Author Bios (50 Words for each Author)

Nikol Lopez Llantuy is a second-year Ph.D. student in Hospitality Management at Iowa State University. She is from Quito-Ecuador and obtained her BS in Eco-Tourism at Universidad Central del Ecuador; later she completed her MS in Hospitality and Tourism at Ohio University. From a very young age, Nikol has been fascinated by education and the importance of tourism in developing destinations. Her research interests include community-based, rural, and sustainable tourism as well as Hospitality and Tourism Education. She has presented her research at multiple Hospitality and Tourism Education conferences and various forums.

Abstract (150 Words)

Wine tourism has increased in popularity in the United States. Nevertheless, many wineries located in rural areas are not well known and have been understudied. On the other hand, the senior market has demonstrated to have great potential for tourism. However, studies regarding senior tourism behaviors including spending, are scant. This research aims to reduce this research gap by analyzing spending habits of senior population who visit rural wineries. By using a qualitative approach this study will be able to: a) Identify the characteristics and profile of senior travelers; b) Determine the underlaying reasons of senior visitors’ expenditure patterns; c) Provide theorical and practical implications related to rural wine tourism. Those implications will help business owners and policy makers develop strategies that promote the development of wine tourism in the country.

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Wine tourism and the senior market spending behaviors: A qualitative approach

Wine tourism has increased in popularity in the United States. Nevertheless, many wineries located in rural areas are not well known and have been understudied. On the other hand, the senior market has demonstrated to have great potential for tourism. However, studies regarding senior tourism behaviors including spending, are scant. This research aims to reduce this research gap by analyzing spending habits of senior population who visit rural wineries. By using a qualitative approach this study will be able to: a) Identify the characteristics and profile of senior travelers; b) Determine the underlaying reasons of senior visitors’ expenditure patterns; c) Provide theorical and practical implications related to rural wine tourism. Those implications will help business owners and policy makers develop strategies that promote the development of wine tourism in the country.