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Abstract

Many resorts and hotels in Arizona have introduced family-oriented water parks as part of their guest experience. In a marketing effort to appeal to a broader guest base, these properties have had varying results from this type of investment.

This study explores development of water features at eight major resorts and one independent hotel in Arizona. Some of these developments have slides, others have ‘lazy rivers’ for the tube floaters, lavish waterfalls, wave generators, grotto bars and a smorgasbord of hot ‘jet baths’. Through the use of mainly qualitative data, the various issues involving the research, operation and marketing of these facilities are revealed. An example of development costs is presented.

Keywords

water attractions water-slides resort waterparks resort pools aquatic recreation

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References

Golding, R., General Manager of the Carefree Inn, personal interview, Phoenix, AZ, August 1986.

Graham, P., Resort Engineer, Red Lions La Posada Resort, personal interviews, Phoenix, AZ, April 1996.

East, C., 15th July, 1998.

Horton, D., Director of Marketing, Pointe Hilton Properties, personal interview, Phoenix, AZ, July 1998.

Ray, E., Chief Engineer, Pointe Tapatio, personal interviews, Phoenix, AZ, April 1996; ref. 3 above.

Giblin, P. (1994) Business Journal, Phoenix, AZ , 13th May, 1994.

Ray, ref. 5 above.

Ref. 2 above.

Ibid.

10.

Western, K. , Phoenix Republic, Phoenix, AZ , 6th August, 1995.

11.

Allison, N., Public Relations, Westin La Paloma Resort, telephone interview, April 1996.

12.

Heinman, C., Chief Engineer, Hyatt Gainey Ranch, personal interview, Scottsdale, AZ, April 1996.

13.

Cooper, S., Public Relations, Sheraton Phoenician Resort, telephone interview, Phoenix, AZ, April 1996.

14.

Whetstone, L. , Phoenix Republic, Phoenix, AZ , 11th July, 1998.

15.

Stultz, M., Chief Engineer, Buttes Resort, personal interviews, Tempe, AZ, April 1996.

16.

Atella, A., Marketing Department, Quality Resort Park Central, telephone interview, Phoenix, AZ, April 1996.

17.

Ref. 13 above.

18.

Warnick, R.; Warnick and Cunningham, personal interview, Phoenix, AZ, April 1996.

19.

McDonald, D., General Manager, Red Lions La Posada Resort, personal interviews, Phoenix, AZ, April 1996.

20.

East, C., Asset Manager, Pointe Resorts, personal interview, Phoenix, AZ, April 1996.

21.

Ref. 2 above.

22.

Tweeton, D., Front Desk, Arizona Biltmore, telephone interview, Phoenix, AZ, July 17, 1998.

23.

Ref. 20 above.

24.

Ibid.

25.

Ref. 4 above.

26.

Ref. 3 above.

27.

Ibid.

28.

Ref. 4 above.

29.

Official Airline Guide, Business Travel Planner, Reed Travel Group, Reed Elsevier Publishing, Seacucus, NJ , Winter 97/98.

30.

Pullen, R. , quote from an article by Catherine Reagor in the Arizona Republic, 20th June, 1998.

31.

Ref. 3 above.

32.

Ibid.

33.

Ibid.

34.

Ref. 4 above.

35.

Ref. 19 above.

36.

Childers, K., Assistant to the Director of Public Relations, La Paloma Resort, telephone interview, 17th July, 1998.

37.

Cooper, S., telephone interview, 17th July, 1998.

38.

Carrol, R., Engineer, Quality Resort Park Central, telephone interview, Phoenix, AZ, April 1996.

39.

Ref. 19 above.

40.

Ref. 18 above.

The marketing of water parks,slides and surf pools at resorts and hotels in Arizona: A case study

Abstract

Keywords

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References