Stakeholder perceptions on the interdependencies of destination competitiveness and satisfaction in winter sport destinations

Recent studies on destinations dealt with tourism satisfaction as most important source for competitive advantage and measured customer satisfaction in order to close performance gaps. This paper tries to shed more light on two different perspectives with respect to destination competiveness: 1. Does the perceived destination competitiveness influence satisfaction with the trip? focusing thereby on the tourists, and 2. Does the perceived destination competitiveness influence satisfaction with the tourism services? considering the suppliers’ perspective. For this research a quantitative research approach was chosen. In total 5053 interviews were conducted. The results showed that satisfaction was predicted by competitiveness dimensions on the demand and supply side. Furthermore sport tourists were more satisfied with destination performance compared to suppliers

Exploring the interrelationship between sport, health and social outcomes in the UK: Implications for health policy

Background: Policy agencies are now re-visiting early aspirations that sport, as a form of physical activity, can be an instrument to foster general health and also subjective well-being (SWB). Both of these concepts capture physical and mental health states. SWB also encompasses broader psychological and life satisfaction as well as mood and affect. Past and current policies also identify a link between sport, social capital and SWB. Methods: Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) is undertaken on data from the UK’s Taking Part survey to investigate the interrelationships between sport, general health, social capital and SWB. Results: The SEM shows a simultaneous relationship between sport and SWB. The effect is mediated through general health. The results also show that there is no relationship between social capital and sport but a clear relationship between SWB and social capital. Conclusions: From a health policy perspective there should be an emphasis on encouraging greater sport participation, despite the difficulties that this poses, because there is a potential ‘multiplier’ effect on SWB and on general health through mediation. The multiplier effect occurs because once someone engages in sport and has their general health and SWB enhanced, then even further sport participation becomes likely, and subsequent general health and SWB, which would comprise both physical and mental health benefits. To target traditional non participants the research suggests that physical activity should be promoted for enjoyment, with health benefits subsequently following

Conclusion

Hallmann K, Fairley S, Herold E. Conclusion. In: Hallmann K, Fairley S, eds. Sports Volunteers Around the Globe. Meaning and Understanding of Volunteering and its Societal Impact. Sports economics, management and policy. Vol 15. Cham: Springer Nature ; 2018: 303-308

Intention of mountain bikers to return

Mountain biking forms part of cycle tourism and is a growing segment in sport tourism. Yet, information about the underlying motives of those who participate in mountain bike events, while a tourist at the same time, appears to be scant. The purpose of this  research was to determine the motives of mountain bikers and what drives their  intentions based on samples from German (n=205) and South African (n=205) cycling events. Five motives were identified using exploratory factor analysis. These were enjoyment, health and fitness, event status and team, social interaction, relaxation, and dedication. Participants in the two events significantly differed based on the importance of the motives. The motives dedication, enjoyment, and health and fitness were  identified as drivers of intention for return participation. While the motive dedication and the variable, country, significantly influenced intention to return visits. Marketers should target their promotional activities based on the different motives in relation to behavioural outcomes.Key words: Return intentions; Motivation; Mass participation events; Mountain biking

Micro and macro level determinants of sport participation

Wicker P, Hallmann K, Breuer C. Micro and macro level determinants of sport participation. Sport, Business and Management: An International Journal. 2012;2(1):51-68.Purpose - Sport participation is not exclusively determined by individual socio‐demographic factors (micro level) since infrastructure factors such as the availability of sport facilities and sport programmes (macro level) can also play a role in this regard. The purpose of this paper is to provide evidence for these determinants of sport participation using multi‐level analyses. Design/methodology/approach - A survey among the resident population in the city of Munich was carried out in 2008 (n=11,715). Furthermore, secondary data on the available sport infrastructure in every urban district of Munich (n=25) were collected. Multi‐level analyses were conducted to find the micro and macro level determinants of sport participation. Findings - The results show that aside from micro level factors, the availability of swimming pools and parks is especially important for residents’ sport activity. Moreover, sport activity in non‐profit sport clubs can be enhanced by both a good supply of sport programmes offered by sport clubs as well as a poor supply of programmes from commercial sport providers and the municipality. Research limitations/implications - Multi‐level analyses can be recommended for future research on sport participation. The use of GIS data would be fruitful in this regard. Practical implications - It can be recommended that municipalities invest in the construction of swimming pools and parks. Originality/value - The paper shows that multi‐level analyses are a relatively new method of analysis for research on sport participation and that they represent the most suitable approach for analysing multi‐level data

THE ASSESSMENT OF COMPETITIVENESS: THE CASE OF THREE ALPINE WINTER SPORTS DESTINATIONS

A number of scientific contributions have attempted to measure destination competitiveness with the help of destination performance indicators either categorized as supply-side or demand-side measures. There is a lack of empirical studies that assess performance evaluation of both supply and demand side. Therefore, based on the theoretical discussion of destination competitiveness models, a selection of demand-and supply-side relevant indicators were developed and operationalized. The article aims at measuring destination competitiveness both perceived by tourists but also by stake-holders within three winter sports destinations. A logistic regression analysis for the quality standard of the tourism product as the dependent variable was carried out. The quality of accommodation, hotel staff, and information management, but also destination policy and planning indicators significantly influence the perception of the quality standard of the tourism product. This article concludes with recommendations for destination marketing