251. Assessing tourism supply in Beihai, China.
- Author
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Wen Mei Li and Dewar, Keith
- Subjects
TOURISM ,BUSINESS - Abstract
This exploratory research used focus groups to analyse the perceptions of government, business and local stakeholders regarding the supply of tourism resources in Beihai, a coastal city in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China. The major goal was to provide the City officials with baseline information on tourism supply to assist them in planning for sustainable development of the industry. Based on focus group responses, a matrix table was devised consisting of three major supply variables: attractions, capital and policy. These variables were sorted using strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT). The major analytical tool used to interpret the focus groups' response was an informal content analysis devised by the authors. The results showed that both government and business saw marine-based tourism as key to their future tourism development. In addition, cultural tourism related to components of the marine environment, such as the local pearl culture and historical areas within the city were also considered important. Marketing represented a weakness but solutions were being found, as the stakeholders understand that niche marketing may be of more value than attempting to market luxury facilities to a general tourism market. The method adopted was shown to be acceptable for areas where more reliable quantitative data were unavailable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2003
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