|
|
|
|
|
nature of tourism and its impact on economic activity
|
|
|
ÞThe Nature of Tourism Tourism can be defined as the temporary movement of people outside their normal place of work and residence, together with the activities undertaken during their stay at those destinations and the facilities created to cater for visiting tourists, Tourism is distinguishable from travel undertaken in the past by its mass character, and is now not a luxury only for the upper classes. Tourism is a luxury, with most people in the developed world and increasing numbers of people living in developing countries engaging in tourism at some time in their lives. Tourism is accepted and accustomed, and has become a good indicator of economic status and is considered necessary for good health and personal being. ÞDefining Tourism. Tourism is a productive activity that encompasses human behaviour, use of resources, and interaction with other people, economies and environments. It involves physical movement of tourists to locations other than their normal place of living. It involves consumption of goods and services provided by organisations in the process, and generate a mass productive activity, employment and income. Tourism is a highly complex productive activity. It involves the activities and interests not only of large transport undertakings, owners of tourist sites and attractions, and of various tourist services at the destination but also of all levels of government. Each of these serves the resident population and visitors. For countries delivering the tourist product it makes a significant contribution to GDP, employment, investment and FOREX earnings. It is a major catalyst for economic growth and structural change. It also diversifies employment prospects. ÞTourism is dependant on a large number of economic activities supplying inputs to the industries that directly cater for tourists and producing consumer durables used for tourist activity. Characteristics of tourism are: - Constantly operating industry, seasonal fluctuations - Labour-intensive industry - Lack of barriers to entry - Small business predominates - Important medium for educational and cultural exchange - Sheer numbers - Growing levels of consumer expenditure - A few producers dominate - New tourist attractions are regularly opening - Mass tourists products have little differentiation. - The impacts of tourism are broad ranging (economic, social, environmental) ÞTwo forms of tourism: - International Tourism Travel to country outside residence - Domestic Tourism Travel within tourist country. ÞSpatial Pattern Travel and tourism is the world largest industry. Western Europe and North America dominate global tourist flows. Total world tourism grew throughout the 1980s and 1990s at around 4% per annum. The range of destinations now encompasses virtually all countries in the developed world and many of those in the developing world. There has been spectacular growth in the Asia-Pacific region. Countries which are good destinations have sufficient environmental safeguards and a trained workforce. Tourism has developed in many contexts. Modern mass tourism has origins in affluence of industrialised countries of West Europe, North America, and Japan. Tourism has also expanded significantly in East Europe, Asia, Africa and the Caribbean. It has developed in liberal and western societies and in a variety of physical environments. Tourism has also developed in a wide variety of physical environments, with many different environments within a country becoming favourable tourist destinations. These environments may include: - Islands - Alpine - Coasts - Countryside ÞFactors affecting tourism The tourism industry is multi faceted. Many components of tourism are inextricably bound to other economic sectors, and other forms of accommodation to commercial development. The spatial interaction that arises out of the tourist’s movement from origin to destination and factors affecting it lend themselves to analysis. 1. The biophysical and built environment - A countries biophysical environment, cultural heritage and artistic life represent integral components of its tourist industry. Various types of tourism have differing requirements for favourable development and some countries will be more favourable for development than others. - The industry is ultimately located according to the spatial distribution of attractions and access to them, which is largely determined by environmental factors. The tourist destination must offer tings the tourist seeks and needs. - Tourist behaviour patterns are influenced by environment conditions, and they may place constraints on types of developments. Natural characteristics are highly desirable and should complement infrastructure and attractions. - Climate is a special consideration, and favourable weather conditions are essential. For each tourist activity there is an optimal climate, and climate often determines the length and profitability of the holiday season at a resort. 2. Technological change - One of the most important variables affecting tourism is technological change. In the twentieth century, transport technology allowed the spread of mass tourism to a widespread array of destinations, which were previously not reachable by rail or ship.
|
|
|
|
Still Can't Find What Your Looking For? Then Try a Essay Search!
|
