The case study in tourism research: a multi-method case study approach.

Abstract

This chapter demonstrates the validity of taking a case study approach to research, particularly when using multiple methods, in order to understand complex relationships and interactions. After outlining the philosophical context of the case study approach, with a brief discussion on its place in the social sciences and its range of purposes, an explanation for some tourism researchers' dismissive attitude towards the case study approach is postulated. The chapter ends with a description of a case of 'film-induced tourism', where the multi-method case study approach was used to understand better the impacts of an Australia television programme (Sea Change) on the community (Barwon Heads, Victoria) among which it was filmed.

The ethics of an all-inclusive plan: An investigation of social sustainability in the case of all-inclusive resorts, Jamaica

“…Case studies are much favoured in tourism research as they allow focus on the complexities of social facts, enabling the researcher to gain deeper understanding of the context, the phenomena and the relationship between variables (Beeton 2005). It must be acknowledged here that this limits the external validity, and the results might only be indicative.…”

Food as attraction: connections between a hotel and suppliers of specialty food

“…Case studies also provide opportunities to exploit critical new information appearing during the research process. As such, case studies are suitable for illuminating a general problem through detailed examination of a specific instance (Beeton, 2005). There are different designs of case studies.…”

Cinema as Branding

“…Case studies are broadly used in tourism research (Aneshensel, 2002;Beeton, 2005;Horner, and Swarbrooke, 2004). Unlike more specifically directed research, case studies investigate a problem that seeks a holistic understanding of the event or situation in question.…”