Spatial distribution of participation in boycott calls: a study of tourism destination boycotts associated with animal abuse

ABSTRACT

Boycott is a form of protest that has been employed worldwide to challenge policies and alter behaviour that is perceived to be unacceptable. However, few studies have addressed tourism boycotts, particularly factors that influence participation from a spatial perspective. Utilizing tweets that were posted calling for the tourism boycott of China, Kerala, South Africa, and Spain, this paper analyses the spatial distribution of boycott calls. Proximity associated with awareness, local politics, changing ideologies, access to the boycott space, and concern about the boycott trigger is observed to contribute to the spatial distribution of participation in the boycott calls.

KEYWORDS:

• Tourism boycotts
• destination boycotts
• welfare of animals
• social media
• boycott calls

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest

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

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ismail Shaheer

Ismail Shaheer is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Tourism, University of Otago. His research focuses on tourist behaviour, ethics, social media, and social movements. Before undertaking his doctorate at the University of Otago in New Zealand, he worked at the Maldives Tourism Promotion Board (now Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation) for more than 10 years marketing the Maldives as a tourist destination.

Neil Carr

Neil Carr is Professor in the Department of Tourism, University of Otago. His research focuses on understanding behaviour within tourism and leisure experiences; with a particular emphasis on children and families, sex and animals.

Andrea Insch

Andrea Insch is an Associate Professor at the University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. Before undertaking her doctorate at Griffith University in Brisbane, Andrea worked at Queensland’s Department of State Development. In 2005 Andrea moved to New Zealand to join the Marketing Department at the Otago Business School. Andrea’s research expertise is inter-disciplinary, connecting marketing, urban studies and tourism. Andrea is the Book Review Editor and Regional Editor (Australia and New Zealand) for Place Branding & Public Diplomacy.