Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Case Study: Themed Urban Walking Heritage Trails in
New Zealand (
Continued
)
are, however, usually self-guided tours with the route clearly delineated on
the brochure and clearly marked on the ground. The highest level of trail
formalization is those routes that are both marked and guided, where they
are an integral aspect of the wider urban tourism attraction mix and are
under the jurisdiction of an established body or trust that has the respon-
sibility for trail development, maintenance and management. Figure 6.5
sets out the path of increased trail formalization from the unmarked/
unguided to marked/guided. It also depicts possible changes in trail devel-
opment over time. For example, change A may result from increased vol-
unteers, or the commitment for a heritage body or trust to provide guided
tours on a more regular basis. Change B may occur when increased funds
are spent on a formally marked trail with direction signs, markers and a
consistent marked look. Change C is a likely outcome where political and
philosophical change results in a formerly marked heritage spot that is no
longer appropriate to display publicly, an action that was taken in many
former Soviet controlled cities in Eastern Europe. Change D, where guided,
unmarked trails become marked and guided, may arise when the route
becomes so popular that it is necessary to set out the route formally to
facilitate the option of guided or self-guided. Other scenario changes are
illustrated by the remaining arrows in the figure.
Research in both cities took place in 2003 (Dunedin) and 2004 (Napier).
A questionnaire was developed for business owners, focusing on trail
awareness, planning and development, and management. In Dunedin, 75
businesses were surveyed in the historic core and the CBD; businesses per-
ceived not to benefit directly from visitors (i.e. investment houses, banks,
large retail chains) were excluded from the survey. A 67% response rate was
obtained. Eighty-two percent of the businesses were not aware that an
informal trail existed. The top reasons given for this were no signage or
makers and no printed materials to indicate the presence of a trail. For the
minority who were aware of an informal trail, the best features of the trail
were the churches, followed by the Victorian and Edwardian buildings.
Landmarks that connected the city to its Scottish heritage were ranked
lowest in features best reflecting key sites and attributes of the trail.
When businesses were informed that an informal trail existed,
almost all (96%) supported the development of a formal trail. Virtually
the same percentage (92%) did not perceive a formal trail being a distrac-
tion for their business, with 62% expressing that the trail would be good
for business. When asked what aspects of trail development the business
would like to see, they named route markers as a top priority, followed
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