Bridging the Research Gap between Industry and Researchers

Abstract

This article is based on a research presentation made to the February 1993 annual conference of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC). The presentation represents an effort by the Canada Chapter, TTRA, to close the gap that is reported to exist between researchers and potential research users in the travel industry. An actual research study and the differing reactions to it by the prime client, Resorts Ontario, and some of the members of that association provide the basis for the article. The need for dialogue between researchers and users is stressed. The outcome demonstrates that when a meaningful discussion takes place, secondary analysis of data can provide good, usable information for management decisions.