New Horizons
University of Granada
Purposeful Travel: Definition, Scope, and Future Prospects
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Joe Pavelka
Mass travel including rapid itinerary tours will not change much in their return as evidenced in the early stage of return. What is less understood is how the rest of travel will unfold. This study considers a conceptual model for alternative travel, that is, Purposeful Travel. Purposeful Travel is presently defined as intentionally driven travel that supports the wellbeing of the individual, communities and the planet. The concept differs from most other post-pandemic conceptualizations of alternative tourism because it includes a comprehensive framework of six dimensions while others tend to lean on a single issue such as climate change or overtourism. The six dimensions that frame Purposeful Travel include the issues of greenhouse gas reduction in travel and host respect and inclusion. It includes two of the most prominent emergent trends in alternative travel that is wellness in travel broadly defined, as a motivation and slow travel as mode or style of travel. Finally, it includes two core principles of education and the expectation of extraordinary experiences. The paper includes a conceptualization of travel situated within post-pandemic sensibilities that include real observed structural change such as destinations enacting policies to control the return and future of travel through to shifting public attitudes about why and how we travel. Attitudes towards toward both the impact and value of travel have manifested in everything from love travel to travel shaming. This work is also informed by the February 2023 Purposeful Travel Summit, held in Banff Canada.
Exploring Beneficiaries’ Attitudes towards the Sustainability of Long-distance Trails View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Jane Hamilton Johnstone, Samantha Murdy
Recreational walking is one of the most popular outdoor activities internationally with studies highlighting the benefits of the outdoors and natural spaces on physical and mental wellbeing. Research also emphasises the increasing social importance of outdoor tourism since the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, a rising demand for walking holidays, and an increase in long-distance trails worldwide. However, this increased demand brings significant challenges with regards to the conservation of these walking trails. It also raises questions over who should bear the costs for the ongoing maintenance and repair. While walkers are considered beneficiaries and user fees are well-established in some contexts, this research focuses on the West Highland Way trail in Scotland where “right to roam” legislation grants free public access to most land in the countryside. This working paper therefore draws on interviews with supply-side beneficiaries, exploring their perceptions on the management and marketing of the trail and their perceived value in paying towards its upkeep. The findings contribute to literature on perceived value and sustainable tourism management in natural landscapes. This study also seeks to provide further insights into the managerial implications for the sustainability of long-distance trails.
