The graduation thesis deals the quality of Czech gastronomy in Prague. The goal of the thesis is to evaluate the contemporary quality of services provided in the Czech restaurants located in Prague from the view of tourists. Therefore, the main part of the thesis is the realized primary research among foreign participants of tourism. The detection of opinions about quality of Czech gastronomy, recovery of many faults and subsequent proposal of measure to improve the quality of Czech gastronomy in Prague results from this research. In the thesis, there is not only this practical part but also the theoretical part, namely description of the concept of quality globally and in the area of gastronomy, the methods of evaluation of quality and existing systems of quality direction with the possibility of certification. The contemporary realized projects for promotion of Czech gastronomy are also described in the thesis.

This thesis is a study that aims to understand the pre, during and post visit behaviours of theme park visitors. This study took place at Janfusun Fancyworld, which is situated at Gukeng village Yun-Lin County, Taiwan. The park was the first Taiwanese theme park to achieve ISO 9002 and has hosted over 2 million visitors every year almost since its inception over a decade ago. By these criteria Janfusun is considered the leading theme park in Taiwan. Theme parks originally emerged from medieval and travelling fairs, but the success of locations such as Coney Island in the late nineteenth century introduced the element of exciting rides. At present the definition of a 'theme park' might be said to be an 'amusement park' that possesses a central theme based on history, fiction or other core. However, it is the researcher's own observation that Janfusun focuses more on the installation of hardware facilities, but pays less attention in creating an unifying theme. This situation may have affected the research outcome since Janfusun operates more as an 'amusement park' from a western perspective but markets itself as a 'theme park' within Taiwan, and is consistent with a Taiwanese understanding of the term of being a 'theme park'. The main hypothesis adopted in this study is that satisfaction may be of two types: (1) generic, which relates to general 'push' needs such as those for relaxation, and (2) site specific, which relate to destination attraction features and 'pull' determinants. This thesis argues that the satisfaction of generic motives such as the requirement for relaxation and escape is contingent upon the ability of the attraction to meet the visit motives specific to the attraction. For example, a need for escape would not be met if a theme park visitor found the rides uninspiring, the portrayal of fantasy unconvincing and the food poor. Furthermore, researchers such as Foster (1999) suggest that some destination attributes, while considered important by the tourists, rarely act as an incentive to choose a specific destination, but the absence of these attributes can be a powerful deterrent. Some of the attributes, such as 'accessible toilets' and 'a place to rest', are considered as convenience factors in this thesis. This thesis attempts to understand the relationship of push, pull and convenience factors to the visitors' overall satisfaction. Also, this thesis tries to understand the role of socio-demographic variables in determining overall satisfaction. This thesis also includes a longitudinal study that allows the research to capture the effect of changes to visitors. For example, Janfusun has newly installed an artificial beach and wave feature that serves the social needs of its visitors. This thesis also examines the importance of repeat visitation in determining visitors' motivations and experiences. For example, it was found that visitors with high repeat visits are more aware of the 'new rides' than the first time visitors. Finally the last chapter attempts to answer two key questions, (a) why are the findings of importance to both conceptual literature and management practice, and (b) what might future researchers learn from this thesis. The objectives of this thesis are thus summarised as to: 1. Conduct a longitudinal study in Janfusun. 2. Identify visitors' pre-visit behaviour, which is associated with generic motives and push factors. 3. Identify visitors' during-visit behaviour, which is associated with site-specific features and pull factors. 4. Identify post-visit behaviour, which is associated with satisfaction and loyalty. 5. Identify the causal relationships between pre, during and post visit behaviours and conceptualise a model. 6. Identify the role of convenience factors.

While the role of culture as an influence on consumer behaviour and product/service choice has long been acknowledged, the current literature in marketing offers an incomplete understanding of how and why culture plays its influential role (Overby, Woodruff and Gardial 2005). Research suggests that values provide the link between culture and consumer behaviour and values have been the focus of much research in the social sciences. In particular, values have received significant attention in cross-cultural research, being used to characterise the similarities within and differences across cultures. Values are central to the marketing discipline as they determine value, i.e. what activities, interests, and material goods consumers identify with, enjoy, acquire, or consume (Grunert and Muller 1996). Both directly and indirectly, values drive consumption behaviour. Typically, values have been assessed and compared through the use of standard measures such as Rokeach�s Value Survey, the List of Values and Schwartz�s Value Survey. Recent literature highlights growing concern over the application of standard measures across cultures and issues of cross-cultural invariance. There is a need for new research into cross-cultural applications of consumer value measures and theoretical models. This thesis critiques the use of Western conceptual paradigms and imposed etics in value research, and, using a Japanese tourism context, seeks a deeper understanding of how culture and values affect tourism consumption and experience. This thesis offers an empirical test of the cross-cultural applicability of a commonly used values scale in consumer research, the List of Values (Kahle 1983). The findings of this phase of the research extend the literature concerning methodological issues in values research and highlight the limitiations of the LOV as a cross-cultural measure of values. Based on these findings the thesis adopts an alternative, qualitative methodology to investigate the relationship between Japanese culture, values and tourism behaviour in New Zealand. The findings of the second phase of the research contribute to a recent call in the literature for more qualitative research in tourism, and allow the identification and understanding of the key values relevant to Japanese tourism behaviour. The results of Means-End interviews with Japanese visitors reveal the important cultural assumptions informing values and shaping tourism decisions and behaviours for two key groups of Japanese tourists. The theoretical framework presented in this thesis promotes our understanding of the relationship between cultural beliefs, values, and consumer behaviour. The results of the primary research highlight the importance of cultural and physical history, world-view, self-concept, thought patterns and language in the formation and interpretation of values. The thesis presents a holistic attempt at understanding Japanese culture, values and travel behaviour by examining how these concepts cohere in a logical framework. The thesis argues that, given the inherently cultural nature of values, their interpretation within the context of cultural beliefs is highly important in understanding variability in consumer behaviour across cultures.

In 2008,the KMT became the ruling party of R.O.C. again, and many new cross-strait policies had been addressed . The cross-strait direct transportation was established since December 15th, 2008. Of all visitors to Taiwan, there are 35 thousand tourists from mainland in December, 2008. The numbers of tourists from mainland in 2008 is three times more than those in 2007 . Although financial crisis is world-wide, the direct transportation is benefit to tourism industry of Taiwan. Around the world, the mainland tourists have the No. 1 expenditure in Hong Kong. After Hong Kong signed the CEPA with P.R.C. , tourists to Hong Kong increases from 150 million in 2003 to 252 million in 2006. The growth rate is 63% . Developing tourism can improve Taiwan economy and the direct transportation is good to most industries. This study discusses the history of direct cross-strait transportation and new policies of airline limitation and the number of persons in a tourist group. We also review articles to explain the market of tourism in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Asia and the world. The study send 250 questionnaires to people living in Beijing , Nanking , Shanghai , Guangzhou , and Xaimen . The main purpose of this questionnaire is to understand mainland tourist¡¦s favors about resorts ,foods ,landscapes , consumptions in Taiwan. The interview with experts is based on the result of questionnaires. According to results, we also make a SWOT analysis of Kaohsiung tourism. The conclusion is that the key points of developing tourism in Kaohsiung city are those operators in tourism-related industries . The development of tourism in Kaohsiung city is feasible.

Thesis (D. Min.)--Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, South Hamilton, MA, 2003. / Abstract and vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 123-127).

published_or_final_version / Geography / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

The government of South Africa in the White Paper on Tourism recognises the importance of attracting foreign investment in order to achieve the growth and development objectives of the tourism sector. Foreign investment will increase competition and improve standards as well as create employment and facilitate economic growth. The government should establish a climate of political stability, economic growth and profitability, and provide transparent, stable and consistent policies to attract foreign investment. Crime in South Africa is high and widely believed to restrain investment. The South African White Paper on Tourism has categorically and succinctly stipulated policy guidelines to ensure that tourists are maximally safe and secure. The traditional response to rising crime has been to devote more resources to law enforcement and to introduce tougher penalties in the hope of deterring offenders from committing further crimes. For the purpose of the study, the hypothesis was formulated that the safety and security policy for sustainable development does not necessarily provide a solution to crime and further proactive measures need to be implemented to promote tourism in Sedibeng District Municipality. This study will focus on; strategies for preventing crime in the Sedibeng District Municipality. It is recognised that such policies may need to go beyond the traditional concerns of the criminal justice system (i.e. police, the courts and prisons) if crime prevention is to be addressed in a comprehensive way. Combating crime has been tackled in various ways throughout the world, with some strategies being more successful than others. With the process of formulating a National Crime Prevention Strategy (NCPS) high on South Africa's agenda, the wealth of international experience in crime prevention cannot be ignored. Research, monitoring and objective evaluation of crime policies and programmes, aimed at ensuring that limited financial resources are used most effectively, is a significant contribution which criminologists can make to the policy-making process. / Thesis (M. Development and Management)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2009.

The government of South Africa in the White Paper on Tourism recognises the importance of attracting foreign investment in order to achieve the growth and development objectives of the tourism sector. Foreign investment will increase competition and improve standards as well as create employment and facilitate economic growth. The government should establish a climate of political stability, economic growth and profitability, and provide transparent, stable and consistent policies to attract foreign investment. Crime in South Africa is high and widely believed to restrain investment. The South African White Paper on Tourism has categorically and succinctly stipulated policy guidelines to ensure that tourists are maximally safe and secure. The traditional response to rising crime has been to devote more resources to law enforcement and to introduce tougher penalties in the hope of deterring offenders from committing further crimes. For the purpose of the study, the hypothesis was formulated that the safety and security policy for sustainable development does not necessarily provide a solution to crime and further proactive measures need to be implemented to promote tourism in Sedibeng District Municipality. This study will focus on; strategies for preventing crime in the Sedibeng District Municipality. It is recognised that such policies may need to go beyond the traditional concerns of the criminal justice system (i.e. police, the courts and prisons) if crime prevention is to be addressed in a comprehensive way. Combating crime has been tackled in various ways throughout the world, with some strategies being more successful than others. With the process of formulating a National Crime Prevention Strategy (NCPS) high on South Africa's agenda, the wealth of international experience in crime prevention cannot be ignored. Research, monitoring and objective evaluation of crime policies and programmes, aimed at ensuring that limited financial resources are used most effectively, is a significant contribution which criminologists can make to the policy-making process. / Thesis (M. Development and Management)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2009.

While the role of culture as an influence on consumer behaviour and product/service choice has long been acknowledged, the current literature in marketing offers an incomplete understanding of how and why culture plays its influential role (Overby, Woodruff and Gardial 2005). Research suggests that values provide the link between culture and consumer behaviour and values have been the focus of much research in the social sciences. In particular, values have received significant attention in cross-cultural research, being used to characterise the similarities within and differences across cultures. Values are central to the marketing discipline as they determine value, i.e. what activities, interests, and material goods consumers identify with, enjoy, acquire, or consume (Grunert and Muller 1996). Both directly and indirectly, values drive consumption behaviour. Typically, values have been assessed and compared through the use of standard measures such as Rokeach�s Value Survey, the List of Values and Schwartz�s Value Survey. Recent literature highlights growing concern over the application of standard measures across cultures and issues of cross-cultural invariance. There is a need for new research into cross-cultural applications of consumer value measures and theoretical models. This thesis critiques the use of Western conceptual paradigms and imposed etics in value research, and, using a Japanese tourism context, seeks a deeper understanding of how culture and values affect tourism consumption and experience. This thesis offers an empirical test of the cross-cultural applicability of a commonly used values scale in consumer research, the List of Values (Kahle 1983). The findings of this phase of the research extend the literature concerning methodological issues in values research and highlight the limitiations of the LOV as a cross-cultural measure of values. Based on these findings the thesis adopts an alternative, qualitative methodology to investigate the relationship between Japanese culture, values and tourism behaviour in New Zealand. The findings of the second phase of the research contribute to a recent call in the literature for more qualitative research in tourism, and allow the identification and understanding of the key values relevant to Japanese tourism behaviour. The results of Means-End interviews with Japanese visitors reveal the important cultural assumptions informing values and shaping tourism decisions and behaviours for two key groups of Japanese tourists. The theoretical framework presented in this thesis promotes our understanding of the relationship between cultural beliefs, values, and consumer behaviour. The results of the primary research highlight the importance of cultural and physical history, world-view, self-concept, thought patterns and language in the formation and interpretation of values. The thesis presents a holistic attempt at understanding Japanese culture, values and travel behaviour by examining how these concepts cohere in a logical framework. The thesis argues that, given the inherently cultural nature of values, their interpretation within the context of cultural beliefs is highly important in understanding variability in consumer behaviour across cultures.

Thesis (M. Min.)--Trinity Western Seminary, 1992. / Abstract and vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 135-138).