Ethics in Family Tourism
Kovalainen, Sanna (2012)
Kovalainen, Sanna
HAAGA-HELIA ammattikorkeakoulu
2012
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2012121018797
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2012121018797
Tiivistelmä
The aim of this thesis was to study what kind of role (if any) ethics play when a Finnish family is making travel decisions. The target group was the “typical” Finnish families that travel to “typical” Finnish family destinations such as spas, theme parks and ski centers. The study attempts to find out if Finnish families act in the same way than an average Finn – not so interested about ethical issues – or if there are differences in attitudes and behavior due to precence of small children. Subject for the thesis was suggested by Reilun Matkailun Yhdistys, Finnish promoter of responsible tourism.
The theoretical framework of the study introduces Ethics in Tourism (ethics from different schools of thought, ethical tourism considerations and ethics and sustainable tourism) and Responsible Family Tourism – a Finnish perspective (family tourism-definitions, travelling with family, Finnish family tourism, Finnish family attractions and responsible considerations related to Finnish family tourism).
The approach of the study is qualitative. Six finnish families were purposefully selected as representatives of “typical Finnish family” that visits “typical family attractions”. Semi-structured interviews were conducted between July 2012 and September 2012 and resulted in 18-35 minutes recorded conversations that were transcribed for the purpose of analysis which was then done by using thematizing as a method.
Ethics does not play a big role when a family is making travel decisions, at least conciously. When thinking of the educational aspect of travelling with small children ethics is present but it doesn’t really affect the choice of destination, services or the transportation method. Travelling with small children sets it own demands and therefor convenience and suitability for families are well appreciated in order for the entire family to be able to enjoy the holiday. If one wants to promote ethical tourism, it has to be made easy and attractive for families; something being “ethical” is not enough on its own.
The theoretical framework of the study introduces Ethics in Tourism (ethics from different schools of thought, ethical tourism considerations and ethics and sustainable tourism) and Responsible Family Tourism – a Finnish perspective (family tourism-definitions, travelling with family, Finnish family tourism, Finnish family attractions and responsible considerations related to Finnish family tourism).
The approach of the study is qualitative. Six finnish families were purposefully selected as representatives of “typical Finnish family” that visits “typical family attractions”. Semi-structured interviews were conducted between July 2012 and September 2012 and resulted in 18-35 minutes recorded conversations that were transcribed for the purpose of analysis which was then done by using thematizing as a method.
Ethics does not play a big role when a family is making travel decisions, at least conciously. When thinking of the educational aspect of travelling with small children ethics is present but it doesn’t really affect the choice of destination, services or the transportation method. Travelling with small children sets it own demands and therefor convenience and suitability for families are well appreciated in order for the entire family to be able to enjoy the holiday. If one wants to promote ethical tourism, it has to be made easy and attractive for families; something being “ethical” is not enough on its own.