Measuring performance: the case of the Scottish museum and gallery sector

Claire Bereziat, Margaret Graham

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticle

    Abstract

    This paper applies the concept of tourist destination lifecycle to explain visitor attraction performance as an evolutionary process. As a starting point it explores a critique of Butler's (1980) hypothetical model with a view to applying it to historical visitor attraction data. The paper builds on Scottish visitor attraction lifecycle analysis developed by Lennon (2001) by focusing on the museum and gallery sector. It will provide evidence that factors impacting on the lifecycle of these organisations are multifarious to such an extent that the sector operates in a highly chaotic environment. By analysing qualitative positive and negative impacts on visitor attraction performance commonalities will be identified to explain performance trends. Case study examples will be used to explain the experience of individual museums and galleries. The idea is to explore the scope of causal factors that impact on the lifecycle curve. It is expected that this paper will contribute towards further research that strives to develop a model of sustainable development for museums. This model will ultimately help guide visitor attraction managers to build a strategy to help combat decline. This will provide a useful tool for future planning and development as well as for forecasting performance.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)57-74
    Number of pages18
    JournalJournal of Hospitality & Tourism
    Volume2
    Issue number2
    Publication statusPublished - 2004

    Keywords

    • New Labour
    • cultural heritage
    • museums and galleries
    • cultural policy

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