Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

Heather J Gibson, Ph.D.

Professor
Department of Tourism Hospitality & Event Management,
Eric Friedheim Tourism Institute
190C Florida Gym,
University of Florida,
Gainesville, FL 32611-8208
(352) 294-1649 E-mail: hgibson@hhp.ufl.edu
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0014-6379

Ph.D., December, 1994. The University of Connecticut, Storrs, USA.

Sport, Leisure, and Exercise Science.

M.A., May, 1989. The University of Connecticut, Storrs, USA.

Sport and Leisure Studies.

B.Ed. (Hons), June, 1985. University of Brighton (former Brighton Polytechnic),

Brighton, UK.
Physical Education, specialization in sport sociology.

Areas of Specialization
• Tourism, leisure, sport behavior patterns and wellbeing
• Sport tourism active and event
• Leisure in mid and later life
• Gender issues in sport, leisure, and tourism
• Study abroad; international education; sustainability; transformative learning
• Research methods: quantitative and qualitative.

Professional Experience
• Professor, Department of Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management (formerly
Department of Recreation and Sport Management), University of Florida, August 2012-
present. Undergraduate Coordinator July 2020 – present.

• Associate Professor, Department of Tourism, Recreation and Sport Management,

University of Florida, August 2003-2012

• Assistant Professor, Department of Recreation, Parks & Tourism, University of Florida,

August, 1997- July 2003

Current Responsibilities:
• Instructor for graduate and undergraduate classes:
• LEI 3301 Principles of Travel & Tourism (large lecture core class spring & fall))

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 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

• LEI 3301 Principles of Travel & Tourism- University of Florida Online (spring &
fall)
• LEI 5188 – Trends in Tourism and Recreation Management (Core class spring)
• LEI 6895 – Tourism Concepts and Theories (fall every other year)
• LEI 6326 – Sport Tourism (fall every other year)
• LEI 7170 – Foundations of Leisure Behavior (Core class spring every 2 years)

• Member of the Graduate Faculty - Chair and committee member of master’s

Theses and Doctoral Dissertations. Chair and committee member for non-thesis
MS students – advising, review and development of capstone projects; Chair and
committee member for professional papers.

• UF online course development and instruction. Development of LEI 3301

Principles of Travel and Tourism January – July 2020. Instruction Fall 2020
ongoing.

• University of Florida International Center (UFIC) – fall 2021 selected for the
Virtual Exchange Semester Training Cohort. Successfully completed.
Implemented first Virtual Exchange with Middlesex Dubai University, spring
2022 in LEI 5188.

• Department Undergraduate Coordinator – bachelor’s degree curriculum

issues, department, and college curriculum committee membership. August 2020-
ongoing. Tasks completed: Assist with development and approval of AI
Certificate in THEM Fall 2020; lead curriculum revision in deletion of ACG 2021
and approval of LEI 2090 Career Preparation in THEM; revision of course plan
for Quest 2; led recertification of THEM Combination degree, 2022; led
curriculum approval process for renaming 7 THEM courses; Development and
approval of Entrepreneurship Certificate in THEM; Approvals for catalog updates
on three specializations. Annual reporting for AAP undergraduate curriculum.

• Chair HHP Curriculum Committee August 2023-ongoing.

• UF Academic Director for AUIP study abroad programs 2007-2023 (UF in

North Queensland, UF in New Zealand and UF in Fiji – interdisciplinary
approach to sustainability). Liaise with the UF International Center; Curriculum
development and revision; marketing and recruiting; oversee annual budget of
$100,000-$160,000; logistics evaluation; in-country program leadership of UF in
Australia (4 weeks; 6credits) and UF in Fiji; (10 days; 3 credits) Member of AUIP
Faculty Council two three-year terms. From 2007-2023 - ~ 400 students
participated in these programs

• Academic Manager for UF Exchange Program: Western Sydney University,

Australia.

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 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

• Eric Friedheim Tourism Institute (EFTI). Coordinator for Sport Tourism and
Event Tourism Research Foci for the EFTI.

• Current Department and College Committee Assignments: Department

Chair Undergraduate Curriculum Committee; Chair Appeals Committee; THEM
Tenure and Promotion Committee (Chair 2019-2022). Event Management
Curriculum Committee. Faculty mentor for tenure accruing faculty.

• Chair THEM search committee fall 2020- spring 2021. Search for three tenure
track positions-2 Asst/Assoc Professor and 1 full professor.

• Chair THEM search committee fall 2021-spring 2022. 1 open rank tenure track
position- AI focus.

• College of Health and Human Performance: Chair HHP Curriculum

Committee August 2023-ongoing. Faculty Advisory Committee (FAC) second
term August 2023 ongoing. Review sabbatical applications, professional
development requests, etc.

• Current University Committees: Madelyn Lockhart Dissertation Fellowship

2015 ongoing; Academy of Distinguished Teaching Scholar Committee of the
whole.

• University of Florida International Center – Global Learning Community of

Practice Member 2022 ongoing

• Affiliate faculty for the UF Center for Women’s Studies and Gender
Research 1998-present.

Past Roles at University of Florida

• Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Degree Program Coordinator Sept 2011-Dec

2016. Led one- year study of MS programs in US. Curriculum revisions based
on review 2015-2017. 2019-2020 led recruitment efforts for TERM majors
including hosting Department Open Days; recruitment at Florida Community
Colleges and on campus events at UF.

• Department of TRSM International Programs Coordinator. Manager of

department exchange programs and other international opportunities 2007-2016

• Member of the UF General Education Council (2003- 2010).

• Core Faculty for Institute on Aging (2001-2004).
• Faculty Associate in the Center for Gerontological Studies (2000-2007);
• Center for Gerontological Studies/ IOA Training Grant PhD Student Mentoring
Committee, 2003-2006.

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 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

• Member of the Women’s Health Research Center (2001-2006).

• Assistant Professor, Department of Leisure Studies, University of North Carolina at

Greensboro, NC Spring 1995-Summer 1997

Responsibilities:
o Teaching in the core curriculum (graduate and undergraduate), Co-coordinator of
the Travel, Tourism and Commercial Recreation Concentration; Practicum
supervision and undergraduate advising.
o Associate Member of the Graduate Faculty. Adjunct Faculty Department of
Exercise and Sport Science spring 1996-1997: Member of the Socio-historical
Studies of Physical Activity Faculty and the Gerontology Faculty.

• Lecturer, Department of Leisure Studies, University of North Carolina at Greensboro,

NC, fall 1993-fall 1994. Teaching in the core curriculum, school committees, and
research.

• Lecturer, Department of Sport, Leisure & Exercise Sciences, University of Connecticut,

Storrs, CT, fall 1992; Teaching - undergraduate section of sport and society.

• Graduate Assistant, Department of Sport, Leisure, & Exercise Sciences The University
of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, fall 1986-spring 1993; Research Assistant, Teaching Assistant
(graduate and undergraduate classes), instructor for undergraduate activity classes, and
Leisure, Tourism, & Sport Laboratory consultant.

• Physical Education Teacher, Castle Cary Comprehensive School, Castle Cary,

Somerset, UK, October 1985- May 1986.

Honors and Awards

Distinguished Researcher Award, February 2024. The Academy of Leisure Sciences.

UF International Center International Educator of the Year, College of Health and Human
Performance Senior Faculty Award– November 2023.

Ece Zvirali – Faculty Mentor for UF THEM MS student selected as Future Scholar by The
Academy of Leisure Sciences, February 2023.

Senior Fellow, World Leisure Organization, Inducted April 2021

Fellow of the International Academy for the Study of Tourism, Inducted December 2019.

University of Florida 2019 Anderson Scholars Faculty Honoree. December 2019.

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 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

Invited as a Guest Scholar of the International Academy for the Study of Tourism, Bali
Tourism Institute, Nusa Dua Bali, Indonesia, May 7th-11, 2019.

University of Florida, HHP Doctoral Dissertation Mentor Award, 2018, 2019.

University of Florida TERM Professorship – August 2017-2019.

Institute of Shipboard Education – Semester at Sea Faculty Member, Around the World
Voyage Fall 2017.

James Whyte Visiting Research Fellow – University of Queensland March 21- April 3rd,
2017.

UF International Center International Educator of the Year, College of Health and Human
Performance Senior Faculty Award– 2014

James Whyte Visiting Research Fellow – University of Queensland March 21- April 4th, 2014.

Charles Williams Service Award – College of Health and Human Performance, University of
Florida, April 2014.

Best Paper Award 2nd World Research Summit for Tourism and Hospitality: Crossing the
Bridge, Orlando, FL, December 15-17th, 2013. L. Berdychevsky, & H. Gibson, (2013).
Phenomenology of women’s sexual-risk taking in tourism.

Fellow of the Academy of Distinguished Teaching Scholars, University of Florida – Inducted

May 2013.

Mentor for the Madelyn Lockhart Dissertation Fellowship Overall Winner - Liza
Berdychevsky, University of Florida, April 2013.

Fellow of the Academy of Leisure Sciences – Inducted October 2012.

Journal Article of the Year Award for the most innovative and scientifically rigorous
information technology and tourism-related paper published in an academic journal during the
year 2011, determined through nominations and public voting. Lepp, A., Gibson, H., & Lane, C.
(2011). Image and Perceived Risk: A Study of Uganda and Its Official Tourism Website.
Tourism Management, 32, 675-684. Awarded at The 2012 ENTER conference on information
and communication technologies in tourism, the International Federation for Information
Technology in Travel and Tourism (IFITT), Helsingborg, Sweden, January 24th-27th 2012.
Outstanding Kinesiology Professional Alumni Award, University of Connecticut Neag School
of Education, May 2011.

Distinguished International Educator Award for the College of Health and Human
Performance, University of Florida International Center, November, 2010.

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 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

Visiting Research Fellow of Bournemouth University, UK period 2007-2010.

Fellow of the World Demographic Society, St Gallen, Switzerland. Appointed January 2006.

Distinguished International Educator Award for the College of Health and Human
Performance, University of Florida International Center, March 2004.

Peer Reviewed Journal Articles

Yang, E., Kim, JW., Gibson, H., & Thapa, B. (2024). The impact of resilience on community
variations in the relationships between tourism and quality of life. Accepted for publication in
the Journal of Destination Marketing & Management.
Causing, A., Wang, Y. & Gibson, H. (2024). Taste a cup of community resilience: A case of
coffee leisure farms in the Cordillera Administrative Region in the Philippines. Accepted for
publication in Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Cases.
Zhang, H., Gibson, H., Whaley, J., & O’Neill, M. (2024). Using study abroad memories to foster
sustainable tourists and global citizens, Journal of Sustainable Tourism, DOI:
10.1080/09669582.2023.2299798
Schneider, I, Wynveen, C., Wolfson, J., Shinew, K., Stein, T., Hendricks, W., Gibson, H.,
VanderWoude, Budruk, M. (2023). Cases and context: Mask-related behaviors among U.S. trail
visitors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism, 41,
100494, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jort.2022.100494.
Schneider, I., Wolfson, J., Tarter, W. Wynveen, C., Budruk, M., Gibson, H., Hendricks, W.,
Shinew, K., Stein, T., & VanderWoude, D. (2023). Predicting physical distancing on recreational
trails during COVID-19. Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism, 41, 100482.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jort.2021.100482.
Schneider, I.E., Shinew, K.J., Budruk, M.B., Wynveen, C.W., Stein, T., VanderWoude, D.,
Hendricks, W.W., & Gibson, H. (2023). COVID-19 compliance among urban trail users:
Behavior insights and environmental implications. Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism,
41, 100396. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jort.2021.100396
Wynveen, C., Schneider, I., VanderWoude, D. Stein, T., Gibson, H., Shinew, K., Hendricks, W.,
& Budruk, M. (2022). Implications of Covid-19 Mitigation Policies on Recreational Trail Users:
Exploring Antecedents to Physical Distancing on Trails Across the Rural-Urban Continuum.
Journal of Rural Social Sciences, 37(2). https://egrove.olemiss.edu/jrss/vol37/iss2/5

Gibson, H. & Fairley, S. (2022). Sport Tourism: Past and Present. Journal of Tourism Planning
& Design, 34, 8-17.
Shinew, K., Gibson, H., Schneider, I., Wynveen, C., Hendricks, W., Budruk, M., & Farrell, E.
(2022). Reflections on conducting research in uncertain times, Leisure Studies, 41 (3), 446-454.
DOI: 10.1080/02614367.2021.2022181

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 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

Gibson, H., & Tavares, K. (2021). Friday Live Discussion Groups with 90 Students on Zoom:
Organized Chaos? SCHOLE: A Journal of Leisure Studies and Recreation Education,
https://doi.org/10.1080/1937156X.2021.1962220

Mirehie, M., Gibson, H., Buning, R., Coble, C., & Flaherty, M. (2021). Towards an
understanding of family travel decision-making processes in the context of youth sport tourism.
Journal of Destination Marketing and Management, 21, 100644
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdmm.2021.100644

Schneider, I., Lindsay, G., Petesch, M., Wynveen, C., Budruk, M., Gibson, H., Shinew, K., Stein,
T., VanderWoude, D. (2021). An integrated approach to monitoring and estimating COVID-19
risk exposure among leisure-time physical activity participants. Journal of Transport & Health,
22, 1010088 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jth.2021.101088

Wynveen, C. J., Schneider, I. E., Budruk, M., Gibson, H. J., Hendricks, W. W., Shinew, K. J.,
Stein, T. V., VanderWoude, D., & Tarter, W. (2021). Adherence to physical distancing
guidelines on urban recreational trails during a pandemic. Journal of Park and Recreation
Administration.39 (3) doi:10.18666/JPRA-2021- 1093

Zhang, H., & Gibson, H. J. (2021). Long-Term Impact of Study Abroad on Sustainability-
Related Attitudes and Behaviors. Sustainability, 13(4), 1953. MDPI AG. Retrieved from
http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su13041953

Bomser, R., Gibson, H. & Zhang, H. (2020). Pacific study abroad program’s impact on students’
major and career choice. Journal of Undergraduate Research, University of Florida.
DOI: 10.32473/ufjur.v22i0.121814

Mirehie, M., & Gibson, H. (2020). Empirical testing of destination attribute preferences of
women snow-sport tourists a long a trajectory of participation. Tourism Recreation Research.
Tourism Recreation Research. DOI: 10.1080/02508281.2020.1756098

Mirehie, M., & Gibson, H. (2020). The relationship between female snow-sport tourists’ travel
behaviors and well-being. Tourism Management Perspectives, 33, (1) 1000613
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmp.2019.100613

Niu, Y., & Gibson, H. (2020). Leisure, International Retirement Migration, and Retirement
Adjustment: Insights from the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel Movies. Leisure Studies, 39 (3), 404-
416 https://doi.org/10.1080/02614367.2020.1731840

Mirehie, M. & Gibson, H. (2020). Women’s participation in snow-sports and sense of well-
being: a positive psychology approach. Journal of Leisure Research, 51 (4), 397-415.
DOI:10.1080/00222216.2019.1702485

Mirehie, M., Gibson, H., Kang, SJ., & Bell, H. (2019). Parental Insights from Three Elite-level
Youth Sports: Implications for Family Life. World Leisure Journal. 61(2), 98-112 DOI:
10.1080/16078055.2018.1550437

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 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

Mirehie, M., Gibson, H. Khoo-Lattimore, C., & Pryag, G. (2018). An exploratory study of
hospitality needs and preferences of U.S. Girlfriend Getaways. Journal of Hospitality Marketing
& Management, 27 (7) 811-832. Doi:10.1080/19368623.2018.1448314

Fairley, S., Gibson, H. & Lamont, M. (2018). Temporal manifestations of nostalgia: Le Tour de
France. Annals of Tourism Research, 70, 120- 130. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2017.09.004

Gibson, H., Lamont, M., Kennelly, M., & Buning, R. (2018). Introduction to the Special Issue
Active Sport Tourism, Journal of Sport & Tourism, 22:2, 83-91, DOI:
10.1080/14775085.2018.1466350

Khoo-Lattimore, C., & Gibson, H. (2018). Understanding women’s accommodation experiences

on girlfriend getaways: A pragmatic action research approach. Current Issues in Tourism, 21(2)
191-209. DOI: 10.1080/13683500.2015.1068745

Mirehie, M., Buning, R. & Gibson, H. (2017). Participation vs. Non-participation in a charity
running event. Event Management, 21, 639-652. DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3727/152599517X15073047237188

Gibson, H. (2017). Commentary: Sport tourism and theory and some other developments: Some
reflections. Journal of Sport & Tourism, 21(2), 153-158.

Strange, H., & Gibson, H. (2017). An investigation of the transformative learning potential of
study abroad programs. Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad, XXIX (1)
April, 85-100.

Silk, M., Caudwell, J., & Gibson, H. (2017). Editorial: Views on leisure studies: Pasts, presents
and future possibilities ? Leisure Studies, 36, (2), 153-162, DOI:
10.1080/02614367.2017.1290130

Here, B., Walker, M., Gibson, H., Thapa, B., Geldenhuys, S., & Coetzee, W. (2016). Ethnic
identity over national identity: an alternative approach to measure the effect of the World Cup on
social cohesion. Journal of Sport & Tourism, 20 (1), 41-56 DOI:
10.1080/14775085.2016.1175369

Buning, R., & Gibson, H. (2016). The role of travel conditions in cycling tourism: implications
for destination and event management, Journal of Sport & Tourism 20, 175-193. DOI:
10.1080/14775085.2016.1155474

Bell, H., Gibson, H., Tarrant, M., Lane, P. & Stoner, L. (2016). Transformational learning
through study abroad: US students’ reflections on learning about sustainability in the South
Pacific. Leisure Studies, 35 (4) 389-40. DOI: 10.1080/02614367.2014.962585

Berdychevsky, L., Gibson, H. & Bell. H. (2016). Girlfriend getaway as a contested term:
Discourse analysis. Tourism Management, 55, 106-122.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2016.02.001

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 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

Buning, R. & Gibson, H. (2016). Exploring the Trajectory of Active Sport Event Travel Careers:
A Social Worlds Perspective. Journal of Sport Management. 30, 265-281. DOI:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/jsm.2015-0213

Berdychevsky, L., & Gibson, H. (2015). Women’s sexual sensation seeking and risk taking in
leisure travel. Journal of Leisure Research. 47 (5), 621-646. DOI:
http://dx.doi.org/10.18666/JLR-2015-V47-I5-5446.

Berdychevksky, L., & Gibson, H. (2015). Sex and risk in young women’s tourist experiences :
Context, likelihood and consequences. Tourism Management, 51, 78-90
doi:10.1016/j.tourman.2015.04.009

Buning, R. & Gibson, H. (2015) The Evolution of Active Sport Event Travel Careers. Journal of
Sport Management, 29, 555-564. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/jsm.2014-0215

Berdychevsky, L., & Gibson, H. (2015). Phenomenology of young women’s sexual risk-taking
in tourism. Tourism Management, 46, 299-310. DOI: 10.1016/j.tourman.2014.07.008

Berdychevsky, L., Gibson, H. & Poria, Y. (2015). Inversions of sexual roles in women’s tourist
experiences: Mind, body, and language in sexual behavior. Leisure Studies, 34, (5), 513-528.
DOI:10.1080/02614367.2014.938770

Chang, S., & Gibson, H. (2015). The relationship between four constructs (involvement,
commitment, loyalty and habit) and consistency in behavior across leisure and tourism. Tourism
Management Perspectives, 13, 41-50.

Barnett, R., Hirsch, J., Culen, G., Jordan, J. & Gibson, H. (2014). Adolescent perceptions of
animation violence indication of aggressive attitudes and behaviors. Journal of Youth
Development, 9(1), 15pp DOI: https://doi.org/10.5195/jyd.2014.76

Heere, B., Walker, M., Gibson, H., Thapa, B., Geldenhuys, S. & Coetzee, W. (2014).
Questioning the validity of race as a social construct: An examination of race and ethnicity in the
‘Rainbow Nation’. African Social Science Review, 7 (1), 24-43.

Chang, S., & Gibson, H. (2014). Leisure Tourism Connection: A comparison of Active and
passive activity preference. Tourism and Leisure Studies, 26 (9), 589-606. (published in Korean)

Lepp, A., & Gibson, H. (2014). The Effect of Uganda’s Official Tourism Website on Travel
Motivations and Constraints. Journal of Travel & Tourism Marketing. 31 (6) 712-730. DOI:
10.1080/10548408.2014.884967

Gibson, H., Walker, M., Thapa, B., Kaplanidou, K., Geldenhuys, S., & Coetzee, W. (2014).
Psychic Income and Social Capital among Host Nation Residents: A Pre-Post Analysis of the
2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Tourism Management, 44, 113-122.

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 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

Chang, S., Gibson, H., & Sisson, L. (2014) The loyalty process of residents and tourists in the
festival context. Current Issues in Tourism. 17, 783-799. DOI: 10.1080/13683500.2013.768214

Berdychevsky, L., Gibson, H., & Bell, H. (2013). Girlfriend Getaways and Women’s Well-
being. Journal of Leisure Research, 45, 602-623.

Heere, B., Walker, M., Gibson, H., Thapa, B. Geldenhuys, S., & Coetzee, W. (2013) The Power
of Sport to Unite a Nation: The Social Value of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
European Sport Management Quarterly. 13, 450-471.

Berdychevsky, L., Gibson, H., Poria, Y. (2013). Women’s sexual behavior in tourism: Loosening
the bridle. Annals of Tourism Research. 42, 65-85.

Kaplanidou, K., Karadakis, K., Gibson, H., Walker, M., Thapa, B., Geldenhuys, S., & Coetzee,
W. (2013) Quality of life, event impacts and mega-event support South African residents before
and after the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Journal of Travel Research, 52, 631-645.

Henderson, K., & Gibson, H. (2013). An Integrative Review of Women, Gender, and Leisure:
Increasing Complexities. Journal of Leisure Research 45, 115-135.

Berdychevsky, L. Nimrod, G., Kleiber, D., & Gibson, H. (2013). Sex as leisure in the shadow of
depression. Journal of Leisure Research, 45, 46-72.

Walker, M., Kaplanidou, K., Gibson, H., Thapa, B., Geldenhuys, S., & Coetzee, W. (2013).
"Win in Africa, With Africa": Social Responsibility, Event Image, and Destination Benefits. The
Case of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Tourism Management. 34, 80-90.

Gibson, H., Berdychevsky, L., & Bell, H. (2012). Girlfriend Getaways over the Life Course:
Change and Continuity. Annals of Leisure Research, 15, 38-54.

Gibson, H., Kaplanidou, K., & Kang, SJ., (2012). Small-Scale Event Sport Tourism: A Case
Study in Sustainable Tourism. Sport Management Review, 15, 160-170.

Kaplanidou, K., & Gibson, H. (2012). Event Image and Traveling Parents’ Intentions to Attend
Youth Sport Events: A Test of the Reasoned Action Model. European Sport Management
Quarterly.12 (1), 3-18.

Agha, N., Fairley, S., & Gibson, H. (2012). Considering legacy as a multidimensional construct:
The legacy of the Olympic Games. Sport Management Review, 15, 125-139.

Gibson, H., & Chang, S., (2012). Cycling in mid and later life: Involvement and benefits sought
from a bicycle tour. Journal of Leisure Research, 44(1), 23-49.

Jeong, C., Holland, S., Jun, S. & Gibson, H. (2012). Enhancing destination image through travel
website information. International Journal of Tourism Research, 14, 16-27.

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 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

Lepp, A., & Gibson, H., (2011). Reimaging a Nation: South Africa and the 2010 FIFA World
Cup. Journal of Sport & Tourism, 16(3), 211-230.

Kaplanidou, K., & Gibson, H. (2011). Differences between First Time and Repeat Spectator
Tourists of a Youth Soccer Event: Intentions and Image Approaches. Current Issues in Tourism
15, (5), 477-487

Lepp, A., & Gibson, H. (2011). Tourism and World Cup football amidst perceptions of risk: the
case of South Africa. Scandinavian Journal of Hospitality and Tourism, 11, (3), 286-305.

Ko, YJ., Gibson, H., & Kim, M. (2011). Understanding donors: A case of university performing
arts programs in the US. International Journal of Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Marketing.
16(2), 166-182.

Chang, S., & Gibson, H. (2011). Physically Active Leisure and Tourism Connection: Leisure
Involvement and Choice of Tourism Activities among Paddlers. Leisure Sciences, 33, 162-181.

Kim, M., Gibson, H., & Ko, YJ. (2011). Understanding donors to university performing arts
programs: Who are they and why do they contribute? Managing Leisure: An International
Journal, 16 (1), 17-35.

Lepp, A., Gibson, H., & Lane, C. (2011). Image and Perceived Risk: A Study of Uganda and Its
Official Tourism Website. Tourism Management, 32, 675-684.

Moore, S., Barnett, R., Brennan, M. & Gibson, H. (2011). Scoring on and off the field:
Examining the sexual activity of adolescent/emerging adult athletes using an ecological
perspective. Journal of Youth Development, 6 (4) winter. Article 110604FA002.

Barnett, R., Jackson, T., Smith, S., & Gibson, H. (2010). The Effects of Religiosity and Sibling
Relationships on the Timing of Sexual Debut. Family Science Review 15 (2) 64-81.

Kaplanidou, K., & Gibson, H. (2010). Predicting Behavioral Intentions of Active Event Sport
Tourists: The Case of a Small-Scale Recurring Sports Event. Journal of Sport & Tourism, 15,
163-179.

Qi, C., Gibson, H., & Zhang, J. (2009). Perceptions of risk and travel intentions: The case of
China and the Beijing Olympic Games. Journal of Sport & Tourism, 14 (1), 43-67.

Gibson, H., Qi, C., & Zhang, J. (2008). Destination image and intent to visit China, and the 2008
Beijing Olympic Games. Journal of Sport Management 22(4), 427-450.

Gibson, H. (2008). Comment on Dustin and Schwab article: Consider the Kirkland’s Warbler.
Schole: A Journal of Leisure Studies and Recreation Education, 23, 13-15.

Lepp, A., & Gibson, H. (2008). Sensation seeking and tourism: Tourist role, perception of risk
and destination choice. Tourism Management, 29, (4), 740-750

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 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

Papadimitriou, D., & Gibson, H. (2008). Active mountain sport tourists in Epirus Greece: Pre
and post trip analysis. Journal of Sport & Tourism, 13 (1), 1-24.

Kensinger, K., Gibson, H., & Ashton-Shaeffer, C. (2007). Leisure in the lives of young adults
with developmental disabilities: A reflection of normalcy. Annual in Therapeutic Recreation,
XV, 46-59.

Gibson, H., (2006). Leisure and later life: Past, present and future. Leisure Studies, 25, 397-401.

Gibson, H., & Pennington-Gray, L. (2005). Insights from role theory: Understanding golf
tourism. European Sport Management Quarterly, 5, 443-468.

Jordan, F., & Gibson, H. (2005) “We’re not stupid..but we’ll not stay home either”: Experiences
of solo women travelers. Tourism Review International, 9, 195-212.

Braunstein, J., Zhang, J., Trail., G., & Gibson, H. (2005). Dimensions of market demand
associated with major League baseball Spring Training. Sport Management Review, 8, 271-295

Gibson, H. (2005). Towards an understanding of “why sport tourists do what they do”. Sport in
Society, 8, 198-217.

Williams, S., & Gibson, H. (2004). The Attraction of Switzerland for College Skiers after 9/11:
A Case Study. Tourism Review International, 8, 85-99.

Gibson, H. (2004). Moving beyond the “what is and who” of sport tourism to understanding
“why”. Journal of Sport Tourism, 9, 247-265.

Gibson, H., & Ashton, C. (2004). Does leisure matter to retirement-aged women in the new
millennium? Australian Parks and Leisure, 7 (2), 4-7.

Gibson, H., Ashton-Shaeffer, C., Green, J., & Autry, C., (2003/2004). Leisure in the lives of
retirement-aged women: Conversations about leisure and life. Leisure/Loisir. 28 (3-4), 203-230.

Floyd, M., Gibson, H., Pennington-Gray, L., & Thapa, B., (2004). The effect of risk perceptions
on intentions to travel in the aftermath of September 11. Journal of Travel and Tourism
Management, 15 (2/3), 19-38.

Lepp, A., & Gibson, H. (2003). Tourist roles, perceived risk and international tourism, Annals of
Tourism Research, 30 (3), 606-624.

Gibson, H. (2003). Sport tourism: An introduction to the special issue. Journal of Sport
Management, 17 (3), 205-213.

Gibson, H., Willming, C., Holdnak, A. (2003). Small-scale event sport tourism: College sport as
a tourist attraction. Tourism Management, 24, 181-190.

12
 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

Gibson, H., Ashton-Shaeffer, C., Green, J., & Corbin, J. (2002). Leisure and Retirement:
Women’s stories. Loisir et Societe/Society and Leisure, 25, 257-284.

Gibson, H., Willming, C., & Holdnak, A. (2002). “We’re Gators not just a Gator fan:” Serious
leisure and University of Florida football. Journal of Leisure Research, 14, 397-425.

Spengler, J.O., Connaughton, D.P., Zhang, J. and Gibson H. (2002). An analysis of lightning
safety policies and procedures in Florida municipal park and recreation agencies. Journal
of Park and Recreation Administration 20 (3), 38-50.

Yiannakis, A. Attle, S., Gibson, H. & Murdy, J. (2002). Tourist roles and the prediction of tourist
destinations. Economy and Sport, 2, April-June, 16-23.

Gibson, H. (2002). Busy travelers: Leisure-travel patterns and meanings in later life. World
Leisure, 44, (2), 11-20.

Gibson, H. & Yiannakis, A. (2002). Tourist roles: Needs and the life course. Annals of Tourism
Research, 29, 358-383.

Ashton-Shaeffer, C., Gibson, H., Holt, M., & Willming, C. (2001). Women’s Resistance and
Empowerment through Wheelchair Sport. World Leisure, 43, (4), 11-21.

Ashton-Shaeffer, C., Gibson, H., Autry, C., & Hanson, C. (2001). Meaning of sport to adults
with physical disabilities: A disability sport camp experience. Sociology of Sport Journal. 18, 95-
114.

Willming, C. & Gibson, H. (2000). A view of leisure and family in the 1990s. Loisir et
Societe/Society and Leisure, 23, 121-144.

Gibson, H. (1998). Sport tourism: A critical analysis of research. Sport Management Review, 1,
45-76.

Gibson, H. (1998). Active Sport Tourism: Who Participates? Leisure Studies, 17, 2, 155-170.

Gibson, H. (1998). The Educational Tourist. Leisure Today, Journal of Physical Education,
Recreation, & Dance, 69, 4, 32-34.

Gibson, H. Attle, S. & Yiannakis, A. (1998). Segmenting the sport tourist market: A lifespan
perspective. Journal of Vacation Marketing, 4, 52-64.

Gibson, H. (1996). Thrill seeking vacations: A lifespan perspective. Loisir et Societe/Society and
Leisure, 19, 2, 439-458.

Yiannakis, A. & Gibson, H. (1992). Roles tourists play. Annals of Tourism Research, 19, 287-
303.

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 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

Books
Gibson, H., Lamont, M., Kennelly, M. & Buning, R. (Eds.). (2019). Active sport tourism: Global
insights and future directions. London, UK: Routledge

Gibson, H., & Singleton, J. (Eds.) (2012). Leisure and Aging: Theory and Practice. Champaign,
IL: Human Kinetics. Translated and published in Chinese 2015.

Gibson, H. (Ed.) (2006). Sport tourism: Concepts and Theories. London, UK: Routledge.

Book Chapters
Gibson, H. (in press). Tourism. In Ritzer, G., Rojek, C., & Ryan, M. (Eds). The Blackwell
Encyclopedia of Sociology. (2nd edition)

Gibson, H. (in press) Tourist. In Jafari, J. & Xiao, H. (Eds). Springer Encyclopedia of Tourism
(2nd edition).

Gibson, H. (2024). Tourism. In M. Stodolska, Scott, D., & Liechty, T. (Eds.). Leisure Matters:
The state and future of leisure studies (pp 81-89). Sagamore - Venture Publishing.

Gibson, H. (2023). Sport event studies. In Girginov, V. & M. Parent (Eds). Routledge
Encyclopedia of Sport Studies (RESS). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780367766924-
RESS30-1

Gibson, H., & Fairley, S. (2022). Sport, tourism and social impacts. In L. Wenner (Ed.). The
Oxford Handbook of Sport & Society. Oxford University Press.

Gibson, H. (2021). My journey in sport tourism. Correia, A. and Dolnicar, S. (Eds.) (2021)
Women’s voices in tourism research. Brisbane: The University of Queensland. Available
from: https://uq.pressbooks.pub/tourismknowledge. DOI: https://doi.org/10.14264/817f87d.

Gibson, H. (2021). Letter to future tourism scholars. Correia, A. and Dolnicar, S. (Eds.) (2021)
Women’s voices in tourism research. Brisbane: The University of Queensland. Available
from: https://uq.pressbooks.pub/tourismknowledge. DOI: https://doi.org/10.14264/817f87d.

Gibson, H., Fairley, S., Kennelly, M. (2018). Sport tourism. In P. Pedersen & L Thibault, (Eds).
Contemporary Sport Management, 6th edition (pp. 226-242). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Buning, R. & Gibson, H. (2018). Cycling a path to physical activity through transportation, sport
and leisure. In J. Piggin, L. Mansfield, & M. Weed, (Eds.). The Routledge handbook of physical
activity, policy and practice: Case studies of physical activity practices and programmes (pp.
451- 463) Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge International.

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 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

Gibson, H., & Mirehie, M. (2018). Sport tourism and feminism. In L. Mansfield, J. Caudwell,.B.
Wheaton, & R. Watson (Eds.). The Palgrave handbook of feminisms in sport, leisure and
physical education. (681-697). London, UK: Palgrave MacMillan

Gibson, H. (2015). Tourist. In J. Jafari & H. Xiao (eds.), Encyclopedia of Tourism, (pp.
1-3). Springer, DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-01669-6_1-1

Gibson, H. (2015). Tourism. In G. Walker, D. Scott & M. Stodolska (Eds.). Leisure Matters: The
state and future of leisure studies (pp. 85-92). State College, PA: Venture Publishing.

Gibson, H., & Fairley, S. (2014). Sport tourism. In P. Pedersen & L Thibault, (Eds).
Contemporary Sport Management, 5th edition (pp. 264-288). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Lepp, A., & Gibson, H. (2014). Reimaging a nation: South Africa and the 2010 World Cup. In J.
Harris, (Ed.) Sport, tourism and national identities. New York, NY: Routledge.

Gibson, H. (2013). Case study: Seniors as event tourists. In D. Getz, Event Tourism: Concepts,
International Case Studies, and Research (pp. 53-56). Putnam Valley, NY: Cognizant
Communication Corporation.

Bell, H., & Gibson, H., (2011). Dragon Boat Festivals – Creating Demand for Active Sport
Tourism. In T. Hinch, T., & J. Higham, Sport Tourism Development, (2nd edition) (pp. 47-50).
Clevedon, UK: Channel View Publications (case study).

Gibson, H., Jordan, F., & Berdeychevsky, L. (2013). Women and Tourism. In Bialeschki, B.,
Freysinger, V., Henderson, K., & Shaw, S. (Eds.). Leisure Women, and Gender (3rd edition pp.
229-244).

Gibson, H., & Fairley, S. (2010). Sport Tourism. In P. Pedersen, J. Parks, J. Quarterman, L. & L.
Thibault, (Eds)., Contemporary Sport Management (4th Edition) (pp. 226-246). Champaign, IL:
Human Kinetics. (Chapter)

Gibson, H. (2009). Leisure and Travel, Adulthood. In D. Carr. (Ed.). Encyclopedia of the Life
Course and Human Development (pp. 245-250) Vol. 2. Detroit: Macmillan Reference
USA, 2009. 3 vols. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Gale. Encyclopedia of the Life Course.

Gibson, H. (2009). Leisure and Travel, Later Life. In. D. Carr (Ed.) Encyclopedia of the Life
Course and Human Development (pp. 215-218) Vol. 3. Detroit: Macmillan Reference
USA, 2009.

Gibson, H. (2006). Sport Tourism. In J. Parks, J. Quarterman, & L. Thibault, (Eds).,

Contemporary Sport Management (3rd edition) (pp. 141-162). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.
(Chapter)

15
 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

Gibson, H. (2005). Sport Tourism. In D. Papadimitriou (Ed.). Managing Sport Organizations

and Enterprises (pp. 289-313). Athens, Greece: Kleidarithos Publications. Chapter published in
Greek.

Gibson, H. (2005). Understanding sport tourism experiences. In J. Higham (Ed.). Sport tourism
destinations (pp. 57-72). Kidlington, UK: Butterworth-Heinemann (Chapter).

Jordan, F., & Gibson, H. (2004). Let your data do the talking: Researching the solo travel
experiences of British and American women. In J. Phillimore & L. Goodson (Eds.) Qualitative
research in tourism: ontologies, epistemologies, and methodologies, (pp. 215- 235). London,
UK: Routledge. (Chapter).

Floyd, M., Gibson, H., Pennington-Gray, L., & Thapa, B. (2003). The effect of risk perceptions
on intentions to travel in the aftermath of September 11, 2001. In C.M. Hall, D. Timothy, & D.
Duval, (Eds.). Safety and security in tourism: Relationships, management, and marketing (pp.
19-38). New York, NY: The Hawthorne Press (Chapter).

Gibson, H. (2003). US College football: The sport tourism experience. In T. Hinch, T., & J.
Higham, Sport Tourism Development, (pp. 160-162). Clevedon, UK: Channel View Publications
(case study).

Gibson, H. (2003), Sport Tourism. In J. Parks & J. Quarterman (Eds.). Contemporary Sport
Management (2nd Edition) (pp. 337-360). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics. (Chapter).

Gibson, H., Ashton-Shaeffer, C. & Sanders, G. (2002). Leisure in the lives of retirement aged
women: The Florida experience. Special Collection of papers from the 2000 World Leisure and
Recreation Association Conference, in Spanish (Chapter).

Gibson, H. (2001). Theoretical perspectives on gender and tourism. In Y. Apostolopoulos, S.

Sonmez, & D. Timothy (Eds.). Women as Producers and Consumers of Tourism in Developing
Regions (pp.19-43). Westport: Praeger (Chapter).

Gibson, H. (1998) The fitness and tourism connection: Who participates? In K. Volkwein (Ed.).
Fitness as Cultural Phenomenon: A Collection of Essays. Vol. 4 in the German American Studies
in Sport Series. Muenster; Waxmann Verlag (Chapter).

Jamrozy, U., Gibson, H., & Koh, K. (1997). Tourism in North Carolina. In P. Gaskill (Ed.).
Introduction of Leisure Services in North Carolina (Third Edition) pp. 19-26, Dubuque, IA:
Kendall Hunt (Chapter).

Refereed Papers in Published in Proceedings/Monographs

Gibson, H. (2022). Putting the Tourism back into Sport Events. In WSTC 21 – 1st World Sport
Tourism Congress. Proceedings, case studies and key lessons. UN World Tourism Organization
(pp. 34-35). Catalunya, Spain November 25-26th, 2021.

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 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

Berdychevsky, L., & Gibson, H. (2011). Inversions of sexual roles in women’s sexual behavior
in tourism as technologies of self. Proceeding for the 4th International Critical Tourism Studies
(CTS) Conference - Tourism Futures: Enhancing Creative and Critical Action, University of
Wales Institute, Cardiff, England, July 2nd-5th, 2011. (pp. 53 - 68).

Chang, S., Gibson, H., & Sisson, L. (2011). The role of satisfaction and involvement in loyalty:
Comparing residents and tourists. Proceedings for the 2011 Annual Travel and Tourism
Research Association Conference, London Ontario, Canada, June 19-21st 2011. (12 p).

Chang, S., & Gibson, H. (2010). Comparing the active and non-active leisure-tourism
connection: Leisure involvement, leisure habit, tourism motivation, and tourism behavior.
Proceedings for the 2010 Annual Travel and Tourism Research Association Conference, San
Antonio, TX, June 20th- 22nd, 2010. (12 p).

Gibson, H., Chang, S., & Kang, Sung Jin, (2009). Reconceptualizing active sport tourism
participation: Contextualizing tourism behavior within active lifestyles. Proceedings for the
International Conference on Tourism Development and Management: Tourism in a Changing
World: Prospects and Challenges, Book of Abstracts (5 pp).

Gibson, H. (2008). Sport Tourism at a Crossroad? Considerations for the Future. In M.Weed
(Ed.) Sport & Tourism: A Reader (pp. 24-56). London: Routledge. Revised and updated version
of 2002 LSA paper.

Gibson, H. & Pennington-Gray, L. (2008). Insights from Role Theory: Understanding Golf
Tourism. In M. Weed (Ed.) Sport & Tourism: A Reader (pp. 152-174). London: Routledge.
Original appeared in European Sport Management Quarterly, 2005.

Gibson, H., Willming, C. & Holdnak, A. (2008). Small-scale Event Sport Tourism: Fans as
Tourists. In M. Weed (Ed.) Sport & Tourism: A Reader (pp.377-392). London: Routledge.
Original appeared in LSA publications 2002.

Jun, S., & Gibson, H. (2008). Impact of Message character and message framing on attitude:
The moderating role of involvement. Proceedings for the 4th Graduate Research Symposium by
the Travel and Tourism Research Association Canada. Victoria, Canada

Janke, M., Gibson, H., & Carpenter, G. (2007). Leisure activity in later life: A context for social
engagement and creativity. The Gerontologist, 47, Special Issue 1, 564-565.

Jun, S. and Gibson, H. (2007). Impact of goal and information type on attitudinal and intentional
behavior in tourism contexts. Proceedings for the 3rd Graduate Research Symposium by Travel
and Tourism Research Association Canada. Charlottetown, Canada.

Gibson, H., & Payne, L. (2006). Leisure and aging-related transitions. The Gerontologist, 46,
Special Issue 1, 360.

17
 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

Payne, L., & Gibson, H. (2006). The role of leisure in promoting physical activity. The
Gerontologist, 46, Special Issue 1, 342.

Gibson, H. (2006). Sport tourism at a crossroads? Considerations for the future. In E. Kennedy,
& H. Pussard, (Eds.). Defining the field: 30 Years of the Leisure Studies Association, (pp. 229-
250). LSA Publication no. 89, Eastbourne, UK.

Gibson, H. (2005). Leisure in later life: More than free-time or activity. The Gerontologist, 45,
Special Issue I, 90.

Sklar, S. L., & Gibson, H., (2005). Self-Determination and the Adventure Experience: A Study
of Female Adolescents. Research in Outdoor Education, 7, Cortland, NY: Coalition for
Education in the Outdoors (pp. 119-120). (Expanded abstract originally printed in A. Young,
(Ed.). Abstracts of the Coalition for Education in the Outdoors Research Symposium (pp. 52-53),
Martinsville, IN, January 9-11.

Gibson, H., & Singleton, J. (2004). Leisure in later life: more than free-time or activity. The
Gerontologist, 44 Special Issue 1, 175-176.

Murdy, J., Gibson, H., & Yiannakis, A. (2003). Segmenting nature-based tourist roles: A
lifespan perspective. In R. Schuster, (Ed.). Proceedings of the 2002 Northeastern Recreation
Research Symposium (pp. 179-189). Newtown Square, PA: USDA Forest Service, Northeastern
Research Station.

Gibson, H, & Marsiske, M. (2003). Exploring leisure in later life: More than free-time or
activity. The Gerontologist, 43, Special Issue1, 90-91.

Gibson, H., Ashton-Shaeffer, C., Green, J., & Autry, C. (2003). Conversations with retirement-
aged women about leisure and life. In S. Colyer & F. Lobo (Eds.), Leisure futures, leisure
cultures: Selection of papers from the 5th ANZALS and 3rd Women in Leisure International
Conferences, 2001, (pp. 19 – 30). Perth, Australia: Praxis Education.

Mohan, S. & Gibson, H. (2003). Learning from ecotourism: A model for sustainable tourism. In
S. Colyer & F. Lobo (Eds.), Leisure futures, leisure cultures: Selection of papers from the 5th
ANZALS and 3rd Women in Leisure International Conferences, 2001, (pp. 57 – 66). Perth,
Australia: Praxis Education.

Gibson, H., Williams, S., & Pennington-Gray, L. (2003). Destination images and benefits sought
from an international ski and snowboard trip: A follow-up study. In E. Fors (Ed.). Proceedings
of the European Association for Sport Management Congress (pp.167-169), College of Physical
Education, Stockholm, Sweden, September 10-13, 2003.

Gibson, H, Ashton-Shaeffer, C., Green, J., & Corbin, J. (2002). Placing leisure into our
understanding of the retirement experiences of women. The Gerontologist, 42, Special Issue 1,
292.

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 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

Gibson, H., Ashton-Shaeffer, C., & Sanders, G. (2002). The Role of Leisure in the Lives of
Retirement-aged Women Living in Florida. In L. Doty, L. S. Lieberman, Flint, M., & Grant, K.
(Eds.). Successful aging: Women’s’ health and well-being in the second fifty years (pp. 174-192).
Proceedings of the Fourth Meeting of National Leaders in Women’s Health Research,
Gainesville, FL, March 2001.

Murdy, J., & Yiannakis, A., Gibson, H., & Attle, S. (2002). Understanding tourist behavior: A
conceptual model. Capitalizing on Travel Research for Marketing Success. Travel and Tourism
Research Association 33rd Annual Conference Proceedings CD Rom, 6p. Arlington, VA, June
23-27, 2002.

Gibson, H. (2002). Sport tourism at a crossroad? Considerations for the future. In S. Gammon &
J. Kurtzman (Eds.). Sport Tourism: Principles and Practice, (pp. 123- 140). Eastbourne, UK:
LSA Publications no. 76.

Gibson, H., Willming, C., & Holdnak, A. (2002). Small-scale event sport tourism: College sport
as a tourist attraction. In S. Gammon & J. Kurtzman (Eds.). Sport Tourism: Principles and
Practice, (pp. 3-18). Eastbourne, UK: LSA Publications no. 76.

Ashton-Shaeffer, C., Gibson, H., Holt, M., & Willming, C. (2001). Empowerment and resistance
through competitive wheelchair sport. In F. Lobo & S. Coyler (Eds.). ANZALS, Leisure Futures,
Leisure Cultures. Proceedings of the 5th Biennial International Conference of the Australia and
New Zealand Association for Leisure Studies, Freemantle, Australia, July 1-4, 2001, CD Rom
pp. 36-47.

Gibson, H., Ashton-Shaeffer, C., Green, J., & Autry, C. (2001). Conversations with retirement-
aged women about leisure and life. In F. Lobo & S. Coyler (Eds.). ANZALS, Leisure Futures,
Leisure Cultures. Proceedings of the 5th Biennial International Conference of the Australia and
New Zealand Association for Leisure Studies, Freemantle, Australia, July 1-4, 2001, CD Rom
pp. 275-286.

Mohan, S. & Gibson, H. (2001). Learning from Ecotourism: A Model for Sustainable Tourism
Development. In F. Lobo & S. Coyler (Eds.). ANZALS, Leisure Futures, Leisure Cultures.
Proceedings of the 5th Biennial International Conference of the Australia and New Zealand
Association for Leisure Studies, Freemantle, Australia, July 1-4, 2001, CD Rom pp. 105-115.

Zidel, J., & Gibson, H. (2001). Around Europe in thirty days: Young adults on tour. In R. N.
Moisey, N. Nickerson, & K. Andereck (Eds.). 32nd Annual Conference Proceedings of the Travel
and Tourism Research Association, 2001 – A Tourism Odyssey, (pp. 342-351). Fort Myers, FL,
June 10-13th, 2001.

Gibson, H., Ashton-Shaeffer, C. & Sanders, G. (2000). Leisure in the lives of retirement aged
women: The Florida experience. Proceedings of the World Leisure and Recreation Association
Conference, Bilbao, Spain, July 3-7, 2000, on CD Rom.

19
 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

Gibson, H. & Yiannakis, A. (1999). Patterns of tourist role preference across the life course. In
M. Foley, M. Frew, & G. McPherson (Eds.). Leisure, Tourism and Environment: Participation,
Perceptions and Preferences (pp. 85-95). Eastbourne, UK: LSA Publication No. 50.

Gibson, H (1996) Patterns of Leisure-based Tourist Role Preference for Men and Women over
the Adult Life Course. Proceedings of the World Leisure and Recreation Association Conference,
Cardiff, Wales, July 15th-19th, Disk 1.

Gibson, H. (1995). Patterns of tourist role preference among three groups of seniors: Ages 55-65,
66-75, and 76 and over. Teoros: Educational Tourism and the Needs of Older Adults, 7, March.
Proceedings of the Third Global Classroom, Montreal, Canada, August 7-10, 1994.

Gibson, H., Attle, S., & Yiannakis, A. (1993). The relationship between need satisfaction and
leisure activities: A preliminary analysis. Proceedings of the Northeastern Recreation Research
Conference, Saratoga Springs, NY April 5-7, 1992.

Other Scholarly Writing

Gibson, H. (2019, September). Growing gender movement in leisure studies. In T. Walters &
WLO (Eds). Collaborative leadership to advance leisure for sustainable development (pp. 34-35).
Uncover 3: Leisure for a better world. Breda University: Netherlands.

Berdychevsky, L., & Gibson, H. (2012). Book Review of T. Hinch and J. Higham Sport Tourism
Development (Second Edition), Journal of Sport & Tourism, 17, 251-255.

Gibson, H. (2012). World Leisure Commissions - Updates: The Women and Gender
Commission. World Leisure Journal, 54, 363-364.

Bell, H., & Gibson, H. (2011). Book review of Higham, J. & Hinch, T. (2009). Sport and
Tourism: Globalization, Mobility and Identity. Published in Annals of Leisure Research, 14(1),
104.

Gibson, H. (2007). Leisure in the lives of mid and later life Floridian women. Invited paper for
the Annual Report for the Florida Commission on the Status of Women, Tallahassee, Florida.

Gibson, H. (2005). Tourism in later life. Invited editorial for the Newsletter of the World Ageing
and Generations Congress, July, pp. 1-2.

Gibson, H. (2005). Sport tourism: Concepts and theories. An Introduction. Sport in Society, 8,
133-141.

Gibson, H. (2003). Leisure and leisure-travel in later life. In L. Vitt (Ed.). Encyclopedia of
retirement and finance, (pp. 449-453). Westport, CT: Greenwood Press (invited).

Gibson, H. (2002) Book review of How the British will Travel 2005, Tourism Intelligence.
Annals of Tourism Research, 29, 279-281.

20
 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

Gibson, H. (2001). Invited report of the 2001 LSA Conference, Leisure Studies Association
Newsletter, Vol. 60, p. 50, November 2001.

Gibson, H. (2000). Invited book review of Kelly, J. & Freysinger, V. 21st Century leisure:
Current issues, Needham Heights, MA: Allyn & Bacon for SCHOLE: A Journal of Leisure
Studies and Recreation Education, 15, 119-122.

Gibson, H. (1999). Research Update: Sport tourism: The rules of the game. Parks and
Recreation, June, 36-45, 34 (6).

Gibson, H. (1999). Invited report on the state of LSA today. Leisure Studies Association
newsletter, No. 54, p. 31, November, 1999.

Gibson, H. (1998). The wide world of sport tourism. Parks and Recreation, September, 108-114,
33(9).

Gibson, H. (1997). Invited report of the 1997 LSA Conference, Leisure Studies Association
Newsletter, No. 48 p. 15, November, 1997.

Gibson, H. (1997). Invited book review of Henderson, K, Bialeschki, M D, Shaw, S., &
Freysinger, V. (1996). Both Gains and Gaps: Feminist Perspectives on Women’s Leisure. State
College, PA: Venture Publishing, Inc, for the Journal of Leisure Research 29, 1, 141-144.

Gibson, H. (1995). Invited report of the 1995 LSA Conference. Published in the Leisure Studies
Association Newsletter, No. 42, November, 1995.

Gibson, H., Gladwell, N. & Zueffle, D. (1994). Tourism Development in Wroclaw and Lower
Silesia. A position paper sent to Wroclaw University, Poland with the aim of establishing a
collaborative research project, October 1994.

Technical Reports
Andrew, D., Gibson, H., & Gillentine, A. (2019). School of Sport Recreation and Tourism
Management External Review Report, George Mason University, December 2019.

Andereck, K., Dixon, M., Gibson, H., & Scott, D. (2018). External review of the Department of
Tourism, Recreation and Sport, University of Illinois, Champaign Urbana. November, 2018, (12
pp).

Gibson, H. (2015). External Review Report: Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies,
Southern Connecticut State University. January 2015, (8pp).

Fenich, G., Gibson, H., Meyers, B., Pierce, D., & Rooney, P. (2014). External Review Report:
Department of Tourism, Conventions and Event Management, Indiana University Perdue
University Indianapolis, December 2014, (21 pp).

21
 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

Mirehie, M., Buning, R., Gibson, H., & Weinberg, M. (2013). Gainesville Five Points of Life
Race Weekend: 2013 Survey Report. Prepared for LifeSouth Community Blood Centers and the
Gainesville Sports Commission. December 2013 (34 pp).

Gibson, H., Thapa, B., Kaplanidou, K., Walker, M., Geldenhuys, S., Coetzee, W., Berdychevsky,
L., & Bell, H. (2011). 2010 FIFA World Cup: International visitors’ perspectives. Prepared for
the Ministry of Tourism, Pretoria, South Africa, May, 2011 (58 pp).

Kaplanidou, K., Thapa, B., Walker, M., Gibson, H., Geldenhuys, S., Coetzee, W., Karadakis, K.,
(2010). 2010 FIF World Cup: Visitors’ perspectives from Tshwane/Pretoria, South Africa.
Prepared for the City of Tshwane/Pretoria, September, 2010, (44 pp).

Walker, M., Thapa, B., Kaplanidou, K., Gibson, H., Geldenhuys, S., & Coetzee, W. (2010). 2010
FIFA World Cup: Tshwane/Pretoria residents’ perspectives prior to the event. Prepared for the
City of Tshwane/Pretoria, August, 2010, (26 pp).

Bell, H. Kang, S. & Gibson, H. (2009). 2009 AAU Track & Field Junior Olympic Qualifier Final
Survey Report. Prepared for the Gainesville Sports Commission, September 2009 (68 pp.).

Ng, L., Kang, S., Bell, H., & Gibson, H. (2009). 2009 Esynchro US Age Group Synchronized
Swimming Championship Final Survey Report. Prepared for the Gainesville Sports Commission,
September 2009 (75 pp.).

Kang, S., Bell, H., & Gibson, H. (2009). 2008 Gator Swim Club Holiday Classic Final Survey
Report. Prepared for the Gainesville Sports Commission, February, 2008. (64 pp)

Kang, S., Chang, S., & Gibson, H. (2008). 2008 Florida Babe Ruth Softball Tournament Final
Survey Report. Prepared for the Gainesville Sports Commission, October, 2008. (63 pp)

Kim, M., Ko, Y.J., & Gibson, H. (2008). MUP Donors’ Motivations: Relationships with Gender,
Age, Donor Behavior and Benefits. Report prepared for the Major Universities Presenters (MUP)
consortium’s Value & Impact Study supported by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, June,
2008. (45 pp).

Kim, M., Ko, Y.J., & Gibson, H. (2008). An Examination of Factors that Influence Donor
Behavior: The Case of University Performing Arts Programs. Report prepared for the Major
Universities Presenters (MUP) consortium’s Value & Impact Study supported by the Andrew W.
Mellon Foundation, June, 2008. (28 pp).

Bustam, T., Buta, N., Chang, S., McCormmick, & Gibson, H. (2008). Paddle Florida March
2008 Survey Report. Prepared for Paddle Florida, May 2008. (35 pp).

Kang, S., Gibson, H., Sergeant, D., & Kaplanidou, K. (2008). 2008 Gainesville ASA/Pro Am
McKenzie Final Survey Report. Prepared for the Gainesville Sports Commission, May 2008. (47
pp).

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 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

Chang, S., Kaplanidou, K., & Gibson, H. (2008). 2008 Gator Soccer Showcase for Girls: Final
Report. Prepared for the Gainesville Sports Commission, May 2008. (49 pp).

Kaplanidou, K., Chang, S. & Gibson, H. (2008). 7th Gainesville Senior Games Study: Final
Report. Prepared for the Gainesville Sports Commission, February 2008. (45 pp).

Hyun Jun, S., Chang, S., & Gibson, H. (2007). Gainesville Five Points of Life marathon and half
marathon 2007 survey report. Prepared for the LifeSouth Community Blood Centers and the
Gainesville Sports Commission, May 2007.

Gibson, H., Chang, S. & Qi, C. (2007). Bike Florida 2006 survey report. Prepared for Bike
Florida, Inc, May 2007.

Thapa, B., Pennington-Gray, L., Confer, J., & Gibson, H., (2006). Profile and economic impacts
of visitors to Norfolk Virginia. Prepared for the NCVB Training and Research Foundation, Inc.,
Norfolk, VA, August, 2006.

Gibson, H., Qi, C, & Wilson, A. (2006). Bike Florida 2005 survey report. Prepared for Bike
Florida, Inc, May 2006.

Pennington-Gray, L., Gibson, H., & Kim, J. (2005). A study of tourist behaviors in rural county
festivals. Prepared for Visit Florida Inc, Spring 2005.

Gladwell, N., Gibson, H., & Sellers, J. (1997). Perceived satisfaction levels of convention and
meeting participants utilizing the Greater Greensboro area. Technical report prepared for the
Greater Greensboro Convention and Visitors Bureau, November, 1997.

Gladwell, N., Gibson, H., & Sellers, J. (1997). Perceived satisfaction levels of convention and
meeting planners utilizing the Greater Greensboro area. Technical report prepared for the
Greater Greensboro Convention and Visitors Bureau, July, 1997.

Presentations
Invited Keynote Addresses/International Speaker

Gibson, H. & Floyd, M. (2024). Invited Plenary: The Plenary consists of two of our most
established scholars in the field, Drs. Heather Gibson and Myron Floyd,
who will revisit their most successful or significant publications, ideas, works, and/or
contributions to the field and share how they should or could be reimagined, specifically in light
of the conference theme. The Academy of Leisure Sciences Conference, New Orleans, LA, Jan
31-Feb 2 2024.

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 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

Gibson, H. (2023). Invited Keynote: Building a research line: Establishing a brand. Presented at
the PhD pre-conference seminar for the European Sport Management Association Conference,
Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK September 11th-15th, 2023.

Gibson, H. (2021). Invited Panel Member: QOL and (sport) Events. For the SCoT webinar series
QUALITY OF LIFE Wellbeing of the Host Community, Vol 28, September 11th, 2021. Panel
Chair Muzzo Uysal.

Gibson, H. (2021). Invited Key Note Speaker: Sport tourism through the decades: Key
international developments and reflections, presented by video at the 2021 International Forum
on Sports and Leisure Industry Development, Shenyang Sports University, Shenyang, China,
August 20-22, 2021.

Gibson, H. (2019). Invited Speaker. Integrating culture into tourism experiences: Lessons
learned from educational tourism in Australia, Fiji and New Zealand, presented at the
International Forum on Green Development Practice, Wulong, Chongqing, China, July 23-25th,
2019.

Gibson, H. (2019). Invited Guest Scholar of the International Academy for the Study of Tourism.
Tourist roles to sport tourism: A 30 year journey, presented at the Biennial Conference for the
International Academy for the Study of Tourism, Bali Tourism Institute, Nusa Dua Bali,
Indonesia, May 7th-11, 2019.

Gibson, H. (2018). Invited Key Note Speaker. Chronicling the use of Life Satisfaction, Quality of
Life, Wellness and Wellbeing in Leisure Research, presented at the 20th Leisure, Recreation and
Tourism Research Symposium and International Forum, September 29-30th, 2018. Taiwan
National University, Taipei, Taiwan.

Gibson, H. (2018). Invited Key Note Speaker. Sport tourism: Past, Present and Future,
presented at the First China International Conference on Sport Tourism, Shanghai, China April
26-28th, 2018.

Gibson, H. (2018). Invited Key Note Speaker. The case for sustainable development through
event sport tourism: Mega vs. small-scale events. Presented at the IRNIST Sport Tourism
Conference University of Lille, France, April 17-20, 2018.

Gibson, H. Invited Speaker. 14th World Leisure Congress, Durban, South Africa, June 27th-30th
2016.

Gibson, H. Invited Key Note Speaker. Mega-events vs. Smaller-scale events: The best path to
sustainable sport tourism development. World Sport Management Association Summit, New
City Taipei, Taiwan, October 24th-27th, 2013.

Gibson, H. Invited Speaker for the Social Impacts of Mega Events Discussion for the Event
Impacts, Leverage, and Legacy: A Two Day Think Tank. University of British Columbia's
Centre for Sport and Sustainability, Vancouver, Canada, November 11-12, 2011.

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 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

Gibson, H. Invited Inaugural Lecture for the School of Health and Applied Human Sciences,
UNC Wilmington. Small scale event sport tourism. Wilmington, NC, March 24th, 2011.

Gibson, H. Invited Key Note Speaker: Youth sport events and tourism development: A four event
case study. Gangwon International Leisure Sport and Tourism Forum, Chuncheon, Korea,
November 11th, 2010.

Gibson, H. Invited Speaker: The Future of Leisure Studies as an Academic Discipline. Panel
presentation for the 11th World Leisure Congress, Chuncheon, South Korea, August 28th –
September 2nd, 2010.

Gibson, H. Invited Key Note Address: Sport, Tourism and the City: A Critical Examination of
the Legacies of Sport and Event Sport Tourism. The Second International Recreation and
Tourism Congress, Maracay, Venezuela, October 30-November 4th, 2007.

Gibson, H. Invited Workshop: Developing Sport Tourism in Venezuela: From Theory to

Practice. The Second International Recreation and Tourism Congress, Maracay, Venezuela,
October 30-November 4th, 2007.

Gibson, H., Invited Key Note Address: Using Sport Tourism for Economic and Social Benefit: A
Critical Analysis. Korean Society for the Sociology of Sport held in conjunction with the 2007
International Sport Science Congress held by the Korean Alliance for Health, Physical
Education, Recreation, and Dance, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea, August 23-25, 2007.

Gibson, H. Invited Lecture for the Korean Society for the Sociology of Sport: Active Sport
Tourism in Mid and Later Life. Dankook University, Korea, August 25th, 2007.

Gibson, H. Invited Key Note Address: Physically active in mid and later life: A case study of
Bike Florida. The 9th International Sports Sciences Congress, Muğla University, Turkey,
November 3-5th, 2006.

Gibson, H. Invited Plenary Organizer and Address: Leisure experiences in later life. World
Ageing & Generations Congress, St Gallen, Switzerland, September 26 – 30th, 2006.

Gibson, H., Key Note Address substituting for Andrew Yiannakis: Cyprus and sport tourism:
Theoretical and applied considerations. Presentation delivered at the 14th European Association
of Sport Management Congress, Nicosia, Cyprus, September 6-9th, 2006.

Gibson, H. Invited Key Note Address: Fools Golden Egg? A critical analysis of the legacies of
sport (event) tourism. Leisure Studies Association Conference, University of Bristol, UK, July
11-13, 2006.

Gibson, H. Invited Plenary Address. Traveling for pleasure: Later life motivations, meanings
and experiences. World Ageing & Generations Congress, St Gallen, Switzerland, September
29th to October 1st, 2005.

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 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

Gibson, H. Invited Plenary Address. Sport and tourism linkages: Towards policy development.
International Conference on Sport and Tourism in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, September 22-25,
2004.

Gibson, H. Invited Key Note Address. Global connections of future sport tourism. Tenth
European Sport Management Congress, Jyväskylä, Finland, September 4-7, 2002.

Gibson, H. Invited Key Note Address. Sport Tourism the Way Forward. Leisure Studies
Association Conference, University of Luton, UK, July 17-19, 2001.

Refereed Presentations

Gibson, H., Chen, Y. Jung, D., & Smith, T. (2024). Sport-event Participation as a Space for Mid
and Later life and Wellbeing: A Social Worlds Perspective. Paper accepted for presentation at
the Leisure Studies Association Conference, U of Western Scotland, Paisely, July 10th-12th,
2024.

Blassneck, B., & Gibson, H. (2024). Emerging Voices in Leisure Studies: a candid discussion for
graduate students and early career academics on the state of the discipline. Workshop accepted
for the Leisure Studies Association Conference, U of Western Scotland, Paisely, July 10th-12th,
2024.

Lu, Y., Wang, Y.-C., & Gibson, H. (2024). Dining for transforming personal growth: Mindful
dining experience at vegetarian restaurants. Paper accepted for presentation at the 2024
American Association of Geographers (AAG) Annual Meeting, Honolulu, HI, April 16-20.

Jung, D., & Gibson, H. (2024). Exploring the transition of motivations in an event travel career:
The case of Bike Florida. Paper presented at The Academy of Leisure Sciences Conference, New
Orleans, Jan 31-Feb 2nd, 2024.
Zhang, H., & Gibson, H. (2024). Using study abroad memory to foster sustainable tourist
behaviors. Paper presented at The Academy of Leisure Sciences Conference, New Orleans, Jan
31-Feb 2nd, 2024.
Blassneck, B., Zhang, H., & Gibson, H. (2024). How do study abroad participants define Global
Citizenship? Poster presented at The Academy of Leisure Sciences Conference, New Orleans,
Jan 31-Feb 2nd, 2024.
Jung, D., Gibson, H., & Chen, YC. (2024). Collaboration, Communication, and Education:
Developing a Sustainable Event Strategy. Poster presented at the 29th Annual Graduate
Education & Graduate Student Research Conference, Florida International University, Miami,
FL, January 4-6th, 2024.

Zivrali, E., & Gibson, H. (2024). Exploring memorable tourism experiences through online
reviews: Analyzing Trip Advisor’s Travel Experiences. Paper presented at the 29th Annual

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 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

Graduate Education & Graduate Student Research Conference, Florida International University,
Miami, FL, January 4-6th, 2024.

Buning, R., & Gibson, H. (2023). Progression, Development or Evolution? Rethinking theory on
progression in leisure research. Paper presented at the World Leisure Conference, University of
Otago, Dunedin, NZ, December 12th-15th, 2023.
Blassneck, B., & Gibson, H. (2024). Exploring the Relationship Between Narcissistic Behavior
and Extracurricular Activity Participation in Adolescence. Paper presented at the World Leisure
Conference, University of Otago, Dunedin, NZ, December 12th-15th, 2023.
Jung, D., & Gibson, H. (2023). Exploring the initial motivations and factors contributing
continued participation in cycling events among mid-and-later-life adults. Paper presented at the
7th World Research Summit for Tourism and Hospitality. University of Central Florida, Orlando,
FL December 8-11th, 2023.
Gibson, H., Wu, H. Wynveen, C, Schneider, I., Budruk, M., Hendricks, W., Shinew, K., Stein,
T., & VanderWoude, D. (2023). Neighborhood Physical Activity Patterns during the COVID-19
Pandemic: Understanding the Increase in Participation in 2020-21. Paper presented at the
EASM Conference, Belfast, N. Ireland, UK, September 12th-15th, 2023.
Gibson, H., Mirehie, M. & Flaherty, M. (2023). Conceptions of time among youth sport families:
A reanalysis and retheorization. Paper presented at the Leisure Studies Association Conference,
Bournemouth University, UK, July 11th-13th, 2023.

Jordan, F., & Gibson, H. (2023). Where are we now? Re-visiting the experiences of solo female
travellers in relation to theroetical, tecnological and cultural shifts in the landscape of tourism.
Paper presented at the Women in Tourism Conference, Split, Croatia, April 19-21st, 2023.

Yan, X., & Gibson, H. (2023). Competing Priorities as Constraints of Marathon Runners in
Event Travel Careers: Examining Gender. Paper presented at the Academy of Leisure Sciences
Conference, New Orleans, LA, February 7-9th, 2023.

Blassneck, B., & Gibson, H. (2023). Exploring parent conceptualization of negative behaviors in
children and extracurricular activity. Poster presented at the Academy of Leisure Sciences
Conference, New Orleans, LA, February 7-9th, 2023.

Yan, X., & Gibson, H. (2022). Competing priorities as constraints of marathon runners in
pursuit of event travel careers. Paper presented at the EASM Conference, Innsbruck, Austria
September 5th-9th, 2022.

Zhang, HP. & Gibson, H. (2022). Functions of Autobiographical Memory and Study Abroad.
Paper presented virtually at the Academy of Leisure Sciences Conference, February 28th- March
4th 2022.

Gibson, H., Zhang, HP., Mirehie, M. & Niu, Y. (2022). Revisiting our use of Grounded Theory
Method: Comparing Glaserian, Straussian and Constructivist GMT in Existing Projects. Papers

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 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

presented virtually at the Academy of Leisure Sciences Conference, February 28th- March 4th
2022.

Yan, X. & Gibson, H. (2021). Competing Priorities as Constraints of Marathon Runners in

pursuit of Event Travel Careers. Paper presented virtually at the 6th World Research Summit for
Hospitality and Tourism, University of Central Florida, December 14-15th, 2021.

Manafian, H., Gibson, H. & Almeyda-Zambrano, A. (2021). Branding and pro-conservation

behavior toward agritourism in Florida, integrative leisure constraints model. Paper presented
virtually at the 6th World Research Summit for Hospitality and Tourism, University of Central
Florida, Online, December 14-15th, 2021.

Gibson, H., Niu, Y., & Zhang, H. (2021). Inter-cultural understanding and global citizenship
development through Semester at Sea. Paper presented virtually at the 16th World Leisure
Conference, Pinggu – Beijing China, April 15-21.

Niu, Y., & Gibson, H. (2021). An investigation of family of origin on later life tourism
preferences, constraints and facilitators. Paper presented at virtually The Academy of Leisure
Sciences Conference, Virtual, February 8th-19th, 2021.

Zhang, H., & Gibson, H. (2021). Long-Term Global Citizenship Development through Short-
Term Study Abroad Programs. Paper presented at virtually The Academy of Leisure Sciences
Conference, Virtual, February 8th-19th, 2021.

Bomser, R., Gibson, H., & Zhang, H. (2020). The Impact of Short-Term Study Abroad
Experiences on Career Choice. Paper presented at the Virtual Undergraduate Scholars
Symposium, University of Florida, April 2nd, 2020.

Niu, Y., & Gibson, H. (2020). Who are you indeed? Exploring the ‘self’ in leisure-travel among
older adults. Paper presented at The TALS Conference, Champaign-Urbana, IL, February 11-
14, 2020.

Niu, Y. & Gibson, H. (2020). Lifespan psychology and life course sociology: an integration in
leisure and human development research. Panel presentation at The TALS Conference,
Champaign-Urbana, IL, February 11-14, 2020.

Zhang, H & Gibson, H. (2020). Cognitive Development in the Context of Study Abroad. Panel
presentation at The TALS Conference, Champaign-Urbana, IL, February 11-14, 2020.

Gibson, H., Kleiber, D., Niu, Y., Mills, M., Zhang, H., & Meerts, L. (2020). Exploring leisure
from a developmental approach: Showcasing theories and implications for/from research.
Refereed panel presentation. The TALS Conference, Champaign-Urbana, IL, February 11-14,
2020.

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 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

Mirehie, M., Gibson, H. Buning, R. & Coble, C. (2019). Youth- sports travel and flow-on
tourism: Comparing Florida and Indiana. Paper presented at the 5th World Research Summit for
Hospitality and Tourism, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, December 13th-16th, 2019.

Niu, Y. & Gibson, H. (2019). Contextualizing senior tourist preferences within the passage of
their lives: A life course perspective. Paper presented at the 5th World Research Summit for
Hospitality and Tourism, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, December 13th-16th, 2019.

Zhang, H. & Gibson, H. (2019). Towards and understanding of decision-making in choosing a

study abroad program. Poster presented at the 5th World Research Summit for Hospitality and
Tourism, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, December 13th-16th, 2019.

Gibson, H., & Mirehie, M. (2019). Youth sport-event tourism: Logistics, resources and
“tournacations”. Paper presented at the European Association of Sport Management
Conference, Seville, Spain, September 3rd-6th 2019.

Gibson, H., Niu, Y. Mirehie, M. & Henderson, K. (2019). A five year integrative review of the
leisure and gender literature: Part six of a 40 year project. Paper presented at the Leisure studies
Association Conference, Dundee, Scotland, July 9-11th, 2019.

Gibson, H. (2019). Gender and Place-making. Paper presented as part of a panel on Place-
making, Leisure and Wellbeing. Stewart, W., Glover, T. Shipley, N. Niu, Y. & Gibson, H.
presented at The Academy of Leisure Sciences, Conference, Greenville, SC, February 26-March
1st, 2019.

Niu, Y. & Gibson, H. (2019). Leisure in neighborhood and place attachment among older
adults. Paper presented at The Academy of Leisure Sciences, Conference, Greenville, SC,
February 26-March 1st, 2019.

Zhang, H., & Gibson, H. (2019). Liminoid, identity development, and the study abroad
experience. Paper presented at The Academy of Leisure Sciences, Conference, Greenville, SC,
February 26-March 1st, 2019.

Mirehie, M., & Gibson, H. (2019). Women’s participation in skiing and snowboarding as
physically active leisure. Paper presented at The Academy of Leisure Sciences, Conference,
Greenville, SC, February 26-March 1st, 2019.

Niu, Y. & Gibson, H. (2018). Neighborhood social spaces and subjective well-being of older
adults. Paper presented at the 15th World Leisure Congress, Sao Paulo, Brazil, August 28th –
September 1st, 2018.

Zhang, H., & Gibson, H. (2018). The power of “Active Experimentation”: Assessing study
abroad programs. Paper presented at the 15th World Leisure Congress, Sao Paulo, Brazil, August
28th – September 1st, 2018.

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 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

Jordan, F., & Gibson, H. (2018). Who are you looking at now? Revisiting the experiences of solo
female travellers to explore the impact of digital technologies. Paper presented at the Leisure
Studies Association Conference, Bath, UK July 10th-12th, 2018.

Mirehie, M. & Gibson, H. (2018). Destination Attribute Preferences of Active Snow Sport
Tourists: Insights on Female Participants. Paper presented by M. Mirehie at the TTRA
Conference, Miami, FL, June 25th-28th, 2018.

Niu, Y., Mirehie, M. & Gibson, H. (2018). Leisure and well-being: concepts, measurements, and
new directions. Workshop and paper presented at The Academy of Leisure Sciences Research
and Teaching Symposium, Indianapolis, IN, February 20-22nd, 2018.

Zhang, H., Zhou, Y., Stodolska, M. & Gibson, H. (2018) Chinese International Students’ Social
Capital and Leisure Engagements. Poster presentation presented at The Academy of Leisure
Sciences Research and Teaching Symposium, Indianapolis, IN, February 20-22nd, 2018.

Niu, Y., Wang, D., & Gibson, H. (2017). Leisure Constraints of Urban Chinese Older Adults: A
Case Study of Suzhou. Poster presented at the 21st IAGG World Congress of Gerontology and
Geriatrics, San Francisco, California, July 23-27, 2017

Mirehie, M., & Gibson, H. (2017). Women’s Participation in Snow Sport Tourism and Sense of
Well-being. Paper presented at the 4th Research Summit for Tourism and Hospitality, Orlando,
FL, December 8-11th, 2017.

Cho, I., & Gibson, H. (2017). Tourism, motivation, travel risk, perceptions and intentions to
attend the 2018 Olympic Games. Paper presented at the 4th Research Summit for Tourism and
Hospitality, Orlando, FL, December 8-11th, 2017.

Gibson, H., Mirehie, M. & Flaherty, M. (2017). Insights on time among families of elite-youth
sport participants. Paper presented at the Leisure Studies Association Conference, Leeds, UK
July 4-6th, 2017.

Kim, A. & Gibson, H. Understanding the Domains and Roles of Fit in Sport Event Sponsorship.
Poster presented at the NASSM Conference, Orlando, FL May 30 - June 3, 2017. Runner up in
NASSM Student Paper Award.

Niu, Y., Wang, D., & Gibson, H. (2017). Evolution and Spatial Reproduction of Tourism Spaces
in Historical Streets from Postmodern Consumer Demands: Insights from Suzhou, China. Paper
presented at the Canadian Congress on Leisure Research, Waterloo, Canada, May 23rd-27th.

Mirehie, M., Gibson, H., Sagas, M., & Flaherty, M. (2017). Ethnography on an Electronic
Discussion Forum: Insights and Lessons Learned. Paper presented at the Academy of Leisure
Sciences Research Institute, Indianapolis, IN February 8th-10th, 2017.

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 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

Buning, R. & Gibson, H. (2017). Leisure and Experiential Progression: A Workshop on the
Trajectory of Leisure Activity. Paper presented at the Academy of Leisure Sciences Research
Institute, Indianapolis, IN February 8th-10th, 2017.

Mirehie, M. & Gibson, H. (2016). Developing a Grounded Theory of Women’s Experiences of

Snow Sport Participation. Paper presented at the NASSS conference, Tampa, FL November 2nd-
5th, 2016.

Gibson, H., Berdychevsky, L., & Bell, H. (2016). Insights from women’s sport participation:
Implications for programing and management. Paper presented at the NRPA Research
Symposium, held in conjunction with the NRPA Congress, St Louis, MI, October 4th-7th, 2016.

Buning, R. & Gibson, H. (2016). Competitive orientation in cycling tourism: Motive and travel
behavior. Paper presented as part of the workshop on Sport Participation and Active Sport
Tourism over the Lifespan held at the EASM Conference, Warsaw, Poland, September 7th-10th,
2016.

Gibson, H. & Kendall, A. (2016). Fathering in the context of family holidays: The experiences of
non-resident dads. Paper presented at the Leisure Studies Association Conference, Liverpool
John Moores University, Liverpool, UK, July 5-7th, 2016.

Gibson, H. & Kendall, A. (2016). Travelling with Dad: Exploring the leisure-travel experiences
of non-resident fathers. Paper presented at the World Leisure Congress, Durban, South Africa
June 27th-30th 2016.

Gibson, H., Walker, M., Thapa, B., Kaplanidou, K., Geldenhuys, S., & Coetzee, W. (2016).
Psychic income and social capital among residents: A pre-post analysis of the 2010 FIFA World
Cup in South Africa. Paper presented at the 2016 Southeast Africanist Network/ Southeastern
Regional Seminar on African Studies, Annual Meeting, Gainesville, Florida, February 5-6th,
2016.

Mirehie, M., Gibson, H., Khoo-Lattimore, C., & Prayag, G. (2015). Examining the Importance of
Hotel Amenities and Services for US Girlfriend Getaways: An Exploratory Study. Paper
presented at the 3rd International Tourism and Hospitality Conference, Orlando, FL December
15-18th 2015.

Mirehie, M., Gibson, H., Kang, S., & Bell. H. (2015). Children’s participation in organized
sport: Impacts on family life. Paper presented at the National Recreation and Park Association
Congress, Las Vegas, NV September 16-18th, 2015.

Buning, R., & Gibson, H., (2015). The role of travel conditions in organizing participant sport
events. Paper presented at the National Recreation and Park Association Congress, Las Vegas,
NV September 16-18th, 2015.

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 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

Gibson, H., & Fairley, S. (2015). Small-scale sport events: A critical review of the literature and
future directions. Paper presented at the European Association of Sport Management
Conference, Dublin, Ireland, September 9th-12th, 2015.

Gibson, H., Mirehie, M., Bell, H. & Kang, K. (2015). Parental perceptions of children’s
participation in youth sport: A focus on family life. Paper presented at the Leisure Studies
Association Conference, Bournemouth, UK, July 7th-9th, 2015.

Buning, R., & Gibson, H., (2015). The Motivational Trajectory of Active Sport Event Travel
Careers: A Social Worlds Perspective. Paper presented by Dr. Buning at the North American
Society for Sport Management Conference, Ottawa, Canada, June 2nd- 6 th, 2015.

Berdychevsky, L., & Gibson, H. (2014). Sex and Risk in Women’s Tourist Experiences: Context,
Likelihood, and Consequences. Paper presented at the 11th New Zealand Tourism and Hospitality
Research Conference, University of Waikato, Hamilton, NZ, December 9-12th, 2014.

Berdychevsky, L. & Gibson, H. (2014). Women's Sexual Sensation-Seeking and Risk-Taking in

Tourism. Paper presented at the Leisure Research Symposium, National Recreation and Park
Association Congress, Charlotte, NC, October 14-16th, 2014.

Heere, B., Walker, M., Gibson, H., Thapa, B. Geldenhuys, S., & Coetzee, W. (2014). The social
impact of the South African World Cup 2010: Using importance as a measure to understand
ethnic and national identity. Paper presented at the World Association of Sport Management
Conference, Madrid, Spain, October 1-3rd, 2014.

Berdychevsky, L. & Gibson, H. (2014). Health, risk and sexual behavior: Facilitating and
inhibiting factors of young women’s sexual risk taking in tourism. Paper presented at the World
Leisure Congress, Mobile Al. September 7- 12th, 2014.

Mirehie, M., Buning, R. & Gibson, H.(2014). Participation or Non-Participation: The Case of
Small-Scale Sport Events. Paper presented at the World Leisure Congress, Mobile Al. September
7- 12th, 2014.

Mirehie, M. & Gibson, H. (2014). Examining Ski and Snowboard Tourists’ Satisfaction and
Revisit Intention An Exploratory Study Paper presented at the World Leisure Congress, Mobile
Al. September 7- 12th, 2014.

Strange, H., & Gibson, H. (2014). Was my study abroad a waste of time? Transformative
learning in short-term programmes. Paper presented at the 11th BUTEX International
Conference, University of East Anglia, Norwich, England, July 7-9th, 2014.

Buning, R., & Gibson, H. (2014). The evolution of cycling active sport event travel careers.
Paper presented at the NASSM Conference, Pittsburgh, PA, Student Paper Award Finalist.
May 28-31st, 2014.

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 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

Berdychevsky, L., & Gibson, H. (2014). Different types of sexual risk-takers among young
female tourists. Paper presented by Dr Berdychevsky at the 15th Canadian Congress on Leisure
Sciences, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, May 21-23rd, 2014.

Berdychevsky, L., & Gibson, H. (2013). Phenomenology of women’s sexual-risk taking in

tourism. Paper presented at the 2nd World Research Summit for Tourism and Hospitality:
Crossing the Bridge, Orlando, FL, December 15-17th, 2013. Best Paper Award.

Gibson, H., Berdychevsky, L., & Bell, H. (2013). All female sport tourist experiences: Sport as a
purpose and a means. Paper presented at the Sport Management Association of Australia and
New Zealand, Dunedin, New Zealand, November 20-22nd, 2013.

Berdychevsky, L., Gibson, H., & Bell, H. (2013). Girlfriend getaways as an ambivalent term:
discourse analysis. Paper presented at the National Recreation and Park Association Congress,
Houston, TX, October 8th-10th, 2013.

Bell, H., & Gibson, H. (2013). Cohesion in women’s sport experiences. Paper presented at the
Leisure and recreation Association of South Africa conference. Durban, South Africa,
September 16-19th, 2013.

Gibson, H., Buning, R., Weinberg, M. (2013). Social capital, enduring involvement and charity
motive among runners: comparing event and non-event participants. Paper presented at the 21st
European Sport Management Association Congress, Istanbul, Turkey, September 11-15th, 2013.

Berdychevsky, L., Nimrod, G. , Kleiber, D. , & Gibson, H. (2012). Sex as Leisure in the Shadow
of Depression, Paper presented at the National Recreation and Park Association Congress,
Anaheim, CA, October 15th-18th, 2012. Leisure Research Symposium Student Paper of the
Year Award.

Bell, H. & Gibson, H. (2012). Exploring teammate relationships in women’s wilderness

canoeing: The Yukon River Quest. Paper presented at the XII World Leisure Congress, Rimini,
Italy, September 30th -October 3rd, 2012.

Berdychevsky, L., & Gibson, H. (2012). Sexual risk-taking in tourism: Young women’s
perspectives. Paper presented at the XII World Leisure Congress, Rimini, Italy, September 30th -
October 3rd, 2012.

Chang, S., & Gibson, H. (2012). Different types of loyalty and the leisure-tourism connection.
Paper presented at the XII World Leisure Congress, Rimini, Italy, September 30th -October 3rd,
2012.

Gibson, H., Walker, M., Thapa, B., Kaplanidou, K., Geldenhuys, S., & Coetzee, W. (2012).
Psychic income and social capital among residents: A pre-post exploratory analysis of the 2010
FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Presented at the European Association for Sport Management
Conference, Aalborg, Denmark, September 18-21, 2012.

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 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

Gibson, H., Bell, H., Tarrant, M., Perry, L., & Stoner, L. (2012). Learning sustainability in a
global context. Paper presented at the Leisure Studies Association Conference – Leisure Living
Learning: Education in sport, tourism and the outdoors. Edinburgh, Scotland, July 17-19th, 2012.

Walker, M., Heere, B., Gibson, H., Thapa, B., Geldenhuys, S., & Coetzee, W. (2012). The power
of sport to unite a nation: The social value of the 2010 South African World Cup. Paper
presented at the North American Society for Sport Management Conference, Seattle, WA, May
23-26th, 2012.

Bell, H., Gibson, H., & Dawson, W. (2012). A different perspective: Using duo ethnography to
examine friendship. Presented at the Third TQR Conference, Fort Lauderdale, FL, January 12-
14th, 2012.

Gibson, H., Berdychevsky, L., & Bell, H. (2011). Girl Friend Getaways over the Life Course:
Change and Continuity. Paper presented at the Australia and New Zealand Leisure Studies
Association Conference, Dunedin, NZ, December 6th-8th, 2011.

Kang, SJ., & Gibson, H. (2011). Participation in pre and post travel activities of senior
educational travelers. Paper presented at the Australia and New Zealand Leisure Studies
Association Conference, Dunedin, NZ, December 6th-8th, 2011.

Berdychevsky, L., Bell, H., & Gibson, H. (2011). The link between girlfriend getaways and
women’s well-being. Paper presented at the Leisure Research Symposium, National Recreation
and Parks Association Congress, Atlanta, GA, November 1-4th, 2011.

Chang, S., & Gibson, H. (2011). Physically active and non-active: Comparing four types of
leisure tourism connection. Paper presented at the Leisure Research Symposium, National
Recreation and Parks Association Congress, Atlanta, GA, November 1-4th, 2011.

Lepp, A., & Gibson, H. (2011). Tourism and South Africa: effects of watching the World Cup.
Paper presented at the Leisure Research Symposium, National Recreation and Parks Association
Congress, Atlanta, GA, November 1-4th, 2011.

Gibson, H., Kang, S., Walker, M., Kaplanidou, K., Thapa, B., Geldenhuys, S., & Coetzee, W.
(2011). Four sport tourist fan types: 2010 World Cup, Flow-on tourism & other attributes. Paper
presented at the 19th Conference of the European Association of Sport Management, Madrid,
Spain, September 7-10th, 2011.

Gibson, H., Walker, M., Kaplanidou, K., Thapa, B., Geldenhuys, S., & Coetzee, W. (2011). The
Perceived Social Impact of the 2010 FIFA World Cup: Resident Perceptions from One Host
City. Paper presented at the International Society for the Sociology of Sport Congress, Havana,
Cuba July 10th-18th, 2011.

Berdychevsky, L., & Gibson, H. (2011). Identity in women’s tourist experiences. Paper presented
at the Leisure Studies Association Conference, Southampton, UK, July 5-7th, 2011.

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 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

Berdychevsky, L., & Gibson, H., (2011). Inversion of roles in women’s sexual behavior in
tourism as a technology of the self. Paper presented at the 4th Critical Tourism Conference,
Cardiff, Wales, UK July 2-5th, 2011.

Chang, S., Gibson, H., Sisson, L., (2011). The role of satisfaction and involvement in loyalty:
Comparing residents and tourists. Paper presented at the Travel and Tourism Research
Association Conference, London, ON Canada, June 19-21, 2011.

Kaplanidou, K., Gibson, H., Karadakis, K., Walker, M., Thapa, B., Geldenhuys, S., & Coetzee,
W., Quality of Life as a Mediator Between Event Impacts and Mega Event Support Among South
African Residents: The 2010 FIFA World CupTM .Paper presented at the Travel and Tourism
Research Association Conference, London, ON Canada, June 19-21, 2011.

Berdychevsky, L., Bell, H., & Gibson, H. (2011). “Woman to woman time”: An exploratory
study of girlfriend getaways. Paper presented at the 13th Canadian Congress on Leisure Research,
Brock University, St Catherine’s Canada, May 18-21st, 2011.

Henderson, K., Bocarro, J., Scott, D., & Gibson, H. (2011). Preparing future professoriate:
Trends and Issues. Panel presentation at the Teaching Institute, University of Georgia, February
17th-19th, 2011.
Bell, H., Koro-Ljungberg, M., & Gibson, H., (2011). So now what? Reflections on visual
analysis. Paper presented at the TQM Conference, Fort Lauderdale, FL January 6th-8th, 2011.

Bell, H., & Gibson, H. (2010). Breast cancer survivor sport tourism: Dragon boat paddling
experiences. Paper presented at the Gerontological Society of America Annual Congress, New
Orleans, LA, November 17-21st 2010.

Lepp, A., Gibson, H., & Lane, C. (2010). The impact of a tourism website on motivations and
constraints. Paper presented in the 2010 Leisure Research Symposium held in conjunction with
the National Recreation and Parks Association Congress, Minneapolis, MN, October 25th-29th,
2010.

Berdychevsky, L., & Gibson, H. (2010). Motivations, benefits and constraints of women’s tourist
experiences. Paper presented in the 2010 Leisure Research Symposium held in conjunction with
the National Recreation and Parks Association Congress, Minneapolis, MN, October 25th-29th,
2010.

Bell, H., Gibson, H., & Tarrant, M. (2010). Everyone’s problem across the world:
Environmental perspectives from study abroad. Paper presented in the 2010 Leisure Research
Symposium held in conjunction with the National Recreation and Parks Association Congress,
Minneapolis, MN, October 25th-29th, 2010.

Gibson, H., Fairley, S., & Leivadi, S. (2010). Athens 2004: A longitudinal study of sports
infrastructure and tourism legacies. Paper presented at the 18th European Sport Management
Conference, Prague, Czech Republic, September 15-18th, 2010.

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 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

Gibson, H. (2010). Sport tourism: Asking the difficult questions. Paper presented at the 11th
World Leisure Congress, Chuncheon, South Korea, August 28th – September 2nd, 2010.

Chang, S., & Gibson, H. (2010). Investigating active participants in active leisure and tourism
activities: The influence of leisure involvement and leisure habit on the leisure-tourism
connection. Paper presented at the 11th World Leisure Congress, Chuncheon, South Korea,
August 28th – September 2nd, 2010.

Berdychevsky, L., Gibson, H., Poria, Y., & Uriely, N. (2010). Losing or just loosening the
bridle? Women’s sexual behavior in tourist experiences. Paper presented at the 11th World
Leisure Congress, Chuncheon, South Korea, August 28th – September 2nd, 2010.

Chang, S., & Gibson, H. (2010). Comparing the active and non-active leisure-tourism
connection: Leisure Involvement, Leisure Habit, Tourism Motivation and Tourism behavior.
Paper presented at the 2010 Annual Travel and Tourism Research Association Conference, San
Antonio, Texas, June 20-22, 2010.

Gibson, H. (2010). Active sport tourism in mid and later life: The case of Bike Florida. Paper
presented at the Centre for Recreation Research 2010 Symposium, University of Otago,
Dunedin, NZ, March 18th-19th, 2010.

Gibson, H., Kaplanidou, K., Thapa, B., Kang, S. Bell, H., & Chang, S. (2010). Small-Scale Sport
Tourism as a Sustainable Legacy of Mega-Events: A Key Component of a Successful National
Sport Tourism Strategy. Paper presented at the Colloquium on mega-event sustainability held in
conjunction with the International Summit on Tourism, Sport and Mega-events, Johannesburg,
South Africa February, 24th, 2010.

Tarrant, M., Raychaudhuri, U., Stoner, L., Bell, H., & Gibson, H. (2010). Nurturing global
citizenship through educational travel. Paper presented at the Australia New Zealand Leisure
Studies Conference, Brisbane, Australia, February 2nd-4th February 2010.

Bell, H., Gibson, H. & Singleton, J. (2009). Photo Elicitation: Photography in Qualitative
Interviewing. Paper presented with the Qualitative Research Interest Group of the
Gerontological Society of America Annual Congress, Atlanta, GA, November 18-22, 2009.

Lepp, A., Gibson, H., & Lane, C. (2009). Ugandan Tourism: Destination image and perceived
risk. Paper presented at the Leisure Research Symposium held in conjunction with the National
Recreation and Park Association Congress, Salt Lake City, UT, October 13-16, 2009.

Chang, S. & Gibson, H. (2009). Examining the relationship between active leisure and active
sport tourism. Paper presented at the Leisure Research Symposium held in conjunction with the
National Recreation and Park Association Congress, Salt Lake City, UT, October 13-16, 2009.

Bell, H., Singleton, J., & Gibson, H. (2009). Women 50 and over and outrigger canoe paddling.
Paper presented at the Leisure Research Symposium held in conjunction with the National
Recreation and Park Association Congress, Salt Lake City, UT, October 13-16, 2009.

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 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

Bell, H., & Gibson, H. (2009). “It opened my eyes: Student perspectives on study abroad. Poster
presented at the Leisure Research Symposium held in conjunction with the National Recreation
and Park Association Congress, Salt Lake City, UT, October 13-16, 2009.

Gibson, H., Kaplanidou, K., Kang, Sung Jin, Chang, S., & Bell, H. (2009). Small-Scale Event
Sport Tourism: A Case Study of Six Events. Paper presented at the 17th Annual European Sport
Management Conference, Amsterdam, Netherlands, September 16-19th, 2009.

Gibson, H., Chang, S., & Kang, Sung Jin, (2009). Reconceptualizing active sport tourism
participation: Contextualizing tourism behavior within active lifestyles. Paper presented at the
International Conference on Tourism Development and Management. Kos, Greece, September
11-14th, 2009.

Gibson, H., Chang, S., Kang, S., & Jun, S. (2009). Insights on running and hosting a small
regional marathon. Presented at the International Conference on Festivals and Events Research.
Orlando, FL, January 18th -21st, 2009.

Kang, S. Sargeant, D., & Gibson, H. (2008). Talking cycling in mid and later life: Insights on
participation. Paper presented at the Leisure Research Symposium of the NRPA Congress,
Baltimore, MD, October 14th-17th 2008.

Trujillo, J. & Gibson, H. (2008). Leisure meanings and experiences of young adults: A cross-
cultural analysis. Paper presented at the Leisure Research Symposium of the NRPA Congress,
Baltimore, MD, October 14th-17th 2008.

Jun, S., & Gibson, H. (2008). Impact of Message character and message framing on attitude:
The moderating role of involvement. Paper presented at the 4th Annual Graduate Student Pre-
conference Research Symposium TTRA Canada Chapter, Victoria, Canada October 16th-18th
2008. Student paper award winner.

Gibson, H., Kang, S. & Kaplanidou, K. (2008). Social world participation in archery. Paper
presented at the World Leisure Congress, Quebec, Canada, October 5th-11th 2008.

Kang, S., & Gibson, H., (2008). Experiences of educational travel programs for older adults.
Paper presented at the World Leisure Congress, Quebec, Canada, October 5th-11th 2008.

Kaplanidou, K. & Gibson, H. (2008). Differences between first time and repeat spectators of a
youth soccer event: Intentions and image approaches. Paper presented at the European
Association of Sport Management Conference, Heidelberg, Germany September 10th-13th, 2008.

Gibson, H., Chang, S., & Ashton-Shaeffer, C. (2007). “You get to travel:” A Look at the
Touristic Aspects of Senior Games Participation.” Paper presented at the Gerontological Society
of America Congress, San Francisco, CA, November 16th-20th, 2007.

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 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

Chang, S., Kang, S., & Gibson, H. (2007). Physically Active in Mid and Later Life: Senior
Games, Involvement, Motivations and Social Worlds. Paper presented at the Leisure Research
Symposium held in conjunction with the National Recreation and Parks Congress, Indianapolis,
IN, September 25th- 29th, 2007.

Chang, S., & Gibson, H. (2007). What do participants like and dislike about a small-scale active
sport tourism event? Bike Florida 2005. Paper presented at the North American Society for Sport
Management Congress, Ft Lauderdale, FL, May 30th- June 3rd, 2007.

Gibson, H., Gitelson, R., & Ashton-Shaeffer, C. (2006). “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks”
or can you? Re-exploring sport participation patterns in mid to later life. Paper presented at the
Gerontological Society of America Conference, Dallas, TX, November 16-20th, 2006.

Gibson, H., Ashton-Shaeffer, C., Kang, S., & Chang, S. (2006). Women’s Roles in Life and
Leisure in Rural Florida Revisited. Paper presented at the World Leisure Congress, Hangzhou,
China, October 16-20th, 2006.

Lepp, A., & Gibson, H. (2006). Sensation Seeking and Tourism Revisited: Tourist Role, Risk,
and Destination Choice. Paper presented (by A. Lepp) at the Leisure Research Symposium held
in conjunction with the National Recreation and Parks Association Congress, Seattle, WA
October 9-14th, 2006.

Gibson, H., Chang, S., & Qi, C. (2006). Bike Florida 2005: A Case Study in Active Sport
Tourism in Mid to Later life. Poster presented at the Leisure Research Symposium held in
conjunction with the National Recreation and Parks Association Congress, Seattle, WA October
9-14th, 2006.

Sampson, T., & Gibson, H. (2006). Therapeutic Recreation Needs Assessment in Hospitalized
Adolescents. Paper presented at the Research Institute of the American Therapeutic Recreation
Association Conference, Orlando, FL September 14-18th, 2006.

Papadimitriou, D., Gibson, H., & Pappas, N. (2006). Understanding the destination images-
travel frequency relationship: Evidence from the ski industry. Paper presented at the 14th
European Association of Sport Management Congress, Nicosia, Cyprus, September 6-9th, 2006.

Gibson, H. (2006). New directions in active sport tourism. Roundtable presentation: Research
directions in sport and tourism. 14th European Association of Sport Management Congress,
Nicosia, Cyprus, September 6-9th, 2006.

Qi, C., Gibson, H., Zhang, J. (2006). Perceptions of Risk and Travel Intentions: China and the
2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Paper presented at the North American Society of Sport
Management conference, Kansas City, MI, June 1-4th 2006.

Gibson, H. (2005). Leisure in later life: More than free-time or activity. Symposium for the
Gerontological Society of America 58th Scientific Meeting, Orlando, Fl, November 18-22, 2005.

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 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

Kensinger, K. Gibson, H., Ashton-Shaeffer, C., Anderson, S.C. (2005) "Friends like me." Paper
presented to the Leisure Research Symposium in conjunction with the National Recreation and
Parks Association's National Congress. San Antonio, TX. October, 2005.

Kensinger, K., Ashton-Shaeffer, C., Gibson, H., & Anderson, S.C. (2005). Leisure as a reflection
of Normalcy: Leisure in the lives of young adults with developmental disabilities. A paper
presented to the research institute at the American Therapeutic Recreation Association Annual
Conference. Salt Lake City, UT. October 2005.

Gibson, H., & Pennington-Gray, L. (2005). Understanding golf tourism: Insights from role
theory. Paper presented at the 13th Congress of the European Sport Management Conference,
Newcastle, UK, September 7-10, 2005.

Papadimitriou, D., Gibson, H., & Vasioti, E. (2005). Applying the concept of social world to the
study of winter sport tourists. Paper presented at the 13th Congress of the European Sport
Management Conference, Newcastle, UK, September 7-10, 2005.

Wilson, A., & Gibson, H. (2005). Something old, something new: Motivations of nostalgia sport
tourists at Wrigley Field. Paper presented at the North American Society of Sport Management
Conference, Regina, Sakatchewan, Canada, June 1-4, 2005.

Yonemaru, M., & Gibson, H. (2005). “Travel takes me to a more dynamic world:” Meanings of
leisure-travel among mid to late life Japanese women. Paper presented at the Eleventh Canadian
Congress on Leisure Research. Malaspina University-College, Nanaimo, BC Canada, May 17-
20, 2005.

Gibson, H., Green, J., & Ashton-Shaeffer, C. “A place to meet up with people you know:”
Leisure as the context for friendship among older rural women. Paper presented at the
Gerontological Society of America 57th Annual Scientific Meeting, Washington DC, November
19-23, 2004.

Gibson, H., Ashton-Shaeffer, C., Green, J., Nice, B., & Chang, S. Life and leisure in six small
rural towns: insights from later life women. Paper presented at the 8th World Leisure Congress,
Brisbane, Australia, September 12-17, 2004.

Green, J., Ashton-Shaeffer, C., & Gibson, H. “I would be mighty lonesome if I didn’t have
them:” Friendships and leisure among older women. Paper presented at the 8th World Leisure
Congress, Brisbane, Australia, September 12-17, 2004.

Gibson, H., Kensinger, K., & Ashton-Shaeffer, C. (2004). Senior games: Docile bodies or
resignified subjectivities. Paper presented at the 2004 Pre-Olympic Congress, Thessalonkiki,
Greece, August 6-12, 2004.

Sklar, S. L., & Gibson, H. (2004). Self-Determination and the Adventure Experience: A Study of
Female Adolescents. Presented at the Coalition for Education in the Outdoors Research
Symposium, Martinsville, IN, January 9-11.

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 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

Gibson, H. Leisure in later life. Paper presented at the Gerontological Society of America 56th
Annual Scientific Meeting, San Diego, CA, November 21-25, 2003.

Pochurek, J., & Gibson, H., Hosts’ perspectives of authenticity: The Greek community and
Tarpon Springs, Florida. Paper presented at the Leisure Research Symposium of the National
Recreation and Parks Association Congress, St Louis, MO, October 21-25, 2003.

Sanders, G., & Gibson, H., Coming out: Gay men’s use of travel in identity formation and
confirmation. Paper presented at the Leisure Research Symposium of the National Recreation
and Parks Association Congress, St Louis, MO, October 21-25, 2003.

Gibson, H., Williams, S., & Pennington-Gray, L. Destination images and benefits sought from
an international ski and snowboard trip: A follow-up study. Paper presented at the European
Association for Sport Management Congress, Stockholm, Sweden, September 10-13, 2003.

Murdy, J., Gibson, H., & Yiannakis, A. The confounding effects of demographic variables in
predicting nature-based tourist roles. Paper presented at the 34th Travel and Tourism Research
Association Conference, St. Louis, MO, June 15-18, 2003.

Peters, L.; H. Gibson, & Pennington-Gray, L. (2003). Motivations of Backpackers through

Europe. Poster presentation at the 15th Annual Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium,
Bolton Landing, New York, April 6-8.

Gibson, H., Ashton-Shaeffer, C., Green, J. Placing leisure into our understanding of the
retirement experiences of women. Paper presented at the Gerontological Society of America 55th
Annual Scientific Meeting, Boston, MA, November 22-25, 2002.

Jordan, F. & Gibson, H. Shirley Valentine revisited: Reconceptualizing the experiences of solo
women travelers. Paper presented at the Seventh World Leisure Congress, Kuala Lumpur,
October 21-25th, 2002.

Ashton-Shaeffer, C., Gibson, H., & Kensinger, K. Being a Senior Athlete: Staying Active and
Healthy while Breaking Stereotypes.' Paper presented at the Seventh World Leisure Congress,
Kuala Lumpur, October 21-25th, 2002.

Willming, C., Anderson, S., Gibson, H., & Pennington-Gray, L. Perceived racial discrimination
and the leisure-travel behaviors of African Americans. Paper presented at the Leisure Research
Symposium, National Recreation and Park Association Congress, Tampa, FL, October 16-19th,
2002.

Gibson, H., Ashton-Shaeffer, C., & Kensinger, K. “It wouldn’t be long before I’d be friends with
an undertaker:” What it means to be a senior athlete. Paper presented at the Leisure Research
Symposium, National Recreation and Park Association Congress, Tampa, FL, October 16-19th,
2002.

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 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

Jordan, F. & Gibson, H. Sun, sea, sand, but most of all sex: discourses of the productive
consumption of tourism as sexualised space(s). Paper presented at the Leisure Studies
Association Conference, Preston, UK, July 24-26th, 2002.

Murdy, J., & Yiannakis, A., Gibson, H., & Attle, S. Understanding tourist behavior: A
conceptual model. Poster presented at the Travel and Tourism Research Association Conference,
Arlington, VA, June 2002.

Pennington-Gray, L., & Gibson, H. Understanding Golf Tourism: Exploring the Sport and
Tourism Synergy. Paper presented at the North American Society for Sport Management
conference, Canmore, Alberta, May 29-June 2nd, 2002.

Gibson, H., Ashton-Shaeffer, C., Green, J., & Corbin, J. More conversations with older women
about leisure and retirement. Paper presented at the Canadian Congress on Leisure Research,
Edmonton, Alberta, May 22-25th, 2002.

Pennington-Gray, L., Gibson, H., & Lane, C. “Sports Junkies” or Tourists? What College Sports
Fans “Do” When Attending a Game! Paper presented at the Canadian Congress on Leisure
Research, Edmonton, Alberta, May 22-25th, 2002.

Gibson, H., Ashton-Shaeffer, C., Green, J., & Autry, C. “Entitled to a leisure of my own:”
Conversations with retirement-aged women. Paper presented at the Gerontological Society of
America annual conference, Chicago, IL, November 14-18, 2001.

Lepp, A., & Gibson, H. Perceived risk and international travel: A novel prospect or familiar
concern. Paper presented at the Leisure Research Symposium of the National Recreation and
Parks Association Congress, Denver, CO, October 3-6th, 2001.

Gibson, H., Holdnak. A., Willming, C., King, M., Patterson, T., & Copp, C., “We’re Gators not
just a Gator fan:” Serious leisure, social identity and University of Florida football. Paper
presented at the Leisure Research Symposium of the National Recreation and Parks Association
Congress, Denver, CO, October 3-6th, 2001.

Ashton-Shaeffer, C., & Gibson, H. The meaning and centrality of wheelchair sport. Paper
presented at the American Therapeutic Recreation Association Conference, New Orleans,
August 29- September 2, 2001.

Willming, C., Gibson, H., & Holdnak, A. Small-scale event sport tourism: College sport as a
tourist attraction. Paper presented at the Leisure Studies Association Conference, University of
Luton, UK, July 17-19, 2001.

Ashton-Shaeffer, C., Gibson, H., Holt, M., & Willming, C. Empowerment and resistance
through competitive wheelchair sport. Paper presented at the Australia, New Zealand Leisure
Studies Association Conference, Perth, Australia, July 1-4, 2001.

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 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

Gibson, H., Ashton-Shaeffer, C., Green, J., & Autry, C. Conversations with retirement-aged
women about leisure and life. Paper presented at the Fifth Biennial International Conference
Australia, New Zealand Leisure Studies Association Conference, Perth, Australia, July 1-4,
2001.

Mohan, S. & Gibson, H. Learning from Ecotourism: A Model for Sustainable Tourism
Development. Paper presented at the Australia, New Zealand Leisure Studies Association
Conference, Perth, Australia, July 1-4, 2001.

Zidel, J., & Gibson, H. Around Europe in thirty days: Young adults on tour. Poster presentation
at the Travel and Tourism Research Association Conference, Fort Myers, FL, June 10-13th, 2001.

Gibson, H., & Pennington-Gray, L. Destination images and benefits sought from an
international ski trip: A case study in active sport tourism. Paper presented at the North
American Society for Sport Management Conference, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, VA, May30-
June 3, 2001.

Gibson, H., Ashton-Shaeffer, C. & Sanders, G. Older women and Leisure. Paper presented at the
Southern Gerontological Society meeting, Lexington, KY, April 4-7, 2001.

Gibson, H., Ashton-Shaeffer, C. & Sanders, G. The role of leisure in the lives of retirement-aged
women living in Florida. Paper presented at the Successful aging: Women’s health and well-
being in the second 50 years Conference. University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, March 9-10,
2001.

Gibson, H., Ashton-Shaeffer, C. & Sanders, G. It’s all fun and sun.. or is it? Leisure and
retirement in Florida: Women’s experiences. Paper presented at Leisure Research Symposium
of the National Park and Recreation Association Congress, Phoenix, AZ, October 11-15, 2000.

Henderson, K., Bialeschki, D., Gibson, H., Huidi, M., & Kelly, J. Gender inclusion: Still an
issue after all these years? Panel presentation at Trends 2000: Shaping the future. The 5th
Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Trends Symposium, Lansing, MI, September 17-20, 2000.

Gibson, H & Sanders, G. “And you don’t need a passport”: An analysis of the internationally
themed hotels of Las Vegas. Paper presented at the Leisure Studies Association Conference,
Glasgow, Scotland, July 11th-13th, 2000.

Gibson, H., Ashton-Shaeffer, C. & Sanders, G. Leisure in the lives of retirement aged women:
The Florida experience. Paper presented at the World Leisure and Recreation Association
Conference, Bilbao, Spain, July 3-7, 2000.

Yiannakis, A., Attle, S., Gibson, H. & Murdy, J. Factors predicting the selection of tourist
destinations. Paper presented at the ATINER Conference 2nd International conference,
Business Economics, Marketing, Management: Past, present and future, Athens, Greece, June
10, 2000

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 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

Gibson, H. Willming, C. & Holdnak, A. Traveling Gators: A preliminary investigation of fans

who travel to follow the University of Florida football team. Paper presented at the North
American Society for Sport Management Conference, Colorado Springs, CO, May 31st- June 3rd,
2000.

Blais, D. Attle, S. Gibson, H. & Servedio, W. Faculty evaluations and tenure: From Carnegie
Tier 1 Research Institutions to teaching colleges. Roundtable presentation at the North American
Society for Sport Management Conference, Phoenix, AZ, May 31st- June 3rd, 2000.

Yiannakis, A., Gibson, H., Attle, S., & Murdy, J. Tourist roles and psychological needs: A time
series analysis. Paper by presented by co-author at the third symposium on social aspects and
recreation research, Tempe, Arizona State University, February 16-19, 2000.

Jordan, F. & Gibson, H. Whose space is this anyway? The experiences of solo women travellers.
Paper presented by co-author at the Institute of British Geographers Annual Conference,
University of Sussex, Brighton, UK, January 4th-7th, 2000.

Gibson, H. Tales from the road: Travel experiences of women drifters. Paper presented at the
Leisure Research Symposium, National Parks and Recreation Association Conference,
Nashville, TN, October 20-23, 1999.

Sanders, G. & Gibson, H. Place and space; Travel experiences of gay men aged 30-45. Paper
presented at “Just” Leisure? Ethics, equity and professional development: the Leisure Studies
Association 1999 Conference, Cheltenham and Gloucester College of HE, Cheltenham, UK, July
13-15, 1999.

Feigenbaum, A. & Gibson, H. Images of Greenland-symbols of transformation: The use of

symbolic images of transformation in tourism marketing materials. Paper presented at the Ninth
Canadian Congress on Leisure Research, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada,
May 12-15, 1999.

Willming, C. & Gibson, H. A view of family life in the 1990s. Paper presented at the Ninth
Canadian Congress on Leisure Research, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada,
May 12-15, 1999.

Gibson, H. The Role of Leisure-travel in the “Golden Years”. Paper presented at “Miami North”
Pre-conference symposium for the Ninth Canadian Congress on Leisure Research, Acadia
University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada, May 12-15, 1999.

Gibson, H. Travelling seniors: An investigation of the leisure-travel patterns of older adults.

Paper presented at the Fifth Congress of the World Leisure and Recreation Association, Sao
Paulo, Brazil, October 26-30, 1998.

Gibson, H. & Jordan, F. Shirley Valentine Lives! The experiences of solo women travelers. Paper
presented at the Fifth Congress of the World Leisure and Recreation Association, Sao Paulo,
Brazil, October 26-30, 1998.

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 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

Gibson, H. The Role of Leisure-travel in the “Golden Years”. Paper accepted for presentation at
the Leisure Research Symposium, National Parks and Recreation Association Conference,
Miami, FL, September 22-26, 1998. Conference cancelled due to hurricane.

Gibson, H. & Jordan, F. Travelling Solo: A cross-cultural study of British and American Women
aged 30-50. Paper presented at the Fourth International Conference of the Leisure Studies
Association, July 16-20, 1998, Leeds, UK.

Gibson, H. The fitness, sport, and tourism connection. Presented at the North American Society
for the Sociology of Sport Conference, Toronto, Canada, November 5-8, 1997.

Gibson, H. Leisure-based travel patterns of individuals aged 50 years and above. Presented at
the Leisure Research Symposium of the National Parks and Recreation Association Congress,
Salt Lake City, UT, October 28-31, 1997.

Gibson, H. Sport Tourism for all? Presented at the Leisure Studies Association Conference,
Roehampton Institute, London, UK, September 9-11, 1997.

Gibson, H. & Attle, S. Sport tourists, who are they: Some preliminary findings. Presented at the
North American Society for Sport Management Conference, San Antonio, TX, May 28-31, 1997.

Gibson, H. Attle, S. & Yiannakis, A. Segmenting the sport tourist market: A lifespan perspective.
Presented at the International Sport Tourism Conference, Washington DC, March 7-9th, 1997.

Gibson, H. Using lifespan theory to identify individuals likely to take adventure vacations. Paper
presented at the Southeast Recreation Research Conference, Charleston, SC, February 5-7th,
1997.

Yiannakis, A. & Gibson, H. Success and tolerance for deviancy in big time college basketball.
Presented at the North American Society for the Sociology of Sport Conference, Birmingham,
Al, November 13-16, 1996.

Gibson, H. Patterns of Leisure-based Tourist Role Preference for Men and Women over the
Adult Life Course. Paper presented at the World Leisure and Recreation Association Conference,
Cardiff, Wales, July 15th-19th, 1996.

Attle, S. & Gibson, H. The impacts of a successful basketball program on the State of
Connecticut: Some implications for management and marketing. Paper presented at the North
American Society for Sport Management, New Brunswick, Canada, May 29th- June 1st, 1996.

Gibson, H. Thrill seeking vacations: A lifespan perspective. Paper presented at the Canadian
Congress on Leisure Research, Ottawa, Canada, May 8-11, 1996.

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 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

Yiannakis, A. & Gibson, H. “Husky Mania” revisited: Success and changes in support for a big
time athletic program over a ten year span. Paper presented at the North American Society for
the Sociology of Sport Conference, Sacramento, CA November 1-4th ,1995.

Gibson, H. & Yiannakis, A. Tolerance for big time college sports: Does winning matter?
Presented at the Leisure Studies Association Conference, University of Brighton, Eastbourne,
UK, 12-14 September, 1995.

Gibson, H. & Yiannakis, A. Gender differences in tourist role preference. Presented at the
Research Consortium for the 1995 American Alliance for Health, Physical Education,
Recreation, and Dance National Convention, Portland, OR, March 28- April 1 1995.

Gibson, H. & Yiannakis, A. Some characteristics of sport tourists: A life span perspective.
Presented at the North American Society for the Sociology of Sport Conference, Savannah, GA,
November 9-12, 1994.

Gibson, H. Patterns of tourist role preference among three groups of seniors: Ages 55-65, 66-75,
and 76 and over. Presented at the Global Classroom: An International Conference on
Educational Tourism, Montreal, Canada, August 7-10, 1994.

Gibson, H. Tourist role preference among persons aged 55 and over: A preliminary
investigation. Presented at the North American Society for the Sociology of Sport Conference,
Ottawa, Canada, November 3-7, 1993.

Gibson, H. & Yiannakis, A. Patterns of tourist role preference across the life course: Some
gender differences. Presented at the National Parks and Recreation Association Conference, San
Jose, CA, USA, 21-23 October, 1993.

Gibson, H. & Yiannakis, A. Patterns of tourist role preference across the life course. Presented
at the Leisure Studies Association Third International Conference, Loughborough University,
UK, 14-18 July, 1993.

Yiannakis, A., Apostolopoulos, Y., Leivadi, S., & Gibson, H. What vacationers seek in a
destination a comparative study of Greek and American tourists. Presented at the Leisure Studies
Association Third International Conference, Loughborough University, UK, 14-18 July, 1993.

Yiannakis, A., Leivadi, S., & Gibson, H. The search for optimal experience: What Greek tourists
seek on vacation. Presented at HUSITA III International Conference on Information Technology
and the Quality of Life Services, Maastricht, The Netherlands, 15-18 June, 1993.

Gibson, H. & Yiannakis, A. Some correlates of the Sport Lover (Tourist): A life course
perspective. Presented at the North American Society for the Sociology of Sport Conference,
Toledo, OH, USA, November 4-7, 1992.

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 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

Gibson, H., Attle, S., & Yiannakis, A. The relationship between need satisfaction and leisure
activities: A preliminary analysis. Presented at the Northeast Recreation Research Conference
Saratoga Springs, NY, USA, April 5-7, 1992.

Apostolopoulos, Y. & Gibson, H. Intercollegiate athletics and conservatism: Implications for

understanding role conflict among female athletes. Presented at the North American Society for
the Sociology of Sport Conference, Milwaukee, WI, USA, November 6-10, 1991.

Gibson, H., Attle, S., Yiannakis, A. “Husky Mania” A case study: Changes in support for a big
time athletic program before and after the “Dream Season.” Presented at the North American
Society for the Sociology of Sport Conference, Milwaukee, WI, USA, November 6-10, 1991.

Gibson, H. Sex-role identity and the female athlete: Individual and team sports compared.
Presented at the Third Annual Women Studies Conference, University of Connecticut, Storrs,
CT, USA, April 10, 1991.

Gibson, H. & Yiannakis, A. Continuities and discontinuities in tourist role preference over the
life course. Presented at Northeast Recreation Research Conference, Saratoga Springs, NY,
USA, April 7-9, 1991.

Gibson, H. Factors predicting female participation in non-contact, low contact, and high contact
sports: A logistic regression model. Presented at the North American Society for the Sociology
of Sport Conference, Denver, CO, USA, November 7-11, 1990.

Gibson, H. & Tubbs, S. Factors affecting female participation in sport: Some preliminary
findings. Presented at the Second Annual Women Studies Conference, University of
Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA, April 11, 1989.

Yiannakis, A. & Gibson, H. Tourist role preference and need satisfaction over the life course.
Presented at the Second International Conference of the Leisure Studies Association, Sussex
University, Brighton, UK, June 29-July 3, 1988.

Guest Lectures and Invited Presentations

Gibson, H (2020). Research Reflections – Mega vs. Small-Scale Sport Tourism Events:
Implications for Sustainable Community Development. Graduate Student Seminar Virginia Tech
University, October 9th, 2020.

Gibson, H. (2020). Talking about small-scale sport tourism events in the US.
#CCSEConversations – Center for Culture, Sport and Events Seminar Series. University of
Western Scotland, Paisley, Scotland. September 9th, 2020.

Gibson, H. (2020). Panelist – Trends in the development of leisure sciences across the world
(differences and similarities). First webinar of the New Leisure Studies International
Perspectives initiative. A collaboration of seven leisure organizations across the world.
September 4th, 2020.

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 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

Parry, D., Gibson, H., Payne, L. & Shinew, K., (2020). SSCI Publication Workshop. Chinese
International Leisure Research Association Conference. University of Illinois, Champaign-
Urbana, February 11th, 2020.

Gibson, H., Niu, Y. & Zhang, H. (2019). Thinking and researching qualitatively: Grounded
theory method. Department of Tourism, Hospitality & Event Management Symposium, U of
Florida, October 17th, 2019.

Gibson, H. & Jones, I. (2019). Workshop with the editors of Leisure Studies. Leisure Studies
Association Conference, Abertay University, Dundee, Scotland, UK July 9th-11th, 2019.

Baber, O. & Gibson, H. (Advisor) (2019). Does your neighborhood influence how active (or
sedentary) you are? An examination of leisure-time physical activity in the 500 largest US cities.
Poster presentation at the UF College of Health and Human Performance Stanley Lecture
Research Symposium, March 3rd, 2019. First place award for Dept. of TRSM. Subsequently
presented at Florida state-wide graduate symposium.

Gibson, H. (2018). Invited Presentation. "It’s all about us just being girly and silly..." Insights
and best practices for attracting and hosting Girlfriend Getaways. Visit Tampa 4th Annual
Marketing Summit. Tampa, FL December 13th, 2018.

Gibson, H. (2018). Active sport tourism in mid and later life. Invited seminar for the Graduate
Institute of Sport, Leisure and Hospitality, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, October
1st, 2018.

Gibson, H. (2018). Invited Presentation. Economic impact of hospitality and events: An

overview. UF Meeting Planners Workshop. Hosted by UF Meetings and Conventions
Department. September 19th, 2018.

Gibson, H. & Silk, M. & Parry, D. (2018). Editorial workshop for Leisure studies and Leisure
Sciences. Leisure Studies Association Conference, Bath University, UK July 10th-12th, 2018

Gibson, H, Taks, M., Fairley, S., & Lamont, M. (2018) Editorial workshop. Three hour
workshop on publishing process. First Sport Tourism Conference, Shanghai, China April 26th-
28th 2018.

Gibson, H. (2018). A Critical Examination of Mega vs Small-scale Sport Events: Future

Directions? Invited seminar speaker for the School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan Ann
Arbor, January 18th, 2018.

Gibson, H. (2017). Netnography? Lessons Learned from (trying) to Collect Data from an
Electronic Discussion Forum. Invited research seminar, James Whyte Research Fellow,
University of Queensland, March 25th, 2017.

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 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

Gibson, H. (2016). Thoughts on the future of the field. Presentation to graduate students and
faculty North Carolina State University, December 12th, 2016.

Buning, R., & Gibson, H. (2016). Pedal power: What the research says about cycling tourism.
Invited presentation for the Celebration of Cycling Symposium, Gainesville, Fl, October 28th,
2016.
Gibson, H. (2015). MS Program Trends from Nine Doctoral Programs in RPT. Presented to
Department Chairs Conference, University of Utah, March 2015.

Gibson, H. (2014). Social capital and sport events: Exploring two ends of the event continuum
mega and small scale. Invited lecture as part of the James Whyte Research Fellowship,
University of Queensland, March 28th, 2014.

Gibson, H. (2011). Let’s Talk Small-Scale Event Sport Tourism: Participants; Benefits; Age;
Event Portfolios; Sustainable Development and more. Invited lecture for the Department of
Sport Management, University of Massachusetts, January 28th, 2011.

Gibson, H. (2010). Contextualizing active sport tourism within active lifestyles: The case of Bike
Florida. Research Seminar Presentation to Department of Tourism, University of Otago, New
Zealand, March 10th, 2010.

Gibson, H. (2010). Nostalgia Sport Tourism. Series of three lectures delivered to the Department
of Tourism, University of Otago, New Zealand, March 2010.

Gibson, H. (2010). Sport Tourism and Fanship. Series of three lectures delivered at
Bournemouth University, UK, January 2010.

Gibson, H. (2009). Introduction to Sport Tourism. Presentation for the University of Maryland/
University of Memphis Study Abroad Program on Global Aspects of Sport Management,
London, UK, July 22nd, 2009.

Gibson, H. (2009). Sport, Tourism and the City: A Critical Examination of the Legacies of Sport
and Event Sport Tourism. Presentation for the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation
Seminar Series, University of Alberta, Edmonton, CA, January 15th, 2009

Gibson, H. (2008). Leisure in later life: More than activity. Panel presentation on Leisure and
Aging delivered at the World Leisure Congress, Quebec, Canada, October 5-11th 2008.

Gibson, H. (2008). Sport Tourism: An Overview. Presentation for the University of Maryland/
University of Memphis Study Abroad Program on Global Aspects of Sport Management,
London, UK, July 22nd, 2008.

Gibson, H. (2008). Sport, Tourism and the City: A Critical Examination of the Legacies of Sport
and Event Sport Tourism. Presentation for the Doctoral seminar of the Department of Parks,
Recreation and Tourism, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, February 19th, 2008.

48
 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

Gibson, H. (2008). Sport tourism: An overview. Presentation for the Undergraduate Senior Sport
Management Class, Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, NC State University,
Raleigh, NC, February 19th, 2008.

Gibson, H. (2006). An introduction to sport tourism with a focus on a critical analysis of the
legacies of sport (event) tourism. Presentation for the University of Maryland/ University of
Memphis Study Abroad Program on Global Aspects of Sport Management, London, UK, July
21st, 2006.

Gibson, H. (2005). Sport Tourism: Global connections. Presentation for the University of
Maryland/ University of Memphis Study Abroad Program on Global Aspects of Sport
Management, London, UK, July 16th, 2005.

Gibson, H. (2005). Focusing on community: Local and regional sports events. Invited paper
presented at the Pre-conference Congress on Sport Tourism for the Eleventh Canadian Congress
on Leisure Research. Malaspina University-College, Nanaimo, BC Canada, May 17-20, 2005.

Gibson, H. (2004). The global nature of sport tourism. Invited presentation for the University of
Maryland/ University of Memphis Study Abroad Program on Global Aspects of Sport
Management, London, UK, July 8th, 2004.

Gibson, H. Sport Tourism. Invited presentation for the Florida State University 1999 Sport
Administration and Physical Education Conference, Tallahassee, Florida, November 2nd, 2002.

Gibson, H. Small-scale event sport tourism: College sport as a tourist attraction. Invited
presentation University of Queensland Business School, Ipswich, QA, Australia, July 10th, 2001.

Ashton-Shaeffer, C., & Gibson, H., Conversations with retirement-aged women about leisure
and life. Invited presentation University of Queensland Business School, Ipswich, QA, Australia,
July 10th, 2001.

Gibson, H. Event sport tourism and college athletics. Invited presentation at the Gainesville
Sport Organizing Committee’s Sport as Business conference, Gainesville, FL, June 7th, 2001.

Understanding Tourist Roles: Applications for Marketing. Invited presentation for Walt Disney
World Research Department, Lake Buena Vista, Florida, April 13th, 2001.

Gibson, H. The wide world of sport tourism. Invited presentation for the Florida State University
1999 Sport Administration and Physical Education Conference, Tallahassee, Florida, March 25-
27, 1999.

Gibson, H. The applications of Levinson’s model of the adult life course for leisure research and
leisure professionals. Lecture given to graduate students and faculty of the Department of Sport,
Leisure, & Exercise Sciences, The University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, October 21, 1996.

49
 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

Grants and Contracts

Funded
Gibson, H. (2022). First steps in building a sustainable community events strategy: Stakeholder
perspectives. Eric Friedheim Tourism Institute Seed Grant, University of Florida, December
2022. Amount Funded: $2500

Gibson, H. (2020). HHP Faculty Professional Development Program 2020. Amount Funded:
$2906.

Gibson, H. (PI). “Girlfriend Travel”: Women’s Friendship in Tourism” Funded by the Bill
Simms Faculty Research Fund, Center for Tourism, Research and Development, University of
Florida. Amount funded: $1,000, May 2010- May 2011.
Gibson, H. (PI). 2009 AAU Track and Field Junior Olympic National Qualifier Coach and
Spectator Survey. Funded by the Gainesville Sports Commission. Amount funded: $2463.06,
June 2009-August 2010.
Gibson, H. (PI). 2009 Esynchro US Age Group Synchronized Swimming Championship Survey.
Funded by the Gainesville Sports Commission. Amount funded: $2,741.51, June 2009-August
2010.

Gibson, H. (PI) (2008). 2008 Gator Swim Club Holiday Classic Survey. Funded by the
Gainesville Sports Commission. Amount funded: $ 2,348.61, December 2008- August 2009.

Gibson, H. (PI). 2008 Babe Ruth Softball Tournament Survey. Funded by the Gainesville Sports
Commission. Amount funded: $ 2,199.75, July 2008- August 2009.

Kaplanidou, K. (PI), & Gibson, H. (Co-PI). 2008 Gator Soccer Showcase for Girls Event Survey.
Funded by the Gainesville Sports Commission. Amount funded: $2751.76, February-August
2008.

Gibson, H. (PI), & Kaplanidou, K. (Co-PI), Gainesville ASA Pro/Am McKenzie Tour Survey.
Funded by the Gainesville Sports Commission. Amount funded: $2,210.43, January-August,
2008.

Kim, M. (PI), Ko, Y. (Co-PI), & Gibson, H. (Co-PI). An examination of the relationships among
art involvement, donor benefits, donor motivations and donor behavior. Funded by the Major
University Presenters (MUPS) with funding support from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.
Amount funded: $3500, December 2007- August 2008.

Kaplanidou, K. (PI), & Gibson, H. (Co-PI). Perceptions of the 7th Annual Gainesville Senior
Games. Funded by the Gainesville Sports Commission. Amount funded: $650, October 2007-
August, 2008.

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 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

Thapa, B. (PI), Pennington-Gray, L. (Co-PI), Confer, J. (CO-PI) & Gibson, H. (CO-PI). Visitor
Study for Norfolk Visitor and Convention Bureau. Funded by Norfolk CVB. Amount Funded
$40,000, March 2005.

Pennington-Gray, L. & Gibson, H (Co-PI) Festival Impacts and Tourism Study. Funded by Visit
Florida. Amount funded $19,172, February 2005.

Gibson, H., (PI) Holland, S., (Co-PI) & Thapa, B. (Co-PI) College of Health and Human
Performance Instructional Award, Amount funded $906.69, December 2002.

Gibson, H. (PI) & Holland, S. (Co-PI) College of Health and Human Performance Instructional
Award, Amount funded $272.57, November 2001.

Holdnak, A. (PI) & Gibson, H. (Co-PI) Hurricanes, coastal tourism and visitor displacement.
International Hurricane Center 2nd Hurri Grants Program. Amount Funded: $3,443. Time: June
30, 2001-June 30, 2003.

Gibson, H. (PI), Ashton-Shaeffer, C. (Co-PI), & Jacob, S. (Co-PI) Rural Florida Life: Leisure
and quality of life for older women. Research Opportunity Fund, Research and Graduate
Programs, University of Florida. Amount funded $21,000. Time: May 1st 2001- April 30th, 2002.

Gibson, H. (PI) & Ashton-Schaeffer, C. (Co-PI) An in-depth analysis of the role of leisure in the
lives of retirement aged women. College of Health and Human Performance Incentive Fund.
Amount funded: $2000. Time: January- June 2001.

Gibson, H. (PI) & Holland, S. (Co-PI) College of Health and Human Performance Instructional
Award, Amount funded $366.59, November 2000.

Ashton-Shaeffer, C. (PI) & Gibson, H. (Co-PI) College of Health and Human Performance
Instructional Award. Amount funded $750, December 1999.

Ashton-Shaeffer, C. (PI) & Gibson, H. (Co-PI). Investigating developmental issues of aging in

retirement communities. College of Health and Human Performance Incentive Fund. Amount
funded: $4092. Time: December 1998- August 1999.

Holland, S., (PI) Gibson, H., (Co-PI) & Fedler, A. (Co-PI) 1998-99. A social science and
historical perspective of the saltwater fishing resources of Palm Beach County, Florida.
Department of Environmental Protection and West Palm Beach Fishing Club, $15, 685. Time:
August 1, 1998 – July 31, 1999.

Holland, S., Fedler, A. Gibson, H. A social science and historical perspective of the saltwater
fishing resources of Palm Beach County, Florida: Survey Design. Department of Environmental
Protection and West Palm Beach Fishing Club. Amount Funded $2,400. Time: February 19th-
March, 31st, 1998.

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 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

Gladwell, N., (PI) Gibson, H.,(Co-PI) & Sellers, J. (Co-PI). Perceived satisfaction levels of
convention and meeting planners and participants utilizing the Greater Greensboro area.
Funded by the Greensboro Area Convention & Visitors Bureau: Amount Funded $22,923. Time:
August 1, 1996-July 30th, 1997.

Gibson, H. (PI) Leisure-based travel patterns of individuals aged 50+: A lifespan perspective.
UNCG Office of Research Services: New Faculty Grant: Amount funded: $2,300. Time:
November 24th, 1995- June 1st, 1996

Gibson, H. (PI) Some predictors of tourist role preference for men and women over the adult life
course. Pre-dissertation fellowship. Research Foundation, University of Connecticut, Amount
Funded: $2000. January 1993.

Submitted Last Five Years

Armaghani, B. (PI) Gibson, H., (Co-PI) Rodriquez, P.,(Co-PI) Klung, M, (Co-PI) & Martins, C.
Water and Climate Action: Intercultural Learning - USA and Kurdistan. Submitted to the Aspen
Institute Stevens Initiative, October, 20th 2023. Amount Requested: $258,617.

Armaghani, B. (Co-Pi) Gibson, H. (Co-PI) Kung, M. (Co-PI) Kirelenko, A. (Co-PI) &

Stepchenkova, S. (Co-PI) (2022). Development of technical and vocational programs in
hospitality and tourism. Submitted to the US-Iraq Higher Education Partnerships Small Grants
Program. Pre-proposal. March 7th 2022.

Svetlana Stepchenkova (PI), Kirilenko, A. (Co-PI), Waddel, F. (Co-PI), & Gibson, H (Co-PI).
The Black Experience in Tourism and Hospitality Leadership Education: Highlighting Benefits
to the Industry Brings to Black Communities and Identifying Barriers for Successful Careers.
UF Research Opportunity Grant. November 22, 2021.

Schneider, I. (PI) Wolfson, J., (Co-PI) Budruk, M. (Co-PI), Gibson, H et al (Co-I) Smart,
healthy, and safe: A data fusion approach to transform public green space behavior and use.
Agency Scholarly Border Lands New Interdisciplinary Projects in the Social Sciences. June
30th, 2021.

Morellas V (PI), Schneider, I., (Co-PI) Wolfson, J. (Co-PI) Gibson, H.(Co-PI), Prins, C. (Co-PI)
Encouraging social distancing on college campuses. Covid-19 Fast Grants Application
https://fastgrants.org/ Mercatus Center at George Mason University. July 27th, 2020

Armaghani B (PI), Gibson, H. (Co-PI), Kung, M (Co-PI). UF MENA VE Academy Sustainability

and Resilience. Aspen Institute Stevens Initiative, October 9th, 2020.

Gibson, H (PI), Austin, S. (Co-PI), Navajas, K. (Co-PI), Sisson, A (Co I) UF Racial Justice
Grant. The Black Experience in Study Abroad. September 25th, 2020.

Gibson, H (PI), & Paris, C (Co-PI) Virtual Exchange Florida and Dubai 2020. Aspen Institute
Stevens Initiative, June 12th, 2020.

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 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

Ludgate, N. (PI), Gibson, H. (Co-PI), Thapa, B. (Co-PI) Interdisciplinary VE network for

tourism. Aspen Institute Stevens Initiative, June 12th, 2020.

Professional Service and Involvement

Chair of the Women and Gender Special Interest Group (formerly Commission) World
Leisure Organization, October 2010- ongoing. For the conference in December 2024 at the
University of Otago I led and managed the call for papers for a special gender themed session. I
reviewed the abstracts and chaired the session.

Member of the Academy of Leisure Sciences Committee, January 2018 – February 2022.
Membership based on historian role for TALS.

The Academy of Leisure Sciences Member of the Global Relevance Committee August 2019-
present. From April 2020 – spring 2021 we organized monthly global webinars partnering with
our sister organizations in Australia, the UK, World Leisure and Canada. Our goal was to keep
the leisure community together during the pandemic. We averaged 100 participants from all over
the world.

Gainesville Sports Commission Advisory Board Member 2016 ongoing– monthly board
meetings. Advice on tourism for bid submission. Volunteer at events. Get students involved in
volunteering.

American Universities International Programs Advisory Council Member, Second Term;

Fall 2016; fall 2018; fall 2019.

Chair of the Academy of Leisure Sciences Fellows Committee, September 2015-October

2016.

Co-Chair Academic Leadership Conference, Wrightsville Beach, NC, February 21-24, 2016.

Member of the Academy of Leisure Sciences Fellows Committee, September 2014-2015;

2016-2017.

Research Partnership Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa (2009-2014). A UF

and Tshwane research team was funded to conduct a series of projects on the 2010 FIFA World
Cup. The UF team has led the conceptualization and research design of a longitudinal study of
South African residents’ perceptions related to the World Cup. A second study focused on the
visitors attending the World Cup and data were collected in summer 2010. The team at Tshwane
were instrumental in the data collection and the onsite logistics of data management.

Senior Co-Chair of the Leisure Research Symposium (conference co-chair), National

Recreation and Park Association, October 2009-2010. Responsible for developing and
managing the call for papers, abstract review, LRS program, compilation of the abstract book,
and onsite management of the symposium. Elected position.

53
 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

American Universities International Programs Advisory Council Member, March 2010-

2013.

Visiting Research Fellow, Bournemouth University (2007-2010). In this role I work with the
Center for Sport and Event Management and have consulted with their faculty on various
projects related to the 2012 Olympic Games. During January 2010, I was a Visiting Professor in
this center and led a strategic planning process to develop a research program for the center
faculty. I act as a consultant for a project funded by the Economic and Social Research Council
(EU) led by Dr. Richard Shipway to mentor young scholars in sport tourism and the Sport
Tourism Advisory Group part of the Commonwealth Countries Sport Tourism initiative.

Visiting Scholar in Sport Tourism (February-April 2010), School of Business, University of

Otago, New Zealand.

Junior Co-Chair of the Leisure Research Symposium (conference co-chair), National

Recreation and Park Association, October 2008-2009. Responsible for developing and
managing the call for papers, abstract review, LRS program, abstract book, Butler Lecture and
onsite management of the symposium. Elected position.

Bournemouth University Leverhulme Grant Proposal: Outside consultant on proposal

preparation. October, 2006.

VALETourism. The Leonardo da Vinci (LdV) programs are part of the Education and Culture
Council of the European Union. VALETourism is an initiative aimed at integrating the five
tourism programs of the LdV project and developing packages to disseminate this knowledge to
assist in tourism development in three countries Greece, Cyprus and Lithuania with a focus on
alternative forms of tourism such as sport tourism. My work has been used as the foundation
for establishing the objectives related to sport tourism development in the VALETourism
CD and printed documentation. Spring-summer 2006.

Symposium Co-Organizer for the Gerontological Society of America 59th Annual Scientific
Meeting, Dallas, TX, November 16-20th, 2006: Leisure in Later Life.

Elected Board Member: Society of Park and Recreation Educators Board (NRPA) October
2005-2008.

Co- Chair Women and Gender Commission – World Leisure. Reinstituted with the
reintroduction of the commission World Leisure Congress September 2004.

Symposium Organizer for the Gerontological Society of America 58th Annual Scientific
Meeting, Orlando, FL, November 18-22, 2005: Leisure in Later Life.

Symposium Organizer for the Gerontological Society of America 57th Annual Scientific
Meeting, Washington DC, November 19-23, 2004: Leisure in Later Life.

54
 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

Section Coordinator for North American Society for Sport Management 2004 Conference
Abstract Review: Socio-cultural issues of sport and sport tourism, December 2003-Janaury 2004.

Symposium Organizer for the Gerontological Society of America 56th Annual Scientific
Meeting, San Diego, CA, November 21-25, 2003: Leisure in Later Life.

Consultant for North American Society of Sport Management: Task Force member appointed to
conduct a SWOT analysis of the organization and to make recommendations for the future
direction of NASSM May 2002- ongoing.

Section Coordinator for North American Society for Sport Management 2003 Conference
Abstract Review: Socio-cultural issues of sport and sport tourism, December 2002-Janaury 2003.
Chair of the Sociology Section of the Leisure Research Symposium, National Recreation and
Parks Association Congress, Tampa, Florida, October, 2002.

World Leisure and Recreation Association member of Commission on Leisure and Aging, 1999 -
ongoing. Member of Gender Commission, 1996- ongoing. 2002 Conference Chair for Gender
Commission 2000-2002. Vice Chair of Gender Commission, 2002-2003.

North American Society for the Sociology of Sport: Session organizer with Karin Volkwein,
(Westchester Univ.) for the North American Society for the Sociology of Sport Conference,
1997-2002: Socio-cultural aspects of physical activity

North American Society for Sport Management: Organizer of a forum on sport tourism for the
NASSM conference, Canmore, Alberta, May 29-June 2nd, 2002.

Society of Parks and Recreation Educators Representative (SPRE) for the Southern Region
National Recreation and Parks Association 1998-2002.

Chair and Coordinator of the Roundtable on Sport Tourism held at the Teaming for Success ‘98:
A Forum on Sport Tourism (TEAMS 98), Washington DC, September 17-19, 1998.

Elected Member at Large for the North American Society for the Sociology of Sport 1997-
1999. Chair of the Book Award Committee 1998 and 1999.

World Leisure and Recreation Association Task Force on Women: Conference Committee
member charged with the task setting the agenda for the Women’s Task Force for the next
WLRA conference in Brazil, South America, October, 1998.

Chair of the Sociology Section of the Leisure Research Symposium, National Recreation and
Parks Association Congress, Salt Lake City, Utah, October, 1997.

American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, & Dance: American Association
for Leisure and Recreation Aging Committee Member, April 1994-present.

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 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

North Carolina Recreation and Parks Society: Educators Division, Vice Chair, September,
1995- November 1996

North American Society for the Sociology of Sport: Session organizer for the North American
Society for the Sociology of Sport Conference Sacramento, CA, November 1-5, 1995. Session:
Intercollegiate Athletics: Programs and Problems

Editorial Board Membership:

Editorship

Leisure Studies – Chief Managing Editor (September 2019-2020); Co-Managing Editor

August 2014- 2019

Current Editorial Roles

Annals of Tourism Research, Associate Editor January 2018-present

Journal of Policy Research in Tourism, Leisure and Events – Editorial Board Associate, Sept
2007-present
Journal of Sport & Tourism Associate Editor March 2006-present
Journal of Sport Management Editorial Board Member July 2003- present
Tourism Management Editorial Board Member August 2021- present

Term Served
Leisure Sciences – Associate Editor 2004- 2016
Leisure Studies – Editorial Advisory Board Member January 2008 – 2014. Regional Editor for
North America fall 2010- 2014.
Journal of Park and Recreation Administration – Associate Editor 2002-2005.
International Journal of Sport Management – Editorial Board Member 2001-2004.
Journal of Sport Tourism – Editorial Board Member 2003-2006
World Leisure- Editorial Advisory Board Member – September 2004- May 2023

Guest Editorships

Guest Editor: Journal of Sport Management - Special issue on sport tourism April 2001-July
2003.

Guest Editor - Sport in Society – Special Issue: Sport Tourism: Concepts and Theories June
2002-June 2005.

Co- Guest Editor with C. Ashton-Shaeffer Health Care for Women International. Special issue
on Leisure, Health and Women March 2005- November 2006.

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 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

Co- Guest Editor with Millicent Kennelly, Matt Lamont and Rick Buning: Journal of Sport &
Tourism Special Issue on Active Sport Tourism July 2015- April 2018.

Reviewer For:

Sociological Perspectives
Sociology of Sport Journal
Sport Management Review
Tourism Management
Journal of Leisure Research
Loisir et Societe/ Society and Leisure
Therapeutic Recreation Journal
Schole: A Journal of Leisure Studies and Recreation Education
Journal of Vacation Marketing
Society and Natural Resources
Annals of Tourism Research
Gender and Society
Symbolic Interaction
Journal of Family Issues
Research in Aging
International Review for the Sociology of Sport
NRPA, Leisure Research Symposium, Sociology Section, 1996, 1997, 2001 and 2002: Tourism
Section, 2008.

Grant Reviews and Research Council Evaluations:

Candidate Evaluations – National Research Foundation of South Africa, Reviews completed

January 2024; November 2016.

External Grant Review Canadian Social Sciences Council, January 2006; 2007; 2008; 2017;
2018

External Grant Review Sea Grant Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Mississippi-Alabama Consortium,
July 2011.

External Grant Review National Science Foundation, March 2007; November 2007

External Grant Review Israeli Science Foundation, March 2007

External Grant Review Hong Kong University Public Policy Research Grants, March 2007

Other Professional Involvement

Senior Research Associate for the Laboratory of Leisure, Tourism, & Sport, The University of
Connecticut, http://playlab.uconn.edu/mylab.html 1990- 2006

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 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

Consultant and Southeast USA Consortium Co-Director, Global Aging Initiative, Indiana
University, 1999-2004. Director Barb Hawkins, Indiana University.

Memberships of professional organizations:

The Academy of Leisure Sciences.
Canadian Association of Leisure Studies
European Association for Sport Management
Leisure Studies Association, UK.
World Leisure Organization (formerly World Leisure and Recreation Association).
The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi

Student Research Supervision

Undergraduate Student Research Mentor (competitive program)

Abigail Kratochvil, Undergraduate University Scholar Program, University of Florida August

2022-June 2023. Project: Experiences of Female Digital Nomads.

Rachel Bomser, Undergraduate University Scholars Program, University of Florida January

2019- May 2020. Project: Legacy of 15 years of sustainability themed study abroad programs.

Tara Sampson, Undergraduate University Scholar Program, University of Florida, summer 2005.
Project: Therapeutic Recreation Needs Assessment and Treatment Implications for Hospitalized
Adolescents.

Nicole Laws, Undergraduate University Scholar Program, University of Florida, summer 2002.
Project: The Value of Leisure in the Lives of Women Living in Rural Communities.

Elizabeth Peters, Undergraduate University Scholar Program, University of Florida, summer

2001. Project: Life on the rails: Investigating the experiences of young budget travelers in
Europe.

Jennifer Zidel, Undergraduate University Scholar Program, University of Florida, summer 1999:
Project: Around Europe in thirty days: Young adults on an organized tour.

Masters Thesis Committees (Excluding Masters Students graduating without

a thesis)

Committee Member: Allison Causing: Mindful leadership in agritourism: A thematic analysis of

interviews with agritourism leaders in the Philippines. Graduation May 2024.

Committee Member: Inhoo Baek. Sport clusters, community resilience and quality of life: A
community level approach. Graduation August 2023.

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 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

Chair: Ece Zivrali: Professional Paper: What makes tourism experiences memorable?
Analyzing Trip Advisor’s Top Three Travel Experiences 2022 Reviews on MTE. Graduation May
2023.

Chair: Erin Dinkel: Professional Paper: Behaviors in Events and Conferences Viewed Through a
Liminal Lens. Graduation December 2022.

Chair: Xue Yan: Competing priorities as constraints of marathon runners in pursuit of Event
Travel Careers. Graduation August, 2021.

Chair: Scott Salvesen: Exploring ecotourism operators’ factors of success. Graduation August
2021.

Chair: Inje Cho: Sport Fandom with Tourism Motivation, Event Interest, Travel Risk
Perception, and Intention to Attend the 2018 Olympic Games. Graduation August 2017.

Chair: Hannah Strange: An investigation of the transformation learning potential of study

abroad programs. Graduation: December 2012.

Chair: Adrienne Kendall: Family vacations in the 21st Century: An exploratory study of
nonresident fathers. Graduation: May 2012.

Chair: Angel Short: Tourism impacts and change in Pine Island, Florida. Graduation: August
2011.

Chair: Sarah Welch: Benefits sought and realized among study abroad students. Graduation
May 2010.

Chair: Sarah Becker: Specialization and wine-related leisure: An exploratory analysis of wine
tourism as a leisure pursuit. Graduation: May 2009.

Chair: Kristina Roberts: Destination image and intent to travel to Bulgaria among US residents.
Graduation: May 2008.

Committee Member Sally Moore: The role of sport in mediating involvement in risky behavior
among adolescents. Graduation: August 2007.

Chair: Jessica Trujillo: A cross cultural study of the leisure activities and attitudes of young
adults. Graduation: May 2007.

Committee Member Joanna Neville: A gender analysis of ultimate Frisbee. Graduation: May,
2007.

Chair: Heather Robalik: Study abroad: impacts and contributions to student development.
Graduation: May 2006.

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 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

Committee Member: Catherine Palmieri: Intergenerational solidarity as a way of understanding

grandtravel. Graduation: May 2006.

Committee Member: Tanya Jackson: Effects of Sibling relationships and religiosity on the timing
of sexual debut. Graduation: December 2005.

Committee Member: Josh Hirsch Adolescent perceptions on the presence of seven contextual
features of animation violence as an indicator of aggressive attitudes and behaviors. Graduation:
December 2005.

Chair: Crystal Shreve: Gender representation in tourism brochures. Graduation: May 2005.

Chair: Christine Qi: Images, perceptions of risk and intent to travel to the Beijing Olympic
Games 2008. Graduation: May 2005.

Committee Member: Brandi Nice: The inclusion of golf in MICE tourism by meeting planners.
Graduation: August 2004.

Chair: Amanda Wilson: Socialization into sport consumer roles: Relationship to Nostalgia
Sport Tourism. Graduation: May 2004

Chair: Michiko Yonemaru: Leisure-Travel experiences and meanings of later life Japanese
women. Graduation: May 2004.

Committee Member: Allison Hayes: Recreation patterns, constraints and motivations: Case
study of a Costa Rican village. Graduation: May 2004.

Chair: Courtney Maibach: Leisure in the lives of homeless women. Graduation: May 2003.

Committee Member: Jenny Green: Friendships and the leisure of older women. Graduation:
August 2002.

Chair: Gary Paulauskas: Factors associated with satisfaction of river recreationists’ on the
Ichetucknee River. Graduation: August 2001.

Co-Chair: Amanda Heyder: How natural disasters in 1n 1998 affected Florida’s tourism.
Graduation: May 2001.

Committee Member: Haruyo Nishimura: The attitude of directors in long-term care facilities
toward animal-assisted activities. Graduation: December 2000

Committee Member: Kristin Korkki: Perceived travel constraints of people with physical
disabilities. Graduation: December 2000

Co-Chair: Kim Leahy: An exploratory study of the determinants of tourists’ intention to return
to the Greater Orlando Area. Graduation: August 2000

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 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

Doctoral Students

Chair: Ying-Chen (Anny) Chen (UF-Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management) VR and
tourism and wellbeing among older adults. Graduation expected May 2027.

Chair: Dahye Jung (UF-Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management). Events and resident
perceptions. Graduation expected May 2026.

Chair: Brianna Blassneck (UF-Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management). Narcissism in

adolescents and the mediating role of extramural activities. Graduation expected December
2024.

Chair: Joshua Roe (UF- Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management). Park usage, physical
activity and place attachment. Graduation expected May 2024.

Committee Member: Michael Murphy (UF – Historic Preservation). Heritage building

maintenance management evaluating implementation of preservation philosophy into practice.
Graduation expected: December 2024.

External Examiner: Juliette Hecquet (Bournemouth University, UK). Exploring Yoga and the
Flow Experience: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of Contemporary Yoga
Communities. Graduated February 2024.

External Examiner: Kerri Bodin (University of Ottawa, Canada). Host community residents and
long-term event outcomes: The role of trust, knowledge, and power in the public/government
relationship. Graduated May 2023.

Committee Member: Yuting Ahn (UF – Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management).
Exploring factors influencing tourists’ risk reduction behavior in natural disasters. Graduated
December, 2023.

Committee Member: Hyejin Park (UF- Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management). Online
network of national DMO websites from the perspective of culture. Graduation December 2022.

Committee Member: Rojan Banijan (UF Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management).
Motivational factors and constraints for vacationers to select sustainable options during
vacation planning. Graduation August 2022.

Committee Member: Eunjung Yang (UF- Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management). The
role of tourism in improving community resilience and quality of life. Graduation August 2021.

Committee Member: Luyu Wang (UF- Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management). Social
media posts and environmental behavior among tourists. Graduation August 2021.

Committee Member: Heather Hannaford (UF – English). “A sort of national property”:

Perceptions of the Lake District from Wordsworth to Potter. Graduation August 2021.

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 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

External Examiner: Sally Gregory (Southern Cross University Australia). A Qualitative Study of
the Leisure Constraints, Negotiation and Benefits Experienced by Adventurous Baby Boomer
Women who Scuba Dive. June 2021.

Co-Chair: Hoda Manafian (UF – Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management). Agritourism in
Florida: Towards and understanding of stakeholder participation and support for agricultural
heritage conservation. Graduation December 2020.

Committee Member: Shihan (David) Ma (UF- Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management).
Comments on climate change among tourists. Graduation December 2020.

Chair: Hongping Zhang (UF – Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management). Using
autobiographical memory to understand the development of pro-environmental behaviors and
global citizenship in the context of study abroad. Graduation August 2020.

Chair: Yu Niu (UF- Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management). An investigation of early life
influences on later life tourism preferences, constraints and facilitators. Graduation August
2020.

Chair: Ori Baber (UF- Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management). A new spatial-interaction
approach to evaluate neighborhood-level equity in access to opportunities for physical activity.
Graduation August 2020.

Committee Member: Lijuan Su (UF- Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management). Utilizing
big data analytics to develop effective organizational crisis response in the tourism and
hospitality industry. Graduation August 2020.

Chair: Vehideh Babalou (UF – Tourism, Recreation and Sport Management). Persuasive effect
of narrative and promotion video on destination image and risk perception on travel to Iran.
Graduation August 2019.

Committee Member: Jelena Brezjanovic-Shorgren (UF- Anthropology). Return migration: The

intra-cultural variation of attitudes of return migrants and the process of reintegration to Serbia.
Graduation May 2019.

External Examiner: Nada Mohamed Eman Hussein (University of West of Scotland). Sport
Events and Tourist Post-Visit Behavioural Intentions in the Construction of a Tourism
Destination Image: The Case of the Egyptian Red Sea Resort of El Gouna. Graduation December
2019.

Committee Member: Robert Turik (UF-Tourism, Recreation and Sport Management).

Persistence in the face of career obstacles: The coaching experiences of African American
college football coaches. Graduation August 2018.

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 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

Chair: Mona Mirehie (UF – Tourism Recreation and Sport Management). Trajectory of
women’s participation in active sport tourism and sense of well-being: A case study on snow
skiing and boarding. Graduation May 2018.

Chair: Ari Kim (UF- Tourism Recreation and Sport Management). Understanding fans
perceptions of sport event sponsorship. Graduated August 2017.

External Examiner: Homa Hajibaba (U of Queensland, Australia). Essays on reducing

vulnerability of tourism destinations to unpredictable crises. October 2016.

Committee Member: Semih Yilmez (UF- Tourism, Recreation and Sport Management).
Consumer responses to tourism marketing. Graduation Spring 2016.

Committee Member: Krystina Sarff (UF- Tourism, Recreation and Sport Management).
Understanding the Experiences of Collegiate Female Rowers. Graduation May 2015.

External Examiner: Dominik Huber (Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand). The
impact of life events on the tourism behavior of senior citizens in Freising, Germany. Graduation
December 2014.

Chair: Richard Buning (UF- Tourism, Recreation and Sport Management). The evolution of
active sport event travel careers through cycling tourism. Graduation August 2014.

Chair: Heather Bell (UF- Tourism, Recreation and Sport Management). Paddling together
women’s sport team relationships. Graduation May 2014.

Chair: Liza Berdychevsky (UF- Tourism, Recreation and Sport Management). Women’s Sexual
Risk Taking in Tourism. Graduation: August 2013. Madelyn Lockhart Dissertation Award, U of
Florida, April 2013.

Committee Member: Ryan Wang (UF- Tourism, Recreation and Sport Management). Imagery
processing and incidental feelings: An investigation of how tourists make travel decisions in the
context of sport tourism. Graduation: May 2013.

External Examiner: Mona Sharifpour (University of Queensland, Australia). Risk perceptions,

prior knowledge and willingness to travel: The case of Australian travelers to the Middle East.
Graduation: December 2012.

Chair: Daniel Sargeant (UF- Tourism, Recreation and Sport Management). Place bonding, fan
identification, nostalgia and Fenway’s future: Observations about Red Sox Nation. Graduation:
August 2012.

External Examiner: Sandro Carnicelli Filho (University of Otago, NZ). Managing emotions:
White-water rafting guides and the emotional labor theory. Graduation December 2011.

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 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

Chair: Sung Jin Kang (UF- Tourism Recreation and Sport Management). Life long learning and
senior travel. Graduation May 2011.

External Examiner: Luke Potwarka (University of Waterloo, Canada). Understanding response

to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Graduation May 2011.

Committee Member: Jenny Haddle (UF- Anthropology). The influence of tourism on Americans’
cultural models of the rain forest. Graduation expected May 2011.

Committee Member: Louisa Meyer (UF- Tourism, Recreation and Sport Management).
Sustainability, tourism and quality of life. Graduation May 2011.

Committee Member: Tinelle Bustam (UF- Tourism, Recreation and Sport Management). An
exploratory study of social power and place attachment. Graduation December 2009.

Chair: Seohee Chang (UF- Tourism Recreation and Sport Management). The relationship
between active leisure and active tourism. Graduation: May 2009.

External Examiner: Aggie Weighill (University of Alberta, Canada). Women who play while they
are away: Exploring the assumptions of sport tourism. Graduation: May 2009.

Co-Chair: Lindsay Findlay-King (Northumbria University, UK). Understanding midlife sport

participation. Dissertation submitted and viva completed April 2008.

Committee Member: Kevin (Kun Wung) Byon (UF- Tourism, Recreation and Sport
Management). Winning, fan identity, destination image and intent to visit. Mini Dissertation,
December 2007.

Committee Member: Carolin Meisel (UF- Tourism, Recreation and Sport Management).
Understanding the differences between sail and motorboaters. Graduation: August 2007.

Committee Member: Lorraine Nicholas (UF- Tourism, Recreation and Sport Management)
Stakeholder perspectives on the Pitons Management Area in St. Lucia: Potential for sustainable
tourism development. Graduation: May 2007.

External Examiner: Patricia Johnson (University of Newcastle, Australia): Unpacking the bags:
Cultural literacy and cosmopolitanism in women’s travel writings about the Islamic Republic
1979-2002. Completed December 2006.

Committee Member: Charles Lane (UF- Tourism, Recreation and Sport Management).
Destination message design on travel and tourism information web sites. Graduation: December
2006.

Committee Member: Jessica Braunstein (UF- Tourism, Recreation and Sport Management).
Understanding the motivation and characteristics of spring training tourists. Mini Dissertation
completed May 2005.

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 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

External Examiner: Sheranne Fairley (Griffith University, Australia): Sport fan tourism:
Understanding those who travel to follow sport teams. Completed December 2005.

External Examiner: Erica Wilson (Griffith University, Australia): Experiences of solo women
travelers. Completed December 2004.

Committee Member: Soumya Mohan (UF- School of Forestry): The benefits and costs of home-
gardens in rural India. Graduation: December 2004.

Senior Committee Member: Andrew Lepp (UF – Recreation, Parks and Tourism):
Understanding the impacts of ecotourism practices on a community in rural Uganda.
Graduation: August 2004.

Senior Committee Member: Kari Kensinger (UF- Recreation, Parks and Tourism):
Empowerment and Community in the Special Olympics. Graduation: August 2004.

Committee Member: Cari Autry (UF- Recreation, Parks and Tourism): Youth at risk: A
community perspective. Graduation: August 2003.

Committee Member: Laurel Tripp (UF- Sociology): Identity and community among Gator
football fans. Graduation: May 2003.

Committee Member: Tammy Kohlleppel (UF- Department of Horticulture): Patterns of

constraint and involvement among master gardeners. Graduation: December 2002.

Co-Chair: Cynthia Willming (UF - Recreation, Parks and Tourism): The leisure-travel
behaviors of African Americans and perceived racial discrimination. Graduation: August 2001.

External Examiner: Fong-Yi Lai (Griffith University, Australia): Sport globalisation as sport
diffusion: Penetration of floorball and gridiron football into Australia. Completed June 2001.

Committee Member: Jim Murdy (Univ. of Connecticut) Predicting Tourist Roles Across The Life
Course. Completed May 2001

Committee Member: Aaron Feigenbaum (UF - Anthropology): Professional wrestling, sports

entertainment and the liminal experience in American culture. Graduation: May 2000.

Selected Media Coverage of Research

1. UF News and Public Affairs Press Release: UF Researcher: Elderly vacationers more than
bus passengers. Writer Cathy Keen, June 29, 1998

Pompano Ledger, July 8, 1998 - Elderly vacationers more than bus passengers.

Orlando Sentinel, December 28, 1998 – ‘Grandtravel’ is a growing and lucrative market niche.

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 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

2. UF News and Public Affairs Press Release: UF Study: Healthy aging depends on social as
well as physical activity. Writer Cathy Keen, January 28th, 2002

Gainesville Sun, January 29, 2002 – Social activities linked to health.

NCOA Week, February 5, 2002 – Social interaction especially beneficial for women.

http://www.applesforhealth.com vol. 3, #37, February 8, 2002 – Leisure activities contribute to

health aging.

The Independent Florida Alligator, February 13, 2002 – Local nursing home encourages senior
socializing.

St Petersburg Times, Citrus Times, February 25, 2002 – A chum a day keeps the blues away.

Obesity, Fitness & Wellness Week, April 20, 2002 – Wellness: Healthy aging depends on social
as well as physical activity.

Radio interviews based on this study include: Classic 89 FM, Florida Public Radio, and
Northridge (CA) Public Radio.

Bonita Banner, July 23, 2003 – Age no barrier: These Bonitans do not show signs of slowing
down. http://www.bonitanews.com/03/07/bonita/d938718a.htm

3. UF News and Public Affairs Press Release: Study shows women find solo travel liberating
rather than dangerous. Writer Cathy Keen, March 11, 2002.

Daily University Science News (UniSci) March 13, 2002. Women, unafraid, see solo vacations
as liberating.

Jacksonville Business Journal, March 14th, 2002. Women find solo travel liberating rather than
dangerous.

The Gator Times, April 29-May 12, 2002. Women journeying solo.

Self Magazine, May 2003, p.27. Go it alone (and love it!).

USA Today, March 13, 2003. It’s OK for women to eat by themselves.

Adventure Woman Magazine, Article on solo adventure travel. December 2011. Author Isabel
Eva Bohrer.

University of Florida Homepage; How (and why) to travel solo. Lead research news story for
two weeks November 8th, 2019.

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 Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D.

PBS News hour : Why women are drawn to solo travel and how the tourism industry is
responding | PBS NewsHour January 18th, 2024

Stevens, J. (2024) Solo Travel to Florida. Women lead the way. Solo Travel to Florida – Women
Lead the Way (visitflorida.com) February 26th, 2024.

4. UF News and Public Affairs Press release: Brazil can still capitalize on good vibes from
World Cup http://news.ufl.edu/archive/2014/07/brazil-can-still-capitalize-on-good-vibes-
from-world-cup.html, July 1st, 2014.

Destination Africa: 2010 FIFA World Cup: Residents and Visitor Perspectives. Performance,
spring 2011 (pp. 22-26)

2010 FIFA World Cup: Residents and Visitor Perspectives. Center for African Studies 2010
Research Report (p. 72)

Miscellaneous Coverage

Daily Mail (UK), Women underestimate the risk of casual sex when on holiday, leaving them at
risk of catching STIs. July 24th, 2015.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-3172125/Women-underestimate-risk-casual-sex-
holiday-leaving-risk-catching-STIs-alcohol-blame.html

Psychologies: All girl holidays. January 1st, 2014.

Science news for writers: All girl getaways through the life-cycle.
http://scienceforwriters.blogspot.com/2013/10/all-girl-getaways-throughout-life-cycle.html,
October 26th, 2013.

Science Daily: All girl getaways: The importance of friendship the life-cycle.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/10/131024090051.htm October 24th, 2013.

Telegraph Journal (Maine): Girls just wanna have fun. July 14th, 2012. Author Kelly Forsythe.
(pp. E1, E4-5)

Queensland Times (Australia) July 11th, 2001 – Sport holds tourism promise, city told.

Conde Naste Traveler, January, 2007. Head Trips: Scientists are peering into our minds to
explore the psychology behind our travel choices.

Otago Daily Times (New Zealand) March 27th, 2010. Business school to business pool – featured
detailed coverage of Bike Florida study.

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