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502 research and development
research and development
Research and development �R&D) refers to a
continuous process of examining consumer needs
and wants, evaluating experiences, and improving
targeted products and services through application
of research findings. As such, it is an inherent
and essential part of marketing. At the destination
level, there is often a gap between promotion
and research agencies and the tourism industry
which is expected to develop products.
reservation
DONALD GETZ, CANADA
A reservation request is an advanced communication
to the tourism or hotel operator from the
customer �or through a third party like a travel
agency) specifying their requirements. Reservations
and the techniques for processing them vary
from one tourism business to another. Some
companies have developed sophisticated computerised
reservation systems. Alternatively, independent
restaurants and small operations might use
only a traditional reservation book.
DAVID G.T. SHORT, NEW ZEALAND
residential recreation
Residential recreation can be defined as publiclyfinanced
or sponsored facilities and programmes
that enrich the life of the total community by
providing opportunities for the use of leisure time
through a wide variety of year-round activities for
all groups, regardless of age, race, sex, economic
or social status. Most communities include the
provision for recreational opportunities of some
type in the approval process for new residential
neighbourhood developments. Opportunities to
enjoy both planned recreation programmes as well
as impromptu recreation opportunities are the
goals of many residentially-based recreation programmes.
The US National Recreation Association has
classified three categories of recreation space found
in a typical residential setting. These are the
playlot, the neighbourhood playground and the
playfield. Each type fulfils a special function in the
design of neighbourhoods and groups of neighbourhoods.
The playlot is for children of pre-school
age. It is often operated in an undeveloped piece of
property adjacent to neighbouring single family
homes. It serves approximately 30±60 families, and
ranges in size from 1,500 to 2,500 square feet. All
facilities and equipment are designed and arranged
for small children between six and fourteen years of
age. Most children in this age group prefer to play
in areas three to four blocks from home. The
preferred location for a playground is adjacent to
a community recreation centre or an elementary
school where supervised recreation is possible.
The facilities should contain equipment suitable for
informal by-play as well as courts for various
organised games.
The playfield may serve four or five residential
neighbourhoods. Minimum size is about fifteen
acres, with one-half acre per 1,000 population. The
facilities include those in the neighbourhood playground
but have additional space for such sports as
football, baseball, a swimming pool, an outdoor
theatre and a recreation building. Night lighting is
provided. Some residential neighbourhoods, by
virtue of their sites and specialised markets �such as
retirees), can be oriented around such amenities as
golf courses, marinas, ski areas and equestrian
facilities. All these resources of various development
types assume special importance in tourism
promotion and operation, especially in respect to
the family market with younger children.
See also: community attitude; community
development
Further reading
Eisner, S. and Gallion, A. �1993) The Urban Pattern,
New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.
Russell, R.V. �1982) Planning Programs in Recreation,St
Louis, MO: The C.V. Mosby Company.
Urban Land Institute �1990) Residential Development
Handbook, Washington, DC: The Urban Land
Institute.
CAROLYN M. DAUGHERTY, USA