Backpackers: The next generation? - Scholarly Commons Home

Backpackers: The next generation?
Appendix B:
Accommodations’ owners participant information
Project Title: Backpackers: The Next Generation
Invitation: You are invited to participate in an interview about “older” backpackers –
travellers who are over 45 years of age. The interview will explore how you, as a
backpackers/hostel owner or manager, are presently addressing these travellers’ needs
and expectations, and whether you would be willing to alter your practices to attract
more clients of this generation.
What is the purpose of this research? To research, through interviews with budget
travellers of at least 45 years of age who may or may not currently stay in
backpacker/hostel accommodations, what their perceptions are of backpacking, hostels,
the services offered, and the information networks used to research and book travel.
To research further current business owners’ opinions of this market segment, and their
interest in and ability to attract additional older travellers.
This research is being conducted as part of a Masters of Philosophy at AUT University.
Results will be used in journal and conference publications.
How are people chosen to be asked to be part of this research? Older (45 years+),
independent travellers in NZ and backpackers/hostel owners will be interviewed.
Participation is completely voluntary. By completing the interview you are consenting
to participate in this research.
What happens in this research? We will ask for 60 minutes of your time to participate
in a one on one qualitative interview which will be audiotaped and transcribed. If you
do not wish to be taped, that’s fine; the interviewer will transcribe notes by hand.
Indicative research questions have been formalized, but we encourage your additional
thoughts and comments as well. You can review the information that you have given if
you would like to do so. The researcher can arrange a time that suits you during which
you can listen to the recorded tape or read the researcher’s notes. You will not need to
complete any other activities for this research.
What are the discomforts and risks? Questions/participation should not cause any
discomfort. However, if you would prefer not to answer a certain question, you may
say so and the researcher will ask a different question instead
How will these discomforts and risks be alleviated? All questions are optional, and
you may choose not to answer any questions as you wish. If you change your mind
about participating in this study, you can ask the researcher at any time PRIOR TO
February 15, 2008, to not use your information. Please refer to your personal code
number, Number ___, to be removed from this study.
What are the benefits? This research will result in a better understanding of the needs
and interests of age 45+ independent travellers in NZ, which in turn will hopefully
benefit the backpacker and accommodations industries and, in turn, expand
accommodations options for mature, budget concious travellers.
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