A Tourism Tracking Study for Lawrence, Kansas

Abstract

The report is based on information gathered during four quarterly studies of travelers to Lawrence, Kansas. The target population of these studies was all visitors to Lawrence. The sampling procedure was a fixed, sequential random probability sample based on the hotel/motel the visitor was checking into and the time of check in. For additional information on the sampling procedure, see Appendix A. The visitors were approached after they completed the check in process at one of the local hotels or motels in the city and asked if they would spend a short time with the interviewer answering a few questions about their trip to Lawrence. Most potential respondents were cooperative and the refusal rate was approximately 8 % over the entire period of the study. This refusal rate is more than acceptable for a study of this type. Because of the method of sampling and the low refusal rate, the information developed from analysis of this data may be used to infer conclusions about the entire population in question, visitors to Lawrence, Kansas.

The interview was structured after three separate pretests. The interviewer introduced him/herself to the potential respondent as being from the University of Kansas and asked the respondent to answer a few questions concerning their current visit to Lawrence, Kansas. The interview was described as taking approximately two minutes of their time. The standard interview form completed is attached as Appendix B. The results below are a synopsis of the information obtained in these personal interviews completed during four quarterly involving one calendar year. For more detailed information, the Quarterly Reports in Appendix C may be consulted.