Tourisme et Covid-19 : arrêts sur image et réflexions. Un article de la revue Téoros (Le tourisme avant et après la COVID-19) diffusée par la plateforme Érudit.

The notions of experience and ownership of practice areas have become central to the interpretation of different contemporary recreational events. The relationship to nature, the ‘wild’ character of certain landscapes or the authentic look of different places are now elements used by the tourism industry to promote various outdoor recreational areas. However, few studies have attempted to investigate this tourism issue through environmental psychology and the ‘dwelling’ concept, which logically comes down to a place of consumption, attachment, identity and social recognition. This article will present, through a quantitative methodological structure centred on a survey using questionnaires conducted among cross-country skiers (n = 829), the type and practical arrangements that influence the perceptual relationships the skier has with his environment.

Obesity has become a world-recognized problem, largely attributed to a lack of everyday physical activity. Many recent studies show that the built environment can positively influence people to take on healthier lifestyles. In this article, we analyse the impact the implementation of a free outdoor skating rink has on the local population's social identity and physical activity in the Montreal North district. This research, based on a mixed design, demonstrates that the implementation of a proximity sport facility can inspire the population to engage in physical activity and can stimulate territorial appropriation. It also reveals that building a sport facility is not sufficient in itself to attract a mildly active or non-active clientele. In fact, it seems necessary to complement the facility with onsite-organized activities.

Leisure is an instrument used to facilitate the social integration of people with disabilities. However, it requires significant knowledge of the needs and expectations of this clientele, who often experience isolation, especially in rural areas. The general objective of this study was to attempt to identify and understand the realities experienced by the partners of the Quebec Association for Leisure for People with Disabilities, who offer various services and leisure activities to people with disabilities in rural Quebec. Through focus groups and semi-structured interviews with seventy local stakeholders, this study highlights the fact that the needs of organizations offering recreational activities to people with disabilities are increasingly urgent, especially in terms of finances, paratransit, accessibility, specialized human resources and consultation. This study also demonstrates that recreational activities are essential for the social and identity development of people with disabilities, but also for the development of more inclusive and connected rural communities.

Quebec, like other Canadian provinces, is dealing with sedentary lifestyle problems affecting its youth. Several recent studies have suggested that good-quality spatial planning regarding recreational and sporting facilities helps to increase the level of physical activity youth undertake. However, this correlation also intermingles with spatial elements linked to the living environments of youth (urban, suburban, and rural), and this study was conducted from this perspective. It aims to analyze the spatial planning quality of recreation and sports facilities in the regional county municipality of Joliette according to youth aged between 12 and 17, and, concomitantly, identify the perceptions of local actors working or involved with youth regarding these spatial planning elements. Through 16 focus groups, this study brings to light the key elements for making the proximity of leisure and sporting venues attractive to adolescents, namely accessibility, animation, and multifunctionality.

Horse racing in Canada is an important industry from an economic and leisure perspective; however, in recent years, little research has been done into the attitudes of industry stakeholders. In this study, we conducted a self-administered survey (n = 526) with Canadian horse owners, breeders, trainers, drivers, officials, and operators about the state of the industry. Data were collected on the industry’s current status, investment priorities and challenges, and on how to improve the spectator experience. The results point to some difference among provinces. There was stakeholder convergence about the current situation and the urgent actions required to address the challenges faced by this industry. In order to revitalize the horse racing industry, a holistic and multifaceted approach is recommended to reawaken interest among stakeholders and customers, to encourage financial reinvestment, and to implement new communication and promotional strategies.