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College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management

  • Research professor Rich Harrill holds a University of South Carolina Fighting Gamecocks flag while sitting atop a camel with the pyramids of Egypt in the background.

Research Publications and Grants

Director Rich Harrill, Ph.D., has a strong record of success in and an international reputation for leveraging his academic and professional experience combining tourism with economic development and urban planning to drive local, regional, national and international business, tourism and economic growth.

Research Publications

Harrill, R., Cardenas, D., Dioko, L. A. N., & Arhin, A. (2024). Gaze and reflexivity in postcolonial cinema: The pragmatic turn in critical tourism studies. Tourism Geographies. https://doi.org/10.1080/14616688.2024.2311642

Harrill, R., Zuniga-Collazos, A., Castillo-Palacio, M., & Padilla-Delgado, L. M. (2023). An exploratory attitude and belief analysis of ecotourists’ destination image assessments and behavioral intentions. Sustainability, 15(14), 11349. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151411349

Iskender, A., Turk, E. S., Cardenas, D., & Harrill, R. (2022). COVID or VOID: A systematic literature review of technology adoption and acceptance in hospitality and tourism since the breakout of COVID-19. Tourism and Hospitality Research. https://doi.org/10.1177/14673584221133667

Harrill, R., Cardenas, D., & Dioko, L. A. N. (2021). Travel, transformation, and enlightenment in film: A critical review. Current Issues in Tourism, 25(16), 2557-2570. https://doi.org/10.1080/13683500.2021.1980504

Peterson, R. R., DiPietro, R., & Harrill, R. (2020). In search of inclusive tourism in the Caribbean: Insights from Aruba. World Hospitality and Tourism Themes, 12(3), 225-243. https://doi.org/10.1108/WHATT-02-2020-0009

Zuniga-Collazos, A., Harrill, R., Castillo-Palacio, M., & Padilla, L. (2020). Negative effect of innovation on organizational competitiveness of tourism companies. Tourism Analysis, 25(4), 455-461. https://doi.org/10.3727/108354220X15758301241873

Dioko, L. A. N., & Harrill, R. (2019). Killed while traveling: Trends in tourism-related mortality, injuries, and leading causes of death from published English news reports, 2000-2017. Tourism Management, 70, 103-123. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2018.08.002

Liu, H., Li, X., Yang, Y., & Harrill, R. (2018). A shrinking world for tourists?  Examining the changing role of distance factors in understanding destination choices. Journal of Business Research, 92(2), 350-359. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2018.08.001

Peterson, R., Harrill, R., & DiPietro, R. (2017). Sustainability and resilience in Caribbean tourism economies: A critical inquiry. Tourism Analysis, 22(3), 407-420. https://doi.org/10.3727/108354217X14955605216131

Castillo-Palacio, M., Harrill, R., & Zuniga-Collazos, A. (2017). Back from the brink:  Social transformation and tourism in post-conflict Medellin, Colombia. World Hospitality and Tourism Themes, 9(3), 300-315. https://doi.org/10.1108/WHATT-02-2017-0012

Ping, S., Cardenas, D., & Harrill, R. (2015). Chinese customers’ evaluation of online travel website quality: A decision-tree analysis. Journal of Hospitality Marketing & Management, 25(4), 476-497. https://doi.org/10.1080/19368623.2015.1037977

Zuniga-Collazos, A., Harrill, R., Escobar-Moreno, N. R., & Castillo-Palacio, M. (2015). Evaluation of the determinant factors in Colombia’s tourism product. Tourism Analysis, 20(1), 117-122. https://doi.org/10.3727/108354215X14205687167789

Peterson, R. R., Cardenas, D., & Harrill, R. (2014). Tourism as a catalyst for economic development in Latin America: Setting an agenda for policy and research. Tourism Analysis, 19(1), 117-122. https://doi.org/10.3727/108354214X13927625340433

Thomsen, J. M., Harrill, R., Hugo, N., Lacher, R. G., & Mihalik, B. J. (2014). Understanding shifts in 3S destination tourist preferences: An importance-performance analysis (IPA) of Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. International Journal of Hospitality and Tourism, 4(1).

Dioko, L. A. N., So, S-I., & Harrill, R. (2013). Hotel category switching behavior—Evidence of mobility, stasis or loyalty? International Journal of Hospitality Management, 34, 234-244. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhm.2013.04.002

Draper, J., Oh, C., & Harrill, R. (2013). Preferences for heritage tourism development using a choice experiment approach. Tourism Analysis, 17(6), 747-759. https://doi.org/10.3727/108354212X13531051127267

Chengting, L., Li, X., & Harrill, R. (2013). Chinese outbound tourist perceived constraints to visiting the United States. Tourism Management, 37, 136-146. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2013.01.014

He, L., Li, X., Harrill, R., & Cardon, P. (2013). Examining Japanese tourist U.S.-bound travel constraints. Current Issues in Tourism, 17(8), 705-722. https://doi.org/10.1080/13683500.2012.749842

Dioko, L., Harrill, R., & Cardon, P. (2013). The wit and wisdom of Chinese tour guides: A critical tourism perspective. Journal of China Research, 9(1), 27-49. https://doi.org/10.1080/19388160.2013.756767

Harrill, R., & Peterson, R. (2012). Tourism conventional wisdom and the news media. Tourism Analysis, 17(6), 813-817. https://doi.org/10.3727/108354212X13531051127465

Harrill, R., Dioko, D., & Peterson, R. (2012). The contemporary international social science research center: Guidelines for effective management. Journal of Higher Education Management, 27(1), 21-39.

Bernthal, M., Nagel, M., Harrill, R., & Riner, P. (2012). All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy: An exploration of business travelers’ attendance at live, ticketed entertainment events. Tourism Analysis, 17(2), 213-224. https://doi.org/10.3727/108354212X13388995267940

Bliss, B., Li, R., Meng, F., & Harrill, R. (2012). Applying causal mapping to tourism research: A case study of American college students’ experiences in China study abroad programs. Tourism Analysis, 17(1), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.3727/108354212X13330406123936

Li, R. L., Chengting, L., Harrill, R., Kline, S., & Wang, L. (2011). When East meets West: An exploratory study on Chinese outbound tourists’ travel expectations. Tourism Management, 32, 741-749. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2010.06.009

Harrill, R., Uysal, M., Cardon, P., Vong, F., & Dioko, D. (2011). Resident attitudes toward gaming and tourism development in Macao: Growth machine theory as a context for identifying supporters and opponents. International Journal of Tourism Research, 13(1), 41-53. https://doi.org/10.1002/jtr.798

Li, R., Harrill, R., Uysal, M., Burnett, T., & Zhan, Z. (2010). Estimating the size of the Chinese outbound market: A demand-side approach. Tourism Management, 31(2), 250-259. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2009.03.001

Dioko, L., Harrill, R., & Cardon, P. (2010). Brand China: Tour guide perceptions and implications for destination branding and marketing. Tourism Analysis, 15(3), 345-355. https://doi.org/10.3727/108354210X12801550666187

Wang, S., Bickle, M., & Harrill, R. (2010). Residents’ attitudes toward tourism development in Shandong, China. International Journal of Culture, Tourism and Hospitality Research, 4(4), 327-339. https://doi.org/10.1108/17506181011081505

Lacher, G. R., & Harrill, R. (2010). Going beyond sun, sand and surf? An importance-performance analysis of activities in a 3S resort destination. e-Review of Tourism Research, 8(4), 57-68.

Zhang, X., Cai, L., & Harrill, R. (2009). Rural tourism research in China: 1997-2006. Tourism Analysis, 14(2), 231-239. https://doi.org/10.3727/108354209789116583

Siracaya-Turk, E., Ingram, L., & Harrill, R. (2009). Resident typologies within the integrative paradigm of sustaincentric tourism development. Tourism Analysis, 13(6), 531-544. https://doi.org/10.3727/108354208788160405

Harrill, R., & Bender, B. (2008). From sales tool to site development: The evolution of destination marketing on the web. Tourism Analysis, 13(3), 295-307. https://doi.org/10.3727/108354208786094870

Harrill, R., & Bender, B. (2007). State tourism funding: Equity, consensus and accountability models. Tourism Analysis, 12(4), 287-298. https://doi.org/10.3727/108354207782212404

Harrill, R. (2004). Residents’ attitudes toward tourism development: A literature review with implications for tourism planning. Journal of Planning Literature, 18(3): 251-266. https://doi.org/10.1177/0885412203260306

Harrill, R., & Potts, T. D. (2003). Tourism planning in historic districts: Attitudes toward tourism development in Charleston. Journal of the American Planning Association, 69(3), 233-244. https://doi.org/10.1080/01944360308978017

Harrill, R. (2003). Fear of falling: An ethnography study of heritage tourism in Pineburg, South Carolina. Tourism Analysis, 7(3-4), 241-250. https://doi.org/10.3727/108354203108750085

Harrill, R., & Potts, T. D. (2002). The social psychology of tourist motivation: Exploration, debate and transition. Tourism Analysis, 7(2), 105-114. https://doi.org/10.3727/108354202108749989

Harrill, R. (1999). Political ecology and planning theory. Journal of Planning Education and Research, 19(1), 67-75. https://doi.org/10.1177/0739456X9901900106

Potts, T. D., & Harrill, R. (1998). Enhancing communities for sustainability: A travel ecology approach. Tourism Analysis, 3 (3-4), 133-142.

Editorial Review

Dioko, L., & Harrill, R. (2011). Affirmation, assimilation and anarchy: Critical undercurrents in destination branding. International Journal of Culture, Tourism and Hospitality Research, 5(3), 215-226. https://doi.org/10.1108/17506181111156916

Bickle, M. C., & Harrill, R. (2010). Avoiding cultural misconceptions during globalization of tourism. International Journal of Culture, Tourism and Hospitality Research, 4(4), 283-286. https://doi.org/10.1108/17506181011081460

Woodside, A., Crotts, J., & Harrill, R. (2007). Integrating multidisciplinary perspectives: An editorial. International Journal of Culture, Tourism and Hospitality Research, 1(1), 5-13. https://doi.org/10.1108/17506180710729583

Books

Harrill, R. (2006). Guide to best practices in Southern tourism and destination management. Southern Governors’ Association.

Harrill, R. (Ed.). (2005). Fundamentals of destination management and marketing. Educational Institute of the American Hotel and Lodging Association.

Harrill, R. (2005). Guide to best practices in tourism and destination management (Vol. II). Educational Institute of the American Hotel and Lodging Association.

Harrill, R. (2003). Guide to best practices in tourism and destination management (Vol. I). Educational Institute of the American Hotel and Lodging Association.

Book Chapters

Harrill, R., X, Li., and Xiao, H. (2015). China outbound tourism: A critical inquiry. In X. Xiang (Ed.), China outbound tourism 2.0 (pp. 347-364). Apple Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1201/b19856

Uysal, M., Harrill, R., & Woo, E. (2011). Destination marketing research: Issues and challenges. In Y. Wang & A. Pizam (Eds.), Tourism Destination Marketing and Management: Theories and Applications (pp. 99-112). CAB International.

Harrill, R. (2009). Destination management: New challenges, new needs. In T. Jamal & M. Robinson (Eds.), The SAGE Handbook of Tourism Studies (pp. 448-464). Sage Publications.

Harrill, R. (2007). Fables of the reconstruction or reconstruction of the fables? Pragmatic aesthetics for advancing tourism, culture, place and community. In A. Woodside (Ed.), Advances in Culture, Tourism and Hospitality Research (Vol. 1). Elsevier.

Harrill, R. (2005). Moving forward with destination management (preface). In Fundamentals of Destination Management and Marketing. Educational Institute of the American Hotel and Lodging Association.

Harrill, R. (2005). About the international association of convention and visitors bureaus (IACVB). In Fundamentals of Destination Management and Marketing. Educational Institute of the American Hotel and Lodging Association.

Potts, T. D., & Harrill, R. (2002). Travel ecology and developing naturally: Making practice-theory connections. In R. Harris, T. Griffin & P. Williams (Eds.), Sustainable Tourism: A Global Perspective. Butterworth-Heinemann.

Harrill, R. (2000). New town: Comparing British and European models. In A. G. Noble (Ed.), Geographic and Planning Research Themes for the New Millennium. (Feschrift for Dr. Ashok Dutt). Vikas Publishing.

Harrill, R. (1999). Urban planning and social ecology: Philosophy, literature and convergence. In F. J. Costa & A. G. Noble (Eds.), Preserving the Legacy: Concepts in Support of Sustainability. Lexington Books.

Harrill, R. (1999). Beyond sustainability: Bioregionalism and bioregional planning. In F. J. Costa & A. G. Noble (Eds.), Preserving the Legacy: Concepts in Support of Sustainability. Lexington Books.

Selected Grants and Contracts

University of South Carolina

Mihalik, B., Harrill, R., & Kellett, C. ($2 million). The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation Culinary Lab. Sponsor: The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation.

Harrill, R. ($2 million). Smart State Center in Tourism and Economic Development. Sponsor: State of South Carolina.

Mihalik, B., Lutheran, C., & Harrill, R. ($1 million). Willam McFall “Mac” Pearce Endowed Professorship. Sponsor: The Pearce Family.

Harrill, R., & Li, X. ($170,208). The Future Outbound Chinese Tourism Market to the United States. Sponsor: U.S. Travel Association/U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Travel and Tourism Industries/Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Travel & Tourism Industry Center.

Li, X., & Harrill, R. ($104,997). An Evaluation of the Japanese Outbound Tourism Market. Sponsor: U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Travel & Tourism Industries/Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Travel & Tourism Industry Center.

Harrill R., Li, X., Brown, M., & Nagel, M. ($99,000). A Development and Economic Impact Study of the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor. Sponsor: South Carolina National Heritage Corridor/South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation, & Tourism/Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Travel & Tourism Industry Center.

Turk, E., Kline, S., & Harrill, R. ($90,000). Brand America: Understanding Tourism Images and Quality Expectations of Travelers. Sponsor: Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Travel & Tourism Industry Center.

Li, X., & Harrill, R. ($75,000). Establishing a Japan Travel Trade Barometer. A project monitoring Japanese visitation to the United States. Sponsor: U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Travel and Tourism Industries.

Harrill, R., & Li, X. ($71,835). Local Community’s Perception and Sentiment towards Shanghai Disney Resort. Sponsor: Shanghai International Theme Park.

Harrill, R., Li, X., Brown, M., & Nagel, M. ($60,000). Development of a Comprehensive and Systematic Plan for Management, Branding, and Sustainability of South Carolina’s Four National Byways. Sponsor: South Carolina National Heritage Corridor/Duke Energy.

Harrill, R., Brown, M., & Bernthal, M. ($50,990). The Cost Effectiveness of Exhibition Participation. Sponsor: Center for Exhibition Industry Research/Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Travel & Tourism Industry Center.

Harrill, R., Brown, M., Nagel, M., & Cardon, P. ($46,000). Center for Exhibition Industry Research: CEIR Index 2010 Edition. Sponsor: Center of Exhibition Industry Research.

Li, X., Feng, M., & Harrill, R. ($41,524). Sponsor: Shanghai Resort Development Corporation/College of Hospitality, Retail, & Sport Management.

Harrill, R., Cardenas, D., DiPietro, R., & Li, X. ($35,000). Toward a World-Class International Destination Airport for Curacao. Sponsor: Curacao Airport Holdings, NV.

Harrill, R., Brown, M., Ballouli, K.., & Li, X. ($32,000). A Comprehensive Visitor Profile, Economic Impact and Destination Image Study for Patriots Point and the USS Yorktown 2014. Sponsor: Patriots Point Development Authority.

Harrill, R., Brown, M., Ballouli, K., & Li, X. ($32,000). A Comprehensive Visitor Profile, Economic Impact and Destination Image Study for Patriots Point and the USS Yorktown 2013. Sponsor: Patriots Point Development Authority.

Li, X., & Harrill, R. ($30,000). American Baby Boomers’ Travel Behavior and Destination Preferences in China. Sponsor: China National Tourism Administration.

Harrill, R., & Li, X. ($30,000). A Strategic Tourism Plan for the Salkehatchie Region. Sponsor: Western Carolina Higher Education Commission/U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Harrill, R. ($27,000). Best Practices in Southern Tourism and Destination Management. Sponsor: Southern Governors’ Association.

Harrill, R., VonNessen, J., & So, K. ($25,000). An Investigation of Visitor Profile and Economic Impact of the Five Points District, Columbia, SC. Sponsor: Five Points Association.

Harrill R., So, K. F., & Meng, F. ($25,000). Attracting “Hot Asian Tourists Markets to the Real Southern Hotspot. Sponsor: Experience Columbia, SC (CVB).

Ballouli, K., Harrill, R., & Brown, M. T. ($25,000). A Comprehensive Visitor Profile, Economic Impact, and Day Group Study of Patriots Point and the USS Yorktown: Seasonal Data Collection. Sponsor: Patriots Point Development Authority.

Ballouli, K., Harrill, R., Brown, M. T., & Koesters, T. C. ($25,000). An Internal and External Audit of Current Consumers, Prospect Audiences, and Industry Trends Related to Camping Services at Patriots Point and the USS Yorktown 2015. Sponsor: Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum.

Ballouli, K., Harrill, R., & Campbell, J. ($22,000). Analysis of Sales and Marketing Efforts Related to Gift Shop Operations at Patriots Point. Sponsor: Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum.

Harrill, R. ($21,000). A Feasibility Study for Open Studio Development in Olde Town Conyers, Georgia. Sponsor: Conyers-Rockdale Economic Development Council.

Harrill, R., & Cardenas, D. ($20,000). International Students in Hospitality and Tourism Internship Settings: Identifying Barriers and Constraints. Sponsor: Shorelight Education Global Engagement.

Harrill, R. ($20,000). A Strategic Tourism Development and Marketing Plan for Kershaw County. Sponsor: Kershaw County Administrators Office.

Harrill, R., & Carpenter, J. ($20,000). A Tourism Marketing Plan for the Salkehatchie Region. Sponsor: Western Carolina Higher Education Commission/U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Harrill, R., & So, K. ($15,000). Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center Expansion: Standards, Practices, and Projections. Sponsor: Experience Columbia.

Harrill, R. ($15,000). Tourism, Innovation, Creativity, and Growth: Growing Aruba’s Knowledge Economy — Consulting and Teaching. Sponsor: University of Aruba, Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management.

Harrill, R., & Brown, M. ($15,000). Center for Exhibition Industry Research: CEIR Index 2009 Edition. Sponsor: Center for Exhibition Industry Research.

Harrill, R. ($11,800). Punta Cana International Airport Tourist, Aircrew, and Real Estate Report 2012. Sponsor: Grupo Punta Cana.

Li., X., & Harrill, R. ($9,950). Examining the Antecedents of Tourism Destination Loyalty: The Case of South Carolina. Sponsor: South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism/University of South Carolina College of Hospitality, Retail, & Sport Management.

Harrill, R. ($8,998). Exploring Travel and Tourism as Catalyst for Global Economic Development, Corporate Investment, and Technological Innovation. Sponsor: University of Pittsburgh, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Center for Industry Studies.

Harrill, R. ($8,000). Aligning State, Regional, and Local Tourism Marketing in Pennsylvania: Analysis and Policy Recommendations. Sponsor: Pennsylvania Tourism Office.

Xi, L., & Harrill, R. ($5,000). American Tour Operators’ Perception of China as a Tourism Destination. Sponsor: University of South Carolina/College of Hospitality, Retail, & Sport Management.

Harrill, R. ($4,565). Punta Cana International Airport Tourist and Aircrew Survey 2011. Sponsor: Grupo Punta Cana.

Harrill, R. ($4,500). Tourism and Economic Development: Columbia South Carolina’s Top Visitor Inquiry Segments. Sponsor: Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Travel & Tourism Industry Center.

Cardon, P., & Harrill, R. ($4,500). Soldiers’ and Family Satisfaction with Graduation Family Day at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Sponsor: Fort Jackson/U.S. Army/Department of Defense.

Harrill, R. ($4,450). Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Travel Grant. Sponsor: Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.

Harrill, R. ($4,038). Punta Cana International Airport Tourist and Aircrew Survey 2010. Sponsor: Grupo Punta Cana.

Baliouli, K., Koesters, T. C., & Harrill, R. ($4,000). Assessment of Patriots Point Overnight Camping Services and Consumers. Sponsor: Patriots Point Development Authority.

Harrill, R. ($2,000). South Carolina Arts Commission Cultural Tourism Initiative. Sponsor: South Carolina Arts Commission.

Georgia Tech

Harrill, R. ($70,000). Best Practices in Tourism and Destination Management. Sponsor: U.S. Economic Development Administration.

Wilkins, J., & Harrill, R. ($50,000). Accelerating Economic Development Innovation within Four USDA Champion Communities in Georgia: Clay, Quitman, Randolph, and Stewart Counties. U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Wilkins, J., & Harrill, R. ($50,000). Fannin County Economic Development Feasibility Assessment and Strategic Plan for Sustainable Economic Development. Sponsor: One Georgia.

Harrill, R. ($35,000). A Feasibility Study for the Golden Isles Parkway. Sponsor: Georgia Rural Economic Development Center.

Harrill, R. ($27,000). A Feasibility Study for the Woodpecker Trail. Sponsor: Georgia Rural Economic Development Center.

Harrill, R. ($27,000). Fundamentals of Destination Management and Marketing. Sponsor: Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI).

Harrill, R. ($25,832). A Market Segmentation and Targeting Study for the Lower Chattahoochee Region. Sponsor: One Georgia Authority.

Harrill, R. ($25,000). Georgia’s Lake Hartwell Region: Opportunities for Further Tourism Development. Sponsor: One Georgia Authority.

Harrill, R. ($25,000). A Feasibility Study for the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area. Sponsor: Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area.

Harrill, R. ($21,000). A Feasibility Study for the Heard-Chattahoochee Greenway. Sponsor: Heard County Development Authority.

Harrill, R. ($20,000). Lower Chattahoochee Region Tourism Workshops. Sponsor: Lower Chattahoochee Regional Development Center.

Bihu, W. (Peking University), & Harrill, R. ($2,000). Tourism and Urban Design Recommendations for Hangzhou (China) Grand Canal. Sponsor: Hangzhou Tourism Commission.

 


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