Education:

• PhD – Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management – Clemson University (Clemson, SC)
• MA – Recreation Studies – University of Manitoba (Winnipeg, MB)
• BRS – Recreation Studies – University of Manitoba (Winnipeg, MB)

Research Interests:

My research is focused on understanding cognitive aspects of visitors’ experiences at special events, cultural sites and parks. I have examined the role of self-serving biases in visitors’ attributions of tourism impacts and understanding how visitors transfer learning from one setting to another. By examining these psychological phenomena in greater detail I intend to contribute to both our knowledge of human cognition and visitors’ experiences at destinations. My research has employed various methods to examine visitors' experiences including surveys, field experiments and qualitative interviews. I am committed to conducting research that not only addresses theoretical issues but also contributes to enhancing practice.

Research Groups:

• Health, Leisure and Human Performance (HLHP) Research Institute, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba
• World Heritage and Tourism Research Network, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Publications/Presentations:

Van Winkle, C. M., & Backman, K. (2011). Designing interpretive audio tours to enhance meaningful learning transfer at a historic site. Journal of Heritage Tourism, 6(1), 29-44.

Van Winkle, C. M., & Comer, A. (2011, May). Festivals and information technology: Stages in diffusion of innovation. Paper presented at the 13th Annual Canadian Congress on Leisure Research, St. Catharine’s, ON.

Woosnam, K. M., Walker, J. R., & Van Winkle, C. (2011, March). Utilizing the Festival Social Impact Attitude Scale (FSIAS) to assess residents’ perspectives of a rural Texas cultural festival. Paper presented at the 2011 National Extension Tourism (NET) Conference, Charleston, SC.

Woosman, K.M., McElroy, K.E., & Van Winkle, C.M. (2009). The role of personal values in determining tourist motivations: An application to the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival, a cultural special event. Journal of Hospitality Marketing and Management, 18(5), 500-511.

Van Winkle, C.M. & Backman, K.F. (2009). Examining Visitor Mindfulness at a Cultural Event. Event Management. 12(3/4), 163-169.

Van Winkle, C.M. (2009, June). Audio versus guided tours at a national historic site: What’s the difference? Travel and Tourism Research Association Annual Conference, Honolulu, HA. Abstract published in book of proceedings.

Van Winkle, C.M. (2008, July). Meaningful learning at World Heritage Sites. World Heritage and Tourism Meeting proceedings, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, NS.

Van Winkle, C. & MacKay, K. (2008). Self-Serving Bias in Visitors’ Perceptions of the Impacts of Tourism. Journal of Leisure Research, 40(1) 69-89.

Van Winkle, C. M., Igo, B, & Backman, K. (2008). Learning Transfer at a National Historic Site: The Use of Advance Organizers to Affect Visitor Learning Transfer. American Educational Research Association Conference Proceedings: New York, New York.

Van Winkle, C. M. & Backman, K. (2008). Designing Interpretive Audio Tours for a National Historic Site: The Use of Personalized Messages to Enhance Learning Transfer. Proceedings of the 12th Canadian Congress on Leisure Research; Montreal, Quebec.

Van Winkle, C. M. (2007). Special event management. In R. McCarville & K. MacKay (Eds.), Leisure for Canadians. State College, PA: Venture Publishing.

Van Winkle, C. & Backman, K. (2007). Visitors’ Perceptions of their own Impacts at Special Events. Travel and Tourism Research Association Conference Proceedings; Las Vegas, Nevada.

Woosnam, K., McElroy, K., & Van Winkle, C. (2007). Using Values to Predict Tourist Motivation: An Application to The Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival, A Cultural Special Event. Travel and Tourism Research Association Conference Proceedings; Las Vegas, Nevada.

Van Winkle, C. & Backman, K. (2006). Examining Visitor Mindfulness at a Cultural Tourism Event. Travel and Tourism Research Association Conference Proceedings; Dublin, Ireland.

Van Winkle, C. & MacKay, K. (2005). The Relationship Between Past Experience and Visitors’ Perceptions of their Own Impacts at National Parks. National Parks and Recreation Annual Conference Proceedings; San Antonio, Texas

Van Winkle, C. (2005). Agents of Change and Visitors’ Perceptions of their Impacts and Heritage Sites. Proceedings of the 11th Canadian Congress on Leisure Research; Nanaimo, British Columbia.

MacKay, K. & Couldwell, C. (2004). Using visitor-employed photography to investigate destination image. Journal of Travel Research. 42, 390-396.

MacKay, K. & Couldwell, C. (2003). Seeing our sites through our visitors’ eyes: Investigating visitors’ images of Motherwell Homestead National Historic Site. Research Links, 11, 18-20.

Couldwell, C. & MacKay, K. (2002). Factors Related to Campers’ Perceptions of their own Impacts. Parks and Protected Areas Research Forum of Manitoba; Canadian Parks and Recreation Association Conference; Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Couldwell, C. & MacKay, K. (2002). Exploring campers’ perceptions of their own impact at a mountain park destination. Proceedings of the 10th Canadian Congress on Leisure Research; Edmonton, Alberta.

Couldwell, C. & MacKay, K. (2001). Using visitor employed photography to investigation image of a heritage attraction. Travel and Tourism Research Association Conference Proceedings; Fort Myers, Florida. Awarded Best Poster

Courses Taught:

• Concepts of Recreation and Leisure
• Introduction to Leisure Travel
• The Administration of Leisure Services
• The Administration of Leisure Services II
• The Administration of Special Events
• Leisure and Recreation: Concepts and Theories (Graduate Course)
• Guest Lecture: Cultural Tourism, Festival Management, Learning through Tourism