The Extent and Role of Domestic Tourism in a Small Island

Abstract

This paper presents a case concerning micro-domestic tourism on the Isle of Man, BritishIsles. Despite being a small island, research highlights that considerable domestic tourism occurs (referred to as micro-domestic tourism to reflect the small island size and distinguish from wider British Isles tourism), including daytrips and overnight stays. Participants identified such behaviour as touristic, and distinct from other leisure activities. Qualitative interviews with residents explore the nature of and reasons for micro-domestic tourism within a small island. Breaks from routine, entertaining friends and family, and exploring less well known landscapes, are shown to underpin. Highlighted, is that micro-domestic tourism has a variety of potential benefits, which may counter some of the restrictions typically faced by a small island community. Support for an otherwise ailing tourism industry may help to protect facilities and infrastructure used by the wider community, maintain tourism capacity, and provide atmosphere attractive to foreign visitors.

Managing tourism decline: insights from the Isle of Man

“…Both of these appear to undermine civic identity. Findings extend current literature by demonstrating that the benefits of tourism remain persistent, relevant, and significant, despite decline and shifts to other economic sectors (Canavan, 2013b(Canavan, , 2014.…”

“…As such tourism can be a pioneer industry helping to stimulate wider long-term economic transformation (Mansfeld and Winckler, 2008). Socially, enhanced civic pride and social cohesion is noted to result from tourism (Pennington-Gray et al, 2005), as is greater social opportunity and variety (Marjavaara, 2007), entertainment options (Duffield and Long, 1981), and increased social space in what may otherwise be restrictive environments (Canavan, 2013b). Environmentally meanwhile, tourist interest can stimulate revivals and reinterpretations of traditions (Simpson, 1993).…”

“…As outlined by Canavan (2013b), such microdomestic tourism encompasses those touristic activities undertaken by island residents within their own island, and may be a potentially significant as well as reliable niche tourism market.…”

Tourism stakeholder exclusion and conflict in a small island

“…Conversely, declines in tourism were viewed as detrimental and to be avoided (see also Canavan, 2013;.…”

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“…And, one of the best things about domestic vacation is it does not acquire you to really plan the trip in advance as compared to travelling internationally. As has been previously stated, domestic tourism particularly in a small island is one of many ways to break from routine (Canavan, 2013) and Awang (1993) suggests Malaysians agree that restructuring time offer the best solution to relieve stress from work. In this study, domestic sport tourists stay on this island might be fleeting but a short weekend getaway trip is better because of no jet lag, long and expensive plane rides (Fennell, 2007) to reach and refresh tranquillity.…”