Landscape and Leisure
Outdoor Recreation in Gieten-Drenthe


(click here for more pictures about Gieten-Drenthe)

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Journal
International Research Project
Master in International Leisure and Tourism Studies
Landscape and Leisure
Outdoor Recreation in Gieten-Drenthe
Supervisor
Akke Folmer, M.Sc
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ELECTIVE MODULE
GROUP MEMBERS
RAI UTAMA,CECILY,PHUONG,SUSAN, and MAYUR

SCHOOL OF GRADUATED STUDIES
CHN UNIVERSITY NETHERLANDS
JUNE 2007
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LEISURE AND TOURISM
Landscape and Leisure: Outdoor Recreation in Gieten-Drenthe
Mailts Students (2006-2007)
School of Graduate studies, Leisure and Tourism- CHN University, Netherlands.
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ABSTRACT:

Tourism is both an agent of preservation and change of landscapes and landscape elements. On the other hand, processes of landscapes are changing, are being transformed from production to consumption. As Geoffrey Wall pointed out that “traditional, relict, modified and new landscape features may be juxtaposed in a kaleidoscope of land uses and visual forms, and these features may have different meanings to different people.” (Geoffrey Wall, 2000: 51). Due to the differences from regions to regions, strategies are changing with a gradual pace.

Therefore, strategies sometimes are planned to boost tourist potential, and to protect areas from being over visited or even make the areas known to the potential visitors if less visited. As such, it can be regarded that outdoor recreation and tourism development influence landscapes. In this case, the objectives of different strategies are designed to keep a balance of the impact on outdoor recreation and tourism on landscapes.
The research is based on first hand or primary observation on the research area, the village Gieten in the province of Drenthe, The Netherlands. The results add to knowledge and focuses on rural areas, in that case Gieten and the opportunities that outdoor recreation give to preserve and develop the landscape.

Key words: Outdoor recreation, Tourism, Landscapes, leisure, Drenthe, Gieten.


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1: INTRODUCTION

Gietens in Drenthe- Netherlands
One of the three northern provinces of the Netherlands is Drenthe. It is an attractive province with a variety of beautiful landscape. Of the various recreational centers and resources, some of them are remarkable such as cycling tracks of 1,250 km,


National Parks which include Drents-Friese Wold, Dwingelderveld, and Nationaal beek and Esdorpenlandschap Drentsche however is on the village Gieten in Drenthe
The village of Gieten is located near the cities of Assen, Groningen, Veendam and Emmen. It is halfway Amsterdam and Bremen both about 200km away. Gieten is about 14 kilometers east of Assen, the capital of the province of Drenthe, on the secondary road (N33) to Veendam. (http://www.vacations-abroad.com/netherlands/).

Forward
It is known that any kind of development leads to the growth of a place. For example, positive development e.g community tourism may make a place grow economically and may lead to other benefits like the installation of infrastructural amenities that could be used by both the tourists and the local communities.. In this case, development of outdoor recreation in a particular destination tends to prosper due to certain amenities and resources available at the place. For example, a place with political stability, good accessibility, with attractive tourist features attractive natural and/or cultural resources, will tend to have a fast development of leisure facilities due to either investments done there or by promotional measures. Thus, first understanding the natural and cultural landscapes that are available in Gieten is important as it reveals the strengths and weaknesses of Gieten as an outdoor recreation destination, and it’s potential.

In the report, the potential of Gieten as an outdoor recreation spot will be analysed. The main aim of the research is to get insight into the potential of outdoor recreation in Gieten and how outdoor recreation could contribute to the development of attractive cultural and natural landscapes in the province of Drenthe. Several methods have been used to come up with proper materials and information for this report. This has been with the help of observation and desktop research as ways of obtaining data and literature. Student from CHN University School of Graduate studies examined the opportunities that could be found in Gieten; those of developing cultural landscapes in the area. Parts of the strategies followed were exploration of the research area and background research of the area.

The paper will cover a short literature review of various academic writers on landscapes and outdoor recreation. This will be followed by details of the research and date an analyses of the results will be interpreted, and finally some conclusions.


2. RECREATION LITERATURE

Landscapes and Tourism
Urry (1990: 11) has explained that, ‘Tourism results from a basic binary division between the ordinary/everyday and the extraordinary’. Thus, tourists often go to visit ‘features of the landscape and townscape which separate them off from everyday experience. Dealing with the former, landscapes have several meanings. For the pourpose of this report, definition of a landscape can be a heterogeneous land area composed of interacting ecosystems that repeat in similar form throughout (Forman and Gordon 1986). This definition draws attention to the arrangement of landscape components (pattern or structure) as well as their interactive nature (function or process).

Forman and Gordon (1986) continue to point that these elements of landscapes are arbitrary and determined by the observer based on his/her objectives. For instance, a patch can be delineated on the basis of land cover, such as vegetation, water, or urban development, or by using other criteria such as microclimate. A patch can be a red pine stand, a city, a lake, an area of similar air temperature, a particular soil type, a continent, an aggregated group of herbaceous vegetation, among others. Recreation and tourism in many rural areas have gone from being primarily passive from minor elements in the landscape to become highly active and dominant agents of change and control of that landscape and of associated communities (Butler, Hall & Jenkins, 1998). Therefore, outdoor tourism can be another component of the many sectors or types of tourism, and can fall under adventure or rural tourism which comprises of adventurous sports such as mountaineering or hiking. (Source---http://encyclopedia.laborlawtalk.com/tourism)

Outdoor recreation
Simply defined, recreation refers to experiences and activities chosen and pursued by the individual in his/her free time; the basis being that the experience sought and activities pursued, in the real sense of the word, 're-creates' the individual so that he/she may be refreshed to enable him/her to resume daily obligations (John, 1986)

According to Kraus, (1966), recreation consists of an activity or experience, usually chosen voluntarily by the participant, either because of the immediate satisfaction to be derived from it, or because he perceives some personal or social values to be achieved by it. It is carried on in leisure time, and has no work connotations, usually enjoyable and when it is carried on as part of organized or community services; it is designed to meet constructive and socially worthwhile goals of the individual participant, the group and society at large. However, recreation consists of indoor and outdoor as well, while outdoor recreational is opportunities and activities related with for everything for instance birding, boating, biking and trail riding (http://dnr.state.il.us/outdoor/index.htm). This research is specifically dealing with outdoor recreation.

Outdoor recreation can be defined as just being outdoors for fun. However, the Henry center for recreation in England has broadly defined outdoor recreation as consisting of creative activities, health activities and informal game plays. Others that have been included are like: • Commercially run activities, Study of the natural, environment, Educational activities and programs, Conservation volunteering, Sustainable journeys to outdoor recreation

Outdoor recreation, like many other leisure activities have had different trends overtime. This maybe as a result of changing preference of the consumers and the change in time, space and resources. Many consumers are opting for healthier lifestyles, or a more ethical way of having leisure. Swarsbrooke et al (2003) has listed many trends attributed to adventure tourism, and in this, outdoor recreation.
One of the main trends Swarsbrooke states is the current concern and the sensitivity to green issues. This is such as responsible tourism that is merrily for holidaying while also taking care of the environment.

On the other hand, the writer explains that health issues have become a catalyst of trends for recreation. For example, consumers will tend to move away from the heavy and hectic way of life in the urban areas, in search for a clean and fresh countryside for relaxation of mind. Recent trends as swarsbrooke continues to note are the demographic trends where demography changes due to certain issues like having children when older may result also to a certain trend in leisure or recreation.
Technological trend on the other hand tends to have influences on leisure spending eg the electronic information will tend to influence the way consumers make bookings or find their holiday destinations on the web. The development of new materials will make some activities and destinations more accessible to a wider population than others. This maybe like development of fast trains, buses like Eurostar or cheaper airlines. Also such things as a fashionable travel trends have become popular where people will go by what the media say is fashionable, age and employment patterns cannot be left out in the trends category as many people work more hours, so is the need for a quick or a short holiday somewhere accessible and with the right recreation resources.

This then lead us to the next phase of opportunities of outdoor recreation. Williams (1995) states that the organization of and actions of local authorities to develop outdoor recreation are very variable and this may be partly attributed to lack of a policy direction.

On the other hand, the private sector has a more driven ability to create excellent leisure opportunities since the sector is a market driven one. The terms they invest in are characterized by the returns the sector gets and the returns are financially measured. Private sectors fro recreational purposes are characterized by such amenities like pools tables, snooker houses, bowling centers, among others.
The voluntary sector falls between the private and the public sector. This Williams (1995) notes that it is normally dominated by community based clubs and groups that focus on a particular activity eg drama, theatre, gardening or football club.
Therefore, for a proper opportunity of recreation provision, all the sectors must collaborate so that such opportunities of leisure and recreation can be equal and be of standard to everyone including the disabled.


3: METHODOLOGY

This paper is concerned with outdoor recreation in the village of Gieten, in the province of Drenthe. The data included was first hand or primary data. That is primarily, there was the use of photographs, site visitation and observation. Knowledge of the research area was first based on desk research where review of various articles and websites concerning Drenthe or Gieten were used. Such websites were like.(http://www.drenthe.nl/loket/pdf/engels.pdf)
In analysing the data a SWOT analysis was used

4: RESULTS

Topography

Participants noted that there is plenty to do in Gieten and the surrounding countryside. The extensive wooded environment, including the 'Zwanemeer' woods, an area with sand drifts and many interesting features, is much loved by walkers. The recreation lake, ''t Nije Hemelriek' ('new kingdom of heaven') means fun for the whole family. This is because they can spend a day or a weekend either fishing or boating, or even just having a picnic outing along the lake. Exploring the environment by bicycle a network of asphalt cycle tracks guarantees maximum cycling pleasure, taking tourists to the most beautiful spots in the surroundings. One can also follow the 'Hondsrug route' (the historic route over the natural sandy ridges) http://www.drenthe.nl/loket/pdf/engels.pdf. There are also plenty of fishing facilities, in the Zwanemeer among others, for those who enjoy the quiet pastime of fishing.

RESOURCES

Flora and fauna, planting, fishing, forestry, and fabrication, can be found in Gieten as main natural attractions. Tourist facilities can be also be found in gitens such as Hotel/Villa, Restaurant/Food Services, Shops, and Supermarket ready to serve the visitors in Gieten. Other notable features are the national parks around Gieten, the bike routes, impressive garden views etc. A more explain result (?), can be found below.

Finding of Potency of Outdoor Recreation in Gieten-Drenthe
By using SWOT analysis the group found resources as strengths point of Gieten as outdoor recreation destination.

There are not many outdoor recreation sites in Gieten but whatever recreation sites are available the tourists are happy with it. There are garden views for people to come and relax and have a nice time when they want to see the natural beauty. The local community is very friendly and welcoming towards the visitors
The strengths of Gieten as an outdoor recreation spot can be identified with resources of natural and cultural amenities that are very attractive in the area.
The influence of trends of outdoor recreation to the development of attractive natural and cultural landscape in Gieten-Drenthe

a. Demographic trends:
Due to the fact that people are moving more frequently and they have more free time and money than ever before, they will have pay more time for recreation activities. Apart from that, parents realize the importance of out door recreation to the mental and physical development of their children, so they tend to take the whole family for outdoor recreation activities. Collective out door activities are best suitable for these tourists. For example, camping, picnic, walking, hiking, football and volley ball or basket ball. Besides, visiting historical sites and attending to cultural events and festival also very appropriate for them because these activities are good for their health and their children ‘s educational knowledge. Furthermore, it is so helpful for these tourists fortify their relationship with their family member and their friends through collective activities.

As a result, Gieten as an attractive natural and cultural landscape will attract more tourists to this place to do there out door recreation activities with their friends or family. There will be the cooperation between the tourism bureau and the locals to conduct the services such as food and beverage, accommodation, bike renting and so on. Apart from that, since those activities bring the economic benefits to the tourism bureau and the locals, they will have the awareness of preservation and development the natural and cultural landscape in the region. Furthermore, there will be some programmes to promote the cultural heritages in this place for example cultural festivals, cultural events etcetera. Finally, the natural recourses will be protected and develop such as building more parks, raising fish in the lakes and planting more trees and flowers.

The needs for outdoor recreation are not only plentiful but also very diversified between different groups of people. Therefore, emphasis will need to be placed on programs and facilities that attract a variety of people. Together with the higher awareness of cultural and natural preservation, this will makes the Gieten-Drenthe more attractive with the cooperation between the present landscape and new facilities.

b. Social economic trends:

a. Employment patterns.
People are looking for creation activities to escape from the stressful daily jobs. Besides, employees who are tired of the rushing pace of modern life will find some peaceful and leisure activities to do during their weekends. In this case, fishing, strolling, doing yoga or meditation are the best choices for such kind of tourists because these activities offer tourist with a peaceful sense in mind and a relative separation with noisy and complicated life.

b. People opt for a more or high physical activity
To some people, there realize natural atmosphere and physical exercise is good for their health. They tend to do more active and excited activities. For example, tennis, badminton, marathon or jogging, boating, bike cycling. As a result, the new facilities to serve for these activities will be built. It gives Gieten the opportunities to attract diversified needs tourist. Moreover, these facilities also serve the locals so that their quality of life will be upgraded. Gieten will be not only the attractive cultural and natural landscape destination but also the sport center of Drenthe.

c. Life long education
These days, people get higher and higher level of education which will stimulate them to study more to broaden there mind. As an attractive cultural landscape, Gieten has the advantage to organize cultural excursion tours to visit historic site, old house and recreate old time lifestyle, attend cultural events and cultural festival. As mentioned before, these activities also help the local to enhance the awareness of cultural heritage preservation and development.

d. Health and fitness trends
To tourists who pay much attention to their health and fitness, active exercise and activities are more helpful to them. Such activities as jogging, hiking, swimming, board skating, boating, doing martial arts, football, basket ball, volley ball are most suitable for them.

e. Consumerism and fashion
For some tourist, traveling is just a kind of fashion. In this case, they just imitate what other do. They don’t care much of their health or there knowledge. They just want to enjoy life. Therefore, good services of food and beverage, hospitality, entertainment are appropriate for these tourists. They may prefer to go walking and sight seeing most.

c. Technological trends
Accompany with the development of new technology, new forms of recreational pursuits appear. For example, artificial beach volley ball, artificial sea swimming, diving or surfing. Besides, going on hot balloon, water skiing, sky skiing, parachute jumping, ice skating and so on can be organize in Gieten so that the out door recreation activities in this place will be more diversified.

d. Economic and political trends
People are generally unwilling to pay higher fees although there economic condition nowadays is better than before. In this case, the classic outdoor recreation activities which are not costly are best choice for those people. For instance, walking, jogging, biking, board skating, doing yoga etcetera.

In conclusion, there are variety outdoor activities can be conducted in Gieten-Drenthe according to the new trend in outdoor recreation such as camping, picnic, walking, hiking, football, volley ball or basket ball, fishing, strolling, doing yoga or meditation, tennis, badminton, marathon or jogging, boating, bike cycling, cultural excursion tours go walking and sight seeing. In the near future, with the development of technology, there maybe other activities maybe added like hot balloon, water skiing, sky skiing, parachute jumping, and ice skating. As a result, Gieten will be a holliday center in the North of the Neitherlands.

Strengths

1. Attractiveness of Gieten and its surrounding, ie the beautiful lake, gardens, walking paths, canals, bridges etc

2. Closer to main cities Leeuwarden, and Groningen. This could be seen as an alternative by other tourists who want to experience more that one village around Leeuwarden and Groningen.

3. Easily accessible: Just like other typical Holland villages and cities, Gieten is well accessible via buses, and it has excellent road network. More over, the bike route can be used by those using bike means eg the citizens of gieten who can also serve as local tourists.

Weaknesses

Lack of information: No proper information that serves the wider population. The information on Gieten and Drenthe is mostly Dutch and that leaves out international tourists who could be interested.

Opportunities

1.New form of travel and leisure.eg the short term tourist due to his work angagements would like to spend few days in Gieten as a quite and relaxing place.

2. Spacious places for development since it still has open spaces Threats
Land use problems, Pollution: May be caused through housing projects and the building up of campsite, and hotels that may come up as a result of more outdoor recreation tourists


Explanation of the SWOT Analysis

How can those opportunities contribute to the development of attractive cultural and natural Landscape in Gieten?

First of all, gieten is a nice place for family recreation, it provides recreational amenities and infrastructure for outdoor recreation already. They combine the elements of natural beauty, landscape , and diversity of attractions.

Further more, there is need to focus on the main trends of outdoor recreation as seen by Swarsbrooke et al (2003). Such trends are like technological trends. The concerned people should make Gieten more accessible via internet as a way to market the place since its not well known. On the socio economic trend such as health and fitness factors should be placed in priority. Gietens has more spacious land and its is quite and away from the hectic ways of the city. It therefore should perhaps focus on more cultural amenities like building of spas. Changing altitude of ageing and also employment patterns should be other trends to put more emphasis on while developing cultural and natural landscapes. This is because many people are taking few and short breaks and therefore Gietens should come up with cultural landscapes that will accommodate the short term visitor and make him have a wonderful time.

Finally gieten has perfect places for the sick to have an undisturbed time with their loved ones. Therefore it should also focus on the few un represented groups eg the disabled who would like to visit the area. This can be done by building disabled amenities.

Sources: ......................raiutama@yahoo.com.au
(we have the original and complete report)

Restaurants

Supermarket in Gieten
More pictures about Gieten-Drenthe

Garden view in Gieten-Drenthe
More pictures about Gieten-Drenthe