The Visitor Economy Research Unit
The Visitor Economy Research Unit has been established in recognition of a policy shift away from the 'tourism economy' to the concept of the 'visitor economy', and the associated cross-sector and cross-disciplinary interests associated with this shift.
The Visitor Economy Research Unit aims to provide a base for visitor economy related studies and research themes, incorporating a focus on both established and non-traditional visitor areas. We're also interested in socio-cultural and environmental aspects of the economy.
The unit has recognised synergies elsewhere in the University in terms of research student supervision and international project management. It has also recently linked up with staff in the University's Sport Industry Research Centre to assist in the development of regional cultural leadership for the Local Government Yorkshire and Humber.
Recent visitor economy-related projects (2007-2009) include
- analysing the Doncaster visitor economy
- estimating the impact of the Northern Racing College and the St Leger Horse Park on the Doncaster visitor economy
- measuring the visitor economy in South Yorkshire
- integrating migrant workers into the tourism, hospitality and leisure workforce
- Sherwood Forest Regional Park feasibility
Projects relating to the measurement of the visitor economy are currently being rolled out on a district by district basis across South Yorkshire. Further national, regional and local projects relating to the visitor economy are also under discussion with a range of public sector players and private sector tourism and leisure developers.
