The periphery as a tourism market?

ABSTRACT

Most tourism research examines peripheral areas as destinations that are often exploited by the dominant, urban core. Little, if any research has considered peripheral areas as potential source markets. Yet, in Australia, some 30% of the population live outside of major urban centres. This study determined that residents of regional centres and rural communities have as much interest in travel as their urban cousins, have similar attitudes to and motivations for travel and moreover travel at the same level of propensity and intensity. Differences are noted in destination choice, though, suggesting an opportunity exists to better market a wider variety of tourism products in peripheral areas.

KEYWORDS:

• Core–periphery
• urban/rural divide
• Queensland
• attitudes to tourism
• benefits of travel

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Correction Statement

This article has been corrected with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by University of Queensland.

Notes on contributors

Bob McKercher

Bob McKercher has wide ranging research interests. He received his PhD from the University of Melbourne in Australia, a Masters degree from Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada and his undergraduate degree from York University in Toronto, Canada. Prior to entering academia, he worked in a variety of operational and advocacy position in the Canadian tourism industry.