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Bournemouth University (BU) researchers have developed economic modelling techniques that more accurately predict the outcome of events, policies or other major economic decisions. This type of modelling allows governments and organisations to effectively plan for the positive and negative impacts arising from decisions. The technique was used to inform estimates of the value of the 2012 Olympic Games and subsequent tourism legacy; to provide the evidence base for VisitScotland naming 2013 the `Year of Natural Scotland'; to inform a Parliamentary debate on music tourism and establish greater representation of music in VisitBritain marketing material; and to inform the Government of Gibraltar of the impact of changes, such as the benefits of cross-border activity.
Dr Mark Hampton's research informs tourism policy for the world's 40 small island developing states (SIDS) and poor coastal communities. He generates data that challenge conventional wisdom about the value of large scale tourism for these fragile economies. His findings identify niche tourism as a more sustainable basis for economic growth. The Commonwealth, World Bank and individual governments, as well as numerous other NGOs and industry associations, are amongst those who draw upon Hampton's research findings in order to help vulnerable states formulate effective policies and develop appropriate tourism initiatives.
Researchers at the University of Brighton have changed national tourism policy and workforce training practices in African countries. Working with international organisations, including the World Bank and UN agencies, the underpinning research has identified approaches for developing capacity and skills in the tourism workforce. As a consequence, the Nigerian Board of Technical Education redesigned the national curriculum for leisure, tourism and hospitality; the Namibia Tourism Board introduced customer service skills training; government guidelines for ecotourism development were produced in West Africa. In the Gambia the research led to the Ministry of Tourism and Culture developing service standards and establishing the €2.7m Gambia Tourism and Hospitability Institute.
The University of Surrey has a longstanding reputation in the world of tourism demand modelling and forecasting research. The continuous advancements and innovations in forecasting methodologies have been widely applied by international organisations, government agencies and tourism-related enterprises and so contributed to "evidence based policy/strategy movement".
This research has provided the scientific foundation for more effective policy making, strategic planning and operation management particularly in terms of planning investments in visitor infrastructure, human resource management, marketing resource allocation and new product development. In addition, the risks of project failures are minimised through improved understanding of tourism demand.
The North East Economic Model (NEEM) was designed and developed at Durham University Business School (DUBS) from 2003. Customized to the regional economy, the aim of the research was for NEEM to model intra- and extra-regional economic relationships to provide quantitative estimates/projections of the impact of both long-term economic trends and shorter-term economic `shocks'. Its application has had significant impacts on policy practitioners in the region by: (1) facilitating more robust evidence-based policy analysis; (2) giving rise to knowledge transfer to policy-makers regarding the structure and workings of the regional economy; and (3) acting as a catalyst for an extended regional policy-modeling capacity. By influencing professional practice, it has had demonstrable impacts on regional economic policy, regional economic restructuring and local planning.
Research at the University of Surrey, has assisted disabled people and low-income groups to access tourism, a significant non-material aspect of well-being. This was achieved by influencing policy and policy recommendations in the UK, Belgium and the EU and by influencing behaviour, action and policy of either demand or supply:
A body of research undertaken by McCabe in partnership with a Charity, the Family Holiday Association, has informed the development of policy and practice and raised awareness of issues concerning the inclusion of disadvantaged people in leisure travel. The research informed policy debate in an all-party parliamentary report and subsequently, Visit England's domestic tourism strategy. The work led to changes in the charity's practices, leading to new systems, services and underpinned a fundraising campaign. The research ultimately enhanced the Charity's capacity to influence and develop productive partnerships with UK and European policy makers.
Dr Walmsley has worked on numerous studies relating to the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) relating to the tourism and hospitality sector. The research that forms the basis for this case study was commissioned by the organisation `International Consumer Research and Testing' on behalf of its members. The purpose was to inform consumers about the impacts of tourism, influence their selection of hotel groups and investigate different corporate policies and practices. The hope, on the part of the commissioning organisation, was that consumer pressure would challenge and change industry behaviour. In terms of providing information on CSR performance the hope was that this would benefit the hotels themselves by providing a common method of assessment.
A series of empirical research studies, underpinned by economic theory, explored enterprise support and urban settlement structure. The research contributed significantly to the evidence base used by East Midlands Development Agency (EMDA) in developing their Regional Economic Strategy (RES), and was key in shaping two of the Strategic Priorities. More generally, the research-based recommendations informed EMDA policy development, in particular, the £290 million Single Programme investment set out in the RES. The research also helped shape county councils' support for enterprise, innovation and business. More recently, the research has informed the shape of regional economic development beyond the regional development agencies into new government policy through the new Local Enterprise Partnerships; for example Lincolnshire's £14 million investment in broadband.
This impact case study is based on research concerning the estimation of regional economic impacts through input-output models and spatial econometrics. The research resulted in the distribution of a free modelling software package to decision-makers throughout the South West region and has had policy impacts in terms of the influence of advice, data, and reports provided to a range of organisations including the South West Regional Development Agency, Plymouth City Council, and several other local councils and private sector decision-makers.