Author Bios (50 Words for each Author)

Ye (Sandy) Shen is a PhD Candidate in the School of Hospitality, Food and Tourism Management, University of Guelph. She got a bachelor’s degree in Tourism Management at Southeast University, a master’s degree in Human Geography at Peking University, and an exchange student certificate from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Her research interests include tourist behaviour, tourism experience, and destination management.

Dr. Marion Joppe is a Professor in the School of Hospitality, Food and Tourism Management, University of Guelph, Canada. She specializes in destination planning, development and marketing. She has extensive private and public sector experience. Marion is the incoming 1st Vice-President of ttra International.

Abstract (150 Words)

Various models and theories have been applied in tourism studies, and almost all the classic theories are derived from Western studies but their application is not only limited to that context. However, the models and theories are from the perspectives of Western scholars, often based on their values and interpretations, which do not necessarily reflect those of Asians. To have a better understanding of Western theories applied in an Asian context, this study took Butler’s tourism area life cycle as an example and compared its research enquiry and application in Western and Asian contexts. This study conducted a two-step analysis, including content analysis and expert reviews. The article makes important theoretical contributions in terms of the generalization of classic models or theories. It should be noted that the same theory or model could be interpreted or applied differently in different cultural contexts.

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Breathing New Life into Old Theories

Various models and theories have been applied in tourism studies, and almost all the classic theories are derived from Western studies but their application is not only limited to that context. However, the models and theories are from the perspectives of Western scholars, often based on their values and interpretations, which do not necessarily reflect those of Asians. To have a better understanding of Western theories applied in an Asian context, this study took Butler’s tourism area life cycle as an example and compared its research enquiry and application in Western and Asian contexts. This study conducted a two-step analysis, including content analysis and expert reviews. The article makes important theoretical contributions in terms of the generalization of classic models or theories. It should be noted that the same theory or model could be interpreted or applied differently in different cultural contexts.