PhD Study : Tourism trail development: opportunities for community engagement and small business development

Summary

Since the publication of the first scholarly text on tourism and trails by Timothy and Boyd (2015), there has emerged a body of research where the focus on tourism development is with linear space as opposed to points (single attractions) and areas (areal attractions such as protected spaces like state and national parks). Special issues on tourism trails have appeared in the scholarly journals, such as in 2017 in the Journal of Heritage Tourism as well as featuring as a distinctive topic of tourism academe within several edited handbooks published by Routledge on pilgrimage and religious tourism, tourism and cities and cultural tourism. Scholars have focused interest around both supply and demand aspects, examining different types of trails and the contexts in which they were developed, either organically or deliberate, and viewing trails from an experiential perspective and as part of the experience economy of destination regions.

There is major scope for scholarly research regarding the impacts of trails especially from a social and economic perspective.  It is this particular lacunae that is the focus of this call. With respect to the former, to what extent do communities view trails as opportunities to enrich the lives of residents, facilitate community cohesion and improve residents’ quality of life?  In terms of the latter, can the development of trails create an entrepreneurial climate for small and medium-sized enterprises to be established that offer unique products, services and memorable experiences around trail theming but which also provide new employment opportunities for existing communities located along or in close proximity to trails.  Only in recent years have regions that have lost their economic rationale turned to trail development to showcase their economic past, link communities that share a unique cultural heritage, facilitate a sense of community belongingness, and create new economic opportunities for small business enterprises.

The development of a Slate trail in North Wales is a prime example.  Trail development also offers opportunities for slow travel for both domestic and international visitors, linking what are often ‘void’ spaces between established point visitor attractions, creating a journey and narrative of the culture and heritage of regions and enabling increased dwell time and visitor spend. Research projects are invited around trail development and trail impact, both in a developed and less developed world context that focuses on new trail creation, the opportunities that trails offer community-driven tourism development, and the benefits of trails within defined regions from both a social and economic perspective.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• Research proposal of 2000 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project
• A demonstrable interest in the research area associated with the studentship

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• Masters at 65%
• Research project completion within taught Masters degree or MRES

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living