Increasingly, gastronomy is playing a role in people’s motivation for travel, and destinations are making food and beverages their main attraction. This study explored the growing field of gastronomic tourism, a type of niche tourism, through the theoretical framework of destination branding theory. Using a qualitative case study research design, this research examined the branding of the emergent region of Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada as a gastronomic niche tourism destination from the perspective of tourism industry players. Findings indicated that the region turned to gastronomic tourism due to its agricultural history and need for economic development. It was also found that tourism industry players utilized the processes of brand identity, product development, collaboration, support and communication to brand the region. This study contributes scholarly and practical knowledge to the areas of tourism and branding, by providing insight into the development, management and promotion of destination brands.

Master of Regional and Community Planning / Department of Landscape Architecture/Regional and Community Planning / Katherine Nesse / Humanity’s belief in the paranormal has shaped cultures, folklore, religion, and influences the arts, customs, politics, and economics. In the modern era, paranormal belief continues to capture public interest, often fueled by popular entertainment and media. With belief in the paranormal on the rise, so are the social and economic implications. Literature and data also shows that paranormal niche tourism is becoming increasingly popular and have an effect on the tourism sector, yet it is poorly understood. The purpose of this study is to ask, “how does paranormal niche tourism affect and relate to local economics and public policy?” New Orleans serves as the subject city due to its rich paranormal history and folklore and thriving tourism economy. I divided data collection into two main phases: 1) surveying paranormal tourists and 2) surveying and interviewing paranormal-related businesses including tour companies, retail and services, and hotels. I distributed online surveys to paranormal tourists to collect data pertaining to demographics, education, employment, belief, belief influencers, travel habits, and costs. In addition, I conducted online surveys and personal interviews with businesses relating to paranormal tourism in regards to business model, marketing, revenue, employment, local community impact, and public policy impacts. A site visit provided further insight and immersion into paranormal tourism itself. Results indicate that paranormal tourism is positively impacting local communities and that public policy in New Orleans has both positively and negatively affected tourism. The results from this research provide insight in how other communities can accommodate paranormal tourism through policy and how businesses can also capitalize on this growing trend.

Increasingly, gastronomy is playing a role in people’s motivation for travel, and destinations are making food and beverages their main attraction. This study explored the growing field of gastronomic tourism, a type of niche tourism, through the theoretical framework of destination branding theory. Using a qualitative case study research design, this research examined the branding of the emergent region of Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada as a gastronomic niche tourism destination from the perspective of tourism industry players. Findings indicated that the region turned to gastronomic tourism due to its agricultural history and need for economic development. It was also found that tourism industry players utilized the processes of brand identity, product development, collaboration, support and communication to brand the region. This study contributes scholarly and practical knowledge to the areas of tourism and branding, by providing insight into the development, management and promotion of destination brands.

Increasingly, gastronomy is playing a role in people’s motivation for travel, and destinations are making food and beverages their main attraction. This study explored the growing field of gastronomic tourism, a type of niche tourism, through the theoretical framework of destination branding theory. Using a qualitative case study research design, this research examined the branding of the emergent region of Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada as a gastronomic niche tourism destination from the perspective of tourism industry players. Findings indicated that the region turned to gastronomic tourism due to its agricultural history and need for economic development. It was also found that tourism industry players utilized the processes of brand identity, product development, collaboration, support and communication to brand the region. This study contributes scholarly and practical knowledge to the areas of tourism and branding, by providing insight into the development, management and promotion of destination brands.

This dissertation investigates the broader genre of literary tourism and the current extent and potential of this tourism mode in the South African context. It shows what an inscribed landscape South Africa has and how rich it is in literary association.The profile and motivations of literary tourists, as well the kinds of tourist attractions encompassed by literary tourism are initially explored. The history and development of this type of tourism is then considered, from its earliest known manifestations, its growth during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries and its transposition to Africa and southern Africa. An overview of current literary tourism products in South Africa is conducted in order to determine the extent to which it has been developed in the country. Although not exhaustive, the potential of literary tourism within South Africa is subsequently considered by identifying places and writers that could be targeted for tourism development. This examination is then extended to the post-development or intangible potential literary tourism holds in terms of its educational capabilities, its capacity to catalyze an interest in reading and learning, as well as promote South Africa’s literary heritage. / Dissertation (MHCS)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Historical and Heritage Studies / unrestricted

Despite growing as a new popular facet of tourism in Japan, Seichi junrei is still niche and largely undocumented, stifling both the experiences of participants as well as the opportunities in the tourism industry. The tourism industry is changing and always trying to improve but lacks a personal touch. According to studies, the tourism industry focuses more on mainstream tourism than it does on niche tourism. Seichi junrei community issues are not being heard by the tourism industry; There are no user-friendly platforms available for the subculture to contribute towards tourism. This text explores the development of tourism and improving the experiences of tourists participating in the phenomena known as seichi junrei. Seichi junrei is explored through ethnography to create bonds. Together as a team of voluntary participants, through participatory design challenges the current problems with tourist experiences and improves them through digital tourism. The thesis creates a community and a platform that solves the user experience problems of seichi junrei. Seichi junrei becomes a guide for new fans where everyone can work as a community and help evolve the tourism phenomena of seichi junrei.