Miha Lesjak | University of Primorska (original) (raw)
Papers by Miha Lesjak
Urban planners and architects have done extensive research on walkability: what it means and how ... more Urban planners and architects have done extensive research on walkability: what it means and how it correlates with urban design and quality of life of the locals, however, it has been hitherto neglect - ed from the aspect of tourism studies. Many cities worldwide are or tend to be walkable as this leads to more sustainable and prosperous communities. In addition, walking-friendly environments greatly ca - ter for leisure and tourism, as in many cities, walking is an integral part of tourist experience. Therefore, tourism industry can be of tremendous help for the city authorities in understanding walkers’ needs and experiences. Taking into account both the locals and tourists, this research sought to: (1) determine the most fre - quently utilised modes of transportation in Novi Sad in Serbia and Koper in Slovenia; (2) assess thier reasons for walking and perception of the quality of pedestrian infrastructure; and (3) evaluate the psy - chometric properties of the questionnaire desi...
Namen pričajoče študije je, da z metodo CHAID segmentacije na Istrskem maratonu ugotovimo trg tek... more Namen pričajoče študije je, da z metodo CHAID segmentacije na Istrskem maratonu ugotovimo trg tekačev in napovemo kakšni bodo ciljni trgi tekačev v prihodnje. Tekači so bili testirani na prvem Istrskem maratonu, ki se je odvijal na slovenski obali. Vsi tekmovalci so prejeli spletni vprašalnik. Prejetih je bilo 770 veljavnih odgovorov, ki sestavljajo bazo podatkov. Rezultati kažejo hetereogeno motivacijo aktivnih udeležencev maratona (tekli so polmaraton in maraton). Spremljevalna družba in starost tekmovalcev pomembno vplivata na motivacijo za udeležbo na maratonu. Glede na motivacijo tekačev so se oblikovale 4 skupine. Glavna motivacija za udeležbo na maratonu je zabava (skoraj 40%). Tisti, ki so na tekmovanje prišli z organizirano skupino so bolj motivirani kot drugi. Rezultati kažejo, da morajo organizatorji obravnavati tekače do in nad 40 let drugače. V zadnjem delu članka so predstavljena najbolj pomembna vozlišča za vsak izražen motiv. Ugotovitve te študije opredeljujejo motivacijo tekačev za udeležbo na maratonu in so namenjene organizatorjem malih prireditev, saj omomogočajo nadgradnjo in razvoj marketinških strategij.
Urban planners and architects have done extensive research on walkability: what it means and how ... more Urban planners and architects have done extensive research on walkability: what it means and how
it correlates with urban design and quality of life of the locals, however, it has been hitherto neglect
-
ed from the aspect of tourism studies. Many cities worldwide are or tend to be walkable as this leads to
more sustainable and prosperous communities. In addition, walking-friendly environments greatly ca
-
ter for leisure and tourism, as in many cities, walking is an integral part of tourist experience. Therefore,
tourism industry can be of tremendous help for the city authorities in understanding walkers’ needs
and experiences.
Taking into account both the locals and tourists, this research sought to: (1) determine the most fre
-
quently utilised modes of transportation in Novi Sad in Serbia and Koper in Slovenia; (2) assess thier
reasons for walking and perception of the quality of pedestrian infrastructure; and (3) evaluate the psy
-
chometric properties of the questionnaire designed for the purpose of this study.
The results show that the great majority of respondents walk in these two cities. The locals walk pri
-
marily to achieve physical fitness, whereas tourists walk primarily to explore the urban spaces. This
makes more space for tourism as it combines a competitive supply able to meet visitors’ expectations
with a positive contribution to the sustainable development of cities and well-being of their residents.
Furthermore, this study contributes to emphasising walking as a sustainable form of mobility in urban
environment and can be the impetus for profiling Novi Sad and Koper as walking-friendly cities.
Major sporting events cause many socio-cultural impacts (positive and negative) that go beyond th... more Major sporting events cause many socio-cultural impacts (positive and negative) that go beyond the scope of events and, consequently, affect a variety of aspects of relations of the local community (Cornelissen & Swart, 2006). This study analysed Koper residents’ perceptions of socio-cultural impacts on the biggest European sporting event in 2013, EuroBasket 2013. A total of 746 responses were collected, the results of which showed that respondents highly ranked positive cultural impacts, such as exchange between tourists and residents, opportunities to learn about other cultures and better understanding of other nationalities. Negative social impacts caused by major sporting event, such us crime, vandalism and prostitution were ranked low by the respondents. In contrast, respondents identified traffic congestion and parking issues as highly ranked adverse social impacts caused by EuroBasket 2013. Additionally, the extent to which the socio-demographic characteristics of respondents, such as the length of residence in town, living close to the centre of the event, the sport-activity of residents, gender, economic status, education and age may affect residents’ perceptions was also investigated. Based on the results, a future investigation on sport active residents as potential spectators and users of sport infrastructure is recommended. This study will also contribute to filling the research gap and allow further understanding of the nature of socio-cultural impacts caused by specific events and specific host destinations.
The ERASMUS exchange program is considered an important contributor to the tourism industry and h... more The ERASMUS exchange program is considered an important contributor to the tourism industry and higher education within and beyond the European Union (EU). However, the questions arise: (1) Why do participants elect to go on a study exchange? (2) Why do participants opt to study in a particular location? Identified international mobility motives reflect students’ needs for professional and personal growth, but evidence also suggests some leisure travel motives. In line with such conceptualization, the present paper identifies the mobility and destination choice motives of 360 ERASMUS students from 26 European countries. One mobility motive (professional and personal growth) and two destination choice motives (infrastructure and image, and lifestyle and commercialization) emerged and are discussed in light of students’ personal and situational characteristics.
Conclusions are that international study mobility is driven by students’ desire to grow personally and professionally while studying abroad, but students’ choice of a destination
depends on the destinations’ general as well as touristic factors. Both mobility and destination choice motivations depend on students’ personal and situational characteristics. As
the student and educational tourism market is growing steadily, the EU is recommended to build on this market via ERASMUS and international student mobility to boost its
weakening economy.
The ERASMUS exchange program is considered an important contributor to the tourism industry and h... more The ERASMUS exchange program is considered an important contributor to
the tourism industry and higher education within and beyond the European Union (EU).
However, the questions arise: (1) Why do participants elect to go on a study exchange? (2)
Why do participants opt to study in a particular location? Identified international mobility
motives reflect students’ needs for professional and personal growth, but evidence also
suggests some leisure travel motives. In line with such conceptualization, the present paper
identifies the mobility and destination choice motives of 360 ERASMUS students from 26
European countries. One mobility motive (professional and personal growth) and two
destination choice motives (infrastructure and image, and lifestyle and commercialization)
emerged and are discussed in light of students’ personal and situational characteristics.
Conclusions are that international study mobility is driven by students’ desire to grow
personally and professionally while studying abroad, but students’ choice of a destination
depends on the destinations’ general as well as touristic factors. Both mobility and destination
choice motivations depend on students’ personal and situational characteristics. As
the student and educational tourism market is growing steadily, the EU is recommended to
build on this market via ERASMUS and international student mobility to boost its
weakening economy.
Erasmus Exchange program was developed to increase possibilities for education at international l... more Erasmus Exchange program was developed to increase possibilities for education at international level (ECDG, 2008; Pyvis & Champan, 2007; Keog & Russel-Roberts; 2009; Goodman et al, 2008). The number of students participating in the programme has been growing since the program’s implementation. This survey was conducted on the Erasmus outgoing 2008/09 generation at the University of Primorska (UP) with the aim of analyzing the main motives for enrolment on the programme. The research was designed to elicit whether professional or leisure related motives are more important than educational desires. The main motives identified have little to do with formal education, thus the authors suggest that some amendments of the Erasmus program at UP could be implemented in order to follow the guidelines and objectives of the Erasmus Exchange program as well as to argue for opportunities for the host cities and universities when addressing this important market segment.
Key words: Erasmus program, University of Primorska, Students, Motives
Journal of Teaching in Travel & Tourism, 2012
Journal of Teaching in Travel & Tourism, 2011
Urban planners and architects have done extensive research on walkability: what it means and how ... more Urban planners and architects have done extensive research on walkability: what it means and how it correlates with urban design and quality of life of the locals, however, it has been hitherto neglect - ed from the aspect of tourism studies. Many cities worldwide are or tend to be walkable as this leads to more sustainable and prosperous communities. In addition, walking-friendly environments greatly ca - ter for leisure and tourism, as in many cities, walking is an integral part of tourist experience. Therefore, tourism industry can be of tremendous help for the city authorities in understanding walkers’ needs and experiences. Taking into account both the locals and tourists, this research sought to: (1) determine the most fre - quently utilised modes of transportation in Novi Sad in Serbia and Koper in Slovenia; (2) assess thier reasons for walking and perception of the quality of pedestrian infrastructure; and (3) evaluate the psy - chometric properties of the questionnaire desi...
Namen pričajoče študije je, da z metodo CHAID segmentacije na Istrskem maratonu ugotovimo trg tek... more Namen pričajoče študije je, da z metodo CHAID segmentacije na Istrskem maratonu ugotovimo trg tekačev in napovemo kakšni bodo ciljni trgi tekačev v prihodnje. Tekači so bili testirani na prvem Istrskem maratonu, ki se je odvijal na slovenski obali. Vsi tekmovalci so prejeli spletni vprašalnik. Prejetih je bilo 770 veljavnih odgovorov, ki sestavljajo bazo podatkov. Rezultati kažejo hetereogeno motivacijo aktivnih udeležencev maratona (tekli so polmaraton in maraton). Spremljevalna družba in starost tekmovalcev pomembno vplivata na motivacijo za udeležbo na maratonu. Glede na motivacijo tekačev so se oblikovale 4 skupine. Glavna motivacija za udeležbo na maratonu je zabava (skoraj 40%). Tisti, ki so na tekmovanje prišli z organizirano skupino so bolj motivirani kot drugi. Rezultati kažejo, da morajo organizatorji obravnavati tekače do in nad 40 let drugače. V zadnjem delu članka so predstavljena najbolj pomembna vozlišča za vsak izražen motiv. Ugotovitve te študije opredeljujejo motivacijo tekačev za udeležbo na maratonu in so namenjene organizatorjem malih prireditev, saj omomogočajo nadgradnjo in razvoj marketinških strategij.
Urban planners and architects have done extensive research on walkability: what it means and how ... more Urban planners and architects have done extensive research on walkability: what it means and how
it correlates with urban design and quality of life of the locals, however, it has been hitherto neglect
-
ed from the aspect of tourism studies. Many cities worldwide are or tend to be walkable as this leads to
more sustainable and prosperous communities. In addition, walking-friendly environments greatly ca
-
ter for leisure and tourism, as in many cities, walking is an integral part of tourist experience. Therefore,
tourism industry can be of tremendous help for the city authorities in understanding walkers’ needs
and experiences.
Taking into account both the locals and tourists, this research sought to: (1) determine the most fre
-
quently utilised modes of transportation in Novi Sad in Serbia and Koper in Slovenia; (2) assess thier
reasons for walking and perception of the quality of pedestrian infrastructure; and (3) evaluate the psy
-
chometric properties of the questionnaire designed for the purpose of this study.
The results show that the great majority of respondents walk in these two cities. The locals walk pri
-
marily to achieve physical fitness, whereas tourists walk primarily to explore the urban spaces. This
makes more space for tourism as it combines a competitive supply able to meet visitors’ expectations
with a positive contribution to the sustainable development of cities and well-being of their residents.
Furthermore, this study contributes to emphasising walking as a sustainable form of mobility in urban
environment and can be the impetus for profiling Novi Sad and Koper as walking-friendly cities.
Major sporting events cause many socio-cultural impacts (positive and negative) that go beyond th... more Major sporting events cause many socio-cultural impacts (positive and negative) that go beyond the scope of events and, consequently, affect a variety of aspects of relations of the local community (Cornelissen & Swart, 2006). This study analysed Koper residents’ perceptions of socio-cultural impacts on the biggest European sporting event in 2013, EuroBasket 2013. A total of 746 responses were collected, the results of which showed that respondents highly ranked positive cultural impacts, such as exchange between tourists and residents, opportunities to learn about other cultures and better understanding of other nationalities. Negative social impacts caused by major sporting event, such us crime, vandalism and prostitution were ranked low by the respondents. In contrast, respondents identified traffic congestion and parking issues as highly ranked adverse social impacts caused by EuroBasket 2013. Additionally, the extent to which the socio-demographic characteristics of respondents, such as the length of residence in town, living close to the centre of the event, the sport-activity of residents, gender, economic status, education and age may affect residents’ perceptions was also investigated. Based on the results, a future investigation on sport active residents as potential spectators and users of sport infrastructure is recommended. This study will also contribute to filling the research gap and allow further understanding of the nature of socio-cultural impacts caused by specific events and specific host destinations.
The ERASMUS exchange program is considered an important contributor to the tourism industry and h... more The ERASMUS exchange program is considered an important contributor to the tourism industry and higher education within and beyond the European Union (EU). However, the questions arise: (1) Why do participants elect to go on a study exchange? (2) Why do participants opt to study in a particular location? Identified international mobility motives reflect students’ needs for professional and personal growth, but evidence also suggests some leisure travel motives. In line with such conceptualization, the present paper identifies the mobility and destination choice motives of 360 ERASMUS students from 26 European countries. One mobility motive (professional and personal growth) and two destination choice motives (infrastructure and image, and lifestyle and commercialization) emerged and are discussed in light of students’ personal and situational characteristics.
Conclusions are that international study mobility is driven by students’ desire to grow personally and professionally while studying abroad, but students’ choice of a destination
depends on the destinations’ general as well as touristic factors. Both mobility and destination choice motivations depend on students’ personal and situational characteristics. As
the student and educational tourism market is growing steadily, the EU is recommended to build on this market via ERASMUS and international student mobility to boost its
weakening economy.
The ERASMUS exchange program is considered an important contributor to the tourism industry and h... more The ERASMUS exchange program is considered an important contributor to
the tourism industry and higher education within and beyond the European Union (EU).
However, the questions arise: (1) Why do participants elect to go on a study exchange? (2)
Why do participants opt to study in a particular location? Identified international mobility
motives reflect students’ needs for professional and personal growth, but evidence also
suggests some leisure travel motives. In line with such conceptualization, the present paper
identifies the mobility and destination choice motives of 360 ERASMUS students from 26
European countries. One mobility motive (professional and personal growth) and two
destination choice motives (infrastructure and image, and lifestyle and commercialization)
emerged and are discussed in light of students’ personal and situational characteristics.
Conclusions are that international study mobility is driven by students’ desire to grow
personally and professionally while studying abroad, but students’ choice of a destination
depends on the destinations’ general as well as touristic factors. Both mobility and destination
choice motivations depend on students’ personal and situational characteristics. As
the student and educational tourism market is growing steadily, the EU is recommended to
build on this market via ERASMUS and international student mobility to boost its
weakening economy.
Erasmus Exchange program was developed to increase possibilities for education at international l... more Erasmus Exchange program was developed to increase possibilities for education at international level (ECDG, 2008; Pyvis & Champan, 2007; Keog & Russel-Roberts; 2009; Goodman et al, 2008). The number of students participating in the programme has been growing since the program’s implementation. This survey was conducted on the Erasmus outgoing 2008/09 generation at the University of Primorska (UP) with the aim of analyzing the main motives for enrolment on the programme. The research was designed to elicit whether professional or leisure related motives are more important than educational desires. The main motives identified have little to do with formal education, thus the authors suggest that some amendments of the Erasmus program at UP could be implemented in order to follow the guidelines and objectives of the Erasmus Exchange program as well as to argue for opportunities for the host cities and universities when addressing this important market segment.
Key words: Erasmus program, University of Primorska, Students, Motives
Journal of Teaching in Travel & Tourism, 2012
Journal of Teaching in Travel & Tourism, 2011