An Analysis of Children’s Play in Resort Childcare Programs: A Prominent Element for the Hospitality and Tourism Industry

Kryzsko Commons Ballroom

In the tourism and leisure industry children are an essential component to consider as they are consumers and active decision-makers not unlike their parents. While a significant amount of studies exists regarding children in community recreation programs, individual and team sports, summer camps, and outdoor activities, there is a definite gap in the literature regarding children's programming in resorts. For families, many summer vacation decisions involve the provision of childcare. Thus, many resorts and some hotels offer not only a place and program but also a set of staff devoted to creating a safe and pleasurable experience for the youngest resort guests while they are away from their parents. What is more, not all lodging establishments at vacation destinations have embraced this market opportunity and the determinants of childcare provision in hotels and resorts remain poorly understood. With this in mind, a preliminary inquiry of Mini Club programs at a select number of U.S. resorts was conducted to establish criteria for future research in the provision of resort childcare programs.