Author: Swann, G.M. Peter

Source: Tourism Economics, Volume 16, Number 1, March 2010 , pp. 45-62(18)

Publisher: IP Publishing Ltd

Abstract:

There is a large volume of literature on the life cycle of the tourist resort. However, there is scope to develop this body of work by harnessing recent contributions in the economics literature on cycles or waves in demand. This paper presents a simple economic model of the rise, fall and possible renaissance of the resort. The analysis is based on the work of Cowan et al (1997, 2004), which models waves in consumption when there are interdependencies between consumers. Of particular interest here are the conditions under which we may observe a 'travelling wave', where a new resort starts off as a distinctive and select venue but then, as it grows in popularity, starts to go downmarket. After the resort has been unfashionable for some time and unattractive associations are far enough in the past, a new sort of pioneer (accompanied by a new wave of investment) can start off a second wave of popularity. The model presented was motivated by reference to the history of the city of Bath, which enjoyed a long period as a very popular resort and then fell into decline in the 19th century, but enjoyed a renaissance in the mid-20th century to become one of the most popular medium-sized towns in England.

Keywords: RESORT LIFE CYCLE; DEMAND WAVES; TRAVELLING WAVES; TOURISM HISTORY; BATH

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5367/000000010790872051

Publication date: 2010-03-01

More about this publication?

• Tourism Economics, published bimonthly, is a peer-reviewed journal devoted to the economics and finance of tourism worldwide. Articles address the components of the tourism product (accommodation; restaurants; merchandizing; attractions; transport; entertainment; tourist activities); and the economic organization of tourism at micro and macro levels (market structure; role of public/private sectors; community interests; strategic planning; marketing; finance; economic development).

• Subscribe to this Title
• ingentaconnect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Geography
• By this author: Swann, G.M. Peter

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers