The Role of Niche Tourism Products in Destination - Repository ...

4.1 Introduction
Chapter 4
Contribution to Knowledge
The focus of my research has been on niche tourism products with an emphasis on those products that are in the growth or
maturity stage of the niche tourism life cycle. The outputs of this have contributed to knowledge in the field across the areas of
theory, practice and policy. The contribution to theory has been across three themes which are examined further in this chapter.
Firstly, in establishing visitor profiles of niche tourism consumers, highlighting distinct market segments with key preferences,
motivations and expectations. The three-dimensional model developed in Paper 4 incorporating motivation, intention and
integration of travel activities reveals five distinct market segments of winery visitor. A second strand to my contribution has been
the substantiation that niche products can be a key motivating factor for tourists in destination choice, transforming and
regenerating destinations through economic, social and political processes. Finally, the development of the niche tourism life cycle
model (Figure 2) which outlines the contribution of niche products to destination development. Due to the diverse nature, and
quantity of, different niche products at a destinational level no-one can offer contributions across all aspects of niche tourism. The
significance of my research however, is that it offers contributions along the various stages of the life-cycle.
This body of work has also helped to inform tourism practice. The key findings are important as they provide a critical insight into
niche tourist profiles; travel preferences and behaviour and the economic value and contribution of key niche tourism market
segments. This information is a valuable marketing tool for tourism operators and destination marketers when strategising