Empirical testing of destination attribute preferences of women snow-sport tourists along a trajectory of participation

This study explored women snow-sport tourists’ destination attribute preferences in relation to their participation level (e.g. skill; sport career stage) through a complementary sequential mixed-methods approach. Initially, a model illustrating a trajectory of snow-sport participation, travel behavior and preferences was created through qualitative methods. This paper presents the quantitative testing of this proposed trajectory model and the associated destination attribute preferences. Enduring Involvement was used to quantitatively assess proposed stages of the snow-sport participation trajectory. Exploratory Factor Analysis revealed two dimensions in women's enduring involvement in snow-sports: ‘identity/centrality’ and ‘hedonism’. Additionally, three dimensions were found for destination attributes: ‘resort amenities and activities’, ‘snow-sport conditions and quality’, and ‘price’. A Multivariate Analysis of Variance showed that stages of the trajectory could be quantitatively verified. Analysis of Variance indicated that the importance placed on ‘resort amenities and activities’ decreased as women progressed along the trajectory. ‘Snow-sport conditions and quality’ was rated higher by more advanced skiers/snowboarders. ‘Price’ was rated highly along the trajectory stages

Participation Versus Nonparticipation in a Charity Running Event

Hosting sport events to raise money for charitable causes has become pervasive, yet we know little about why individuals choose to participate or not. This study examined the differences between participants and nonparticipants of a hallmark small-scale charity running event. Data were collected via an online survey containing measures of charity event participation frequency, enduring involvement, negotiation efficacy, family support, running participation patterns, and demographics. Nonparticipants were also asked about event-related participation constraints. The sample was comprised of N = 322 event participants and N = 112 nonparticipants (committed runners). A one-way ANOVA demonstrated no statistically significant differences between the two independent samples with respect to the variables of interest. Nonparticipants indicated relatively low constraints to event participation. The most commonly reported constraints solicited in an open-ended question format were injuries and participation in an alternative event. Findings revealed that event participants and nonparticipants are very similar in terms of their running participation patterns. However, definite nonnegotiable constraints or preplanned involvement with other events inhibited participation in the studied event. Over time, this can result in either the expansion or contraction of their involvement in the running event. By illuminating nonnegotiable constraints, this study may help event organizers improve planning and management towards event sustainability

Participation in Active Sport Tourism and Life Satisfaction: Comparing Golf, Snowboarding, and Long-Distance Running

Research has shown that participation in sport tourism can enhance wellbeing. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between wellbeing generated through participation in active sport tourism and overall life satisfaction. Three different types of active sport tourism (i.e., golf, snowboarding, and long-distance running) were compared to explore whether the type of experience impacts the relationship between active sport tourism wellbeing and life satisfaction. Broaden-and-build theory was used as a theoretical foundation. Data were collected via an online self-administered questionnaire. Respondents were recruited via a Qualtrics panel (N = 418). Analysis of variance indicated that snowboarders rated the positive emotions acquired from active sport tourism significantly lower than golfers and runners. Furthermore, hierarchical multiple regression showed a significantly stronger relationship between positive emotions and life satisfaction for golfers and runners compared to snowboarders. Theoretical contributions and practical implications are discussed

Parental Insights from Three Elite-level Youth Sports: Implications for Family Life

The purpose of this study was to examine parental values associated with children’s participation in organized sports, how these values are shaped by social class, race and age, and the influence of elite-level involvement in youth sport on family life. Data were collected by questionnaire in person from parents who were attending three youth sport events (Athletics (track and field) n = 102, Swimming n = 193, Synchronized Swimming n = 139). ANOVA, multiple regression, and thematic analysis were used to analyse the data. Values associated with the child/youth’s sport participation included fun, health, self-discipline, and competition. Multiple regression analysis showed that values differed by social class, age, and race, and child/youth’s age. For example, fun and self-discipline were rated higher for younger children while competition was valued more highly for older children. In particular, African-American parents rated self-discipline and competition as significantly higher. Parents across all sports reported the need to organize family activities around sport schedules with swimming and synchronized swimming cited as the most influential. Suggestions as to how Leisure Studies’ research foci on youth, family life, gender and time are well positioned to make valuable contributions to the study of youth sport in the context of family life are discussed

Women’s experiences of participation in mass participation sport events

Mass participation sport events (MPSEs) have become a popular form of recreational sport participation. Understanding experiences of participants is pivotal to designing and implementing socially just and sustainable events. Applying constructivist grounded theory methodology, this inquiry explored experiences of participation in MPSEs, with particular attention to the impact of gender on participation experiences. In-depth interviews were conducted with 13 women who participated in MPSEs. Fear and power were two core themes in interviewees’ experiences. Fear of sexual assault, injury, and “something bad” was a significant element in women’s experiences which related to perceptions of place and time. The second theme, power, was generated from strong sport identities, camaraderie among female runners, all-women races, and finishing mixed-gender races. The findings provide some guidelines for practitioners to enhance experiences of female participants and encourage repeated participation that is key to sustainability of the events

Community perceptions of tourism impacts

Host communities are major players whose perceptions should be assessed by policy makers when it comes to decision-making about tourism management and the future direction of tourism. In contrast to economic effects, tourism's socio-cultural impacts on host communities are considered more intangible. In turn, these can be more difficult to assess as they require measurement of more subjective or qualitative processes. In this chapter we explore these more intangible effects of tourism by focusing on the community perceptions of the sector's socio-cultural impacts. We discuss the key conceptual frameworks such as Doxey's Irridex, Butlers' tourist area life cycle and social exchange theory for assessing community perceptions of tourism impacts. We also identify the main perceived socio-cultural impacts of tourism and the main drivers behind these perceptions and discuss assessment challenges. Specifically, we underline the importance of understanding community perceptions of tourism impacts if the sector is to be developed holistically

Pinterest perfect picture: The relationship between family events and social media

Technology-based leisure is deeply ingrained into modern American family lives. Families use Internet and mobile technology to bond through shared online experiences, remote interactions, planning shared time, and teach children various skills. Use of technology by family members has also introduced multiple challenges. Among those challenges are blurred boundaries between the outside world and family leisure, sexting and bullying, unsafe driving while texting, issues of privacy, and decreased face-to-face communication. While there have been multiple studies on the use of social media by individuals, we know very little about the use of these platforms in the context of family events. Using a Family Process approach, this chapter will present how families use social media in the context of family celebrations, sport participation, and travel experiences. We conclude the chapter by discussing the current gaps in the literature and possible avenues for future research

Use of social media before, during and after family trips

Family travel is among some of the most meaningful family experiences that has multiple benefits for the family and its members. Since the pervasive use of technology changed all areas of our lives, the objectives of this study were to explore how family members use social media before, during, and after a family trip, and how the use of social media affects the family trip experience. Several main themes emerged from the data, including social media use in families, use of social media before, during, and after family travel, as well as the effect of social media use on travel experience. Recommendations for future research and practice are provided

Family Travel, Positive Psychology and Well-Being

Research has shown that travel as a form of family leisure results in various benefits for families. Families use travel to improve their relationships, escape from the routine, create memories and improve communication, and to continue family traditions (Durko & Petrick, 2016; Shaw & Dawson, 2001; Zabriskie & McCormick, 2003). Over the last couple of decades, positive psychology and well-being have received increasing attention in assessing the benefits of travel. Studies have documented hedonic and eudaimonic elements of tourism experiences that contribute to an overall sense of well-being (e.g., Moal-Ulvoas, 2017; Neal, Uysal, & Sirgy, 2007). Aiming at bringing these two bodies of literature (i.e., family leisure and tourism well-being), in this chapter we present findings of a qualitative study that explored travel and family well-being from a positive psychological perspective

Destination Attribute Preferences of Active Snow Sport Tourists: Insights on Female Participants

Destination Attribute Preferences of Active Snow Sport Tourists: Insights on Female Participants Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate women’s snow sport related travel behavior and preferences. A complementary mixed methods approach was applied that consisted of a qualitative study followed by a quantitative study. In the qualitative phase, a grounded theory framework of women’s participation in active snow sport tourism was developed that set the theoretical foundation for the quantitative phase. In the quantitative phase, EFA and ANOVA were used to analyze data. Results revealed three dimensions in the snow sports destination attributes: resort amenities and activities, snow sport conditions and quality, and price. The importance placed on snow sport conditions and quality increased from beginners to intermediates and then to advance level women; while the importance placed on resort amenities and activities decreased from beginners to intermediates and then to advanced. Implications for snow sport industries will be discussed and recommendations for future research are made