An investigation of dematerialization planning options at tourism destinations: Technical and behavioural dimensions

The goal of this dissertation is to develop a conceptual framework and associated methods for evaluating alternative tourism planning strategies in terms of dematerialization and acceptability amongst tourists. Its objectives are to (1) examine the technical potential of dematerialization planning options in tourism destinations, (2) investigate tourist perspectives concerning destination planning alternatives that promote dematerialization, (3) assess the travel market responses and dematerialization levels associated with tourism transportation options, and (4) evaluate tourist responses to carbon offsetting strategies. The utility of the research is illustrated in the context of a case study of Whistler, British Columbia - a tourism resort community currently undertaking several substantial environmental planning initiatives. Dematerialization concepts emphasize the values associated with reducing the amount of energy, water and other materials used, as well as wastes and pollutants discharged in the production of goods and services. Using the dematerialization construct as a conceptual framework, the dissertation quantifies and compares the impacts of different destination planning options on resource flows. The research provides a resource flow modelling approach that is capable of quantitatively assessing the dematerialization potential of several planning alternatives. When tested in a real destination planning context, the model offers valuable insights into the projected relative and absolute effects of proposed planning strategies on future resource use and emissions. The dissertation also conducts a multi-phased behavioural evaluation of various dematerialization planning strategies. The investigation uses stated choice methods to explore the acceptance of these options by tourists - a stakeholder group that is traditionally difficult to examine because of its diverse perspectives and broad distribution around the globe. The information models resulting from the research are designed to inform managers, decisionmakers and participants in planning processes about the viability dematerialization practices from the perspective of tourists. In sum, the research offers: (1) new insights into more dynamic quantitatively focused approaches to informing stakeholders and decisionmakers about planning options, and (2) an approach to incorporating technical and behavioural information concerning dematerialization decisionmaking processes. The research contributes to the theoretical and dimensions of existing sustainable tourism knowledge and planning practice.