Party package travel: alcohol use and related problems in a holiday resort: a mixed methods study

Abstract

Background: People travelling abroad tend to increase their use of alcohol and other drugs. In the present study we describe organized party activities in connection with young tourists' drinking, and the differences between young people travelling with and without organized party activities.

Brits behaving badly: template analysis of newspaper content

“…For instance, Smith and Rosenthal (1997), in their study of Australian schoolies, found that both men (75.2%) and women (59.9%) reported getting drunk most or every day or night of the schoolies' week vacation. Likewise, Hesse et al (2008) found that young tourists to party resorts consume more drugs than other young people, and Josiam et al (1998) that many American youngsters are offered the opportunity to use new drugs during spring break. However, drinking and drug abuse have been identified as key accelerators of lawlessness and violence, e.g.…”

“…However, drinking and drug abuse have been identified as key accelerators of lawlessness and violence, e.g. blackouts, accidents, rapes, personal injuries, and even sudden deaths (Bellis et al, 2000;Hesse et al, 2008). Young people when intoxicated tend to be more open to socio-sexual contact with new partners, placing themselves at a higher risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases (Josiam et al, 1998, p.504).…”

“…In the case of young Danes visiting resorts known for their party atmosphere, Hesse et al (2008) report that package travel agents "cooperate with local bars and discotheques in arranging party activities, and the venues earn considerable amounts of money on the oftentimes hundreds of big spending Danes that the party package agencies bring along" (p.354). However, activities of young tourists, such as physical displays of affection and even making love in public, binge drinking, drug abuse, stripping and causing fights with other tourists and locals, often result in direct conflict with resident amenity as well as resistance, enmity and aggression of local residents towards incoming tourists.…”

“…In fact, 'party package agencies' encourage lewd behaviours and train their guides in creating a permissive atmosphere with a clear focus on sex and drunkenness (Hesse et al, 2008). In the case of young Danes visiting resorts known for their party atmosphere, Hesse et al (2008) report that package travel agents "cooperate with local bars and discotheques in arranging party activities, and the venues earn considerable amounts of money on the oftentimes hundreds of big spending Danes that the party package agencies bring along" (p.354).…”

“…Young people when intoxicated tend to be more open to socio-sexual contact with new partners, placing themselves at a higher risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases (Josiam et al, 1998, p.504). For instance, Smith and Rosenthal (1997) found that two thirds of male and one third of female Australian schoolies expected to engage in sexual intercourse during their schoolies week vacation and of those who finally had sexual intercourse with casual partners, almost 40% did not use condoms.In fact, 'party package agencies' encourage lewd behaviours and train their guides in creating a permissive atmosphere with a clear focus on sex and drunkenness (Hesse et al, 2008). In the case of young Danes visiting resorts known for their party atmosphere, Hesse et al (2008) report that package travel agents "cooperate with local bars and discotheques in arranging party activities, and the venues earn considerable amounts of money on the oftentimes hundreds of big spending Danes that the party package agencies bring along" (p.354).…”