Scanning the environment of tourism attractions: A content analysis approach

The objective of this research project was to identify patterns of activity that exist in the context of the general environment of the tourism industry and to identify possible trends emanating from this environment that will likely shape the structure of the industry over the next 10 years. The content analysis research methodology was used to scan the body of literature relevant to the industry environment. The major trends identified and explored are: changing consumer preferences, smaller scale tourist attractions appealing to more niche oriented segments, greater local involvement in tourism development decisions, more precise targeting and aggressive marketing, greater use of technology in marketing and servicing tourists, increased alliances especially among small firms, greater and more aggressive involvement of industry associations and greater international expansion in the developing world.