- Email: [email protected]
Eurotourism: Research and perspectives
RESEARCH
NOTES AND REPORTS
697
and affective vacation attributes and described possible benefit bundles as a function of vacation attributes as perceived by Irish vacationers. The “Tourism Attitudes and Development Issues” session was introduced and moderated by Muzaffer Uysal (VPI, USA), and followed by two paper presentations. The first paper, co-authored by Turgut Var (Texas A & M University, USA) and presented by Pilar Bastia Perez (Darwin, Australia), highlighted the importance of assessing residential attitudes and perceptions toward tourism in Darwin. The second paper, by Kadir Din (UKM, Malaysia), stressed the lack of attention given to sociocultural issues among industry insiders, both the public and private sector. The organizing committee deserves to be complimented for its first and moderately successful attempt to bring the tourism theme to the center stage of a business management congress. Next year’s conference will be held in July in Istanbul, Turkey. One of the tracks of the conference will again focus on tourism related issues. Information about the organization, 1994 conference proceedings, and 1995 program can be obtained from International Management Development Association (IMDA), 1201 Stonegate Road, Hummelstown PA 17036, USA. 0 0 Mua& Uysal: Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State LJniversi~, Blacksburg VA 24060, USA. E-mail: %ysal@vtvml. bitnet.edu”.
Submitted 11 July 1994 Accepted 31 August 1994
Eurotourism: Research and Perspectives Dimitrios Buhalis Chris Cooper John Westlake University of Surrey, UK The European Commission’s Tourism Unit in the Directorate General XXIII jointly organized a conference in May 1994 (Kassandra-Halkidiki, Greece) with the Greek European Union Presidentship and the Greek Tourism Ministry. The major aim of the conference was to examine the Tourism Study Program of the European Union (EU), which took place between 1990 and 1993. It also sought directions for the implementation of the study program and for future research directions. The Tourism Study Program aims to appraise the impact of policies on tourism flows, jobs, and infrastructure, and to monitor various forms of tourism and their promotion. P. Chatillon (EU) chaired the conference and presented a summary of the general issues, conclusions, and recommendations of the studies. The conference was opened by D. Livanos, the Greek Tourism Minister, who emphasized the importance of research towards a comprehensive European Tourism Policy. A. Pearce (EU) described the major policies and actions of the EU as well as the need to enforce the “competence” of tourism within the region; and P. Chatillon (EU) d emonstrated the aims of the study program and invited the delegates to provide feedback and interaction on the results. De Blust (European Community Travel Agencies Association) introduced
698
RESEARCH
NOTES AND REPORTS
the “Structural Analysis of the Tourism Sector” session and R. Hickman (PH Group) provided a microeconomic analysis of the tourism sector by highlighting the importance of the small and medium tourism enterprises. M. Antonioli-Corigliano (Universita Bocconi) elaborated on the competition in the tourism field and the barriers faced by tourism firms. B. Collaudin (Score Consultants) concentrated on the social and economical importance of tourism in the EU, while G. Zacharatos (University of the Aegean) concluded by proposing the harmonization of economic impact measurement methodology in the EU by studying the national accounts and input-output tables for all country members. “Potential for Development” session was introduced by P. Turpault (HOTREC) who expressed his interest in using the results of the studies. The potential of cultural tourism in Europe was presented by P. Raynaud (GEATTE) who elaborated on the sociocultural motivators of tourism. Y. Cornu (SMG/HTL) stressed the contribution of training to tourism professionalism and the need to improve the working environment in the industry and N. Sofos (EU) presented the impact of new technology on tourism. K. Kalogeorgos (School of Tourism Professions) referred to the Greek Tourism Educational System and R. Graf (EFC) concluded the session with a discussion of the German Tourism Policy. Next day’s “Tourist Flows to Europe and Inside Europe” session was introduced by R. Stelandre (Bureau International du Tourisme Social). F. Depras (Movement) elaborated on techniques of encouraging holidays. Y. Cornu (SMG/HTL) introduced promotional strategies to third markets (non-EU countries) and K. Peresiadis (Greek Ministry for Tourism) highlighted the need for segmentation in order to develop marketing strategies and appealing products. Quality was examined in the next session introduced by E. Fayos Sola (World Tourism Organization) who elaborated on the need to use Quantitative Total Quality Management in order to increase competitiveness. S. Dal1’Aglio (ECONSTAT) suggested that the long term planning of a destination should be the driving force for its marketing function. M. Bergsma (THR) suggested the adaptation of a harmonized Voluntary Hotel Classification system for EU hotels. F. Depras (Movement) evaluated determinants of the holiday decision taking. In conclusion, R. Pritchard (European Federation of Camping Site Owners) emphasized the importance of accurate information about destinations and suppliers being readily available to consumers. A synthesis of the research was offered by a panel of experts. W. Burnett (European Union of Tourist Officers) emphasized the significance of the individual tourist. A. Flook (International Federation of Tour Operator) contributed several ideas for the presentation of the research inferences. L. Davies (Federation International del’ Automobile) praised the role of the studies in the production of an EU Tourism Strategy. T. Jenkins (European Tour Operators Association) proposed methods to increase European tourism competitiveness while J. Viard (Central National de la Recherche Scientifique de France) interpreted the transformation of tourism demand and its contribution to European development. P. Chatillon (EU) accentuated the need for cooperation between every sector of the tourism industry and the importance of tourism research. Several topics were discussed in the “Future Tourism Research and European Tourism Actions” concluding session. L. Lickorish (European Tourism Action Group) recommended the implementation of the research results. R. Hollier (European Travel Commission) proposed that specialized segments and tourism motivation should be explored. P. Shackleford (WTO) pleaded for closer cooperation between WTO and EU. R. Cornelissen (European Parliament) illustrated the position of the European Parliament on tourism
RESEARCH
699
NOTES AND REPORTS
and proposed a closer cooperation between the industry and the European policymakers. Finally, E. Pongas (EUROSTAT) proposed harmonized statistical methodologies for comparable tourism statistics. The Chairman of the conference, P. Chatillon (EU), expressed his gratitude for the very constructive discussion and promised that the Green Paper in Tourism will address some of the issues raised in the conference. For more information, please contact Nassos Sofos, Tourism Unit, European Union, 80 Rue d’ Arlon, Brussels, Belgium. 0 0 Dimitrios Buhalis: Department of Management Studies, University 5XH, United Kingdom. E-mail: “d. buhalis@sursey. ac. uk*.
Submitted 2 1 June 1994 Accepted 9 September 1994
of Surrey
Guildford
GU2
0160-7383(94)00088-3
Urban Tourism
and City Trips Myriam Jansen-Verbeke
Erasmus
University
Rotterdam,
The
Netherlands
A two-day international conference (28-29 April 1994) on management and marketing aspects of urban tourism and city trips was organized by the Erasmus University of Rotterdam (Center for Tourism Management and EURICUR - European Center for Comparative Urban Studies) in partnership with the International Center of Tourist Economy Studies in Venice, Italy. The mixed audience of 170 participants included academics and consultants, representatives of many European cities and staff members of several tourism industries. This combination guaranteed a lively interest in the several issues and case studies presented. The program opened with research results from a comparative study on urban tourism development in a number of European cities, considered to be potential newcomers in the market of city trips. This comparative study included Antwerp, Copenhagen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Genua, Hamburg, Lyon, and Rotterdam (by L. Van den Berg, J. Van der Meer, and J. Van den Borg). Although tourism strategy and product development are assumed unique to each city, the general approach could be concluded from the presentation of different case studies. Rotterdam (G. Beyer, Rotterdam City Development Corporation) focuses on tourism to improve the urban environment and realistically assesses the weak points of this city in an international context. Lessons can be learned from the product renewal and new approaches to marketing in an established urban destination such as Edinburgh (R. Carter, Edinburgh Tourist Board). The importance of partnership in implementing strategies and the role of public/private tourism organizations were clearly demonstrated. How to blend old and new in the product development and marketing of a tourism destination, Victoria, Canada, was the theme of another presentation (P. Murphy, University of Victoria, Canada). Recent research work on the competitive position of Amsterdam as still another tourism destination revealed such interesting, albeit alarming, results that the city is revising marketing strategies, limiting the target groups and focusing on the further development
NOTES AND REPORTS
697
and affective vacation attributes and described possible benefit bundles as a function of vacation attributes as perceived by Irish vacationers. The “Tourism Attitudes and Development Issues” session was introduced and moderated by Muzaffer Uysal (VPI, USA), and followed by two paper presentations. The first paper, co-authored by Turgut Var (Texas A & M University, USA) and presented by Pilar Bastia Perez (Darwin, Australia), highlighted the importance of assessing residential attitudes and perceptions toward tourism in Darwin. The second paper, by Kadir Din (UKM, Malaysia), stressed the lack of attention given to sociocultural issues among industry insiders, both the public and private sector. The organizing committee deserves to be complimented for its first and moderately successful attempt to bring the tourism theme to the center stage of a business management congress. Next year’s conference will be held in July in Istanbul, Turkey. One of the tracks of the conference will again focus on tourism related issues. Information about the organization, 1994 conference proceedings, and 1995 program can be obtained from International Management Development Association (IMDA), 1201 Stonegate Road, Hummelstown PA 17036, USA. 0 0 Mua& Uysal: Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State LJniversi~, Blacksburg VA 24060, USA. E-mail: %ysal@vtvml. bitnet.edu”.
Submitted 11 July 1994 Accepted 31 August 1994
Eurotourism: Research and Perspectives Dimitrios Buhalis Chris Cooper John Westlake University of Surrey, UK The European Commission’s Tourism Unit in the Directorate General XXIII jointly organized a conference in May 1994 (Kassandra-Halkidiki, Greece) with the Greek European Union Presidentship and the Greek Tourism Ministry. The major aim of the conference was to examine the Tourism Study Program of the European Union (EU), which took place between 1990 and 1993. It also sought directions for the implementation of the study program and for future research directions. The Tourism Study Program aims to appraise the impact of policies on tourism flows, jobs, and infrastructure, and to monitor various forms of tourism and their promotion. P. Chatillon (EU) chaired the conference and presented a summary of the general issues, conclusions, and recommendations of the studies. The conference was opened by D. Livanos, the Greek Tourism Minister, who emphasized the importance of research towards a comprehensive European Tourism Policy. A. Pearce (EU) described the major policies and actions of the EU as well as the need to enforce the “competence” of tourism within the region; and P. Chatillon (EU) d emonstrated the aims of the study program and invited the delegates to provide feedback and interaction on the results. De Blust (European Community Travel Agencies Association) introduced
698
RESEARCH
NOTES AND REPORTS
the “Structural Analysis of the Tourism Sector” session and R. Hickman (PH Group) provided a microeconomic analysis of the tourism sector by highlighting the importance of the small and medium tourism enterprises. M. Antonioli-Corigliano (Universita Bocconi) elaborated on the competition in the tourism field and the barriers faced by tourism firms. B. Collaudin (Score Consultants) concentrated on the social and economical importance of tourism in the EU, while G. Zacharatos (University of the Aegean) concluded by proposing the harmonization of economic impact measurement methodology in the EU by studying the national accounts and input-output tables for all country members. “Potential for Development” session was introduced by P. Turpault (HOTREC) who expressed his interest in using the results of the studies. The potential of cultural tourism in Europe was presented by P. Raynaud (GEATTE) who elaborated on the sociocultural motivators of tourism. Y. Cornu (SMG/HTL) stressed the contribution of training to tourism professionalism and the need to improve the working environment in the industry and N. Sofos (EU) presented the impact of new technology on tourism. K. Kalogeorgos (School of Tourism Professions) referred to the Greek Tourism Educational System and R. Graf (EFC) concluded the session with a discussion of the German Tourism Policy. Next day’s “Tourist Flows to Europe and Inside Europe” session was introduced by R. Stelandre (Bureau International du Tourisme Social). F. Depras (Movement) elaborated on techniques of encouraging holidays. Y. Cornu (SMG/HTL) introduced promotional strategies to third markets (non-EU countries) and K. Peresiadis (Greek Ministry for Tourism) highlighted the need for segmentation in order to develop marketing strategies and appealing products. Quality was examined in the next session introduced by E. Fayos Sola (World Tourism Organization) who elaborated on the need to use Quantitative Total Quality Management in order to increase competitiveness. S. Dal1’Aglio (ECONSTAT) suggested that the long term planning of a destination should be the driving force for its marketing function. M. Bergsma (THR) suggested the adaptation of a harmonized Voluntary Hotel Classification system for EU hotels. F. Depras (Movement) evaluated determinants of the holiday decision taking. In conclusion, R. Pritchard (European Federation of Camping Site Owners) emphasized the importance of accurate information about destinations and suppliers being readily available to consumers. A synthesis of the research was offered by a panel of experts. W. Burnett (European Union of Tourist Officers) emphasized the significance of the individual tourist. A. Flook (International Federation of Tour Operator) contributed several ideas for the presentation of the research inferences. L. Davies (Federation International del’ Automobile) praised the role of the studies in the production of an EU Tourism Strategy. T. Jenkins (European Tour Operators Association) proposed methods to increase European tourism competitiveness while J. Viard (Central National de la Recherche Scientifique de France) interpreted the transformation of tourism demand and its contribution to European development. P. Chatillon (EU) accentuated the need for cooperation between every sector of the tourism industry and the importance of tourism research. Several topics were discussed in the “Future Tourism Research and European Tourism Actions” concluding session. L. Lickorish (European Tourism Action Group) recommended the implementation of the research results. R. Hollier (European Travel Commission) proposed that specialized segments and tourism motivation should be explored. P. Shackleford (WTO) pleaded for closer cooperation between WTO and EU. R. Cornelissen (European Parliament) illustrated the position of the European Parliament on tourism
RESEARCH
699
NOTES AND REPORTS
and proposed a closer cooperation between the industry and the European policymakers. Finally, E. Pongas (EUROSTAT) proposed harmonized statistical methodologies for comparable tourism statistics. The Chairman of the conference, P. Chatillon (EU), expressed his gratitude for the very constructive discussion and promised that the Green Paper in Tourism will address some of the issues raised in the conference. For more information, please contact Nassos Sofos, Tourism Unit, European Union, 80 Rue d’ Arlon, Brussels, Belgium. 0 0 Dimitrios Buhalis: Department of Management Studies, University 5XH, United Kingdom. E-mail: “d. buhalis@sursey. ac. uk*.
Submitted 2 1 June 1994 Accepted 9 September 1994
of Surrey
Guildford
GU2
0160-7383(94)00088-3
Urban Tourism
and City Trips Myriam Jansen-Verbeke
Erasmus
University
Rotterdam,
The
Netherlands
A two-day international conference (28-29 April 1994) on management and marketing aspects of urban tourism and city trips was organized by the Erasmus University of Rotterdam (Center for Tourism Management and EURICUR - European Center for Comparative Urban Studies) in partnership with the International Center of Tourist Economy Studies in Venice, Italy. The mixed audience of 170 participants included academics and consultants, representatives of many European cities and staff members of several tourism industries. This combination guaranteed a lively interest in the several issues and case studies presented. The program opened with research results from a comparative study on urban tourism development in a number of European cities, considered to be potential newcomers in the market of city trips. This comparative study included Antwerp, Copenhagen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Genua, Hamburg, Lyon, and Rotterdam (by L. Van den Berg, J. Van der Meer, and J. Van den Borg). Although tourism strategy and product development are assumed unique to each city, the general approach could be concluded from the presentation of different case studies. Rotterdam (G. Beyer, Rotterdam City Development Corporation) focuses on tourism to improve the urban environment and realistically assesses the weak points of this city in an international context. Lessons can be learned from the product renewal and new approaches to marketing in an established urban destination such as Edinburgh (R. Carter, Edinburgh Tourist Board). The importance of partnership in implementing strategies and the role of public/private tourism organizations were clearly demonstrated. How to blend old and new in the product development and marketing of a tourism destination, Victoria, Canada, was the theme of another presentation (P. Murphy, University of Victoria, Canada). Recent research work on the competitive position of Amsterdam as still another tourism destination revealed such interesting, albeit alarming, results that the city is revising marketing strategies, limiting the target groups and focusing on the further development