covering leisure, recreation or tourism topics for advanced undergraduate and graduate students in “mainly English-speaking countries majoring in leisure sciences, recreation, parks, natural resource management, tourism management and hospitality departments” (xvi). The editors and 19 other contributors have strong credentials in research in these fields. Most boast impressive publication records and are seasoned instructors in higher education. As opposed to other textbooks on leisure/hospitality/tourism research methods, such as Veal (2011) and Finn, Elliott-White, and Walton (2002), this one comprises chapters authored by different individuals rather than all written by an author or set of authors. As a basic textbook on research methods, we should expect the editors and other authors to present objectives, principles and techniques of valid research to tourism, hospitality, leisure and related topics. This requires presenting rather complex processes that adhere to widely accepted standards for sound research in a coherent manner to an audience with little or no background in research methods and applications. There cannot be ambiguity on concepts, definitions and methodologies without thoroughly confusing the students and confounding assessments of achievement of learning objectives. I believe the central issue here is, does this edited textbook presenting materials from 23 authors convey research objectives, concepts and methods to inexperienced undergraduate and graduate students in a coherent, unified way? Regrettably, based on thirty-five years of tourism research experience and twenty years teaching the subject to graduate students, my answer is, “no”. The book is organized in sixteen chapters grouped in five parts. Features to aid learning in each chapter include learning objectives stated at the initiation, chapter summaries, key terms, discussion questions, examples “from the field of leisure sciences” (xviii) and references. These are provided uniformly throughout all chapters. An additional learning aid, “research boxes”, appears more fitfully. These are designed to “contain examples of research applications or scenarios that explore the nature of leisure, recreation and tourism research issues in a variety of research settings.” (xviii). Unfortunately, these are found only in four chapters, rather than being “common elements of all of the 16 chapters” (xvii). Indeed, the book suffers from a lack of coherence in treatment of topics and inconsistencies in terminology. Chapter 1 can be a considerable source of confusion for students unfamiliar with the requirements of sound research. It defines “independent
of the serious challenges in which managers and marketers must engage and meet daily. It is relatively short, ten chapters, easily a good read for a quarter, semester or trimester, and will certainly add to any course designed for this purpose.
Reference Clawson, M. & Knetsch, J. L. (1966). Economics of outdoor recreation. Baltimore: John Hopkins Press.
Steven F. Illum Office of Leisure Research, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO, USA E-mail addresses: [email protected], [email protected] doi:10.1016/j.tourman.2012.01.006
Planning for tourism, leisure and sustainability, international case studies, Anthony S. Travis. CABI Publishing (2011). Price £85.00, pp. 336 (hardback), ISBN: 978 1 84593 742 3 Planning for Tourism, Leisure and Sustainability, is an exemplification of Travis’s work for over fifty (50) years. One would expect a case study book to be filled with examples within on a particular context, but based on the concepts and models discussed in this book, the examples are applicable to other contexts. This is perhaps the main strength of Travis’ book which was primarily written by Travis with seven (7) contributing authors, Egmond, Haukeland, Jones, Kaucz J., Kaucz W., Koscak and Trumbic. Tourism planning is viewed as a type of ‘applied dynamic ecology’ after the work of Patrick Geddes’ spatial hierarchical approach to planning. For this book the hierarchy scales downwards from national, regional, local, resort and then finally site bases. It is only upon reading page 277 will one discover his philosophical basis for structuring the book and hence the reason one wonders if the latter chapters are intended to start the book. This would have been a practical structure since the book would have created an integrated planning build up (as building up a puzzle) from micro to macro planning. Nonetheless, as expected in a planning book, scale, balance, impacts, conservation, temporal, capacity and design are the main concepts. The book comprises forty-seven (47) chapters within six (6) parts. Each chapter is a short case study of a country, region and in the latter chapters a resort or site. In some instances, some chapters comprise several case studies. An attempt is made at the end of most chapters to evaluate the case study based on the idea of sustainability. In the introductory chapter, Travis sets out four models to explore planning case studies: (a) multiple stakeholder; (b) tourism carrying capacity assessment; (c) sustainable tourism planning; and (d) resource management and planning. However, it is not always evident which model is being explored in each chapter and applied to the case study, for example an event tourism chapter. However, in some instances the title of the chapter is an indicator of the model being discussed as for example Chapter 4 by J. and W. Kaucz regarding The Philbara: a Sub-national Australian Study in 21st Century Resource Development Planning. Although the book’s title indicates planning there are discussions surrounding implementation and governance issues as well. Hence, the book broadly relates to tourism development. This is
1605
not a criticism of the book but an indication that planning does not happen in a vacuum but involves an integrated process to develop the tourism sector. At the start of the planning process there must be political will for tourism development or perhaps pressure groups advocating for the process. In addition, planning is not only needed in the spatial context but also the very temporal nature of tourism activity means that planning has an important role towards the success of such activity. The book’s chapters include many diagrams, models and pictures and these assist with clarifying the cases under discussion. The main sections are based on planning scales such as national and regional or planning themes such as coasts and heritage. Sustainable tourist transport issues are integrated within several chapters throughout the book and are also discussed in a separate chapter, chapter 35. Transport as a temporal activity may have been better placed as a theme in a separate part with specific case studies expounded upon. Part I outlines the ‘International and National Scales of Tourism and Leisure Planning.’ This section highlights the issues with developing tourism on the national scale including political and environmental issues. The countries that are explored within a tourism planning framework include the England, Poland, Australia, Netherlands, Israel, Denmark and the Maldives. A historical perspective with regard to the development of tourism in England is outlined in an early chapter and this chapter discusses the London 2012 Olympic games in the contexts of governance and sustainability. Travis (2011) contends that consultation is a key ingredient in the development process. Illustrations of tourism planning as a vehicle to bring about social change, transformation and integration are highlighted. Conservation is linked with physical planning and it is suggested that this should be supported with continuous cooperation. Hence, the best of tourism development pursuits can be a vehicle for sustainability. Part II expounds on ‘Regional Tourism Planning, and Natural Resources Planning.’ One concern at the regional scale is finding the right balance and to achieve this zoning policies, balanced infrastructure with superstructure, resource capacity planning are well known strategies. However, what is not so well known is the aspect of cultural heritage conservation as a planning strategy. Travis (2011) points out that conservation and tourism can mutually reinforce each other and in particular that community-based rural development is an ideal starting point for sustainability (p. 136). Alternative models of rural development are shown to support the rationale of site selection for accommodation and attraction establishments. The ability for tourism activity to integrate easily makes it an attractive economic proposition, however, balance is only achieved by spreading establishments and activities through the landscape. Part III entitled ‘Coastal and Maritime Planning and Management’ concerns itself with impacts of climate change and rapid growth of tourist activities. There are issues of public access and conflicts of use in these areas. Added to this, extreme climate events create the greatest threat to coastal zones. Given these circumstances the role of planning seems to be one of ‘cure’ rather than prevention to avert continuous coastal degradation. However, to suggest that an assessment of ‘Tourism Carrying Capacity’ can reverse the damage that has been done seems ‘a little too late.’ Tourism Carrying Capacity Assessment (TCCA) with particular reference to the Mediterranean region is one case study within this part of the book. It is suggested that TCCA can be useful when it is integrated with other forms of planning such as structural planning and integrated coastal management. Also controversial is the suggestion that an output of TCCA is a precise number (p. 180). Part IV discusses ‘Historic Cities and Sustainable Tourism Planning.’ This part begins with a detailed introduction to the topic
1606
Book reviews / Tourism Management 33 (2012) 1604–1609
including a model of the urban planning process (p. 191). The importance of multi-sectoral planning, a spatial strategy of de-centralization and a spreading strategy of temporal activities are highlighted. The role of the regulatory framework to support planning is another consideration and for this case study Travis (2011) draws reference to the Salzburg case study. The regulatory framework is essential to maintain the integrity of the area. Also important for the integrity of heritage sites is the research into that heritage and a link between planning and research by use of the Williamsburg case study is discussed. Munich is presented as a good model for sustainable design in spatial management and transport (p. 219). Arts and events strategies are viable aspects of urban tourism and in this regard Birmingham is presented as a case study and an example of the UK’s largest continuous pedestrianized system. In addition, bidding activity for example the Olympic Games, raised the profile of Birmingham and this resulted in inward investment. Part V entitled ‘Local and Site Scale of Tourism and Leisure Services Planning’ involves the smallest scale of planning. This part of the book is perhaps the most useful to tourism destination managers since there are many practical considerations that should be integrated within tourism plans. Travis (2011) points out that many of the case studies emphasize twin planning relating to both conservation and balanced development. Design and material selection are also important considerations. At the local scale, spatial placement attraction clusters, central shopping, transport links and capacity management are other important considerations. An overall strategy to deflect or absorb pressures from the mass market appeal of several sites can also be adopted. Outdoor versus indoor activities, signage and visitor entrance fees are tactics which can help avert visitor pressures. An interesting reference is made to ‘green infrastructure’ with networked green and blue trails integrated within the landscape. Contextual planning of building, estate and traffic is highlighted as a useful tool at the site scale with reference to the Beaulieu, UK case study. Travis (2011) suggests that planning at the local scale materialises with architecture of central cores and development zones. Part VI, the final part discusses ‘Slicing the Cake Differently – Resorts, Spas, Pilgrimages and City Tourism’ and these are the three main themes in this part. The seaside resort evolution was theoretically analysed using Butler’s revised resort cycle (Butler, 1980). Three case studies are expounded including Scheveningen, the UK Sea-Change programme and Bournemouth. A chapter concerning the pilgrimage was included because this topic was viewed as a classical element of tourism. City planning is the final chapter and its significance relates to a link between city development and waterways and the diverse opportunities for tourism. The book clarifies issues relating to tourism planning in a wide variety of contexts although the rationale for its structure and inclusion of some chapters are not clear. Nonetheless, the work adds to that of Gunn (1988), an early author of tourism planning. Any student of tourism planning will treasure the book and practitioners of tourism planning and tourism destination management may find the several models and strategies presented useful.
References Butler, R. W. (1980). The concept of tourism area cycle of evolution. Implications for the management of resources. Canadian Geographer, 24 (1), 5–12. Gunn, C. A. (1988). Tourism planning (2nd ed.). London: Taylor & Francis. Travis, A. S. (2011). Planning for tourism, leisure and sustainability, international case studies. UK: CABI.
Michelle McLeod University of the West Indies, Jamaica E-mail address: [email protected] doi:10.1016/j.tourman.2012.01.008
Research Methods for Leisure, Recreation and Tourism, Edited Ercan Sirakaya-Turk, Muzaffer Uysal, William Hammitt, Jerry J. Vaske (Eds.). CAB International, Wallingford (2001). Research is foundational for the production of new knowledge. It is a set of processes that can grow our understanding of tourism, leisure, hospitality and related fields. Consequently, a new textbook for students in higher education presenting the fundamentals of these processes should be of great interest to instructors and scholars. Four editors have prepared this book to fill a void they have identified as the lack of a research methods textbook for students in “the field of leisure sciences” (xvi). They maintain it is designed for an introductory research methods course covering leisure, recreation or tourism topics for advanced undergraduate and graduate students in “mainly English-speaking countries majoring in leisure sciences, recreation, parks, natural resource management, tourism management and hospitality departments” (xvi). The editors and 19 other contributors have strong credentials in research in these fields. Most boast impressive publication records and are seasoned instructors in higher education. As opposed to other textbooks on leisure/hospitality/tourism research methods, such as Veal (2011) and Finn, Elliott-White, and Walton (2002), this one comprises chapters authored by different individuals rather than all written by an author or set of authors. As a basic textbook on research methods, we should expect the editors and other authors to present objectives, principles and techniques of valid research to tourism, hospitality, leisure and related topics. This requires presenting rather complex processes that adhere to widely accepted standards for sound research in a coherent manner to an audience with little or no background in research methods and applications. There cannot be ambiguity on concepts, definitions and methodologies without thoroughly confusing the students and confounding assessments of achievement of learning objectives. I believe the central issue here is, does this edited textbook presenting materials from 23 authors convey research objectives, concepts and methods to inexperienced undergraduate and graduate students in a coherent, unified way? Regrettably, based on thirty-five years of tourism research experience and twenty years teaching the subject to graduate students, my answer is, “no”. The book is organized in sixteen chapters grouped in five parts. Features to aid learning in each chapter include learning objectives stated at the initiation, chapter summaries, key terms, discussion questions, examples “from the field of leisure sciences” (xviii) and references. These are provided uniformly throughout all chapters. An additional learning aid, “research boxes”, appears more fitfully. These are designed to “contain examples of research applications or scenarios that explore the nature of leisure, recreation and tourism research issues in a variety of research settings.” (xviii). Unfortunately, these are found only in four chapters, rather than being “common elements of all of the 16 chapters” (xvii). Indeed, the book suffers from a lack of coherence in treatment of topics and inconsistencies in terminology. Chapter 1 can be a considerable source of confusion for students unfamiliar with the requirements of sound research. It defines “independent