The resort development spectrum - a new approach to modeling resort development

The role of the market has been largely ignored in existing research into the development of resort areas. This paper argues that a new approach to the issue of resort development is required and proposes a new model, the Resort Development Spectrum. The model is based on the operation of the market specifically focusing on the operation of the supply side. Tourism development in resort areas is found to occur in four phases commencing with local tourism and concluding with a fourth phase where the resort develops a strong international profile. A possible fifth phase of decline, stagnation or rejuvenation is also postulated. The model does not find that growth is automatic or even sequential through the phases. A major feature of the model is its ability to be operationalised through the use of scenario generation and multiplier analysis, although these aspects of the model are not developed in this paper. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.