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Narrative communities consist of closely interacting participants who frequently discuss their views of the world. The aims of this study were to establish the credibility of using a narrative community approach to the recreational vehicle (RV) market and, if appropriate, both identify common themes in the public discourse and direct attention to sensitive issues which those seeking to influence this market need to consider. Primary data were collected in Australia through focus groups at a typical regional RV rally site. This material was supplemented by close study of the main membership magazine produced for the target group. The researchers were able to confirm the applicability of the narrative community approach through noting the frequent repetition of symbolic stories, recurring phrases and highly favoured topics. The extended focus group conversations and the supplementary materials revealed six highly consistent themes binding the perspectives of the RV tourists. The celebrated common concerns were enjoying a new family, safety, freedom, health and living economically while contributing to the communities visited. This commonality was seen as constituting enthusiastic advocacy for RV travel and opens lines of communication for those seeking to influence RV users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chinese outbound tourists are pivotal global players in current international tourism. Their anticipated role in taking up new activities in the future warrants attention. This study focused on one emerging activity—drive tourism—as a model of the ways to manage the growth of new specialist interests. In detail, it examined Chinese recreational vehicle (RV) tourists’ self-reported safety concerns during their Australian RV trips. The study identified the successful coping mechanisms that Chinese tourists employ across the preparation, initial familiarity, and driving stages of their travels. A holistic safety and coping framework outlining 18 coping techniques was identified. The study revealed the symbiosis between tourists, tourism businesses, and associated organizations that can lead to positive behaviors to enhance safe and enjoyable experiences as new markets adopt novel activities in unfamiliar countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study analysed the blog postings of an influential set of Chinese tourists who share on-line their recreational vehicle (RV) travelling experiences in Australia. It used a netnographic approach to collect qualitative data from 22 rich and detailed Chinese blogs which in total consisted of 77 pages of Mandarin text plus images. The archival work was supplemented by online messages and email interaction with the RV travellers. Coding followed a consultative thematic approach. Segments from the narratives were used to illustrate some of the themes. The travellers' motive items were consistent with much previous motivation work and fitted into an experimental and experiential framework and revealed parallels with the career patterns of experienced western tourists. The need for further samples and contexts, and suggestions for exploring and developing this emerging market were offered. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]