Focused Discussions
Marijuana Tourism : Marijuana and Its Potentinal Impact on Small Island Developing Destinations
Focused Discussion Gemma Wenner
This discussion seeks to examine the relationship between how marijuana legalization can be a disruptive innovation in the area of tourism and agriculture and contribute to economic development. The study seeks to address the challenge of accelerating economic growth and diversification in the economies of small island developing states (SIDS), dependent of tourism for their main livelihood by studying how the legalization of medicinal and recreational cannabis could rejuvenate tourism sectors. This discussion/ study differentiates tourism product offerings, creating new business opportunities, attracting new types of tourists, inducing a higher level of tourism expenditures, generating more jobs, and raising more tax revenue for public treasuries. The problem quite seemly stated is that traditional tourism products are lagging and becoming un-competitive. Practitioners and policymakers are seeking ideas and ways as to how to revitalize and expand their tourism offerings. The main research question for this study is; can marijuana legalization constitute a disruptive innovation that creates new marijuana-related tourism products, encourages economic linkages between agriculture and tourism (agritourism), and, extends the tourism life-cycle on small island developing states (SIDS)?
Employee Engagement through Meaningful Work: How to Make Work Meaningful through Teamwork and Fun in the Workplace
Focused Discussion Ellen McMahan
It can be challenging for managers, supervisors, leaders and future leaders in tourism and leisure studies arenas to cultivate employee engagement tactics, retain talented employees, and deliver second-to-none tourism experiences for guests. This session will allow for discussion of job satisfaction and job persistence, review of case studies, networking with other conference attendees, and identifying challenges in your organization. The implications of a recent study reveal female faculty at a regional institution are most likely to persist in their work when work is found to be meaningful and when relations are healthy with one's direct supervisor. Whether your agency interfaces with the general public or with single-visit guests, outstanding leadership and customer service occurs largely in part by ensuring your employees are engaged in their work through meaningful experiences.
Issues of Diversity and Inclusion in Tourism and Lesiure Studies
Focused Discussion Stefanie Benjamin, Alana Dillette
The current landscape of tourism and leisure studies within the United States and globally is problematic toward populations of difference. With the recent U.S. presidential election already causing hate crimes promoting xenophobia, misogyny, and homophobia; what will the travel and leisure studies environment look like globally for the future? For this workshop, we would like to offer a brave space for dialogue and discussion of issues of diversity and inclusion in tourism and leisure studies. We hope to break down stereotypes and implicit biases ingrained through systemic racism, patriarchy, and heteronormative views passed down and shared through cultures and institutions. In this workshop, we will use critical race theory (Taylor, Gillborn, & Ladson-Billings, 2011), whiteness studies (Zuberi & Bonilla-Silva, 2008), and queer theory (Sullivan, 2003), as the backbone from which to discuss the time and important issues of diversity and inclusion.
