Paper short abstract:

The author of this paper intends to introduce research cases that may be useful in facilitating our panel called "Globalization of Tourism in Remote Areas." This introductory paper will facilitate discussions of local globalization, along with other papers from around the world.

Paper long abstract:

There has been considerable field research on tourism destinations. Questionnaire surveys are popular among some geographers for a quantitative perspective. Interview-based research to describe quality characteristics is often used by sociologists. Participation observations are mainly used by anthropologists, and are useful for in-depth research. Sometimes semi-structured interviews are used to examine both quantitative and quality aspects.

These research methods are useful when studying popular destinations that already welcome a number of tourists. However, to create a new tourist destination, research methods from different points of view are required. For example, monitor tours conducted by virtual tourists are useful when collecting data that can help to create future tourism development plans. Sometimes, international students from local universities are useful when making plans to develop international tourism.

Of course local and/or indigenous people know local resources quite well. However, they are not so familiar with the demands tourists might have. Something that is commonplace to local residents might be something tourists see as unusual and attractive. The author of this paper has often been invited to committees working on local tourism development plans. The author once had a similar point of view to the tourists. However, as ten years have passed since the author moved to his current working place, his views are now closer to the locals' views. To understand tourist trends, different research methods are required.