In the last 30 years, there has been increasing application of the Delphi technique to tourism research. However, mystifi cation regarding Delphi characteristics and procedures is evident in the literature. Through critical examination, this paper seeks to demystify the Delphi and advance understanding of the technique, contribute to the evolution of methodological guidelines, and provide further guidance to tourism researchers. A generic Delphi procedure is introduced, a critical review of its advantages and potential problems is presented, and critical design decisions are identifi ed. Expert panel design and management are emphasised through example and critical review.

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This paper has two major purposes. First, it presents argument and evidence related to the suitability of using Policy Delphi in the formulation of national or federal water policy. Much of the associated discussion is organized in terms of a comparison of Delphi purpose and structure with those of other Idea Generating Strategies (IGSs). Second, it presents argument and evidence related to the value of expert opinion, and its role as an integral component of any Policy Delphi application. Associated discussion focuses on the identification and declaration of expert sampling criteria in the context of water and other policy. In addition, a recommendation is presented to consultants, managers, stategists, and others who must regularly synthesize divergent opinion and evidence and bring forth policy statements. The conclusions indicate that a Policy Delphi has no structural elements that would limit its application to water policy development or other environmental management problems that demand definition.

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/ This article presents a description of the cosmopolite-localite model, a conceptual framework in which institutional and news coverage characteristics are organized according to four broad types. Hypothetical reporting patterns for natural hazards are graphed for the types along a continuum exhibiting local, ~egional, provincial, and international characteristics. A similar graphical presentation is used to describe the model's application to Canadian and American newspaper response to selected hazards affecting near and distant places. In conclusion, the value of the model to students and practioners of resource management is considered.