Looking At Residents’ Attitudes towards Spring Break Tourism in Texas through the Lens of Community Attachment

Authors

Marianna Strzelecka Ph. D., University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USAFollow
Bharath M. Josiam Ph.D., University of North TexasFollow
Daniel L. Spears Ph.D., University of North TexasFollow
J. Carlos Monterrubio Ph.D., Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México/Autonomous University of the State of MexicoFollow

Program Web Address

cmht.unt.edu

Abstract

The growth of spring break tourism in many destinations has become problematic, predominantly due to the excessive behaviour of college students. This paper examines residents’ attitudes toward spring break tourism in South Padre Island (located in Texas, USA) through the lens of community attachment. By understanding the attitudes of residents of the host communities, tourism planners and policy-makers can create policies to shape the character of tourism according to the residents’ needs. The findings suggest that, at this point in time, community residents perceive that the benefits of spring break tourism benefits exceed its’ costs. Also, the short and intense season of spring break tourism allows residents to better deal with social costs.

Recommended Citation

Strzelecka, Marianna Ph. D.; Josiam, Bharath M. Ph.D.; Spears, Daniel L. Ph.D.; and Monterrubio, J. Carlos Ph.D. (2015) "Looking At Residents’ Attitudes towards Spring Break Tourism in Texas through the Lens of Community Attachment," Hospitality Review: Vol. 31: Iss. 4, Article 4.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/hospitalityreview/vol31/iss4/4