1. CHAPTER THIRTEEN SPECIALTY RESORTS
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CHAPTER THIRTEEN
SPECIALTY RESORTS

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Learning Objectives
Identify the changing trends in and demographic profiles of the market for specialty resorts.
Compare and contrast traditional lodges and ecolodges.
Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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Identify the changing trends in and demographic profiles of the market for specialty resorts.
Nature Based Environmental Activities
The goal is to learn about the interdependence of living organisms or to learn how to behave in the environment
Growth in this area has meant that programs are taking on increasingly complex issues; covering economic as well as technological aspects and their impact
Americans are rediscovering nature
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4. Changing Trends (cont.)
Ecotourism
An enthusiastic form of nature-based tourism
Ecotourism areas should:
Minimize negative effects on the local and natural environment
Contribute to the management of protected areas
Produce economic and social benefits
Promote genuine interaction between hosts and guests
Should supplement and complement traditional activities of the area
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5. Changing Trends (cont.)
Ecolodge
A specialized form of resort lodge
Defined as a “nature-based tourist lodge that meets the philosophy and principles of ecotourism”
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Demographic Profiles
27 percent between the ages of 25 and 44
25 percent aged 55 plus
42 percent female
65 percent married
23 percent have children in the household
68 percent with household income of $75,000 +
They plan their trips using:
search engines: 76 percent
magazines: 66 percent
guidebooks: 65 percent
advice from friends and family: 65 percent
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Demographic Profiles
Budget Youngsters
Young and single with a fairly low income
Prefers to travel with friends around America
Soft Moderates
Highly educated, middle-aged women with low incomes
Unlikely to have children under the age of 12
Prefers soft adventure
Desires familiarity, not risk-taking
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Demographic Profiles
Upper High Naturalists
Members are mostly middle-aged, married and earn high wages
Prefer both soft and rugged adventures
Likes to travel with family and friends
Seeks novelty trips and exotic destinations
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Demographic Profiles
Family Vacationers
Married males in this category are not usually very excited about their vacations
Family vacationers have generally completed some college and have two incomes in the household to support their children, at least one of which is under age 12
This group likes to have some help in planning their vacations
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Demographic Profiles
Active Soloists
Composed mostly of well-educated middle-income-earners without children under 12
Prefers high-risk, high-adventure activities
Prefer to travel alone or in an organized group
This group seems to rely on tourist infrastructure the most when making travel arrangements
Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

11. Compare and contrast traditional lodges and ecolodges.
Traditional lodge description
Luxury
Generic style
Relaxation focus
Facility-based activities
Enclave development
Group/consortium ownership common
Ecolodge description
Comfortable basic needs
Unique character style
Activity/educational focus
Nature/recreation based activities
Development integrated with local environment
Individual ownership common
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12. Traditional Lodge Description (cont.)
Profit maximization based on high guest capacity, services and prices
High investment
Key attractions are facility and surroundings
Ecolodge Description
Profit maximization based on strategic design, location, low capacity, services and prices
Moderate/low investment
Key attractions are surroundings and facility
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Ecolodge description
Traditional Lodge Description
Gourmet meals, service and presentation
Marketed within chain
Guides and nature interpreters minor feature or nonexistent
Ecolodge Description
Good/hearty meals and service, cultural influence
Marketed independently
Guides and interpreters focus of operation
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14. Adventure Tourism Development Index
Safe and welcoming
Readiness
Adventure
Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.