International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management

Chandana Jayawardena

2008 International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management

doi: 10.1108/09596110810866073

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a relevant backdrop for the Worldwide Hospitality snd Tourism Themes (WHATT) theme issue on tourism challenges and solution in the Niagara region, and to present the key points discussed during the 2007 WHATT roundtable discussion in the Niagara region, Canada. Design/methodology/approach – The approach of this paper is more a narrative one. It also draws data from a series of web sites to analyse the past and present performance of tourism. Findings – This paper provides a historic perspective of the Niagara region and presented in the context of tourism in the world, Americas, Canada, and Ontario. Then it travels back to explain the origins of WHATT and its scholarly journey over the years. In capturing the essence of the 2007 WHATT roundtable discussion in Niagara, the paper provides a strong foundation for the other nine articles, which follow in this WHATT theme issue. Originality/value – In a world of theories, this paper provides fresh perspectives on many relevant ideas by using original expert views. Readers who are interested in the Niagara region would benefit from this paper.

Chandana Jayawardena; Daniel J. Patterson; Chris Choi; Ryan Brain

2008 International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management

doi: 10.1108/09596110810866082

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide insights to the relevant past discussions, theories and projects; and sustainable tourism development in the Niagara region. Design/methodology/approach – Each of the key four sections of this paper zooms in to specific areas. Outcomes from elite discussions involving 47 experts are followed by a concise literature review on sustainable tourism. The paper then analyses the concept of economic sustainability and reviews the outcomes from a blueprint for sustainable tourism development. Findings – This paper discusses the economic pillar of sustainable tourism by outlining the negative and positive economic effects of the worldwide travel and tourism industry. In addition to reviewing the relative competitiveness of the world's travel destinations; with a focus on Canada's performance, it outlines strategies for Niagara region to enhance its competitiveness to support sustainable tourism. Originality/value – In the recent years not much research has been carried out on the topic of sustainable tourism specific to the Niagara region. Therefore, this paper should be useful to a range of tourism stakeholders in Niagara region as well as readers involved in regional tourism development in other parts of the world. The versatility of the four authors – an administrator who chaired the Niagara Gateway Project, an academic researcher who has focused on sustainable tourism for a long period, a partner of a leading consulting firm and an applied researcher with significant international experience, makes the paper interesting.

Edward Brooker; Jason Burgess

2008 International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management

doi: 10.1108/09596110810866091

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to address reasons why destinations stagnate and lose visitor numbers and to offer a series of methods, which stakeholders can employ to assist with rejuvenation efforts. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on a limited literature review of Butler's Tourism Area Life Cycle (1980). The academic theory is applied to the on‐going situation that is occurring in the Niagara region of Canada, although the insights are applicable to other tourism destinations that are facing stagnation and decline. Findings – While Niagara tourism is currently experiencing a decline in visitor numbers brought about by a series of factors, the destination has the opportunity to rejuvenate its offering. Key components of the rejuvenation include collaboration, strategizing, developing a destination brand that resonates with existing and future visitors and incremental and revolutionary innovation. Once these key elements are in play, the destination should see visitor numbers rebound if not surpass previous high water marks. Originality/value – This paper is of value to destination marketing officials and entrepreneurs who may believe visitation numbers are lower as a result of a variety of external factors including rising fuel prices, global warming, terrorism threats, changing passport regulations, SARS, hurricanes, tsunamis, and other concerns. By understanding the signals associated with stagnation, destination stakeholders will be in a position to take proactive actions designed to rejuvenate the destination.

Paul A. Willie; Chandana Jayawardena; Barrie Laver

2008 International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management

doi: 10.1108/09596110810866109

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify the best approaches management should embrace to successfully attract and retain high quality human resource talent within the Niagara region's hospitality industry. Design/methodology/approach – A selected cross‐section of relevant and recent publications are reviewed. The key findings from a mini survey involving 14 senior hospitality managers in the Niagara region are shared. Findings – This paper suggests that the hospitality managers should: understand the basics related to good human resource management practices; know the “fair market value” for each position; foster relationships with colleges and universities to tap into student labor; encourage mature workers to apply for part‐time work; and cultivate a good relationship with seasonal employees and educate them on the rewards of a career within the hospitality industry. Through the industry survey, it was discovered that hospitality managers within the Niagara region are already executing some of these strategies. However, it was concluded that a stronger working relationship with the seasonal employees is required in the region. Originality/value – Two academics with hotel general manager experience in five countries join hands with the president for three four‐diamond hotels to write this paper. Given the background of the authors, it is expected that the viewpoints would be welcomed by hospitality managers.

Jeffrey W. Stewart; Linda Bramble; Donald Ziraldo

2008 International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management

doi: 10.1108/09596110810866118

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present recommendations for future growth and continued success of wine and culinary tourism in the Niagara region. Design/methodology/approach – Through industry interviews with practitioners, researchers and stakeholders the recommendations of this paper were formed. Secondary research examined the issues and advances made in other area of the globe specific to wine and culinary tourism. The research is intended to cover the issues associated with advancing an industry sub‐sector that is still growing but will reach maturity in not‐so‐distant future. Findings – In Niagara's wine and culinary tourism sector, there is a renewed call for industry specific research. Furthermore, linkages across the border are recommended to increase tourism revenue both in the USA and Canada. There is need to create more domestic awareness of the changes. Additionally, in order to attract one‐time visitors back to the region, it is important to enhance service through increased service training. There also exists a need for cooperation and coordination within the industry at all levels. The final recommendation is to advocate for signage and specific information to varied segments of the wine and culinary target market sub‐sets to deal with the differences in consumer motivations and preferences. Originality/value – The relevant conclusions and recommendations listed will assist practitioners to continue the forward momentum of wine and culinary sectors in Niagara and around the world.

David Veres; Heather Clark; Damian Golbourne

2008 International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management

doi: 10.1108/09596110810866127

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss the contribution of events to the Niagara region's tourism product. Design/methodology/approach – Using contributing perspectives from the industry and academia, this paper provides an overview of festivals and meeting/convention events in the region. Findings – Drawing from specific examples from the region, reasons for event successes are discussed. A diagram is used to illustrate how event products should be developed in order to help Niagara region tourism and economic growth. Originality/value – Current and future challenges for the region are presented and suggestions for overcoming barriers are provided.

Donald J. MacLaurin; Steve Wolstenholme

2008 International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management

doi: 10.1108/09596110810866136

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to profile the casino gaming industry in Niagara Falls Canada, home to Canada's largest and busiest casino infrastructure. The research also investigated the larger role played by casino gaming to the overall tourism industry and economy of the greater Niagara Falls region. Design/methodology/approach – Research methods included a comprehensive literature review combined with a structured interview with a leading executive in Niagara casino resort operations. Findings – The Canadian gaming industry has experienced significant growth in revenues, participation rates, and employment in the last decade. Major shifts in the core customer base of Canadian Niagara casino resorts have occurred in the past decade as a result of major valuation changes between US and Canadian currencies, significant challenges in border crossings for US visitors to Canada and the growth and development of new casino resorts operated by the Seneca Indian nations in neighboring New York State. Originality/value – An up‐to‐date synopsis of current operating challenges and opportunities for the casino gaming sector in the Niagara region is provided. Results should be of interest to academics, gaming and tourism officials and potential investors.

Paula Johnson Tew; Zhen Lu; George Tolomiczenko; Joanne Gellatly

2008 International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management

doi: 10.1108/09596110810866145

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the impact that the 2003 SARS epidemic had on tourism and summarize the lessons that were learned from this crisis. To offer both practical and strategic tips for hoteliers and destination marketers in the Niagara region should a similar crisis affect this region. Design/methodology/approach – Findings were derived from the analysis of both secondary and primary data. The popular press and academic journals as well as reports, briefs, and presentations were analyzed. A questionnaire was designed to investigate the impact of SARS, management during the crisis, recovery strategies, and formal planning. Findings – Provides information on how industry dealt with a major, extended crisis. Recognizes the importance of an integrated strategy for dealing with a crisis. Research limitations/implications – The paper concentrates on the effects of an epidemic in two large North American cities. The strategic and practical tips may not be suitable in other jurisdictions. Practical implications – This paper provides information on how the tourism industry can prepare itself for a crisis or disaster and describes how all stakeholders must work together to better deal with the effects of a crisis. Originality/value – This paper summarizes the effects that SARS had on the tourism industry and offers practical and strategic tips for preparing for and managing crises.

Chandana Jayawardena; Arlene White; Barbara A. Carmichael

2008 International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management

doi: 10.1108/09596110810866154

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide insights to relevant theories, challenges and the future opportunities for binational tourism in the Niagara region. Design/methodology/approach – A selected cross‐section of relevant publications including news media items are reviewed. Data gathered by a group of graduate students from Niagara College during their externships with the Binational Tourism Alliance, are utilized. Binational tourism initiatives from different parts of the world are analyzed. Findings – This paper implies that in order to strategize binational tourism in Niagara, relevant theories, international best practices, historic developments of binational initiatives in Niagara as well as news media reports should be analysed. It concludes that Niagara's tourism industry, on both sides of the border, must continue to work in close partnership on their binational tourism strategy and binational positioning in order to remain competitive as a major tourist destination in the world. Originality/value – Inputs from the Executive Director of the Binational Tourism Alliance of the Niagara region as a co‐author, enhances the practical value of this paper. Not much research has been undertaken on the topic of binational tourism in Niagara. Therefore, particularly, the tourism policy makers as well as other stakeholders of tourism in the Niagara region should benefit from this paper.

Chandana Jayawardena

2008 International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management

doi: 10.1108/09596110810866163

Purpose – This paper aims to present answers to the strategic question: “How should Niagara region respond to the key challenges it faces and find solutions to preserve and develop its tourism industry?” It aims to capture the essence of conclusions of nine papers contributed by 22 Canadian tourism experts to the Worldwide Hospitality And Tourism Themes (WHATT) issue on tourism in the Niagara region, Canada. Design/methodology/approach – The approach of this paper is to integrate all solutions suggested in these nine papers and to seek a succinct response to the strategic question. Findings – While providing a helicopter view of the key challenges of the tourism and hospitality sector in Niagara region, Canada, this paper proposes implementable solutions to those challenges. Using the 2007 WHATT roundtable discussion as the foundation, this paper addresses the some of the most significant issues affecting the Niagara region related to sustainable tourism development, destination marketing, hospitality industry, wine and culinary tourism, special events, gaming industry, crisis management and binational tourism. In conclusion, ten key suggestions are made for the Niagara region or any other tourism destination in the world, which envisions healthy and sustainable growth. Originality/value – This paper provides fresh perspectives on many relevant issues by analysing inputs, viewpoints, comments, and suggestions of many regional experts. Readers with interests in the Niagara region or other key tourism destinations around the world would benefit from this paper.