Visitor attraction management: A critical review of research 2009–2014

Abstract

Research publications focussing on visitor attractions have increased in recent years, with articles sourced from an increasingly broad range of disciplines and fields of study. Key findings include a reduced reliance on case study and qualitative research, towards a significant increase in the use of quantitative methods to investigate and analyse the data gathered in relation to management issues experienced at sites. There is clear evidence of the use of visitor attractions to develop destinations, via engagement with local communities and engagement with new and existing visitors. Contemporary issues facing visitor attraction managers and researchers, specifically the increasing diversity of visitors and responses to the increasing commercial imperative, are observed. A key contribution is the wealth of research outputs considered, alongside the development of a future research agenda that highlights the need for researchers to combine academic and practitioner needs to support the sector with relevant and accessible research.