Example tourism dissertation topic 9:

Conference souvenir sales: T-shirts, tea towels, and teddy bears.

Many conference attendees find themselves too busy to shop, but their families look forward to souvenirs; airport souvenir sales outlets do not always fulfil this need, particularly with limited trading hours or have smaller, regional facilities with few shops. This thesis considers the opportunity for conference souvenirs to expand past the items offered by exhibitors, such as logo-inscribed pens and baseball caps, to a specific sales outlet that retails a variety of souvenirs aimed at different market sectors and price points, and with repeat collectability. Reviewing that which is currently available, the paper explores the profitability of such enterprises and makes recommendations for conference facilities considering this form of expansion.

Suggested initial topic reading:

• Abendroth, L.J. (2011). ‘The souvenir purchase decision: Effects of online availability’, International Journal of Culture, Tourism and Hospitality Research, Vol. 5(2), pp.173-183.
• Swanson, K.K. (2004). ‘Tourists’ and retailers’ perceptions of souvenirs’, Journal of Vacation Marketing, Vol. 10(4), pp. 363-377.
• Wei, L., Zhan, L. and Zhang, H. (2010). ‘Theoretical exploration on tourism souvenir development based on culture regionalism’, International Conference on e-Product, e-Service and e-Entertainment, Henan, China, 7-9 November 2010.