Brink, G.K., Marcolongo, A., Hall, S., Bauer, I., Haditsch, M., and Chatterjee, S. (2012) The Destination Communities Support Interest Group of the ISTM: a member survey. In: Posters from the 9th Asia Pacific Travel Health Conference. From: 9th Asia Pacific Travel Health Conference, 2 - 5 May 2012, Singapore.

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Abstract

Background: In 1999, a small group of ISTM members founded the 'Host Countries Committee' in recognition of the need to consider the specific health issues of destination communities, particularly in developing countries. The recent re-structuring of the Society included the evolution of this committee into the much larger Destination Communities Support Interest Group (DCSIG), with currently 340 members the largest Interest Group in the ISTM. Such a major structural change provides a unique opportunity to evaluate previous achievements and to explore possible future directions. The purpose of this study was to ascertain members' views and expectations ensuring that the DCSIG continues to achieve the Charter's objectives.

Method: All DCSIG members were invited to participate in an online survey. Sixteen questions covered current activities as well as members' needs and views on future directions.

Results: The response rate was 20%. Interest in the distribution of the document 'The Responsible Traveller', preferably in English, was expressed by 88%. Seventy-six percent expected Medical Tourism to be addressed due to the increase of this particular type of tourism, its pre and post travel care and its impact on local structures and communities. Ninety-three percent wished to receive the DCSIG document on Sex Tourism. In addition, participants suggested a number of future topics and areas of interest. The importance of links with other organizations, e.g. Alliance for Rabies Control, Roll Back Malaria Campaign, and Water Aid was highlighted.

Conclusions: This survey confirmed the relevance of DCSIG's current activities and provided input for a wide range of future directions for the benefit of destination communities and their health professionals.

Item ID:	22433
Item Type:	Conference Item (Poster)
Related URLs:	Organisation
Date Deposited:	08 Aug 2012 05:09
FoR Codes:	11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1117 Public Health and Health Services > 111799 Public Health and Health Services not elsewhere classified @ 50% 15 COMMERCE, MANAGEMENT, TOURISM AND SERVICES > 1506 Tourism > 150601 Impacts of Tourism @ 50%
SEO Codes:	92 HEALTH > 9204 Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health) > 920499 Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health) not elsewhere classified @ 70% 90 COMMERCIAL SERVICES AND TOURISM > 9003 Tourism > 900302 Socio-Cultural Issues in Tourism @ 30%
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