The purpose of this research is to explore the communication and interaction between westerners and Chinese people in western bars in the touristic town of Yangshuo in southern China. Yangshuo is worldly famous for its breath-taking Karst Mountains, rice fields and water buffalos. It has attracted millions of visitors annually, both domestic and international. The tourist center of Yangshuo consists of a main street, West Street, and many other small streets around it. In recent years, bars and night clubs have been established, bringing a more modern and western atmosphere to the main tourist streets that are paved in marble and lined with ancient buildings. This research is focused on bars, western bars in particular, as a unique setting for intercultural communication and interaction. First of all, this research introduces a background of intercultural communication definitions, the link between bars and tourism in China, as well as international tourism in China. With the goal of understanding the intercultural phenomena in bars through conversations and observations, I explored the role of bars in the community, the social and intercultural situations in bars, and the reflection and outcome of those communication and interaction. Field work was conducted in July and August 2010, by using both qualitative and quantitative research methods: questionnaire survey and ethnographic participant observation. I was able to obtain a broad perception of the subject as well as detailed description from participants, including myself. A broad range of literature related to bars and spaces in leisure and tourism, as well as in the fields of intercultural communication, intercultural host-guest relationship in tourism, tourism and cultural understanding, and tourist experience were reviewed. The gaps in the literature were identified. Limited research was done by addressing the actual situations of intercultural communication and linking the social and intercultural theories with actual practice, especially in a tourism context. Also, the role of western bars, as a new form of recreational, cultural and social space in China needed more attention. Chapter four and five present major findings of this research. Informants were divided into five groups: western tourists, local westerners (westerners who have become residents), Chinese tourists, Chinese students studying English in Yangshuo, and local residents. Preliminary findings from questionnaire survey indicate that westerners and Chinese people have difference reasons for visiting Yangshuo and going to bars. Bars have both social and recreational functions for westerners but are of less interest to and have more limited functions as attractions to Chinese tourists. Local residents have the least interest in western bars but Chinese students often go to them, mainly to practice English with foreigners. Detailed analysis of qualitative data suggests intercultural communication and interaction have difference purposes and styles for the different groups. Students, locals who work in the bars and local westerners have most contact with western tourists. Chinese tourists tend to interact with westerners in non-verbal ways, such as in games and photo-taking. Language is a major communication barrier but westerners made more effort to overcome this, reflecting both desire and need as visitors in a foreign land. The research findings can seek theoretical explanation through many social and intercultural theories. They suggest tourist-host interaction and communication has been overrated, especially when tourists are travelling in a different culture. The level of contact and cultural understanding is relatively superficial, but more meaningful than mere commercial exchanges. The trend of globalization and cultural homogeneity was well recognized by both cultural groups. The acknowledgement of cultural difference and interaction between customers should be encouraged and facilitated in bars, in order to create an authentic bar experience and nurture effective intercultural communication.

Climate change has been referred to as the ‘greatest challenge to the sustainability of the global tourism industry in the 21st century’ (UNWTO-UNEP-WMO, 2008). As a result, climate change is one of the most widely discussed environmental and sustainable development topics today. The winter tourism industry has been repeatedly identified as being vulnerable to climate change. The implications for winter tourism include a lack of snow in winter sport destinations, increased snowmaking and operational costs, shorter winter sports season, decreased visitation, and the potential for a loss of ski area operations. The intent of this study was to understand the adaptive behaviours of skiers/snowboarders taken in response to climate conditions. More specifically the objectives of this research were: to examine how skiers/snowboarders have responded to changing snow conditions in the past as well as how they may react in the future, to understand the role of substitution (time, place, activity) within specific behavioural responses to both past and future snow conditions, and to examine the extent to which activity commitment and place loyalty influence climate-induced behavioural change. Skier/snowboarder surveys were distributed at seven resorts in the New England states of Vermont and New Hampshire during the winter months of February and March 2010. A total of 572 surveys was collected and analyzed. The research findings revealed that skiers and snowboarders in New England are very loyal to their preferred winter resorts and are extremely loyal to the New England region. Only a small percentage of respondents said that they would travel outside New England to find better snow conditions. The level of a skier’s/snowboarder’s involvement in the sport, as well as their level of destination loyalty were also found to be important determinants of substitution behaviors. As climate change causes more significant changes to the mountain landscape and snow conditions, understanding how different tourist segments react to climate change and related environmental change is important for various tourism stakeholders: ski resort managers, nearby communities and also states that are dependent on this winter tourism revenue.

Imposing the principles of sustainable development on medical tourism is vital to maintaining the three pillars of a strong nation, namely, the environment, the economy, and the local community. The three research objectives of this thesis are: 1) to determine the primary factors that motivate foreign patients to travel abroad for medical services; 2) to define the role that stakeholders play for developing the medical tourism sector; and 3) to develop an implementable framework for establishing a sustainable medical facility. These objectives help lay the foundations for a medical tourism facility that would respond well to the future demands of international patients, and would remain competitive with other medical facilities in the global market while also improving local quality-of-life and remaining within ecological constraints. Therefore, this research adopts a case study methodology to examine a framework developed through the literature review to determine how it fits in reality. In addition, this research provides a starting point to define further the primary roles of the medical tourism network for developing the medical tourism sector.

Volunteer tourism, a sub-sector of the tourism industry, is growing at an accelerated pace subsequently creating socio-cultural, political, cultural, and environmental impacts. Current tourism literature suggests volunteer tourism provides opportunities for participants to facilitate building relationships with like-minded volunteers and encourages consciousness-raising experiences (McGehee & Santos, 2005). Furthermore, volunteer tourism has been shown to foster cross-cultural understanding between participants and hosts (Raymond & Hall, 2008; McIntosh & Zahra, 2008). However, researchers question the laudable aims of volunteer tourism; indicating the presence of this type of tourism creates social and power struggles within local destination communities (Guttentag, 2009, Sin, 2010). Higgins-Desbiolles (2006) claims the transformative capacities of tourism are overshadowed by industry attributes of tourism. To use tourism as a positive engine for social, cultural, environmental, and political change, it would be necessary to promote touristic experiences that encompass a transformative ethos. My exploration of organic volunteering within this thesis illuminates the transformative capacities of these touristic experiences and contributes to the expanding horizons of volunteer tourism literature. This hermeneutic phenomenological study explores experiences of organic volunteering and what these experiences mean to the volunteers. Gadamer’s (2004) hermeneutic phenomenology provided me the opportunity to develop a deep understanding of the meaning of organic volunteering experiences studied in Argentina. Using interviews and participation observation, I explored meanings of organic volunteering, while I also considered volunteers’ historicity, or pre-understandings, of these experiences. Data analysis revealed the emergent essential structure of “Opening to living in interconnectedness.” Interconnectedness within organic volunteering is embodied in six essences of reconnecting, exchanging knowledge, being in nature, bonding with others, consciousness-raising, and transforming. My research reinforces what many organizations’ claim; volunteer experiences improve global citizenship and participants desire to become more involved in future activism upon their return home.

Evidence concerning the benefits of physical activity to health is well established. Despite this extensive evidence, the vast majority of the population remains insufficiently physically active to elicit meaningful health gain. Exercise Referral Schemes (ERSs) have been operating in this country since the early 1990s. However, despite continuing expansion in the number of schemes nationwide, `success', in terms of long-term adherence to physical activity by clients has not been achieved. Extensive evidence in the literature suggests service quality may impact on clients' decision to adhere. However, this concept has not previously been applied to ERSs, assuring the originality and contributory potential of this investigation This thesis aims to investigate the factors affecting retention rates in ERSs. Furthermore, this investigation seeks to develop an understanding of the relationship between service quality and adherence in this setting. Five schemes comprising diverse operational management systems are evaluated via a new assessment tool, completed by 1024 respondents. This quantitative data is supported and extended by qualitative data drawn from a range of key stakeholders collected via 10 interviews and five focus groups. Results suggest clients do not generally perceive service quality to be problematic; however, significant differences between adherence groups and schemes offer insights into issues affecting retention. The nature of the relationship between client and exercise professional appears to represent one of the most notable `keys' to retention. Many clients seek a medical solution to health problems and perceive an exercise professional to be the poor relation of a GP. The fundamental importance of the potential for other exercisers to contribute to the support of clients is also highlighted and discussed. Site-specific issues, time to exercise and client stereotypes of the gym environment also feature as possible determinants of adherence. Considerable further research is needed to build upon these results. Possible avenues for such studies are also discussed.

Lida-se aqui com políticas públicas de regeneração urbana de áreas marcadas por expressivo patrimônio cultural, cujo principal objetivo seja a promoção do lazer, turismo e entretenimento, combinada com a preservação desse patrimônio. O objeto de estudo centra-se nas intervenções públicas realizadas no Pátio de São Pedro, no período 1969-2008, localizado no Bairro de São José, parte do núcleo antigo do Recife. O pátio foi alvo de um dos primeiros projetos de regeneração urbana do Brasil, em 1969, e também passou por sucessivos projetos e propostas desse tipo, ao longo dos anos 1980, 1990 e 2000, provendo um histórico de políticas públicas. Esse objeto enriquece-se com a adoção de uma análise em perspectiva comparada, com os casos do Bairro do Recife e de cidades inglesas que passaram por políticas públicas similares. Busca-se compreender a lógica por trás dessas políticas públicas e seus principais impactos e conseqüências sobre as áreas alvo da intervenção, bem como avaliar esse tipo de política pública, discutindo o ajuste de seus meios a seus fins. Normativamente, pretende-se discutir e propor, a partir da análise feita, critérios de procedimentos de preservação do patrimônio cultural, em políticas públicas que vinculem essa preservação com o turismo. A metodologia de pesquisa compreendeu a revisão de literatura teórica, histórica e de estudos de caso, levantamento de documentos em fontes primárias, entrevistas, observação participante e levantamento fotográfico. O trabalho de campo contemplou a visita às seguintes cidades inglesas: York, Kingston upon Hull, Sheffield, Manchester, Salford, Bury, Liverpool, Chester e Wigan. As supracitadas políticas públicas transformaram o pátio num espaço singular no núcleo antigo; a sua configuração urbana e conjunto arquitetônico íntegros e conservados contrastam com o \"mar\" de descaracterizações, mutilações e demolições no núcleo antigo. Entretanto, essa preservação patrimonial não foi acompanhada por ações de educação patrimonial, o que faz com que o pátio não seja apropriado pela maior parte da população recifense, sendo-lhe indecifrável. Ele também nunca conseguiu ser transformado em centro de turismo, para além de três ou quatro meses de sua \"inauguração\" como tal. A falta de gestão da Prefeitura da Cidade do Recife sobre o espaço público e casas de sua propriedade, no pátio revela a sua baixa capacidade institucional para formular e implantar políticas públicas de regeneração urbana, bem como a fragilidade das áreas de turismo e cultura dentro da prefeitura. A tese apresenta três conclusões. Primeiro, as supracitadas políticas públicas não transformaram o pátio em um espaço urbano espacial e socialmente segregado, mesmo tendo retirado-o (parcialmente) do cotidiano do núcleo antigo. Segundo, avalia-se que os sucessivos projetos de regeneração urbana sempre apresentaram sérias deficiências, não informando diretrizes e intervenções adequadas para a sua efetiva recuperação, a nível de conceito e de operação. Terceiro, propõe-se um novo modelo de gestão pública para o pátio, que combine responsabilização, administração do cotidiano e busca pela autosustentabilidade econômico-financeira, e a consideração dos moradores e/ou trabalhadores do núcleo antigo como seu principal \"público-alvo,\" alvo de ações de educação patrimonial e da transformação do logradouro em espaço de lazer, contemplação e convivência. / This work deals with public policies on urban regeneration areas with significant cultural heritage, whose main objective is the promotion of leisure, tourism and entertainment, combined with the preservation of this heritage. The object of study focuses on public interventions performed in Pátio de São Pedro, in the period 1969-2008, located in São José neighborhood, downtown Recife. The pátio was the target of one of the first urban regeneration projects in Brazil, in 1969, and also went through successive drafts and proposals of this kind, over the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s, providing a history of public policy. This object is enriched by the adoption of a comparative perspective analysis among Bairro do Recife and some English cities that have had similar policies. We seek to understand the logic behind these policies and their impacts and consequences on the main target areas of intervention and evaluate this type of public policy, discussing the adjustment of their means to their ends. Normatively, we intend to discuss and propose, from the analysis, criteria, procedures for preservation of cultural heritage, public policies that link the preservation of tourism. The research methodology included the review of theoretical literature, and historical case studies, collection of primary source documents, interviews, participant observation and photographic survey. The field work included the following visit to the English cities: York, Kingston upon Hull, Sheffield, Manchester, Salford, Bury, Liverpool, Chester and Wigan. The above policies have transformed the pátio into a unique space in downtown Recife; the maintenance of its urban setting and architectural integrity and preserved contrast with the \"sea\" of de-characterization, mutilation and demolitions in downtown. However, the preservation of this heritage was not accompanied by actions of heritage education, which makes the patio not appropriate and indecipherable for the majority of Recife´s population. It also never managed to be transformed into a urban-tourism precinct, except for the first few months of its three \"inaugurations\". The lack of management of the City of Recife on the public space and of their homes and property in the pátio reveals its low institutional capacity to formulate and implement public policies of urban regeneration as well as the fragility of the areas of tourism and culture within the municipal approach. The thesis presents three conclusions. First, the public policies have not turned the pátio into an urban space spatially and socially segregated, despite having withdrawn it (partially) from downtown to everyday life. Second, it is estimated that the successive urban regeneration projects always had serious deficiencies, not informing appropriate interventions and guidelines for its effective recovery, the level concept and operation. Third, we propose a new model of public management to the pátio, which combine accountability, administration of daily life and pursuit of economic and financial self-sustainability, and consideration of residents and / or employees of the old town as its primary \"target audience\": target actions of heritage education and transforming the street into a space for recreation, contemplation and coexistence.

O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar uma coleção de fotografias produzidas entre os anos 1920 e 1960 em São Paulo. Nesse período Cleonice Maria Heine (1919-?), foi assunto de descrição visual e de suas imagens emergem três temas cruzados: memória familiar, cultura urbana e deslocamentos de lazer e turismo para o litoral e o campo paulistas. Por meio do consumo de fotografias que se democratizou no decorrer do século XX, Cleonice criou uma imagem de si, da cidade e de alguns destinos turísticos inéditos na praia e no interior. A amostragem composta de 139 imagens permite concluir que a fotografia foi para esta personagem uma plataforma de comunicação e encenação de múltiplos papéis sociais: mulher urbana, comerciária do SESC, consumidora, estudante, irmã, cunhada, turista produzindo subjetividades e sociabilidades diversas. / The purpose of the present study is to analyze a collection of photographs taken between 1920 and 1960. During that length of time, Cleonice Maria Heine (1919 - ?) was the subject of visual description. From these photos three cross-related topics arise: family memory, urban culture and displacements regarding leisure and tourism towards the coast and the countryside of the State of São Paulo. Through photo consumption, which became democratic along the XXth century, Nelli created an image of herself, of the city itself and of some completely new tourist destinations to the beach and the countryside. The sample, formed by 139 images, allows us to conclude that photography meant to that character a stand of communication through which she played several social roles such as: urban woman, a saleswoman who enjoyed the benefits promoted by the Social Service of Commerce, consumer, student, sister, sisterin- law, tourist, by producing different subjectivity and sociability.

Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar os balneários das cidades de Presidente Epitácio e Rosana, no estado de São Paulo, como alternativas de lazer, identificando as políticas públicas que os municípios possuem e os projetos futuros. Buscou-se conhecer o entendimento que os responsáveis das secretarias/divisões de turismo e lazer e os frequentadores desses espaços têm em relação às políticas públicas. Mesmo sendo um direito social garantido por lei, o lazer não figura entre as prioridades dos nossos gestores públicos e quando aparece em seus discursos, é diminuído a apenas um de seus conteúdos, geralmente ao físico-esportivo. A metodologia utilizada foi composta pela combinação de pesquisa bibliográfica, documental e empírica, estudo de caso com coleta de dados utilizando-se entrevistas semiestruturadas. As entrevistas foram destinadas aos gestores responsáveis pelas secretarias/divisões de turismo e lazer e aos visitantes dos balneários estudados, resultando num total de 166 entrevistas. Além disso, foi realizada uma observação estruturada com intuito de analisar os fatores externos dos balneários, como conservação do local. Como resultados, identificou-se a dificuldade sobre o entendimento do lazer pelos gestores. Eles configuram o lazer em seu departamento como a agenda de eventos do município e, por consequência, denominam essa agenda como sua política de lazer. Constatamos também que os visitantes dos balneários não percebem a presença física, constante, do poder público municipal, não tendo eficácia a fiscalização das regras estabelecidas pela Prefeitura. Apesar de os balneários possuírem potencial para todo o Oeste paulista, a maioria do público que frequenta os balneários é residente da cidade local. Desta forma, desafios são lançados para as Prefeituras Municipais alcançarem novas fronteiras, como por exemplo, novas parcerias por meio da intersetorialidade; outros métodos de publicidade que atinjam, em especial, as cidades vizinhas; e estabelecer políticas públicas de lazer para além da agenda de eventos / This study aimed to analyze the beaches of Epitacio and Rosana cities in the state of São Paulo as leisure alternatives, identifying its public policies and future projects. It was sought to know how the tourism and leisure department managers and visitors to those spaces understand the local public policies. Even though it is a social right guaranteed by law, leisure is not included among the list of our public managers and when it appears in their speeches, it is reduced to only one of its contents, usually to the physical-sport. The methodology was formed by bibliographical, documentary and empirical research, a case study with data collection, and semi-structured interviews applied to the managers of the tourism and leisure departments and to visitors to the beaches studied, resulting in a total of 166 interviews. In addition, a structured observation was carried out with the purpose of analyzing the external factors of the bathing places, such as site conservation. The results identify a difficulty about the understanding of leisure by managers. They set up leisure in their department as a calendar of events of the municipality, and consequently, they call this agenda as their leisure policy. We also noticed that the visitors to the bathing places do not perceive the physical presence of the municipal public power as constant, which implies the inefficacy of an inspection of the local rules. Although the beaches have potential for the whole of the West of São Paulo, most people who visit the bathing places live in the local city. In this way, challenges are launched for municipalities to reach new frontiers, such as new partnerships through intersectorality; other advertising methods which attack, in particular, neighboring towns; and establish public leisure policies beyond the agenda of events

The potential of the Chinese outbound tourism market is substantial; however, research on this market to Canada is limited. This may be due, in part, to the lack of Approved Destination Status (ADS). This study examined the possible perceived image of Canada obtained by potential Chinese tourists, and to compare to the marketing position of Canada by CTC China Division-in effect, to conduct a product-market match between two concepts. Content analysis and an importance and performance analysis were used in the study. A questionnaire distributed at the Beijing Capital International Airport solicited perceptions of tourism in Canada, importance of selected attributes in travel decision making, performance of selected attributes on Canada, and trip preferences. The marketing position of Canada was examined through a content analysis of the promotional materials circulated from CTC China Division in Beijing, China. The coherences and gaps between perceived image of Canada and marketing position of Canada provide some marketing implications. This study concludes that the general tourism image of Canada is vague but positive, which is probably derived from the historically favorable image of Canada in china. Potential Chinese tourists had little knowledge on specific tourism sights; however, they recognized star attractions of Vancouver, Niagara Falls, and Toronto. Potential Chinese tourists prefer slow-paced trips; group tours; two weeks in length; in fall season; featuring mid-budget accommodation, preferably bed-and-breakfasts; on motor coach; visiting nature based sights at majority; and providing foods of various cultures. The current marketing position of Canada reflected through promotional materials by CTC and its partners has coherences in promoting tourism attractions in Canada to the image of Canada. Gaps exist on the promotion of travel issues and unconventional attractions, which inspires the marketing implications. Promotional resources should be allocate to unconventional tourism attractions with consideration rather than the presence of Chinese and mandarin speaking environment in Canada because of Chinese tourists’ demand for culture diversity. Promotion should include more information about travel expense and visas to establish reasonable consumer expectations.

The potential of the Chinese outbound tourism market is substantial; however, research on this market to Canada is limited. This may be due, in part, to the lack of Approved Destination Status (ADS). This study examined the possible perceived image of Canada obtained by potential Chinese tourists, and to compare to the marketing position of Canada by CTC China Division-in effect, to conduct a product-market match between two concepts. Content analysis and an importance and performance analysis were used in the study. A questionnaire distributed at the Beijing Capital International Airport solicited perceptions of tourism in Canada, importance of selected attributes in travel decision making, performance of selected attributes on Canada, and trip preferences. The marketing position of Canada was examined through a content analysis of the promotional materials circulated from CTC China Division in Beijing, China. The coherences and gaps between perceived image of Canada and marketing position of Canada provide some marketing implications. This study concludes that the general tourism image of Canada is vague but positive, which is probably derived from the historically favorable image of Canada in china. Potential Chinese tourists had little knowledge on specific tourism sights; however, they recognized star attractions of Vancouver, Niagara Falls, and Toronto. Potential Chinese tourists prefer slow-paced trips; group tours; two weeks in length; in fall season; featuring mid-budget accommodation, preferably bed-and-breakfasts; on motor coach; visiting nature based sights at majority; and providing foods of various cultures. The current marketing position of Canada reflected through promotional materials by CTC and its partners has coherences in promoting tourism attractions in Canada to the image of Canada. Gaps exist on the promotion of travel issues and unconventional attractions, which inspires the marketing implications. Promotional resources should be allocate to unconventional tourism attractions with consideration rather than the presence of Chinese and mandarin speaking environment in Canada because of Chinese tourists’ demand for culture diversity. Promotion should include more information about travel expense and visas to establish reasonable consumer expectations.