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An investigation into the key factors necessary for the development of iconic touring routes
In recent years, the concept of developing themed touring routes or self-drive trails has been given much attention. Consequently many have been developed, particularly in Australia and the USA. Themed touring routes have been advocated as opportunities to link regional communities together, form partnerships, encourage tourism development along commonly travelled routes, provide a more satisfactory tourism experience and maximise economic benefits to local business people by encouraging longer stays and greater spending in the region. Ultimately, touring routes can develop into tourist icons, such as the Cascade Loop in Washington State and the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail in the USA. This paper uses these two case studies to determine the key factors for the successful development of touring routes. It proposes that there are ten, including community involvement, an understanding of the drive tourist, the development of attractions, effective interpretation and signage and infrastructure.
History
Publication title
Journal of Vacation MarketingVolume
9Issue
4Pagination
314-330ISSN
1356-7667Department/School
School of Social SciencesPublisher
Henry Stewart PublicationsPlace of publication
London, UKRights statement
Copyright © 2003 by SAGE PublicationsRepository Status
- Restricted