Exploring the role of hosting friends and relatives in community integration
Tom's research interests revolve around visiting friends and relatives (VFR) travel, specifically the experiences of immigrants in Toronto who host friends and relatives and the implications for individual and community development, as well as for tourism service providers and destination marketers. Tom's work takes a critical view at the discursive representations of different types of tourism in practice and academe, and the implications for residents and their guests in participating in cultural activities and constructing a sense of place. Overall he is interested in looking at how tourism can improve the quality of life for communities and residents.
