Importance-Performance Analysis and Cultural Perspectives in Romanian
Black Sea Resorts

METIN KOZAK* - KEVIN NIELD**
*Sheffield Hallam University
S**heffield Hallam University
ABSTRACT

A number of research studies have been undertaken to investigate the importance and performance of destination attributes for holidaymakers visiting different locations and attractions. However, there has been limited investigation of visitor satisfaction with the Black Sea resorts. This paper reports the findings of empirical research carried out in Romania in order to highlight the importance of and performance levels of major destination attributes of Romanian resorts with respect to cross-cultural differences. Findings are analysed and limitations and implications discussed.



The Battle for the Tourist: Lessons From the Pacific Region

MICHAEL FAGENCE
The University of Queensland

ABSTRACT
Tourism activity in the Pacific region has been the subject of many assessments in recent years. In many of those assessments reference is made to the generality of 'Tropicana Exotica' as the basic tourism resource. The assumed ubiquity of this resource is of advantage to the high profile destinations in the region, but presents problems for the lesser known destinations. The fact that this generalization is far from true is of little advantage to the destinations with lower profiles. Various strategies are being effected across the region to redefine the diversity of tourism product, and to provide the lesser known destinations and microstates with a niche tourism product. This paper discusses the basic components of 'Tropicana Exotica', and then uses a diversity of published, Internet and travel industry sources in order to reveal how the Pacific island microstates are conducting the preliminary rounds in the battle for the tourist, before offering a prognosis for the future performance of the Pacific microstates with lessons which may be transferred to other tourism regions of the world.

Keywords: International tourism; Tourism strategies.