Abstract We use artistic metaphors to simplify the varying disciplinary methods used by tourism s... more Abstract We use artistic metaphors to simplify the varying disciplinary methods used by tourism scholars. Through the art perspective, we illustrate how and why the majority of current tourism epistemology is based on a ‘painters’ perspective, a preliminal approach focused on a disciplinary, structuralist approach. This represents a reactive stance to university and publishing expectations, where change, in the form of multi or post disciplinary thinking, as represented by an artist, is not always readily accepted. We note a small number of tourism scholars could be characterized as ‘artisans, for while they recognize the value of art in a post disciplinary mode, they are not artists in their own right. The true artist, the one whose thinking totally disrupts that established by previous generations, has still to emerge.
Journal of Hospitality Marketing & Management, 2015
Building on the theories developed by Hollander (idiosyncrasy credits), Inglis (typology of stard... more Building on the theories developed by Hollander (idiosyncrasy credits), Inglis (typology of stardom), and Snyder (self-monitoring theory), we contrast the functions played by three types of innovation—incremental improvements, hybrid innovation, and radical innovation—and their potential impact on festival management. Elvis Presley is at the heart of the study, illustrating the unique attributes of radical innovation, a concept rarely seen in festival management. The nature of the innovation paradox in festival and event management is explored through a review of the Collingwood (Canada) Elvis Festival. This study contributes to the limited understanding of the varying approaches to innovation and their roles in festival development and management. It offers event managers a valuable alternative to the traditional incremental and radical innovation binary.
ABSTRACT The outdoor hospitality sector, which includes campgrounds, caravan parks, recreation ve... more ABSTRACT The outdoor hospitality sector, which includes campgrounds, caravan parks, recreation vehicle parks, and glamping has emerged from a low-cost tourism niche to a mainstream, versatile recreation experience, valued at different levels by different segments. Sparked by personal and interpersonal needs for escape, socialization, freedom, and discovery, and pulled by product and service improvements, the sector has repositioned itself as an alternative form of accommodation or lifestyle. The paper offers contemporary insights into a sector overlooked by researchers in recent times. It examines key international trends including changes in nomenclature and products, while describing the various patrons that frequent this sector.
Innovation has become a buzzword, regularly cited to convey any improvement made, regardless of t... more Innovation has become a buzzword, regularly cited to convey any improvement made, regardless of the extent of newness. Tourism innovation has historically been viewed as either incremental or radical, a binary developed within manufacturing. However, given that incremental improvements are the norm in the tourism sector and that radical innovation is an abnormality, the binary is not representative of tourism innovation. We suggest a three-level typology, based on field research in Europe and Australia, and informed by Rogers’s innovation diffusion model; the concept of liminality and its role in the search for tacit knowledge through weak network ties; and the need to ask ultimate (why) rather than proximate (what, how) questions. Since the term innovation is overused, we introduce three alternate concepts: the “artist,” who is comparable to the innovator; the “artisan,” who represents early innovation adopters; and the “painter,” who epitomizes the early and late majority.
The paper reports on the insights from a one-day workshop with stakeholders focused on the challe... more The paper reports on the insights from a one-day workshop with stakeholders focused on the challenges of rural tourism in Southern Ontario, Canada, and potential innovative solutions. Rural tourism is populated with small scale enterprises operated by amenity migrants and long-term residents who place priority on lifestyle over business growth. The stakeholders identified eight key challenges facing rural tourism including funding, variable demand, product development, collaboration, infrastructure, marketing, policy and research. The recommendations for innovative action steps were market-driven, safe and relatively risk-free, suggesting improved leadership and management of resources will improve rural tourism. The responses side-stepped the key challenge – the lifestyle mindset of the operators. No visionary, disruptive ideas were presented, nor was clarity offered as to the types of innovation necessary to guide rural tourism operators in addressing each of the identified challe...
Western philosophy has conditioned human beings to see situations in opposing pairs. As a compara... more Western philosophy has conditioned human beings to see situations in opposing pairs. As a comparative paradigm, binaries define opposites such as black and white, left and right, work and play, good and evil. These dualisms create a hierarchical structure in which the initial term is expressed in a positive manner in relation to the subordinate ‘other’, which is usually stated negatively, as if these are the only two options available. Binary oppositions have dominated the theoretical landscape for centuries, structuring our language, thought, actions, research, and expression. A recent Humanities Education and Research Association (HERA) conference focused on the prevalence of binaries within the social sciences. Organizers posed a question which is equally relevant to tourism scholarship: Is this [use of binaries / dualisms] an inescapable framework for structuring reality or is an alternative possible? ” (HERA, 2015). We pose similar queries. How prevalent are binaries in tourism...
includes caravan (recreational vehicles, RVs) parks, tourist parks, campgrounds, and holiday reso... more includes caravan (recreational vehicles, RVs) parks, tourist parks, campgrounds, and holiday resorts. In Australia, spending holidays at OHPs is a common leisure activity for families, retirees, and international tourists, particularly in coastal, tourism-dependent areas. Recently, there has been a shift towards OHPs with larger cabins, more amenities, and fewer sites for caravans or camping. This shift reflects a demand among consumers for better facilities and higher quality accommodations. Most Australian OHPs are small, family-operated businesses that face several barriers to business innovation, including a lack of financial resources, limited business experience, and complex government regulations. Innovation can be defined as finding and putting into practice new products or services in order to save money or gain an “edge” over competitors. Most research on innovation in business has focused on manufacturing or service industries at the corporate level, which may not have mu...
Goal and objectives of the dissertationGoalTo understand the manner in which innovation contribut... more Goal and objectives of the dissertationGoalTo understand the manner in which innovation contributes to the management and growth of Australian Outdoor Hospitality Parks, and in so doing, understand the challenges and realities associated with implementing entrepreneurial innovation in the context of tourism focused small businesses and organizations.ObjectivesTo address the following key question: To what extent is passive, reactive, strategic and creative innovation, as defined by Tidd and Bessant (2009), a component in the planning, operation, management and marketing of Australian OHPs. This overarching question leads to four sub-questions:1. How does the Australian OHP sector define innovation?2. Are there strategic and creative OHP operators, as defined by Tidd and Bessant's (2009) taxonomy?3. If so, what are their characteristics?4. How do they differ from the mainstream operator and manager?The research sought to identify the innovative actors within the Australian OHP in...
ABSTRACT A growing societal push for escapism from congested urban space, stress, and economic pr... more ABSTRACT A growing societal push for escapism from congested urban space, stress, and economic pressures, coupled with the pull of rural areas’ environmental cleansing, open space, accessibility and affordability provide overlooked opportunities to capitalize on wellness tourism. Rural areas have the potential to offer passive wellness through interaction with nature, green space, and seashores. Rural areas additionally provide commercial tourism opportunities for innovative entrepreneurs who develop concepts that thrive in peripheral locations. Several European rural tourism operations have disrupted the traditional associations of wellness and luxury hotels / resorts by creating opportunities for a broader range of individuals to experience wellness products and services. These businesses range from a nascent farm spa franchise operation in the Netherlands through quality,-oriented family campgrounds located throughout Europe that offer various health and wellness products and services. Each case illustrates the dual role that rural tourism enterprises can play in offering both passive and commercial wellness opportunities in a differentiated manner from the mainstream offering.
We use artistic metaphors to simplify the varying disciplinary methods used by tourism scholars. ... more We use artistic metaphors to simplify the varying disciplinary methods used by tourism scholars. Through the art perspective, we illustrate how and why the majority of current tourism epistemology is based on a 'painters' perspective , a preliminal approach focused on a disciplinary, structuralist approach. This represents a reactive stance to university and publishing expectations, where change, in the form of multi or post disciplinary thinking, as represented by an artist, is not always readily accepted. We note a small number of tourism scholars could be characterized as 'artisans, for while they recognize the value of art in a post disciplinary mode, they are not artists in their own right. The true artist, the one whose thinking totally disrupts that established by previous generations , has still to emerge.
We use artistic metaphors to simplify the varying disciplinary methods used by tourism scholars. ... more We use artistic metaphors to simplify the varying disciplinary methods used by tourism scholars. Through the art perspective, we illustrate how and why the majority of current tourism epistemology is based on a 'painters' perspective, a preliminal approach focused on a disciplinary, structuralist approach. This represents a reactive stance to university and publishing expectations, where change, in the form of multi or post disciplinary thinking, as represented by an artist, is not always readily accepted. We note a small number of tourism scholars could be characterized as 'artisans, for while they recognize the value of art in a post disciplinary mode, they are not artists in their own right. The true artist, the one whose thinking totally disrupts that established by previous generations, has still to emerge.
International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 2012
Purpose – Traditional innovation typologies within the extant literature are not compatible with ... more Purpose – Traditional innovation typologies within the extant literature are not compatible with the innovation levels found within the Australian outdoor hospitality parks (OHP) sector, given its
tourism and small business characteristics. This paper seeks to introduce an innovation typology specific to the Australian OHP sector.
Design/methodology/approach – A two-phase qualitative research method was employed, whereby 30 semi-structured interviews were conducted with OHP operators/administrators who were identified as being “innovative” by four industry executives. Based on the 30 interviews carried out in Phase 1, six industry individuals who demonstrated a wider and deeper approach to innovation
than the others were further interviewed in Phase 2.
Findings – A small percentage of Australian OHP industry operators and executive officers showcase a level of innovation that is beyond incremental in character, but is not radical, revolutionary
or disruptive. This group of “strategic innovators” are the first to adopt ideas from other sources and adapt them to fit within the Australian context. These new ideas are introduced in three- to four-year increments, providing the individuals with sufficient time to assess the market’s reaction to the changes, and to measure increased value to their situation. The three- to four-year time span dovetails with the length of time taken by the majority of competitors to imitate the new concepts.
Originality/value – The paper introduces an innovation typology applicable to the Australian outdoor hospitality parks sector.
Rural entrepreneurship is a nebulous concept, due in part to minimal research and primary focus o... more Rural entrepreneurship is a nebulous concept, due in part to minimal research and primary focus on inherent lifestyle characteristics of rural entrepreneurs. Set in a context of wellness tourism in rural areas of the Netherlands, our research examined a nascent farm spa
franchise, currently operating on three farms, to illustrate three different dimensions of entrepreneurship. We employed the anthropological concept of liminality to frame the pull of
wellness tourism itself and its application to the three identified forms of entrepreneurship—imitation, liminal entrepreneurship and visionary entrepreneurship, each of which were evident by different individuals within the farm spa franchise.
Innovation has become a buzzword, regularly cited to convey any improvement made, regardless of t... more Innovation has become a buzzword, regularly cited to convey any improvement made, regardless of the extent of newness. Tourism innovation has historically been viewed as either incremental or radical, a binary developed within manufacturing. However, given that incremental improvements are the norm in the tourism sector and that radical innovation is an abnormality, the binary is not representative of tourism innovation. We suggest a three-level typology, based on field research in Europe and Australia, and informed by Rogers’s innovation diffusion model; the concept of liminality and its role in the search for tacit knowledge through weak network ties; and the need to ask ultimate (why) rather than proximate (what, how) questions. Since the term innovation is overused, we introduce three alternate concepts: the “artist,” who is comparable to the innovator; the “artisan,” who represents early innovation adopters; and the “painter,” who epitomizes the early and late majority.
The outdoor hospitality sector, which includes campgrounds, caravan parks, recreation vehicle par... more The outdoor hospitality sector, which includes campgrounds, caravan parks, recreation vehicle parks, and glamping has emerged from a low-cost tourism niche to a mainstream, value laden outdoor recreation experience. Sparked by personal and interpersonal needs for escape, socialization, freedom, and discovery, and pulled by product and service improvements, the sector has repositioned itself as an alternative form of accommodation or lifestyle. The paper offers contemporary insights into a sector that has been overlooked by researchers in recent times. It examines key international trends including changes in nomenclature and products, while describing the various patrons that frequent this sector.
The paper reports on the insights from a one-day workshop with stakeholders focused on the challe... more The paper reports on the insights from a one-day workshop with stakeholders focused on the challenges of rural tourism in Southern Ontario, Canada, and potential innovative solutions. Rural tourism is populated with small scale enterprises operated by amenity migrants and long-term residents who place priority on lifestyle over business growth. The stakeholders identified eight key challenges facing rural tourism including funding, variable demand, product development, collaboration, infrastructure, marketing, policy and research. The recommendations for innovative action steps were market-driven, safe and relatively risk-free, suggesting improved leadership and management of resources will improve rural tourism. The responses side-stepped the key challenge – the lifestyle mindset of the operators. No visionary, disruptive ideas were presented, nor was clarity offered as to the types of innovation necessary to guide rural tourism operators in addressing each of the identified challenges. The insights reflected an internal perspective lacking in true innovation. An innovative perspective would recognize the resilience of the individual operator, and in so doing recognize the need to work at different levels, domains, and scales rather than striving for a holistic solution to the challenges. An external perspective is needed to articulate different approaches to innovation, ranging from incremental improvements, to lifting, shifting and adapting ideas from other contexts to visionary innovation in order to address the broad challenges facing rural tourism.
Rural entrepreneurship is a nebulous concept, due in part to minimal research and primary focus o... more Rural entrepreneurship is a nebulous concept, due in part to minimal research and primary focus on inherent lifestyle characteristics of rural entrepreneurs. Set in a context of wellness tourism in rural areas of the Netherlands, our research examined a nascent farm spa franchise, currently operating on three farms, to illustrate three different dimensions of entrepreneurship. We employed the anthropological concept of liminality to frame the pull of wellness tourism itself and its application to the three identified forms of entrepreneurshipimitation, liminal entrepreneurship and visionary entrepreneurship, each of which were evident by different individuals within the farm spa franchise.
Abstract We use artistic metaphors to simplify the varying disciplinary methods used by tourism s... more Abstract We use artistic metaphors to simplify the varying disciplinary methods used by tourism scholars. Through the art perspective, we illustrate how and why the majority of current tourism epistemology is based on a ‘painters’ perspective, a preliminal approach focused on a disciplinary, structuralist approach. This represents a reactive stance to university and publishing expectations, where change, in the form of multi or post disciplinary thinking, as represented by an artist, is not always readily accepted. We note a small number of tourism scholars could be characterized as ‘artisans, for while they recognize the value of art in a post disciplinary mode, they are not artists in their own right. The true artist, the one whose thinking totally disrupts that established by previous generations, has still to emerge.
Journal of Hospitality Marketing & Management, 2015
Building on the theories developed by Hollander (idiosyncrasy credits), Inglis (typology of stard... more Building on the theories developed by Hollander (idiosyncrasy credits), Inglis (typology of stardom), and Snyder (self-monitoring theory), we contrast the functions played by three types of innovation—incremental improvements, hybrid innovation, and radical innovation—and their potential impact on festival management. Elvis Presley is at the heart of the study, illustrating the unique attributes of radical innovation, a concept rarely seen in festival management. The nature of the innovation paradox in festival and event management is explored through a review of the Collingwood (Canada) Elvis Festival. This study contributes to the limited understanding of the varying approaches to innovation and their roles in festival development and management. It offers event managers a valuable alternative to the traditional incremental and radical innovation binary.
ABSTRACT The outdoor hospitality sector, which includes campgrounds, caravan parks, recreation ve... more ABSTRACT The outdoor hospitality sector, which includes campgrounds, caravan parks, recreation vehicle parks, and glamping has emerged from a low-cost tourism niche to a mainstream, versatile recreation experience, valued at different levels by different segments. Sparked by personal and interpersonal needs for escape, socialization, freedom, and discovery, and pulled by product and service improvements, the sector has repositioned itself as an alternative form of accommodation or lifestyle. The paper offers contemporary insights into a sector overlooked by researchers in recent times. It examines key international trends including changes in nomenclature and products, while describing the various patrons that frequent this sector.
Innovation has become a buzzword, regularly cited to convey any improvement made, regardless of t... more Innovation has become a buzzword, regularly cited to convey any improvement made, regardless of the extent of newness. Tourism innovation has historically been viewed as either incremental or radical, a binary developed within manufacturing. However, given that incremental improvements are the norm in the tourism sector and that radical innovation is an abnormality, the binary is not representative of tourism innovation. We suggest a three-level typology, based on field research in Europe and Australia, and informed by Rogers’s innovation diffusion model; the concept of liminality and its role in the search for tacit knowledge through weak network ties; and the need to ask ultimate (why) rather than proximate (what, how) questions. Since the term innovation is overused, we introduce three alternate concepts: the “artist,” who is comparable to the innovator; the “artisan,” who represents early innovation adopters; and the “painter,” who epitomizes the early and late majority.
The paper reports on the insights from a one-day workshop with stakeholders focused on the challe... more The paper reports on the insights from a one-day workshop with stakeholders focused on the challenges of rural tourism in Southern Ontario, Canada, and potential innovative solutions. Rural tourism is populated with small scale enterprises operated by amenity migrants and long-term residents who place priority on lifestyle over business growth. The stakeholders identified eight key challenges facing rural tourism including funding, variable demand, product development, collaboration, infrastructure, marketing, policy and research. The recommendations for innovative action steps were market-driven, safe and relatively risk-free, suggesting improved leadership and management of resources will improve rural tourism. The responses side-stepped the key challenge – the lifestyle mindset of the operators. No visionary, disruptive ideas were presented, nor was clarity offered as to the types of innovation necessary to guide rural tourism operators in addressing each of the identified challe...
Western philosophy has conditioned human beings to see situations in opposing pairs. As a compara... more Western philosophy has conditioned human beings to see situations in opposing pairs. As a comparative paradigm, binaries define opposites such as black and white, left and right, work and play, good and evil. These dualisms create a hierarchical structure in which the initial term is expressed in a positive manner in relation to the subordinate ‘other’, which is usually stated negatively, as if these are the only two options available. Binary oppositions have dominated the theoretical landscape for centuries, structuring our language, thought, actions, research, and expression. A recent Humanities Education and Research Association (HERA) conference focused on the prevalence of binaries within the social sciences. Organizers posed a question which is equally relevant to tourism scholarship: Is this [use of binaries / dualisms] an inescapable framework for structuring reality or is an alternative possible? ” (HERA, 2015). We pose similar queries. How prevalent are binaries in tourism...
includes caravan (recreational vehicles, RVs) parks, tourist parks, campgrounds, and holiday reso... more includes caravan (recreational vehicles, RVs) parks, tourist parks, campgrounds, and holiday resorts. In Australia, spending holidays at OHPs is a common leisure activity for families, retirees, and international tourists, particularly in coastal, tourism-dependent areas. Recently, there has been a shift towards OHPs with larger cabins, more amenities, and fewer sites for caravans or camping. This shift reflects a demand among consumers for better facilities and higher quality accommodations. Most Australian OHPs are small, family-operated businesses that face several barriers to business innovation, including a lack of financial resources, limited business experience, and complex government regulations. Innovation can be defined as finding and putting into practice new products or services in order to save money or gain an “edge” over competitors. Most research on innovation in business has focused on manufacturing or service industries at the corporate level, which may not have mu...
Goal and objectives of the dissertationGoalTo understand the manner in which innovation contribut... more Goal and objectives of the dissertationGoalTo understand the manner in which innovation contributes to the management and growth of Australian Outdoor Hospitality Parks, and in so doing, understand the challenges and realities associated with implementing entrepreneurial innovation in the context of tourism focused small businesses and organizations.ObjectivesTo address the following key question: To what extent is passive, reactive, strategic and creative innovation, as defined by Tidd and Bessant (2009), a component in the planning, operation, management and marketing of Australian OHPs. This overarching question leads to four sub-questions:1. How does the Australian OHP sector define innovation?2. Are there strategic and creative OHP operators, as defined by Tidd and Bessant's (2009) taxonomy?3. If so, what are their characteristics?4. How do they differ from the mainstream operator and manager?The research sought to identify the innovative actors within the Australian OHP in...
ABSTRACT A growing societal push for escapism from congested urban space, stress, and economic pr... more ABSTRACT A growing societal push for escapism from congested urban space, stress, and economic pressures, coupled with the pull of rural areas’ environmental cleansing, open space, accessibility and affordability provide overlooked opportunities to capitalize on wellness tourism. Rural areas have the potential to offer passive wellness through interaction with nature, green space, and seashores. Rural areas additionally provide commercial tourism opportunities for innovative entrepreneurs who develop concepts that thrive in peripheral locations. Several European rural tourism operations have disrupted the traditional associations of wellness and luxury hotels / resorts by creating opportunities for a broader range of individuals to experience wellness products and services. These businesses range from a nascent farm spa franchise operation in the Netherlands through quality,-oriented family campgrounds located throughout Europe that offer various health and wellness products and services. Each case illustrates the dual role that rural tourism enterprises can play in offering both passive and commercial wellness opportunities in a differentiated manner from the mainstream offering.
We use artistic metaphors to simplify the varying disciplinary methods used by tourism scholars. ... more We use artistic metaphors to simplify the varying disciplinary methods used by tourism scholars. Through the art perspective, we illustrate how and why the majority of current tourism epistemology is based on a 'painters' perspective , a preliminal approach focused on a disciplinary, structuralist approach. This represents a reactive stance to university and publishing expectations, where change, in the form of multi or post disciplinary thinking, as represented by an artist, is not always readily accepted. We note a small number of tourism scholars could be characterized as 'artisans, for while they recognize the value of art in a post disciplinary mode, they are not artists in their own right. The true artist, the one whose thinking totally disrupts that established by previous generations , has still to emerge.
We use artistic metaphors to simplify the varying disciplinary methods used by tourism scholars. ... more We use artistic metaphors to simplify the varying disciplinary methods used by tourism scholars. Through the art perspective, we illustrate how and why the majority of current tourism epistemology is based on a 'painters' perspective, a preliminal approach focused on a disciplinary, structuralist approach. This represents a reactive stance to university and publishing expectations, where change, in the form of multi or post disciplinary thinking, as represented by an artist, is not always readily accepted. We note a small number of tourism scholars could be characterized as 'artisans, for while they recognize the value of art in a post disciplinary mode, they are not artists in their own right. The true artist, the one whose thinking totally disrupts that established by previous generations, has still to emerge.
International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 2012
Purpose – Traditional innovation typologies within the extant literature are not compatible with ... more Purpose – Traditional innovation typologies within the extant literature are not compatible with the innovation levels found within the Australian outdoor hospitality parks (OHP) sector, given its
tourism and small business characteristics. This paper seeks to introduce an innovation typology specific to the Australian OHP sector.
Design/methodology/approach – A two-phase qualitative research method was employed, whereby 30 semi-structured interviews were conducted with OHP operators/administrators who were identified as being “innovative” by four industry executives. Based on the 30 interviews carried out in Phase 1, six industry individuals who demonstrated a wider and deeper approach to innovation
than the others were further interviewed in Phase 2.
Findings – A small percentage of Australian OHP industry operators and executive officers showcase a level of innovation that is beyond incremental in character, but is not radical, revolutionary
or disruptive. This group of “strategic innovators” are the first to adopt ideas from other sources and adapt them to fit within the Australian context. These new ideas are introduced in three- to four-year increments, providing the individuals with sufficient time to assess the market’s reaction to the changes, and to measure increased value to their situation. The three- to four-year time span dovetails with the length of time taken by the majority of competitors to imitate the new concepts.
Originality/value – The paper introduces an innovation typology applicable to the Australian outdoor hospitality parks sector.
Rural entrepreneurship is a nebulous concept, due in part to minimal research and primary focus o... more Rural entrepreneurship is a nebulous concept, due in part to minimal research and primary focus on inherent lifestyle characteristics of rural entrepreneurs. Set in a context of wellness tourism in rural areas of the Netherlands, our research examined a nascent farm spa
franchise, currently operating on three farms, to illustrate three different dimensions of entrepreneurship. We employed the anthropological concept of liminality to frame the pull of
wellness tourism itself and its application to the three identified forms of entrepreneurship—imitation, liminal entrepreneurship and visionary entrepreneurship, each of which were evident by different individuals within the farm spa franchise.
Innovation has become a buzzword, regularly cited to convey any improvement made, regardless of t... more Innovation has become a buzzword, regularly cited to convey any improvement made, regardless of the extent of newness. Tourism innovation has historically been viewed as either incremental or radical, a binary developed within manufacturing. However, given that incremental improvements are the norm in the tourism sector and that radical innovation is an abnormality, the binary is not representative of tourism innovation. We suggest a three-level typology, based on field research in Europe and Australia, and informed by Rogers’s innovation diffusion model; the concept of liminality and its role in the search for tacit knowledge through weak network ties; and the need to ask ultimate (why) rather than proximate (what, how) questions. Since the term innovation is overused, we introduce three alternate concepts: the “artist,” who is comparable to the innovator; the “artisan,” who represents early innovation adopters; and the “painter,” who epitomizes the early and late majority.
The outdoor hospitality sector, which includes campgrounds, caravan parks, recreation vehicle par... more The outdoor hospitality sector, which includes campgrounds, caravan parks, recreation vehicle parks, and glamping has emerged from a low-cost tourism niche to a mainstream, value laden outdoor recreation experience. Sparked by personal and interpersonal needs for escape, socialization, freedom, and discovery, and pulled by product and service improvements, the sector has repositioned itself as an alternative form of accommodation or lifestyle. The paper offers contemporary insights into a sector that has been overlooked by researchers in recent times. It examines key international trends including changes in nomenclature and products, while describing the various patrons that frequent this sector.
The paper reports on the insights from a one-day workshop with stakeholders focused on the challe... more The paper reports on the insights from a one-day workshop with stakeholders focused on the challenges of rural tourism in Southern Ontario, Canada, and potential innovative solutions. Rural tourism is populated with small scale enterprises operated by amenity migrants and long-term residents who place priority on lifestyle over business growth. The stakeholders identified eight key challenges facing rural tourism including funding, variable demand, product development, collaboration, infrastructure, marketing, policy and research. The recommendations for innovative action steps were market-driven, safe and relatively risk-free, suggesting improved leadership and management of resources will improve rural tourism. The responses side-stepped the key challenge – the lifestyle mindset of the operators. No visionary, disruptive ideas were presented, nor was clarity offered as to the types of innovation necessary to guide rural tourism operators in addressing each of the identified challenges. The insights reflected an internal perspective lacking in true innovation. An innovative perspective would recognize the resilience of the individual operator, and in so doing recognize the need to work at different levels, domains, and scales rather than striving for a holistic solution to the challenges. An external perspective is needed to articulate different approaches to innovation, ranging from incremental improvements, to lifting, shifting and adapting ideas from other contexts to visionary innovation in order to address the broad challenges facing rural tourism.
Rural entrepreneurship is a nebulous concept, due in part to minimal research and primary focus o... more Rural entrepreneurship is a nebulous concept, due in part to minimal research and primary focus on inherent lifestyle characteristics of rural entrepreneurs. Set in a context of wellness tourism in rural areas of the Netherlands, our research examined a nascent farm spa franchise, currently operating on three farms, to illustrate three different dimensions of entrepreneurship. We employed the anthropological concept of liminality to frame the pull of wellness tourism itself and its application to the three identified forms of entrepreneurshipimitation, liminal entrepreneurship and visionary entrepreneurship, each of which were evident by different individuals within the farm spa franchise.
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Papers by Edward Brooker
tourism and small business characteristics. This paper seeks to introduce an innovation typology specific to the Australian OHP sector.
Design/methodology/approach – A two-phase qualitative research method was employed, whereby 30 semi-structured interviews were conducted with OHP operators/administrators who were identified as being “innovative” by four industry executives. Based on the 30 interviews carried out in Phase 1, six industry individuals who demonstrated a wider and deeper approach to innovation
than the others were further interviewed in Phase 2.
Findings – A small percentage of Australian OHP industry operators and executive officers showcase a level of innovation that is beyond incremental in character, but is not radical, revolutionary
or disruptive. This group of “strategic innovators” are the first to adopt ideas from other sources and adapt them to fit within the Australian context. These new ideas are introduced in three- to four-year increments, providing the individuals with sufficient time to assess the market’s reaction to the changes, and to measure increased value to their situation. The three- to four-year time span dovetails with the length of time taken by the majority of competitors to imitate the new concepts.
Originality/value – The paper introduces an innovation typology applicable to the Australian outdoor hospitality parks sector.
franchise, currently operating on three farms, to illustrate three different dimensions of entrepreneurship. We employed the anthropological concept of liminality to frame the pull of
wellness tourism itself and its application to the three identified forms of entrepreneurship—imitation, liminal entrepreneurship and visionary entrepreneurship, each of which were evident by different individuals within the farm spa franchise.
tourism and small business characteristics. This paper seeks to introduce an innovation typology specific to the Australian OHP sector.
Design/methodology/approach – A two-phase qualitative research method was employed, whereby 30 semi-structured interviews were conducted with OHP operators/administrators who were identified as being “innovative” by four industry executives. Based on the 30 interviews carried out in Phase 1, six industry individuals who demonstrated a wider and deeper approach to innovation
than the others were further interviewed in Phase 2.
Findings – A small percentage of Australian OHP industry operators and executive officers showcase a level of innovation that is beyond incremental in character, but is not radical, revolutionary
or disruptive. This group of “strategic innovators” are the first to adopt ideas from other sources and adapt them to fit within the Australian context. These new ideas are introduced in three- to four-year increments, providing the individuals with sufficient time to assess the market’s reaction to the changes, and to measure increased value to their situation. The three- to four-year time span dovetails with the length of time taken by the majority of competitors to imitate the new concepts.
Originality/value – The paper introduces an innovation typology applicable to the Australian outdoor hospitality parks sector.
franchise, currently operating on three farms, to illustrate three different dimensions of entrepreneurship. We employed the anthropological concept of liminality to frame the pull of
wellness tourism itself and its application to the three identified forms of entrepreneurship—imitation, liminal entrepreneurship and visionary entrepreneurship, each of which were evident by different individuals within the farm spa franchise.