About Bali

Bali is part of the Indonesian archipelago of 18,500 islands and lies approximately 8°C south of the equator. The overwhelming majority of the inhabitants of Bali are Hindu, (Well in actual fact a mixture of Hinduism, Buddhism and Animism) one of the reasons the island has remained an oasis of calm in the turbulent times since the fall of the autocratic Suharto dictatorship in 1999.
Because Bali is blessed by nature with a short, hot wet season and a longer, cooler, dry season tourists flock here year round, with more choosing to arrive in the dry season - which nowadays stretches from April to late November. The busiest period is during the European holiday of August, which is also the coolest month.
As A Holiday DestinationBali, the perfect holiday destination for all ages, offers something for everyone.
Bali FlightsThe primary gateway to Indonesia is the Sukarno-Hatta International Airport of Jakarta (also known as Cengkareng CKG), but there are increasingly more international airlines that offer direct flights to Bali.
Regions And AttractionsFind information on Bali's major regions, main centres, attractions and places to visit.
Bali Photo GalleryMore pictures of this wonderful paradise.
Don't Pack too Much Bali is a Shoppers' Paradise so travel light or you will face an overweight baggage problem on your return!Humidity is always high so pack light, natural fibres to stay cool. In Southern Bali you can buy almost anything you need in the way of toiletries and suntan products in local convenience stores, supermarkets and Matahari department stores.
MoneyThe Indonesian currency is the Rupiah and you will become a millionaire the day you arrive. Once you have got your head around all the extra zeros it's fairly easy to work out the prices in your own currency.
Bring travellers cheques or US $100 but be aware of the following: Notes must be the new ones with no tears or markings and many moneychangers are there to cheat you.
Never change money where the moneychanger is operating a booth inside another shop. The rate is usually higher and you may be short changed by sleight of hand. Use establishments which are moneychangers only and count your money before you leave.
The best rate is obtained from ATM machines. These are now everywhere and they don't try to rip you off either! However - the local machines do not automatically spit your card out with money and receipt so it is very easy to leave your card inside the machine. You must wait until the screen asks "Do you want another Transaction - Yes or No". Press no and out pops your card. Why this is, nobody seems to know but 100s of cards must be lost daily. You have been warned!
Getting AroundTaxis in the south are plentiful and cheap but make sure the driver turns on the meter. If he refuses and tries to set a price, get out and take another taxi. Usually the act of opening the door or demanding he let you out is sufficient for him to see the error of his ways.
For longer trips you can negotiate for a minivan or Bemo but for two or three people a taxi is often the most comfortable and coolest choice. Bargain directly with a newish looking taxi and you will be surprised how cheap a 6-8 hour booking can be especially if you offer to top up his tank.
Local buses are the cheapest way of getting about but they are hot and often overcrowded with people who could do with a shower. They also have the charming habit of stopping with no indication or attempt to move off the road so there is always the worry of a rear-ender from the following tailgater.
Self DriveProviding you a valid International Drivers Licence you may rent a car or motorbike. Both are cheap by international standards but there are a couple of points you should be aware of. Road conditions are dangerous! Indonesians do not sit for a licence, they buy it!
Accordingly driving skills are low. Nobody knows let alone obeys traffic rules and indications of turns and sudden stops are rarely given. Indonesians drive on the leftish side of the road, normally with one wheel over the centre line, and larger or older vehicles have right of way. I.e. Trucks and buses have right of way over cars, a beat-up Datsun has right of way over a BMW, and cars over motorbikes and cycles. The roads around the southern tourist areas are busy but even the wonderful country roads have pitfalls such as dogs, children, chickens, loads of sand and the quaint habit of villagers sitting on the road for a chat.
In the event of an accident, as a visitor you will be accorded the courtesy of being at fault, no matter what the circumstances and you will be required to pay for any damage to either vehicle. As 100% concentration is required the driver doesn't see much of the scenery, so it is probably best to hire a car and driver, especially if your aim is a stress-free holiday!
MedicalBali is a Third World island and medical services are not to the standard of Western countries. So be wise and arrange travel insurance with your ticket. There are two good clinics at the Kuta roundabout who can provide treatment, refer you to the best local specialist or hospital, or if necessary arrange vaccination. These are the Australian B.I.M.C and the International S.O.S.
ShoppingBali is a veritable Shoppers' Paradise, once again the centre being the Kuta area. For clothing (other than the t-shirt and shorts variety) start at Kuta Square which boasts a well stocked Matahari department store and lots of designer outlets such as Amarni, Polo and Calvin Klein at much cheaper prices than at home.
The trend over the last few years is for air-conditioned shops with fixed prices including the major surfing labels, but there are still plenty of small street front places offering a dazzling array of merchandise from gaudy woodcarvings to cheap holiday clothing to something you will fall in love with. Spend some time poking around - it takes time to spot the gems amid the junk, but believe me there are gems for everyone to find.
Sterling silver jewellery is a good buy - go to silver shops and you will be offered stylish, genuine sterling silver at very cheap prices - don't go to the so called Silversmiths if you happen to take a tour. The guide collects a 30% commission and the styling is generally atrocious.Shoes, both men's and women's, handbags, men's business shirts, travel goods, CDs and surfwear should also be on your list.
Made to order clothing in both fabric and leather is another great buy. Bring your favourite jacket or suit and have it copied by a tailor or leather shop. Good quality at a very reasonable price.
Because labour is so cheap labour-intensive clothing is great value. Anything embroided, beaded or sequined is fantastically priced. So load up with party-wear!
For sarongs, take a taxi to Jalan 66 (double six) and wander towards the beach, purchasing from the numerous wholesalers as you go. (You don't get "business price" for one or two items but prices are cheap. Go late morning so you can enjoy lunch at one of the beachside cafes on "Sunset Boulevard" or later in the day in time for a cocktail as the sun drops in the Indian Ocean and another tropical evening begins.
There are some really stylish boutiques in Seminyak that are definately worth a look -it's cooler in the late afternoon, and then to Kura Kura Bar for a well earned drink.
Lately some great homeware shops have opened and arts and crafts abound. Fakes - watches, sunglasses, perfumes and clothing - are everywhere. Whatever you feel about fakes, the watches go, the sunnies look cool, the clothing wears and the perfume smells like its namesake for around two minutes. Don't buy the perfume except for someone you detest.
The newish shopping centre in the Gallerea complex by the Kuta roundabout on the Sanur bypass is a stylish addition. While not fully occupied by any means it's breezy, peaceful and boasts a Matahuri store and supermarket, hairstyling, books, CD's, fabric, homeware, restaurants etc, plus a Planet Hollywood.Having sung the praise of Kuta, good shopping is also to be had at Nusa Dua and Sanur but without the depth or variety.
Where is Bali?The island of Bali is part of the Republic of Indonesia and is located 8 to 9 degrees south of the equator between Java in the West and Lombok and the rest of the Lesser Sunda Islands (Sumbawa, Flores, Sumba and Timor) in the East. Flying time to Jakarta is about 1.5 hours, to Singapore and Perth (Australia) 2.5 and 3 hours, and to Hong Kong about 4 hours.
GeographyThe island of Bali has an area of only 5,632 square kilometers (2,175 square miles) and measures just 55 miles (90 kilometers) along the north-south axis and less than about 90 miles (140 kilometers) from East to West. Because of this it's no problem to explore the island on day tours. You can go wherever you want on the island and return to your hotel or villa in the evening.
Located only two kilometers east of Java, Bali's climate, flora and fauna are quite similar to its much larger neighbour. The island is famous for its beautiful landscape. A chain of six volcanoes, between 1,350 meters and 3,014 meters high, stretches from west to east. There are lush tropical forests, pristine crater lakes, fast flowing rivers and deep ravines, picturesque rice terraces, and fertile vegetable and fruit gardens. The beaches in the South consist of white sand, beaches in other parts of the island are covered with grey or black volcanic sand.
FloraThe wide variety of tropical plants is surprising. You'll see huge banyan trees in villages and temple grounds, tamarind trees in the North, clove trees in the highlands, acacia trees, flame trees, and mangroves in the South. Bali has grow a dozen species of coconut palms, and even more varieties of bamboo.
There are flowers, flowers everywhere. You'll see (and smell the fragrance of) hibiscus, bougainvilleas, jasmine, and water lilies. Magnolia, frangipani, and a variety of orchids are found in many front yards and gardens, along roads, and in temple grounds. Flowers are also used as decorations in temples, on statues, as offerings for the gods, and during prayers. Dancers wear blossoms in their crowns, and even the flower behind the ear of your waitress seems natural in Bali.
FaunaElephants and tigers died out in Bali early last century. Wildlife, however, includes various species of monkeys, civets, barking deer and mouse deer, and 300 species of birds including wild fowl, dollar birds, blue kingfishers, sea eagles, sandpipers, white herons and egrets, cuckoos, wood swallows, sparrows, and starlings. You can watch schools of dolphins near Lovina, Candi Dasa, and Padangbai. Divers will see many colourful coral fish and small reef fish, moray eels, and plankton eating whale sharks as well as crustaceans, sponges, and colourful coral along the east coast and around Menjangan island near Gilimanuk.
ClimateYou can expect pleasant day temperatures between 20 to 33 degrees Celsius or 68 to 93 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. From December to March, the west monsoon can bring heavy showers and high humidity, but usually days are sunny and the rains start during the night and pass quickly. From June to September the humidity is low, and it can be quite cool in the evenings. During this time of the year you'll have hardly any rain in the coastal areas.
Even when it rains in most parts of Bali, you can often enjoy sunny days on the "Bukit", the hill south of Jimbaran Beach. On the other hand, in Ubud and the mountains you must expect cloudy skies and showers throughout the year (this is why the international weather reports for "Denpasar" or "Bali" mention showers and rain storms during all times of the year). In higher regions such as in Bedugul or Kintamani you'll also need either a sweater or jacket after the sun sets.
PopulationBali's population has grown to over 3 million people, the overwhelming majority of which are Hindus. However, the number of Muslims is steadily increasing through immigrants from Java, Lombok and other areas of Indonesia seeking work in Bali.
Most people live in the coastal areas in the South. The island's largest town and administrative centre is fast - growing Denpasar, with a population of over 370,000. The villages between the town of Ubud and Denpasar, Kuta (including Jimbaran, Tuban, and Legian, Seminyak, Basangkasa, etc), Sanur, and Nusa Dua are spreading rapidly in all directions, and before long the whole area from Ubud in the North to Sanur in the East, Berawa/Canggu in the West, and Nusa Dua in the South will be urbanised.
EconomyThis southern part of Bali is where most jobs are to be found, either in the hotel and tourist industry, the textile and garment industry, and in many small scale and home industries producing handicrafts and souvenirs. Textiles, garments, and handicrafts have become the backbone of Bali's economy, providing 300,000 jobs, and exports have been increasing by around 15% per year to US$400 million in 1998. Textiles and garments contribute about 45%, and wood products including statues, furniture and other handicrafts 22% to the province's total income from exports. Silver work is ranked third (4.65%) with 5,000 workers employed. Main buyers are the US and Europe with 38% each, and Japan with 9%.
Important agricultural products besides rice are tea, coffee, tobacco, cacao, copra, vanilla, soy beans, chillies, fruit, and vegetables (there are now even vineyards near the northwest coast). Bali's fishing industry and seaweed farming provide other important exports.
The new free-trade regulations will create some problems for Bali's exporters as they do not allow the employment of children. Most children here work for their parents, and this is part of the process of acquiring professional skills and a kind of informal education which has been very important in Balinese society for centuries.
What makes bali so special?There is the combination of the friendly people, the natural attractions, the great variety of things to see and do, the year-round pleasant climate, and the absence of security problems. And then there is Bali's special "magic", which is difficult to explain.
As soon as you step off the plane you might sense the difference. In the villages you'll notice the quietness and wisdom in old people's faces, and the interest and respect in the young. Old men sit at the road side caressing their fighting cocks. Beautifully dressed women walk proudly through rice fields and forests carrying offerings on their heads to the next temple. There is the smell of flowers, and in the distance you hear the sound of gamelan music.
Gods and spirits have been an important part of Bali's daily life for hundreds of years. Gunung Agung - Bali's holy mountain - is internationally regarded as one of the eight "Chakra" points of the world. This may be more than an coincidence. Watch out, the moment you feel the magic of this island, you're addicted for the rest of your life.

Have Hotel Rooms Become a Commodity?

Nowadays, more travel is sold over the Internet than any other consumer product. In the United States Internet-booked rooms is the fastest-growing segment of hotel reservations in part because the Internet is a perfect medium for selling travel as it brings a vast network of suppliers and a widely dispersed customer pool together into a centralized market place.
In fact, the travel marketplace is a global arena where millions of buyers (travel agents and the public) search for travel services and sellers (hotels, airlines, car rental companies, etc.) work together to exchange travel services on the world's global distribution systems and the Internet distribution systems.
However, any mention of the Internet as a distribution channel for travel needs to start with an understanding of the existing electronic distribution infrastructure, the Global Distribution System (GDS). The airline industry created the first GDS in the 1960s as a way to keep track of flight schedules, availability, and prices.The GDS’s were actually among the first e-commerce companies in the world facilitating B2B electronic commerce as early as the mid 1970s, when SABRE (owned by American Airline) and Apollo (United) began installing their propriety internal reservations systems in travel agencies.
The legacy of these GDS’s, namely Amadeus, Galileo, Sabre and Worldspan, today provide the backbone to the Internet travel distribution system and additionally there are thousands of private label Web sites like Expedia and Orbitz, as well as hundreds of tour operators, corporate booking portals, and regional convention coordinators.
Yet although technology has given hoteliers so many ways to sell a room, it has become nearly impossible for a smaller hotel operator to understand, let alone intelligently manage the available channels for room sales. In fact if you are the average small hotel, many of these channels have an allotment of your rooms, and it is likely most are showing out of date rates and incorrect availability.
Communicating with all of these channels in order to keep them current on your inventory and rates, requires in some cases, daily manual intervention with multiple faxes and phone calls. More importantly, verifying the accuracy of each channel's current allotment and rate by the property is critical but rarely automated. Most times hotel operators do not know where or how their rooms are being sold or at what rate until the booking confirmation arrives.
The tangle of reservation channels is not likely to be simplified soon. But with regard to the easy accessibility of hotel reservations on the Internet directly booked from hotel websites with their own integrated reservations systems, the system is working.
Unfortunately even now, the overwhelming majority of small to medium sized hoteliers far from realizing and exploiting the Web's true potential are still accepting bookings by telephone, form and fax from their websites or selling their inventory at reduced rates or high commissions via Web-proficient online intermediaries.
As such, hoteliers, who want to broaden their room’s distribution intelligently, improve margins and maintain their brand identity in the face of on-line distributors that would turn hotel rooms into a lowest-price commodity should seriously consider integrating a real time reservations system into their own website for the ultimate benefit of their own hotel and visitors.
After all, commodities tend to look and taste the same. Do visitors want a box they will rent if the price is right or a room experience they will wish to revisit again and again? - John Shenton - April, 2002

Banking in the Gulf States

Retail banking in the Gulf region has enjoyed strong growth and profits by serving a young and expanding population ready to consume goods and services on borrowed money. Now, however, as the market for lending matures and competition heats up, continued growth depends on developing and selling more sophisticated products.
The take-away
In addition to serving a base of affluent customers, banks in the Gulf region must develop products and sales techniques for the mass market, made up largely of migrant workers. Within both segments, these banks can find opportunities by catering to the rising demand for Islamic banking services.

First Round Funding Moves Applied NanoMaterials Closer to Production

Applied NanoMaterials, Inc., which commercializes nanospheres and nanotubes of inorganic compounds, has raised $1 million in first round financing from the Newton Technology VC Fund.

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May 30, 2002By Michael Pastore: More stories by this author:
Applied NanoMaterials, Inc., which commercializes nanospheres and nanotubes of inorganic compounds, has raised $1 million in first round financing from the Newton Technology VC Fund.
Along with the initial funding, Newton has an option to invest an additional $2 million in Applied NanoMaterials within 12 months of the original investment.
Applied NanoMaterials, which is headquartered in New York, was incorporated two months ago, but the company's core technology has been under development at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel, for nearly a decade.
"Now it's in a stage where we can commercialize the product," said Dr. Menachem Genut, president and CEO of Applied NanoMaterials. Genut was a co-discoverer of the inorganic nanostructures as a member of Weizmann's Nanomaterials Synthesis Group. Applied NanoMaterials was granted an exclusive license by Yeda Research and Development Co. Ltd, the commercial arm of the Weizmann Institute, to manufacture, commercialize and sell the nanomaterials.
Genut told NanotechPlanet that because his company's nanotubes are inorganic they are much easier to synthesize than carbon-based nanotubes and fullerenes. The inorganic nanostructures are semiconducting, and have what Genut calls "old economy" uses in a broad range of commercial and industrial products, including applications in the microelectronics, semiconductor, aerospace, lubricant and metal-working markets.
As a lubricant, some inorganic fullerene-like structures have shown to be more effective than oil-based liquids with solid lubricant additives. This means less wear and tear on machinery than users get with more traditional lubricants. But while applications of the company's nanomaterials in the lubricant market hold plenty of immediate promise, potential customers from several industries have expressed interest, Genut said.
"We have been approached by large companies, especially in aerospace, where our products have uses," he said.
Several potential customers, whose names Genut could no disclose, have already performed tests with products from Applied NanoMaterials. He called the initial results "encouraging."
Genut told NanotechPlanet that the first round financing, with its option, is enough funding for the next two years, but that doesn't mean Applied NanoMaterials has shut the door on further funding. Genut said the company has already been approached by other VC firms. The initial financing, however, will help the company take a big step.
"By getting this funding, we can get more quickly to production," Genut said.
As for where that production will take place, right now that's an open question. Semi-production is currently done at Applied NanoMaterials' R&D facility in Rehovot, but full-scale production may be done elsewhere. It may also be part of a joint venture with industry, Genut said.

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Southern Africa: 'Border-free' Tourism for 2010 Fifa World Cup

Visit Zambia News

02/06/2007 6:15 pm

Kafue National Park in Zambia

South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Mozambique have signed an agreement to share the tourism spin-offs of the 2010 Fifa World Cup through "border-free" tourism packages.

By Themba Gadebe

South Africa's provincial Limpopo Tourism Parks Board, the Zambia National Tourist Board, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority and Mozambique struck the deal creating the Limpopo-Zambezi Destination at the Tourism Indaba conference and exhibition in Durban on Monday.

The agreement will see the creation of new package tours between and within the four countries, the easing of border formalities to smooth the passage of travellers through border posts, and joint marketing and branding in support of the package tours.

Zimbabwe Tourism Authority CEO Karikoga Kaseke said the World Cup provided "an ideal platform for the concept of intra-regional tourism to be put into meaningful practice."

Kaseke also thanked South Africa for marketing Victoria Falls, noting that 80% of tourists visiting the Falls were South Africans.

The waterfall, located at the border between Zambia to the north and Zimbabwe to the south, is one of the natural wonders of the world. It is 1 708 metres wide, making it the largest curtain of water in the world.

Seven Secrets to Internet Tourism Marketing Success - Home Study Intro Course

Here are the top categories and tools that successful travel marketers must be using to succeed online.

1. Search Engines Success

• Free Online Article Publishing & Syndication
• Online Directory Listing = Traffic & Ranking

2. Pay per Click Advertising Secrets

• Top tips to reach millions of your best prospects in less then 1 hour, maximize targeted traffic, lower costs and

3. Podcasting, Online Audio & Video Sells Travel

• How to get iTunes and your clients selling for you

4. E-mail Marketing Magic

• Top tips to create a huge prospect list and turn travel shoppers into buyers

5. Online Reservation & Distribution System Success

• How to increase sales, market to the World and 800,000 travel agents all at the same time

6. Blogs & Social Networking

• The next Wave in Travel Internet Marketing success

7. Converting Online Travel Marketing

• How to Radically Increase Your Sales and Profits While Lowering Your Travel Marketing Costs Guaranteed

Articles parus dans la revue "Tourism Management"

Progress in information technology and tourism management : 20 years on and 10 years after the Internet. The state of eTourism research

This paper reviews the published articles on eTourism in the past 20 years. Using a wide variety of sources, mainly in the tourism literature, this paper comprehensively reviews and analyses prior studies in the context of Internet applications to tourism. The paper also projects future developments in eTourism and demonstrates critical changes that will influence the tourism industry structure. A major contribution of this paper is its overview of the research and development efforts that have been endeavoured in the field, and the challenges that tourism researchers are, and will be, facing.

Examining the structural relationships of destination image, tourist satisfaction and destination loyalty: An integrated approach

The objective of this study was to offer an integrated approach to understanding destination loyalty by examining the theoretical and empirical evidence on the causal relationships among destination image, tourist attribute and overall satisfaction, and destination loyalty. A research model was proposed in which seven hypotheses were developed. The empirical data was collected in a major tourism destination in the state of ArkansasEureka Springs. A total of 345 questionnaires were returned and the data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The results supported the proposed destination loyalty model: (1) destination image directly influenced attribute satisfaction; (2) destination image and attribute satisfaction were both direct antecedents of overall satisfaction; and (3) overall satisfaction and attribute satisfaction in turn had direct and positive impact on destination loyalty. The theoretical and managerial implications were drawn based on the study findings, and recommendations for future researchers were made.

Place attachment, identity and community impacts of tourism : the case of a Beijing hutong

A significant literature exists on the impacts of tourism on local communities. This paper examines this issue with reference to the impacts of tourism on the residents of Shi Cha Hai hutong in Beijing, but does so with reference to theories of place attachment or place identity. It therefore addresses two gaps in the literaturenamely, (a) a comparative lack of empirical evidence on community impacts of tourism in Mainland China and (b) the absence of debate in the tourism literature about place attachment. The study involved both quantitative and qualitative methods, but this paper primarily concentrates upon the results derived from the quantitative study. It was found that, in general, concerns about heritage outweighed perceived advantages from economic development, and the role of heritage in place attachment is duly discussed. Additionally, a structural equation model is suggested whereby attitudes toward tourism are based upon attitudes toward heritage, tourism as a source of potential employment, length of residency and perceived intrusiveness of tourism, all of which impact on a sense of place identity. The findings from these tests raised issues about the role of government and self-efficacy in place identity in a Chinese environment.

Creative destruction and the water town of Luzhi, China

The model of creative destruction describes the evolutionary process of small communities whose development has occurred around the commodification of heritage. According to the model, the desire to accumulate capital drives investment in the production and sale of heritage. These investments tempt the post-modern consumer to search for a nostalgic past and the resulting consumption of heritage provides entrepreneurs with profits for reinvestment. The creation of a commodified landscape will ultimately result in the destruction of the original valued small-town or rural atmosphere. In this paper, the model is applied to Luzhi, a typical water town in China. It was found that the model generally applies to tourism development in Luzhi, although some modifications, particularly the inclusion of the roles of government, are required to reflect the nature of Chinese society.

Perceptions of organizational structure in the hospitality industry: Consequences for commitment, job satisfaction and perceived performance

The discussion about characteristics of organic and mechanistic organizational modes and their effects has a long history within organizational writing and research. The mechanistic mode has its roots in traditional bureaucratic organizations with autocratic leadership, where managers are given a great responsibility to run the organization. Research in the hospitality field indicates that traditional leadership styles are dominant. Research also indicates that the industry has employees who have high-quality values, are highly motivated and seek learning possibilities, and thus may be looking for more open, organic organizational modes in which to work. This study investigates the tension between organic and mechanistic organization forms in the hospitality industry and the relationships of both to individual employees' commitment, job satisfaction and performance.

The experience and effects of organizational modes are investigated in 54 hotel units with 734 managers and employees. The findings indicate that managers' and employees' perceptions of their work environments are different; employees find the organization to be less organic. The experience of both organic and mechanistic organizational modes is positively associated with subjective performance evaluation, commitment and job satisfaction. Interaction effects are also analyzed, and suggest that only when a well-structured mechanistic organizational form is present will organic organizational forms be beneficial. The implications of these findings are discussed in relation to previous and future hospitality research.

Selective marketing for environmentally sustainable tourism

The natural environment represents the main resource for many tourism destinations and tourists are increasingly interested in spending their vacation in unspoilt natural areas. Consequently, destination managers are under increased pressure to implement ecologically sustainable practices. Selective targeting of tourists has been proposed as one approach to sustainable destination management, but the feasibility of this approach remains untested. Therein lies the contribution of this study. Results from a survey of 1000 Australians indicated that market segments based on past environmentally friendly behaviour at the destination represent distinct groups with respect to psychographic, behavioural and socio-demographic personal characteristics. These explanatory variables contributed substantially to explaining pro-environmental behaviour.

It was concluded that selective target marketing represents a feasible complement to current sustainable tourism management techniques which focus on tourists at the destination who may not necessarily be interested in protecting the local environment.

Resident perception of the impact of limited-stakes community-based casino gaming in mature gaming communities

The purpose of this research is to assess the impacts of Colorado's community-based, limited-stakes casino gaming after 12 years of operation. Current residents' perceived impacts, benefits, and support of community development due to gaming were examined in the three Colorado gaming communities of Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek. Results of the study suggest that as gaming development has evolved, residents of these gaming towns have continued to reflect the underlying tenets of social exchange theory in their assessment of gaming. Perception by residents of positive gaming impacts significantly influenced residents' perceived benefits and these positive benefits also had a positive effect on residents' support for gaming. Findings of the study concluded that regardless of the life cycle stage of a gaming community, social exchange theory was still valid in explaining the relationships among residents' perceived impacts, benefits, and support of gaming development.

Developing indicators for managing tourism in the face of peak oil

In its present form, tourism is dependent on the availability of oil and is comparatively oil-intensive. While forecasts for future tourism growth are optimistic, there is also increasing evidence about the imminence of a peak in oil production and the economic effects that this would cause. Globally and on a destination level it will be necessary to consider how a transition towards fossil-fuel free economies might look like for tourism.It is therefore timely and prudent for the tourism sector to consider its current oil requirements and derive indicators for monitoring its oil consumption. In particular, destinations need indicators of the amount of oil consumed by the various markets from which they receive visitors. New Zealand is used as an example for assessing the oil-intensity of its Top 10 countries of origin based on the 10 indicators. Overall, the least exposed markets for New Zealand with respect to oil are Australia, China, Singapore, and Taiwan, although a more detailed analysis would be required for markets that display very heterogeneous travel behaviour. Among the indicators, eco-efficiency is particularly important as it allows comparison of resource inputs with economic outputs.

Developing a multidimensional and hierarchical service quality model for the travel agency industry

This paper develops a comprehensive model measuring service quality in the travel industry based on an extensive literature review and qualitative and empirical research. Following Brady and Cronin's [2001. Some new thoughts on conceptualizing perceived service quality: A hierarchial approach. Journal of Marketing 65(July), 34-49] conceptualization, we propose a multidimensional and hierarchical model of service quality. In this model, service quality is a third-order construct which is composed of several dimensions and subdimensions. Our findings show that customers' perceptions of service quality of travel agencies consist of three primary dimensions: personal interaction, physical environment and outcome, which are defined by seven subdimensions: conduct, expertise, problem solving, equipment, ambient conditions, waiting time and valence. Our model has important implications for the measurement of service quality in this specific industry as well as for the development of valid measures of quality performance in the context of services.

Testing take-up of academic concepts in an influential commercial tourism publication

Many independent travellers read and rely on the Lonely Planet® destination guidebooks. In 2006, the company published two global selections which effectively define its perspectives on concepts such as adventure, cultural and ecotourism, responsible tourism and triple-bottom-line approaches. By analysing the content of these volumes, we can test whether information reaching individual tourists is congruent with relevant theoretical constructs. Broadly, it is: but it is less precise, comprehensive or up to date than published research, and relies more on example than synthesis. In addition, Lonely Planet has a strong emphasis on social aspects, reflecting the concepts of responsible tourism or community ecotourism rather than the environmental concerns associated with ecotourism more strictly defined. Opportunities such as this, to analyse the affects of academic tourism research on commercial tourism publishing, are relatively rare.

Tourism and conservation: The effects of track proximity on avian reproductive success and nest selection in an open sanctuary

While tourism may provide economic benefits for conservation projects, this relationship is unsustainable if visitors reduce the viability of local ecosystems through the disturbance of wildlife. Tiritiri Matangi Island, in New Zealand, encourages tourism in order to fund its ongoing species' recovery and habitat restoration programs, yet the impact of this tourism on the local wildlife is currently unknown. We examined nest site selection in open nesting forest birds, and the reproductive success and nest box selection of the endangered cavity-nesting stitchbird or hihi Notiomystis cincta, relative to their proximity to public walking tracks. Birds did not avoid nesting near walking tracks and there was no difference between the reproductive parameters of hihi nesting in areas close to public pathways and those in areas where the public had no access. The general population trends of all species monitored on the island suggest that any negative effects posed by tourism are minor and are currently outweighed by the benefits it generates. However, such a relationship is not guaranteed, and ongoing monitoring of tourism impacts on the conservation values of the island is encouraged.

Sensation seeking and tourism: Tourist role, perception of risk and destination choice

Sensation seeking (SS) is a personality trait associated with the need for novelty and stimulation and has been linked to tourist behavior. Tourist role, perceptions of risk associated with travel to particular regions of the world, and international travel experience were investigated in relation to SS and gender. Survey data were collected from 290 US young adults. Although males were higher in overall SS, gender was not a significant predictor of tourist role or international travel experience. However, SS was related to tourist role, with those higher in SS choosing explorer and drifter roles. SS was not related to perceptions of risk. Both high and low sensation seekers perceived risk similarly. However, those higher in SS were more likely to have traveled internationally and to have traveled to regions of the world rated as riskier. The findings provide empirical support for the proposition that personality traits may influence travel styles and destination choices.

The relative importance of large mammal species for tourism in Amboseli National Park, Kenya

Marketing for tourism in Kenya mostly revolves around the big five charismatic large mammals. However, it is not known if these are in fact the species tourists seek and prefer to see, or what other species are important when the big five are absent. This study investigated the large mammal interests of tourists in Amboseli National Park. Tourist interests were determined by tracking tourist vehicles and observing for which animals they stopped, the duration of each stop, and which animals were ignored. We developed five criteria for assessing the relative importance of large mammals: (i) length of viewing, (ii) vehicle crowding, (iii) stopping on every encounter, (iv) proportion of stops per species, and (v) the relative tourism importance rank index that weighed viewing to availability. This study found that tourists were interested particularly in the big cats and other unique large mammals, but interest was not confined to these species. Other animals attracting interest were cheetah, waterbuck, lion, hippopotamus, giraffe, spotted hyena, baboon, warthog and elephant. We propose that marketing for Amboseli should focus on the large mammals that tourists actually prefer and highlight the viewing potential of these mammals within the park. This should also be emulated such that each protected area in Kenya develops its own list of attractive animals for tourists.

Financial portfolio approach to optimal tourist market mixes

This study applied a financial portfolio theory to estimate optimal market mixes to minimize the instability of inbound tourist market demand. An empirical analysis was applied to inbound tourists to Taiwan. The results shed light on diversification in tourism market and offer tourism authorities and policy-makers explicit guidelines for risk management in the destination planning process. Specifically, using optimal mixes with various return/risk options can facilitate a more stable pattern of arrivals from foreign countries. To achieve the Doubling Tourist Arrivals Plan, introduced by the Taiwanese government in 2002, the tourism authorities should take the high-return/high-risk option and shift available resources to Japan. More policy implications are provided to guide tourism authorities and policy makers

Estimating fishing and hunting leisure spending shares in the United States

We apply a bivariate censored demand system to estimate hunting and fishing trip-related spending shares in the United States using data from off-site surveys. The approach considers fishing and hunting destination decisions and includes respondents who were inactive, i.e., did not hunt or fished in a particular season. The statistical significance of correlation coefficient parameter supports the use of a joint (e.g., bivariate) rather than separate (e.g., univariate) decision modeling process for fishing or hunting share equations. Most individual characteristics are statistically significant as explanatory variables. Respondents holding recreation licenses tended to spend significantly more on recreation than those without licenses. All own-price and cross-price elasticities are statistically significant and suggest that hunting and fishing are complements. The results also suggest that the popularity of hunting may decline as the population ages.

HRD in tourism: A role for government?

Government's engagement with tourism and in the development of the sector is widely accepted but academic debate about the form and level of such involvement is limited. This is particularly the case when specific facets of state engagement, relating for example to support for human resource development (HRD) in tourism, are concerned. The purpose of this paper is to explore the substantially neglected role of the state and its agencies in creating an enabling environment for effective HRD within tourism, through policy and planning as well as the delivery of actual HRD initiatives. In this paper, we briefly address the contested role of government in economic development and, in particular, in HRD. We address the nature of tourism as a sector within the economy and identify its salient features in terms of the key themes in this paper. The role of human resources in enabling tourism businesses, destinations and countries to operate effectively and competitively in the contemporary global economy is addressed and the paper considers the impact that tourism's defining structural and operational characteristics have on the role of people. Finally, building on the experience of the Irish Republic over the past 40 years, we will consider whether government and its agencies can play a useful role in guiding policy and delivering programmes that act to enhance the quality and productivity of people in the delivery of products and services to guests within tourism and, if they can, how this role can best be defined and operationalised.

Robust and alternative estimators for better estimates for expenditures and other long tail distributions

A 2006 Tourism Management article proposes using specific robust estimators to determine better estimated means for long-tail distributions; that is for skewed distributions with valid large responses heavily influencing the mean. Getting better estimates matters because long-tail distributions occur frequently for amounts and quantities. In addition, long-tail distribution sample means and totals can be so variable using those prompts concerns. However, low variability robust estimates of means and totals can be badly biased. Therefore, a focus of this paper is obtaining relatively low variability estimates that are not too biased. Real data are used to illustrate attributes of long-tail distributions. Results show some robust estimators suggested for producing better estimates are badly biased and therefore not better. Three ways of obtaining lower variability estimated means and totals that are not too biased are discussed. Practical and research implications of the ideas presented and of results obtained are discussed.

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The Benefits of Advanced Online Hotel Bookings

Wolfgang Jaegel

Finding an accommodation or a hotel after having reached a particular destination is quite time consuming as well as expensive. Here comes the importance of online hotel booking facility. Online hotel booking is one of the latest techniques in the arena of internet that allows travelers to book a hotel located anywhere in the world and that too according to your tastes and preferences.

In other words, online hotel booking is one of the awesome facilities of the internet. Booking a hotel online is not only fast as well as convenient but also very cheap. Nowadays, many of the hotel providers have their sites on the web, which in turn allows the users to visit these sites and view the facilities and amenities offered by each of them.

The benefits offered by online hotel booking is endless. Foremost is that it enables you to compare and choose a hotel in a desired location and that too according to your requirements. Since many of the hotel websites furnishes information along with ratings as well as exterior and interior pictures of the hotel, it helps users to get a clear idea of hotel, prior to its booking.

In hotel websites, they not only provide hotel details but also a brief info on the place as well as its attractions. This in turn allows the users to get an idea of the place they are going to stay.

Another awesome benefit of booking a hotel online is that it helps you to compare rates. Majority of the hotels across the globe provides details on both regular rates and specials. This feature enables you to book the right hotel with facilities and amenities you require at a rate you can live with.

Apart from these specials, booking hotels online in advance can fetch you more discounts. You can save much more, if your business or vacation plan is flexible enough to match with some particular dates that offer discounted rates.

Booking hotels online is quite easy. All you have to do with regard to booking online is to search for hotels in your desired location, in top search engines such as Google or Yahoo. Then, thousands of results will be displayed.

Select one among them that goes with your requirements. Once you chosen a hotel of your taste, inform them regarding your requirements and which type of room you are looking for. In addition to accommodation, some hotels may provide packages inclusive of transportation within the place, sightseeing, dining, and opportunities to enjoy a variety of recreational activities.

It is evident from the aforesaid discussion that online hotel booking provides substantial benefits. But, it is important to make a thorough investigation before choosing an online hotel booking facility.

First of all, check whether the hotel company you have chosen is legitimate, since identity theft is becoming common nowadays via hotel transactions. It is therefore advisable not to give your vital information such as credit card number unless sure of legitimacy of the hotel providers.

Further, there are certain unscrupulous hotel firms promising great deals at first, and on receipt of bank account details or credit card information, they may charge incredible later. Hence, it must be checked for.

Likewise, beware of such hotel companies requiring immediate action. Al though, it may be true there may be shortage of rooms especially in peak seasons, try to check for the reputation of the company, particularly if it is a less-known hotel booking agent or company.

The next thing you have to check is whether the website has privacy policy. If the website doesn't have one, then think twice prior to giving your details. Likewise, prior to booking a hotel, it should be confirmed that you have all of the transaction's details in writing. Additionally, it must be made sure that the hotel is going to provide you the room of your specifications and preferences.

Unless specified properly, sometimes you will be compelled to spend your much awaited holidays in the back corner of a top-notch hotel. Further, it must be ensured that the hotel you have chosen is strategically located and within easy reach of almost all attractions and facilities like airport and railway station. Ratings and reviews or feedbacks serve as an important aid to select the most appropriate hotel that goes with your needs and budget. However, it is recommended to read the reviews written by the real users.

Despite anything, booking hotels online is fast, easy, and economical, and unquestionably make your business or vacation trip hassle free.

Article Source :
http://www.bestmanagementarticles.com
http://hotel-management.bestmanagementarticles.com

About the Author :
Chan Brothers Travel provides business travels, meetings, incentives, conventions and educational travel, also air tickets, cruises, accommodation, car rental, insurance travel gift vouchers and world-wide online hotel bookings for discount prices.

Private Catering - Brief Business Techniques

George Walker

The catering is becoming a great business in these days. The main advantage of catering business is the requirement of capital for this business is quite low. In fact if you have a good chef with you then you can rent the catering equipments and appoint some people to join you in daily payment business initially. Later you can have a stable catering set-up including the manpower and the equipments for your business. In short the catering is of two types viz. the event catering and the mobile catering. Event catering includes the catering for some special events such as wedding catering, catering party and dinner party catering etc. So now let us discuss a little about the business of catering.

While you are in the catering business, then the most important thing is to plan the business strategies carefully. Finding clients is also an important part of this business. You can have the clients through the classified advertisements or through your personal contacts. First of all you should learn the ways to be modest with your customers. Because the modesty you can have some more orders through the contacts of the client. After that you should listen the requirements of your client carefully. Now you have to organize a little more than the requirement of your customer. Some times the event catering includes the catering orders for the breakfast catering, lunch and the dinner - all three. These types of orders are always profitable. So you should deal these types of orders with immense care.

Now, before going through the factors like menu or food, it is very much important to look through some other factors. First of all, you have to organize the fresh drinking water to be used in cooking and drinking purpose of the guests. Secondly, the related equipments are very much essential too. Equipments include the food containers, dishes, spoons, glasses, and napkins etc. You should look for the good quality dining tables too. You can have collaboration with any good catering service equipment supplier for this purpose. After organizing all these, appoint some people and divide the responsibilities on them. Some will help the chef while some will be involved in serving and cleaning. Positively appoint a catering guide while your employees are serving the food.

The let us come to the major part of the private catering service business that is the catering menu. It is always better to leave the responsibility of selecting the menu to the client. While he is selecting the menu you can explain the pros and cons of a particular menu. You can suggest any other menu instead of any particular menu selected by the client with the particular reason. Now, you should suggest the menu that most people like. For an example, when a client wants to go for the Italian menu you should suggest him to include pizza in the list of menu as most of the people like it.

Lastly, you should have a good chef with you and you should try your level best to hold him with your company. Along with the mobile catering and event catering, the future of private catering and the buffet catering are seemed to be bright too.

Article Source :
http://www.bestmanagementarticles.com
http://hotel-management.bestmanagementarticles.com

About the Author :
Author Bio: George Walker private caterers Hawaii offers Hawaii private catering, Breakfast catering, buffet catering, catering equipment suppliers, wedding catering events, catering for special events, catering guide.