The Impact of On-Location Filming of a Motion Picture on Tourists' Level of Enjoyment While Attending a Major Coastal Attraction

Abstract

This study examined the effect of the addition of a novelty experience, the on-site filming of the Warner Brothers movie, on the perceived level of enjoyment of tourist visiting the USS Alabama at Battleship Memorial Park on Mobile Bay. The researchers sought to determine if there was a significant difference in perceived enjoyment levels of those who visited while the novelty experience was present as contrasted to those visiting during normal operations. It was the hypothesis of the researchers that perceived levels of enjoyment would be significantly enhanced by the mere evidence of Hollywood and the filming process. If this supposition were supported by the data, this would encourage attraction managers to develop and incorporate special events within the main attraction. If contrary results surfaced, managers might re-evaluate the cost and effectiveness of bringing special events to existing attractions.