2018 LARASA International Congress List of Speakers

Prof Lynn Jamieson, United States of America

Biography

Dr. Lynn M. Jamieson is a Full Professor in the Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Studies at Indiana University. She has served as both Chair of the Department for 9 years and Assistant Chair for 6 years and is formerly Coordinator and Professor in the Recreation Administration program at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California. In addition to academic appointments, Dr. Jamieson served in administrative capacities in three park and recreation departments: Corpus Christi, Texas, San Diego, California and Johnson County, Kansas. She is co-author of six texts and author of numerous articles and text chapters in the area of recreational sports, commercial recreation, management and tourism. In the area of research and evaluation, Dr. Jamieson has emphasized policy development, management, curriculum development in recreational sports, sport violence, visitor behavior, and youth development as it pertains to youth sport and leisure interest. Over 70 articles and 60 presentations have been delivered in her areas of expertise. She is a member of the National Recreation and Park Association and a member of several professional organizations that represent various aspects of the leisure industry. More recently, she has conducted lectures, research projects, and research presentations in China, Hong Kong, Costa Rica, Taiwan, Scotland, Turkey, England, Tanzania, Canada, South Africa, United States, and Australia on the topics of sport and leisure policy, sport curriculum, sport and leisure management, sport tourism, and the mitigating factors in sport violence.

Abstract

TITLE : Face to Face: Negotiating inclusion in the leisure service delivery network

In the last decade, possibly more than in any other time, countries have been at once at war and desiring peace.  Populations of residents have been uprooted from their societal homes and have begun a life as a refugee or an immigrant in a new social state.  While the call for more war and dissidence rages on, societies are also calling for peace and justice for their citizens.  Further, newly forming societies in strange countries are struggling for equity, inclusion, and ultimately peace.  This talk reviews the efforts by global networks for peace, human rights, and inclusion by the United Nations, UNESCO, governments, and other organizations faced with societies of intolerance, ethnocentrism, and hate.  The role of leisure is framed within these international efforts, and suggestions are proffered as to how leisure service commitment and delivery systems may be key to ensuring that all citizens receive opportunities for social, emotional, physical, environmental, spiritual, and intellectual leisure outlets designed to enhance a positive lifestyle.  Cases and many examples will be shared involving successful programs designed for inclusion and the protection of human rights.  A tour of national policies on sport and leisure, featuring examples of countries in all seven continents will be presented that identifies the key purpose of leisure opportunity, the background of the country’s ideology, and the success gained through the provision of leisure opportunities for all citizens.  In describing the approach made through governmental efforts, organizations will also be identified that work in partnership with these entities to ensure that human rights are protected and opportunities are appropriate to varying cultural norms.  An emphasis on organizations that serve “on the ground” in communities will be shared.  In emphasizing how individual rights, inclusion, and are implemented, the talk will include the way in which the local sector addresses its unique challenges with cross-cultural conflict, underrepresentation, and socio-economic differences.  Ultimately, the message from this talk is that all cultures, regardless of socioeconomic status may have opportunities to engage in a meaningful leisure lifestyle that accentuates the best one can be.  Further, the local sector is the nexus to provide these opportunities through many distribution processes from paid opportunity to free access. It is through the recognition of the leisure service network, unique and different in every country, that organizations may serve all people and activate ways to help those less able to participate in a leisure lifestyle that is fulfilling and essential to a positive quality of life.

KEYWORDS : inclusion, human rights, cross cultural conflict, leisure service network, delivery systems

Dr Natasa Slak Valek, United Arab Emirates

Biography

Nataša Slak Valek, Ph.D. in Business, specializes in Tourism. She teaches Tourism related courses at Undergraduate and Graduate level at Zayed University in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Her nationality is Slovenian (Europe) and it has been 4 years since she moved to the UAE. Dr. Slak Valek earned her doctorate in Business from the University of Ljubljana at Faculty of Economics. Her research focuses on Tourism and Tourism Marketing, and as a former professional athlete she is interested in Sport Tourism research as well. Her most recent work appears in International Journal of Sustainable Society, Tourismos, Kinesiologia Slovenica, Acta Gymnica and an SSCI indexed paper coauthored in Journal of Travel and Tourism Marketing. She is a reviewer for the leading international journal in tourism Tourism Management. Prior to ZU, she worked for ten years at the National Tourism Office of Slovenia, first as a Professional Researcher and latter Marketing Manager, where her responsibility were PR and Marketing activities in promoting a country as a tourism destination. She worked as well at the Faculty for Tourism at University of Maribor (Slovenia) and in the International College, Department for Entertainment management of I-Shou University in Taiwan R.O.C. She is a member of European Travel Commission and registered as a professional researcher at the Slovenian research Agency. Part time she is a journalist for the magazine Golf klub.

Abstract

Ms Marie-Edith Michel, CPRP, United States of America

Biography

Marie-Edith Michel is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional with 20+ years of practical local government experience culled from a broad scope of roles in the parks and recreation environment with the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) a bi-county organization in the Washington Metropolitan Area. M-NCPPC has a diverse client base of nearly 2 million people. She has served the parks, planning and recreational arms of both Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties. Her skill set includes experiences in research and evaluation, budget development and monitoring of tax supported and special funds ($96 million), park planning, organizational development and diversity management as well as strategic planning, and parks and recreation program planning. She is also a diversity and inclusion trainer and a certified community engagement facilitator. She views her role as an internal consultant to her department helping them to transform themselves by focusing on organizational effectiveness, improvement, and development. She wears different hats serving as a trainer, facilitator, researcher, and advisor. She is also a volunteer docent for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art and has travelled to several continents as a representative for several non-profit organizations that promote international understanding, tolerance, and peace.

Abstract

TITLE : Forging an Equity Paradigm in Parks and Recreation - Workshop

As agents of essential public services, Parks and recreation agencies play a significant role in elevating the quality of life of people and communities:  “parks are vitally important to establishing and maintaining the quality of life in a community, ensuring the health of families and youth, and contributing to the economic and environmental well-being of a community and a region.” (NRPA, 2010) The call by the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals, to achieve 17 sustainable development goals represents an opportunity for parks and recreation agencies to elevate the equity benefits of leisure.  The concept of using parks and recreation for the advancement of equity is a natural extension of what we do in terms of providing for the public good.  “Social equity is a critical responsibility borne by every public park and recreation agency and the professionals that operate them.”  (NRPA, Feb. 2018).  The demographic and economic changes occurring in the nation and the world offer a great opportunity to advance equity.  The changing demographics in communities combined with urbanization and other development issues has resulted in tensions.  To that end, park and recreation services need to be at the forefront of addressing the inequities in our societies.  This shift from equality to equity is an important one for parks and recreation professionals.  This session encourages practitioners to step outside of their park boundaries and formulate a roadmap for applying a social equity approach.  The workshop will share practical tools and best practices that accredited agencies across the United States and Canada are using to leverage and expand opportunities to achieve equity in the communities we serve. The discussion will explore how to advance equity work in our local communities by addressing the structural and institutional barriers to opportunity for girls, persons with disabilities, and those from underserved populations.  While our current role and programs promote equality, advancing an equity agenda charges us to not only reform current institutions, rules and policies, but also to “recreate” and transform society through collaborative leadership practices, new and innovative partnerships, and networking in pursuit of broader diversity and inclusion goals.  It also requires inserting our expertise and values in a multi-sector environment to further planning solutions that meet the needs of underserved communities through policies and programs that reduce disparities while fostering places that are healthy and vibrant. Lastly, the session will reinforce the importance of doing the internal work necessary to become a resilient and courageous leader. This part of the discussion will provide key diversity management tools that promote cultural and diversity management competencies to enhance personal success and ability to collaborate.

Dr Donna Woodhouse, United Kingdom

Biography

I gained my first degree from the University of Birmingham’s Department of Cultural Studies, my MA from the Scarman Centre for the Study of Public Order and my FA and ESRC funded doctorate from the Sir Norman Chester Centre for Football Research, both at the University of Leicester. During my PhD, I also wrote on women's football for Sportal, as well as being a contributor/monitor for the Guardian's Football AllTalk web site. Initially a Research Fellow at Sheffield Hallam University, carrying out project evaluation for the UK Home Office, my work now focuses on social and cultural issues in sport and leisure. I am a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. I have taught on a number of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, as well as supervising doctoral students. Previously, I worked for a number of years in the voluntary and statutory sectors as a community safety and community development officer and manager on a number of regeneration projects. My work covered areas such as training groups in stadia communities, working with local authorities and professional sports clubs, writing policy on elder abuse, addressing on street prostitution, countering hate crimes, supporting drug rehabilitation projects, running initiatives to address city centre retail crime and anti-social behaviour. A fan of cricket, rugby union and Barnsley FC, I play veterans 5-a-side with little skill but great enthusiasm.

Abstract

TITLE :  MindfullySTRONG:  attention, awareness and flow.

Co-Authors : Dave Hembrough and Dr Peter Olusoga

MindfullySTRONG is an integrated mindfulness and strength training programme designed for people who wish to become both physically and mentally fitter. Each session begins with a mindful movement warm up, followed by a strength circuit scaled to suit ability, before ending with cool down and meditation. The programme includes peer support, with participants encouraged to help each other throughout their journey. Colleagues from coaching, psychology and sociology are involved in the evaluation of the programme which can be adapted to suit specific client groups.  In week one, mass, blood pressure, resting heart rate, body composition and predicted VO2Max are recorded.  Participants also complete questionnaires to assess flourishing, level of mindfulness, perceived stress and quality of life.  Participants keep a journal (written, audio or audio visual) to record their reflections on the programme.  In week 12, the measures are retaken to assess impact.  Another assessment after 3 months measures whether improvements are being sustained.  Participants are also interviewed post programme to add more qualitative depth to the evaluation.

 

KEYWORDS : mindfulness, exercise, mixed methods, multi disciplinary, quality of life

 

 

 

 

Dr Richard McGrath, Australia

Biography

Dr Richard McGrath is a lecturer/researcher in the School of Health Sciences at the University of South Australia. Dr McGrath’s research interests cover a variety of areas concerning sociological aspects of health and wellbeing, particularly in relation to inclusive practice and physical activity opportunities at a community level. In addition, Dr McGrath has been conducting studies exploring undergraduate learning, principally in respect to undergraduate student learning styles and using online teaching tools to assist with developing critical thinking skills. Over the past five years Dr McGrath has conducted a number of studies exploring of the impact of creative arts on the health and wellbeing of youth as well as the efficacy of using sport as a social development tool. Dr McGrath is the Vice President of the Australia & New Zealand Association for Leisure Studies (ANZALS), an Associate Member of the Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), University of South Australia and a Board Member of Sports United (SUn), a not-for profit Sport for Development program.

Abstract

TITLE : Leisure Scholars as Human Rights Advocates?

Leisure as a human right has been incorporated into numerous international conventions and declarations beginning with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) (Articles 24 (the right to leisure) and 27 (the right to cultural participation and protection of copyright)). Currently there are over 25 declarations, conventions and/or covenants created by a variety of international and regional organisations that identify leisure as a human right (Veal 2015). While it is clear there has been a global consensus concerning leisure as a human right, there still remain a number of challenges and issues.Fulfilling the right to leisure is not only a challenge at an individual, community and national level but also for scholars working within the field of leisure. Over the past decade a number of nations have been under threat from the effects from climate change through more extreme weather events as well as a consequence of rising sea levels. What role do wealthier nations have in respect to providing support to island communities to access to leisure? In relation to tourism culture and the arts, First Nations peoples are continually exploited and/or used by global and multinational organations to accumualte profit, from which very little (to none) is reivested into local communities (Simons 2000). What can and should be done to ensure fair and equitable trade of the intellectual and cultural property of disempowered First Nation peoples (Bowery 2009)? Sport continues to be used as a tool through which ‘community development’ is being implemented. Global sporting organisations, such as FIFA and the IOC, have the power, money and influence to decide where ’community development’ will occur. While sport for development initiatives may be viewed as advancing some aspecvts related to human rights (for example by providing access to sport opportunityies to women and girls), is importing non-traditional sport activities ‘good’ for communities; or is it a subtle form of imperialism cloaked in social justice rhetoric? Furthermore is this ‘community development’ ‘good’ for all in the community or only certain sections, eg. able bodied individuals. Furthermore, are these sport for development initiatives being implemented with communities to enable local citizens to take ownership and develop from the importation of sporting opportunities? And what of the role of leisure studies scholars regarding leisure as a human right? While some leisure studies researchers have explored aspects related to leisure and human rights, this has been limited, with Veal (2015) arguing that leisure scholars have overlooked human rights as a field of study. In the main, leisure scholars have tended to focus on specific populations and groups (for example females, refugees or people with a disability). As a result, leisure scholars tend to advocate for specific population groups in relation to human rights. These challenges and issues will not be overcome in the near future. Nor will they be overcome by a few advocates. To ensure leisure is advanced as a human right requires the effort, support, actions and advocacy of all those involved in leisure studies. There is a need for collective action to be taken to champion leisure as a human right, both through research as well as advocacy leaders.

Key words: Human rights, Leisure, Advocacy, Collective Action

Prof Edwin Gomez, United States of America

Biography

Dr. Edwin Gómez is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies at East Carolina University. Dr. Gómez was a Professor at Old Dominion University with University Professor Designation for excellence in teaching. His research interests include attitudes and perceptions surrounding racial and ethnic perspectives on leisure in outdoor public recreation settings. Given that many ethnic and racial communities tend to live in and around urban settings, Gómez has focused his recent research on urban parks and sense of community in neighborhoods, urban proximate parks and use by nontraditional users, and dog parks as a specific type of urban park. Dr. Gómez also looks at the benefits derived from recreation participation in outdoor settings. After leaving the U.S. Army, he earned a B.S. from Salem State University in geography; an M.S. from Rochester Institute of Technology in hospitality and travel management; a Ph.D. from Michigan State University in park, recreation, and tourism resources with an urban studies emphasis; and an M.A. in linguistics at Old Dominion University.

Abstract

TITLE :  The Role of Urban Parks in Neighborhoods: Theory and Application using Two Case Studies

There is a need for more research on urban parks and the role they play in facilitating strong communities (Degraaf & Jordon, 2003), especially given that over four fifths (83.7%) of the U.S. population in 2010 lived in 366 metropolitan areas.  Most of the leisure research on urban parks and building community has centered around the notion of social capital, with less attention on sense of community.  The purpose of this presentation is to introduce the notions of social capital, sense of community and social cohesion, and show how these concepts were measured and tested in the “real world” to what role parks play creating these social constructs. First an overview of the three major concepts are provided. … SOCIAL CAPITAL: According to Putnam (1995), there are two types of social capital: formal and informal.  Formal social capital exists in the realm of civic engagement (e.g., parent teacher associations, civic leagues).  Informal social capital exists in one of two dimensions: (a) family or home, and (b) neighbors/neighborliness or neighborhood.  The latter of these two dimensions alludes to the idea of sense of community (SOC) in neighborhoods, and considers Putnam’s dimension of a “bonding” social capital. Szreter and Woolcock (2004) proposed distinctions in types of social capital based on the concept of strong or weak social ties. Similar to Putnam, capital resulting from strong social ties is described as bonding social capital; resulting from tighter or more homogenous social networks, in which people are more familiar with one another and tend to share common values. Szreter and Woolcock also discussed bridging social capital, which emanates from weak ties, or ties across more disparate individuals who may not share similar histories, identities, or values. … SENSE OF COMMUNITY (SOC):  Urban planners have utilized parks as physical planning units to increase SOC in neighborhoods, and provide empirical support between the physical structure and the social structure of neighborhoods (Cochrun, 1994; Lund, 2003).  Past researchers indicate that proximity to a natural resource in an urban setting creates a stronger SOC; however, many of these studies were based on observational or narrative analyses, and did not empirically measure SOC, as is often done in community psychology (Chavis & Wandersman, 1990; McMillan, 1996). … SOCIAL COHESION: Repeated and routine (positive) social interactions over time generate a sense of trust and connection among neighbors, feelings of community pride, and a sense of safety (Curley, 2010; Wood, Shannon, Bulsara, Pikora, McCormack, Giles-Corti, 2008). The result of such trust and sense of belonging and connection is community social cohesion among residents, which can lead to favorable outcomes for individuals and the larger community (Altschuler et al., 2004; Bridger & Alter, 2006; Temkin & Rohe, 1998). Opportunities for social interaction can be a principal reason people visit a neighborhood park (Peschardt et al., 2012). … After presenting the theoretical background, two case studies of previous empirical studies will demonstrate how the concepts have been applied in urban recreational settings, and what role the parks play in creating neighborhood affect.

KEYWORDS: Urban Parks, Dog Parks, Social Capital, Sense of Community, Social Cohesion

Prof Aiping Ma, China

Biography

Dr. Aiping Ma , Professor, Beijing International Studies University (BISU), Tourism Management School, Director of China Tourism Market Research Centre BISU, Chateauroux school, France.

Abstract

TITLE :  Factors influencing tourism and culture: leading to sustainability

The paper will discuss how tourism and culture have been affected by a variety of influences which can lead to a compromise in its sustainability. As more and more western media and behaviour encroaches on local cultures, especially in developing countries, some destination experience changes that may not benefit its communities in the future. Based on experience economy, cultural study, consumer behavior and sustainable perspectives, this study will discuss from visitors perspective, what visitors expect in South Africa, what kind of experience they expected, what activities they like most in South Africa. Through analysis from online comments posted by those Chinese outbound tourists who have visited South Africa before, through content analysis, and though in-depth interview with several tourists, the paper will try to discuss how tourism and culture inter-weaved  through nowadays global exchange system, and then try to mainly discuss the influences which can lead to a compromise in its sustainability,  in a  wholesome constructive way, Mainly benefit the local community development, as well as better enrich visitors authentic experience.  Suggestions will be raised regarding international collaboration from both company and government sector. The discussion makes contribution in the field of tourism and culture study , and will provide some thoughts regarding how to develop and maintain local cultural and natural authenticity, in a way beneficial local community and tourists in the dynamic global world for human community.

KEYWORDS : tourism, culture, consumer behaviour, experience economy, developing countries

 

Prof Corey W Johnson, Canada

Biography

Dr. Corey W. Johnson is a Professor in the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies at the University of Waterloo. Dr. Johnson received his Bachelors degree in Education from Bowling Green State University (1995), his Masters from the University of North Carolina (1998) and his Ph.D. in Leisure Studies from the University of Georgia (2002), including advanced graduate certificates in Qualitative Research and Women’s Studies. He views research as complimentary to both his classroom instruction and his professional service, and uses advocacy, activism, civic-engagement, service-learning and community partnerships to create unique learning opportunities for individuals and institutions. In 2016 he was awarded the Academy of Leisure Science Excellence in Teaching Award. He has published over 80 papers with more than 850 citations in high ranking journals. He has written the seminal text Fostering Social Justice through Qualitative Research: A methodological guide. He has received substantial financial support in his efforts to create safer environments for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth in institutional settings such as camps, secondary schools, universities and detention centers.He was selected as one of the top ten educators (P-16) in Georgia working for equality by the Georgia LGBT Pride Committee and in 2012 he received the UGA President’s MLK Jr. Achieving the Dream award for his efforts. He is currently the co-editor of Leisure Sciences, and served as the co-editor for Schole: A Journal for Park and Recreation Education. He also served on the Board of Directors for the Society of Park and Recreation Educators (SPRE) from 2005-2008 and as president of the organization in 2010-2011. In 2014 he was inducted as a fellow into the Academy of Leisure Sciences. On the University of Waterloo campus he serves on several advisory boards. Attempting to practice what he preaches, his own leisure includes Bikram yoga, horseback riding, backpacking, camping, cooking, traveling and spending time with his Frenchie Sedgwick.

Abstract

TITLE : Writing for Publication : Pragmatics, Process, Procedure Workshop

Co-Author : Dr Needham Yancey Gulley

The process of writing and publishing can be daunting and difficult tasks. Often, the pragmatics of publishing are not understood, especially by practitioners or young scholars. As successful writers and in our positions as an Editor and Associate Editor, we seek to demystify the processes of publication both for an academic context, as well as more practical outlets. As leisure and recreation professionals and scholars we should be disseminating the knowledge about our work to both academic audiences, as well as the general public. One common way to do that is through our writing. During this workshop we will compare and contrast the multiple forms of publication (i.e., dissertation, empirical based journal article, popular press pieces, op-eds, etc.) that promote the academic skills (structure, style, voice, etc.) and professionalization (audience, norms, expectations, innovations, revising) needed to be successful as a published writer. Participants will gain a better understanding of various considerations to take into account when writing for publication, including: choosing appropriate venues for publication, researching publication voice and style preferences, adhering to style guidelines, and responding to editorial feedback. Additionally, tips for staying motivated through the writing process will also be discussed. Participants are encouraged to bring any publication ideas or samples of items they are currently working on for publication. These will be discussed during the workshop and used to frame conversations during out time together.

KEYWORDS : writing, publishing, publication, academic skills, professionalization

Prof Mokong Mapadimeng, South Africa

Biography

Mokong S. Mapadimeng is a Professor of Sociology at the University of Limpopo. He is a Associate Professor and Head of Department of Sociology at Northwest University, Mafikeng Campus. He holds a degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology from the University of KwaZulu-Natal where he also taught in Industrial, Organisational and Labour Studies Programme. He also worked for the National Arts Council of South Africa a Research Manager. He served on the Board of the Association of Non-Fiction Authors of South Africa. He is the Past President of the South African Sociological Association and presently serves on the Executive of the International Sociological Association. Amongst his recent publications are an edited book titled Contenporary Social Issues in Africa – Case in Gaborone, Kampala and Durban (2010) and another one titled Handbook of the Sociology of Youth in BRICS Countaries(2017) .

Abstract

TITLE: Historical and Theoretical Perspecteives on Leisure in South Africa – Past and Present Expriences. 

Leisure is a feature of everyday existence in all human societies, be them traditional or modern/industrial or pre-industrial/developed or undeveloped. However, the form that leisure assumes is largely determined and influenced by specific contexts. Notwithstanding this reality about leisure, it has however not been adequately examined and theorised. As Paul Tiyambe Zeleza(2003) remarked, despite leisure being as old as human society, its systematic study is only recent. Highlighting the dearth of research on leisure as a social phenomenon, Moorhouse(1989) observed that leisure studies tradition as it currently exists, is nothing more than an analytical and conceptual morass that serves as an obstacle to its further growth and development. This has clearly attracted a barrage of criticism of leisure studies’ underdevelopment. Cognisant of this, the present paper kicks off with a review of these studies and the criticism levelled at them, noting some of the theoretical clarifications in the conceptualisation of leisure within those studies. The review is done with the view to clarifying and laying out a theoretical framework that informs the subsequent analysis of leisure in South Africa, both under apartheid and post-apartheid periods.

Keywords: leisure, leisure studies, South Africa, apartheid, post-apartheid.

Dr Adriana Estrada-Gonzalez, Mexico

Biography

Adriana Estrada is a leisure and tourism professor in the Business School at Universidad de Monterrey (México). She received a BA in Leisure Management Studies from Universidad Mexicana del Noreste (Monterrey, México), continued her postgraduate studies at the WLRA International Centre of Excellence in Leeuwarden, The Netherlands, holding a MA in International Leisure Studies. Adriana was awarded a PhD on Leisure and Human Development at Universidad de Deusto in Bilbao, Spain. She collaborated in the Local Secretariat of the 3rd World Leisure Congress in Jaipur, India, on the topic “Leisure, Tourism and the Environment: Issues for Human Development”. She also organized the WL International Seminar “Leisure Education and Youth at Risk” in Monterrey, México. Adriana has served as a member of the World Leisure Organization’s Board of Directors from 1997 to 2003, and she also participates in the WLO Leisure Education Commission and the Leisure Management Commission. Adriana has published widely, chapters for foreign books, refereed publications for national and international journals, as well as articles for newspapers and magazines. She was recognized as a research scholar awarding her the 2014 Hillel Ruskin Memorial Scholar Lecture, delivering a lecture on “Rethinking Leisure Education in Later Life: a Mexican Experience”.

Abstract

TITLE : Travel and Leisure.  Perceptions on well-being and healthy lifestyles

Leisure has been widely studied during the last decades. As such, travel and tourism have been extensively researched. Travel and leisure experience is commonly promoted by tour operators and travel agencies as a slogan to spend remarkable vacations on exotic destinations. However, formal research on the perception of travel and the tourism experience in Mexico is scarce. Research has been conducted in Monterrey, México for the last five years on this topic. Two major studies focus on senior citizens and their perceptions on travel and leisure experience. In 2014, six focus groups were surveyed to learn about their perception on well-being and healthy lifestyles. A number of indicators were proposed to measure leisure and travel participation, acquiring new knowledge regarding the motivation to travel, the benefits perceived when travelling with cohorts and the enjoyment experienced during their trips. In 2017, 347 senior citizens participated in a new research and analised issues including reasons to travel with cohorts, travel behavior, needs and limitations to travel, as well as demographic and psychographic features. Findings reflect the position taken by senior citizens when travelling with cohorts, different from the perspective of travelling with a different age group. Socialisation, well-being perception and contributing to healthy lifestyles were relevant ideas as a result of this research. Through literature review selected to understand senior citizens behaviour when travelling and applied research to explore deeply the travel decisions made by the elderly, results will focus on travel motivations and their perception of well-being. Findings will also identify frequency of travel and average stay on destinations, contributing to healthy lifestyle.  Society is aging rapidly and in need for suitable travel and leisure services catered to specific audiences. Final discussion will center on these suitable services for elderly people.

Keywords:  leisure, travel experience, well-being, healthy lifestyle, senior citizens

Prof Hsuan Hsuan Chang, Taiwan

Biography

After completing her Ph.D, at Park, Recreation and Tourism Resources, Michigan State University, U.S.A., Dr.Hsuan Hsuan Chang started working for Department of Leisure and Recreation Management, School of Tourism, Ming Chuan University, Taiwan as an assistant professor in 2003 and now she is a full time professor. For the past fifteen years, her time was spent in teaching and research. She teaches courses on Research Methodology, Tourism Marketing, and Leisure Society. Her research has three stages. From 2003 to 2009, her major research topic was related to tourism image, destination image and tourism destination attraction by using quantitative methodology. From 2010 to 20015, she concentrated on researching tourist’s wayfinding behaviour in unfamiliar destinations by using on-site experiment and survey methods. Currently, her research interest is on social encounter behaviour among in-group and out-group tourists from the perspectives of overseas traveling. She is also a reviewer for several world journals in tourism and leisure fields such as Tourism Geographies, Tourism Management, Tourism Management perspectives etc. Currently, she is an editorial board of the International Journal of Sustainable Tourism and Hospitality Management which is being published by the International Association of Multidisciplinary Research (IAMURE).

Abstract

TITLE : The study on Online Game Addiction Behavior of Taiwanese students

Through the convenient Internet, teenagers may come into contact with the online games and online chatting. Chang (2003) further points out that if the teenagers are exposed to excessive Internet use, they are liable to become the Internet addicts (IA). Block (2008) shows that the Internet addiction of teenagers in Asia has a tendency to increase year by year. Some scholars hold that excessive online game playing can be regarded as a type of Internet addiction (Block, 2008); however, others argue that the online game itself makes the users addicted to them, but the online game is to provide a virtual environment, which can make the person playing the game feel happy (Griffiths, & Davies, 2004; Cash, Rae, & Winkler, 2013). Then, excessive involvement might indeed produce negative impacts on teenagers in the physical, psychological, social, health, homework and other aspects (Hellman, Schoenmakers, Nordstrom, & van Holst, 2013; Griffiths, 2008), and the boys are more likely to get addicted to it than girls (Kiraly, et.al., 2014). Should it be controlled properly, the online game can still bring positive benefits to the youth, such as self-identification and interpersonal relationship improvement (Wartella, Caplovitz, & Lee, 2004; McDonald & Kim, 2001). The study objectives include: 1) analysis of the children and youth’s online game participation behavior, including the types of preferred games, preferred online games and tools used; 2) involvement level (time and money) of the online game participation; 3) examine the existence of significant differences in the online game participation, involvement, and addiction degree between study participants with different socio-economic backgrounds; 4)examine the differences in online game participation behavior and involvement degree between addicted and non-addicted study participants to online games respectively. A total of 600 questionnaires were collected from Taiwanese students (between 11 to 18 years old) on September and October, 2017 through on line survey. Study results showed that 53.7% of study participants living with their parents who seldom took them out for leisure activities and also enjoy playing on line game at home. The 90.9% of study participants started playing on line game around 10 years old, and 45.6% of total study samples used mobile phone to play online games. Around 18% of study participants play online games around one-hour every day after school time. During holidays (including summer and winter vacation), 44% of study participants play online game on daily base. Then nearly 24% of study samples reached online game addiction level and another 76% have not reached addiction level. Cross tab analysis found significant differences existing between the addicted and non-addicted sample groups on their ages and gender, leisure behaviors, and also money and time involvement no matter at school days and holidays. In addition, the groups reaching the online game addiction mostly stay with their parents who also spend much time playing on line games and rarely take them out to participate outdoor activities.

KEYWORDS : internet addiction, youth, self identification, interpersonal relationship, online games

Dr Bernard Kitheka, United States of America / Kenyan Scholar

Biography

Bernard Kitheka teaches ecotourism, fundamentals of tourism, sustainability, community recreation, and other rec/leisure courses at Missouri State University, USA. He graduated from Clemson University with a Doctorate degree in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management. Bernard obtained a Master’s degree in Environmental Sciences (Sustainability) from Miami University (Ohio, USA), and a Bachelor of Science degree (Wildlife Management) from Moi University, Kenya. His research interests include sustainability, ecotourism, sustainable tourism, urban change and other human dimensions of sustainability and recreation. Previously, Bernard has lived and worked in Kenya, Malawi, Kazakhstan and South Sudan.

Abstract

Prof Giyasettin Demirhan, Turkey

Biography

Prof. Dr. Gıyasettin Demirhan is working at Hacettepe University Faculty of Sport Sciences. He is head of Physical Education and Sport Teacher Education Department. Also, he is a former president of Turkish Sport Sciences Association. He is a member of some international scientific association like AIESEP, FIEP, ECSS, ISHPES. Currently his research interests are critical thinking, instructional technology in PE, relationship between physical activity and academic performance and cognitive process, risk perception in outdoor-adventure sports. He published 24 articles in international refereed journals and 44 articles in national referred journals. Also, he has two books and 12 book chapters in physical education and sport pedagogy in English and Turkish. He presented more than 100 papers in international and national scientific congresses and completed 12 international and national scientific projects in his own research field. He was as keynote and invited speaker at many national and international scientific meetings. Also, he organized many international and national scientific meetings. He has 165 citations in scientific journals which are indexed in SSCI and SCI and 448 citations in Google Scholar.

Abstract

TITLE : The contribution of nature activities to the holistic development

Humans are creatures that stand erect and move on two points with the help of their muscle-skeleton system. When they do not move, they face several problems and many diseases appear. In this context, almost all researchers who are interested in this field agree on a two-word reality: “We moved!” Humans cannot change their genetic features due to the characteristics of the evolutional biology. However, their interaction with the environment make them ready for life and shape them. Since humans are born naked in mental terms as well as physical terms, and since they are biological, cultural, social and psychological entities, they have physical, emotional, social and cognitive characteristics. During their lifecycles, humans learn through experiencing in the nature and in their social environment. When the learning activity is spread as a process, and when it lasts for a whole lifetime, it becomes education. The pre-condition for education is the occurrence of learning. The most efficient learning is learning by doing and experiencing. In this context, the duration of the knowledge, skills and attitudes are extended. When humans are doing these, problems appear in the mind, and they live according to the quality of these questions, because the most basic questions in education and life are “How should I live?” and “What differentiate me from machines and animals?” The justification of these questions is the fact that humans are “creatures that are left on their own to live, standing erect on two points, and are limited with time and place”. For these reasons, humans spend their free times in the most efficient manner with the help of the things they learn during their educations. Natural activities and outdoor-adventure sports are among the educational tools that serve best to these characteristics mentioned above. The reason for this is that these activities are required for the holistic education of humans not for the education of the body alone. Based on this, the purpose of the presentation is to determine the contribution of nature activities and outdoor-adventure sports to the holistic development and education of individuals; and to explain how these activities will contribute to individuals to spend their free times in the most efficient manner. Because nature is the best teacher.

Keywords:  Nature, nature activities, outdoor-adventure sports, lifelong learning, leisure education

Dr Arianne Reis, Australia

Biography

Dr Arianne Reis started her career as a physical education teacher and sports coach working in low-income communities in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Her work focused on providing opportunities for active leisure for children and youth from disadvantaged backgrounds and for those with physical and mental disabilities with the aim of engaging them in positive experiences and in healthy behaviours. After 10 years working as a practitioner, both as a teacher and also as project manager at state departments of sport, Arianne moved to New Zealand to pursue a PhD focusing on outdoor recreation, using leisure studies as a foundation for the study. After her PhD completion, Arianne moved to Australia to join Southern Cross University as a Research Fellow, and since then has made Australia her new home. Dr Reis is currently Director of Academic Program for the Master of Public Health and Master of Health Science offered by the School of Science and Health at Western Sydney University. Her current research focuses on the ways active leisure pursuits, such as engagement with sports and physical activity, as well as outdoor recreation, can promote healthy living, environmental awareness and social justice.

Abstract

TITLE : The availability of leisure spaces can shape leisure participation

The spaces we inhabit are an important part of who we are and contribute to the shaping of our values and how we move. Therefore, public leisure spaces within communities can say a lot about the identity of that community, one that can certainly be imposed through external forces but that nonetheless significantly impacts on how those living within that space see themselves. In this sense, the built environment within a community has been shown to influence residents’ engagement in leisure and physical activity. Not only the availability of leisure spaces can shape leisure participation, but also physical/social attributes such aesthetics and safeness play an important role in the leisure-related habits of a community. This presentation will discuss a series of studies in low-income communities in Rio de Janeiro exploring the use of public spaces for leisure, and the impacts of socio-economic conditions, violence and gender on the use of these spaces. It discusses this through a human rights lens, while exploring the ‘geographies of exclusion’ (Sibley, 1995), or how exclusion is pervasively reproduced, reinforced and sometimes challenged by the physical environments we use, move in, or are moved on from.

KEYWORDS : built environment, leisure space, leisure participation, geographies of exclusion, socio-economic

Liandi Slabbert, South Africa

Biography

Liandi has over 18 years collective experience working as a researcher and consultant supporting strategic, tactical and operational initiatives for large enterprises in various sectors. At the South African National Parks, she manages tourism research in 19 national parks and is currently pursuing a PhD in tourism management. Her research interests include consumer behaviour in nature-based tourism, competitive intelligence and strategic market development. She is a keen participant in travel and outdoor activities such as camping, hiking and open water swimming.

Abstract

TITLE : Tourism research for biodiversity - progress through pragmatism in national parks

The vision statement of the South African National Parks, ”A Sustainable National Parks System, Connecting Society” eludes to one of its mandates, bestowed through the National Environmental Management Protected Areas Act, of creating destinations for nature-based tourism in a manner that is not harmful to the environment and that is to the benefit of current and future generations. Income generated through tourism in the 19 national parks under the management of the South African National Parks (SANParks) will continue to be the cornerstone for growth and sustainability of the organisation in achieving its biodiversity mandate. As the organisation’s Tourism Developmet & Marketing division continues with the implementation of its approved strategic plans, to meet the financial requirements of the organisation and the needs of its visitors, research is required to better inform the responsible development and the implementation thereof, underpinned by the organisation’s Responsible Tourism Strategy 2012 – 2022.
SANParks, through its Scientific Services unit within the Conservation Services division, has an established record of scientific research. Up until recent years, there was however a limited focus on the social and business sciences and in particular tourism research, mainly due to capacity limitations and the lack of a formal research strategy to guide and direct tourism research priorities for SANParks. This was a familiar challenge among protected areas internationally. In 2011, SANParks moved forward with the formulation of a research agenda to integrate tourism research into the adaptive management policies of a protected area agency. Despite this, there was limited progress as the Tourism division’s research needs remained largely unmet. One of the contributing factors included the challenge of providing actionable research in a timely manner for management decision-making. Another determinant was the lack of collaboration between the Tourism Development and Marketing, Conservation Services and Parks divisions to overcome the barriers created by the divergent views held by each of the stakeholder groups. A business-oriented mindset with a focus on the responsible development, marketing and management of tourism products and experiences was needed to grow and operate the tourism business and ensure a sustainable future for all stakeholders reliant on revenue generation while still upholding the SANParks values of biodiversity conservation and constituency building. Research themes and topics in the agenda that emulated such way of thinking was limited.  Since 2015, SANParks has begun to actively promote tourism, marketing and business-related research in national parks among various research institutions through structured and unstructured engagements. In that same year, the research agenda was refreshed and updated through stakeholder engagements and later released to research partners to promote deeper collaboration. A protocol for tourism research was finalised in which tourism-related research is driven by the Tourism division, while still promoting interdepartmental collaboration and discussion as an integral part of the process. This paper, written from a practitioner’s point of view, reflects on the past challenges and the recent progress made in the development, co-ordination, management, and implementation of tourism research to guide management decision making, which in turn affects the Responsible Tourism Strategy of SANParks. It provides a brief overview of the implementation of the South African National Parks’ tourism research agenda over the years 2015 to 2018 and illustrates how, through a pragmatic approach, tourism research contributes to safeguarding biodiversity for future generations. Some of the key challenges faced by the organisation in the execution of the agenda is highlighted and practical examples of themes and topics that have informed management decision making are discussed. Guidelines in terms of processes that pave the way for collaboration with external researchers are provided.

KEYWORDS :  biodiversity, conservation, sustainability, responsible tourism, nature based tourism

Dr Ritsuko Yamazaki, Japan

Biography

Dr Ritsuko Yamzaki completed her Bachelor  of Physical Education degree in 1976 and her Masters degree in 1979 at the Tokai University, Japan. She has been actively involved in communities as a practitioner, worked  and lectured at the Rikkyo University Community Welfare Faculty Concurrent instructor and at Tokyo Women’s Medical University affiliated nursing college. Since 1994, Dr Yamazaki has been involved the World Leisure Organization as a Life. With extensive research achievements, Dr Yamazaki's main interest is on improving the support for elederly people. For the last 25 yeasr she has worked cloely with nursing homes for he elderly providing fun. stimulating and meaningful recreation activities to improve quality of life.  Since 2010 she has published 2 books and produced a DVD on elderly exercise.In 1984 Dr Yamazaki formed the Japan Society of Leisure Services and Education Co.  She serves on several boards as the permanent director of the Japan Society of Leisure and Recreation Studies,  permanent director of the Japanese Society of Behavioral Sciences for Elderly and as a  Member of the National Recreation and Park Association.

Abstract

TITLE : Recreational program using the humanoid communicatin robot at nursing homes for the elderly

Robotization is making remarkable progress in various fields. Use and application of robots in the assistance and aid industry of elderly people is no exception. SoftBank 's communication robot "Pepper", for example, has already been utilized in tourism fields and others as witnessed at train stations and the front desks of hotels. A number of computer application development companies have been experimenting the use of such devices to support elderly recreational activities. The purpose of this presentation is to report an observation of participants at a Pepper performance at a facility for the elderly. Observations on 12 participants were recorded by two persons who received university education in the field of recreation and have worked in the industry over 20 years. Recordings were made regarding "facial expression and posture" on the part of participants. Then a recording was made on each participant on the scale of +3 to -3 regarding their response and changes. The response by the participants was very good, and even when the same program was implemented again, it was carried out without participants getting bored. Participants with dementia were also concentrating and enjoying. The program can constantly develop applications and provide new content. It is still difficult for Pepper to approach each individual participant and to cater to the needs and wants of the individual. Based on the results and discussion above, Pepper and other robots should be considered as aids to the program, rather than primary providers, at least for the time being. However, recreation activity providers should consider a strong merit in more use of those aids in various program situations.

KEYWORDS ; robots, elderly people, dementia, 

 

Dr Winnie Wong, Hong Kong

Biography 

Dr. Winnie Wong received a Ed.D. and master’s degree in Leisure, Youth and Human Services Administration from the University of Northern Iowa in U.S. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work at Hong Kong Polytechnic University. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Play Infinity and Dr. PLAY, also the Coordinator of Student Activities for World Leisure and Recreation Association. Her recent publications include Play Infinity - 101 Creative Games, Play Infinity - 60 Interactive Fun Games, Play Infinity - Family Games and Play, Play Infinity - 78 Parent Child Games, Play Infinity - Crazy Game Book, Play Infinity - Crazy Game Book 2, Play Infinity - Crazy Game Book 3 and Fun Games Together in Festivals. She has been teaching at the School of Continuing Studies at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, the Open University of Hong Kong and complementary courses at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. At several international conferences she had given speeches and presented her studies. Currently she has been appearing in television programs relating to recreations and games on VIU TV and TVB as a guest host. Besides, she writes regularly for local papers and magazines for her specialized topics. She has worked for TREATS (Hong Kong), an organization dedicated to integrating youth with and without disabilities through recreation and play. She served as the Executive Director of the Trinity Theatre. She participated in the forum theatre, playback theatre, theatre sport, movement therapy, and nature discovery.

Abstract

TITLE : Crazy game workshop (2 hours)

Have you played with toilet pump and carton sealing tape? Household goods could be used in games? What is funny game? What could you do when you are hosting a game with nothing on hand? Snacks could be used for games? Crazy Game workshop explores any possibilities of game materials outside normal usage.

Dr Rasul Mowatt, United States of America

Biography

Rasul A. Mowatt is an Associate Professor and the Chair of the Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Studies within the School of Public Health – Bloomington, Indiana University. His primary areas of research are: social justice, leisure studies, cultural studies, and critical pedagogy. Other published work has been on analyzing violent forms of leisure in the American Behavioral Scientist, notions of racial identity in Journal of Parks and Recreation Administration, Ghanaian Slave Castles in Annals of Tourism Research, a critique of Whiteness in the Journal of Leisure Research, veterans with PTSD in the Therapeutic Recreation Journal, perceptions of sexual orientation in Recreation Sport Journal, and gender equity in tourism in Tourism Analysis: An Interdisciplinary Journal. His interests are strongly centered on critiquing society for issues that are most prevalent in impacting quality of life. While in his spare time he has enjoyed DJing as an artform, spinning house, hip hop, reggae, and electronic music for over 25 years. His interests are strongly centered on critiquing society for issues that are most prevalent in impacting quality of life.

Abstract

TITLE : Leisure & Water: Intersections of Access, Consumption, and Racecraft in the US

Race in society is a pernicious force that exists in modern societies. As such, the aim of this discussion is to postulate that leisure is a tool of racecraft (Fields & Fields, 2012): the articulation of power; the erection of places of demarcation; and, reification of the Racial order. Racecraft is the “social alchemy…that transforms racism into race” (p. 262). This discussion serves as “an interdisciplinary [analysis] of the relationships between people, places, and environment” that is needed in looking at the racialized, gendered, and classist geographies in the built and nature environment managed by people (Aitchison, 1999, p. 21). Using historical and contemporary examples, what is presented here focuses on 1) the articulation of power through the 2014-2015 Detroit Water shut off and Metro water slide event; 2) the erection of places of demarcation in the 2012 conclusion of 54-years of denied water access in Zanesville, OH and the continued denial of water for Sandbranch, TX; and, 3) reification of the Racial order through two historic cases tied to racial segregation: 1919 Chicago Race Riots and 1959-1963 Biloxi Wade-Ins, and the 2015 McKinney, TX pool party incident. The discussion is informed by historical analysis of artifacts, content analysis of city minutes and public records, and field observations as town hall and other public meetings.  These historical and contemporary cases illustrate that the simple responsibility of democratic representation, the simple conception of justice and equity, and, the simple act of recreational swimming in legally or socially segregated waters and pools; have all outraged the racial social order in the United States. And these simple notions, and other similar ones, continues to be mirrored in the presence of racial restriction and racial ordering in other public spaces in the present day, not as a horrible aside that arises from time-to-time in leisure but as the seemingly perpetual role of leisure to maintain the proper racial order, a tool of racecraft.  Although each of these areas provides context to, touch upon, or elude to power, none provide an outright discussion solely on abuses of power that are related to the study of leisure (leisure history, leisure settings, leisure theory, and, leisure philosophy). But each highlights an intersection of access, consumption, and Race as it pertains to leisure and water in the United States. Each assists a discussion to question, how has leisure been used to dominate populations? Thinking particularly of tourism destinations and management, sport venues and mega-events, and park planning and resource allocation. Additionally, each highlights how dominated populations involved leisure, activism, and organizing to resist domination? What can we transfer in understanding these historical and contemporary cases to other examples globally (Cape Town)?
This proposed discussion would center the discussions of domination and resistance with an extra attention given to a conception of power to assist the field, globally in re-defining what leisure has been and what it can be for ever increasingly diverse world.

KEYWORDS : race, segregation, race craft, domination, resistance