Pergamon 7ourism Management, Vol. 17, No. 5, p. 391, 1996

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Monitor

Visitor management into the 21st century In ,lanuary 1996 Nottingham Trent University launched the UK's first ( 'entre for Tourism and Visitor Man- agement (CTVM), housed within its Business School. The new CTVM, to be directed by Professor Myra Shack- Icy, will act as a research-driven centre of excellence uniting staff working within this field and developing links with both national and international organizations from universities to NGOs. Initially, research will focus on issues surrounding visitor manage- merit at World Heritage sites with the cooperation of the World Heritage ( 'entre (UNESCO, Paris). A first vohnne of case studies is in the pipe- line for next year. The CTVM also hopes to make a major contribution in the application of computer-based geographic information systems (GIS) and multidimensional modelling in xisitor management with two research students working in that field,

Academic objectives incude sur- vc)ing recent approaches to visitor management issues in theory and practice and the preparation of de- tailed case studies identifying good (and bad) practice. Improved methods lor obtaining empirical visitor data are of interest, as are visitor surveys and measurements of visitor experience

quality as potential visitor manage- ment solutions. One research sideline involves the use of econometric mod- elling of visitor impacts links between visitor pressure and conservation funding, as well as demand manage- ment and visitor controls examined in relation to different policy options. The Centre is compiling a multimedia archive of visitor management in- formation and hopes, in the future, to utilize the data in the study of global trends in the growth and prediction of visitation to sites of natural and cultu- ral significance in the light of resource management issues.

The CTVM has already been en- gaged to develop consultancy training courses capitalizing on its strong con- sultancy record, and will also offer an innovative postgraduate Diploma/MA in Tourism and Visitor Management, taught on both a full- and part-time basis from October 1996. CTVM staff include David Airey, Professor of Tourism and a leading expert on tour- ism education and European tourism management, and Chris Ryan, whose work includes books on recreational tourism and the measurement of visi- tor satisfaction. Myra Shackley is widely known for her work on visitor management in protected areas and

heritage sites in the developing world, with recent field projects in Nepal, Syria, Guyana and India. CTVM offers an annual research bursary and has a pool of current research students working on topics ranging from visitor perceptions of zoos and the role of volunteers in heritage attractions to public sector tourism policy in Zim- babwe.

The development of the CTVM cre- ates a unique focus within Nottingham Trent University looking forward to the next millennium - specializing in the small but rapidly growing field of visitor management which provides academic linkage between so many different areas of study and expertise. CTVM staff are keen to establish links with colleagues in similar fields offer- ing complementary areas of expertise, or with potential researchers or stu- dents interested in utilizing the Ccn- tre's wide range of facilities and con- tacts. For further details or enquiries about CTVM activities phone Profes- sor Shackley on 111159 418418, or email SMM3SHACKML(o3NTU.A('. UK

Myra Shackler Nottingham Trent Univervitv

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