Research Topics: Tourism Sample Essays

TOURISM BEHAVIOR

Tourism Behaviour   Tourism             Is a travel for predominantly recreational or leisure purposes. Tourism also refers to the provision of services in support of this act. Tourism is defined as the study of man (the tourist) away from his usual habitat, of the touristic apparatus and networks responding to his various needs, and of the ordinary (where the tourist is coming from) and nonordinary (where the tourist goes to) worlds and their dialectic relationships. Such conceptualisations extend the frame beyond the earlier trade-oriented notions or definitions mostly devised to collect data and calculate tourist arrivals, departures, or expenditures. Significantly, it is this holistic view which accommodates a systemic study of tourism: all its parts, its interconnected structures and functions, as well as ways it is influenced by and is influencing other forms and forces relating to it.   Tourism Behaviour             The concept of behaviour in tourism considers customers and their behaviour specifically as it relates to tourist activities. Some distinctive behaviour topics include cross-cultural interaction, authenticity, tourist-guide interaction and post travel attitudes. This subsumes both the observable behaviour of tourists and their mental and psychological processes involving decision-making, motivations and cognition. The study of tourist satisfaction provides a link to business and management research. Knowledge of the behaviour of tourists in space and time is valuable to assist planners and managers of attractions and environments. Tourist behaviour and experience is assessed by survey studies as well as observational and field research.   Decision Process             Many models have been proposed to simulate the decision-making process for tourism-related products. However, this is a very complicated procedure, and it increases in complexity as more people become involved. The concepts of image, utility maximisation, knowledge acquisition and others are all involved. In addition, various socioeconomic characteristics affect decision making in different ways. Tourism has become one of the world’s most powerful components of economic development. Many countries have established tourism development as a high priority concern. However, increases in discretionary time and money, as well as the variety of vacation choices, have given the potential traveller more flexibility of choice. As a result, the factors influencing travel decisions are becoming more complex. If a travel or tourism organisation wants to influence a travel decision, it needs to understand who is making the decision and how that decision is made. The ‘decision process’ has been described as a simple association between a stimulus and a response. It has also been described as a very complex interaction among many behaviour determinants (, 1966). An effective travel decision-making model must incorporate important factors affecting the decision (such as sociodemographic, sociological and psychographic characteristics) and provide an understanding of the relationships between these variables. Travel decisions may also be affected by factors such as travel characteristics, destination attributes and past travel patterns. One of the key steps in tourism planning and marketing is to develop travel behaviour choice models by analyzing these travel factors.   Consumer Behaviour             Consumer behaviour can be viewed as the study of how, why and how often individuals make decisions to spend their available resources (such as money, time or energy) on consumption-related items ( and , 1990). Many factors affect the consumer decision process. Factors can come from marketing (including such things as perceived product quality, price and distinctiveness), social sources (which includes family and reference groups), individual differences (such as sociodemographics, lifestyle and personality types), or psychological processes (like motivation, or destination perceptions) ( and , 1990;  and , 1990).             Sociodemographics, travel characteristics and psychographic variables have all been recognized as important factors influencing travel decisions. One of the strategic approaches in tourism planning and decision-making is to develop travel choice models by analyzing these travel factors. Models can be defined as ‘systems of hypotheses relating one or more dependent variables…to several independent variables’ (, 1989:). In studying travel and tourism, dependent variables could be the choice of a tourist destination, hotel or accommodation, the likelihood of taking a future trip, the length of stay or the total number of visits. On the other hand, independent variables could include factors such as sociodemographics, psychographics, travel characteristics, destination attributes or economic variables.   Tourism Motivations: Factors affecting the Decision Making Process: According to the sociologist Max Weber, motivation lies at the core of human behaviour. Consequently, the study of motivation is central to any social scientific undertaking since it provides understanding, explanation and prediction. It goes beyond the how questions of description to the why questions of interpretation and causality. As one domain of interpersonal activity, tourism is no exception to this general observation. Indeed, ‘why do people travel?’ is probably the most fundamental issue in tourism research today ( 2000, ).  (1994), points out that there are several concrete social influences conditioning the decision to travel. He identifies the family, reference groups, social class, the surrounding culture and the workplace as the most important of these. The latter is particularly significant since it is conductive to compensatory and spill over effects in various types of travel.   1. Social interaction is commonly identified as a tourism motivation. Early research on the latter incorporated the underlying hypothesis that an individual has a need for love and affection and the desire to communicate with others. Further explorations revealed enhancement of kinship and friendship relationships and the facilitation of varied and increased social interaction as motives which directed vacation choice and behaviour.   2. Cultural motivators are strong push factors for the development of tourism. Cultural motivators lead the tourist into learning about and experiencing the culture of societies other than their own.   Senior Tourism             An exponential increase in the number of senior citizens throughout the world has made this group an attractive niche market for tourism with its own particular needs. Tourism marketers in countries like Australia, Canada and the United States are beginning to sharpen their focus on older people. Seniors roughly constitutes up to a third of the adult population in each of these countries. Many of these seniors have the desire and means to travel for pleasure, discovery and learning. The main purpose of travel is Holiday. Seniors stay more in lower cost accommodation. They tend to stay more with friends, relatives or their own property. Trip Characteristics 1. Senior Tourists travel longer 2. Senior Tourists travel to more destinations 3. Senior Tourists have less ties to employment Source:   Senior Tourists are people of later age (after 55) who travel for leisure and whose earning and family obligations decrees and finally disappear. A-first-distinction can be made in young-old (aged 55-64), old (aged 65-74) and very old (aged 75 and over). Economic Aspects             The WTO forecasts that earnings from international tourism will grow an average of 6-7% annually – double the growth rate for the world economy as a whole. In the coming decades tourism activity will become one of the main economic sectors of the world. Senior Tourists are attractive as consumers because: 1. They have the financial means 2. They have time 3. They have a better education than in the past 4. They belong to a generation, which has travelled 5. They are relatively healthy and know that activities like tourism and recreation contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Senior Tourists differ in age (chronological-biological), health, economic status, tourism experience and cultural background. People do not change their travel behaviour because they turn 60 or retire. Travel experience and patterns will have an important influence on travel behaviour. Source:               Youth Tourism             Youth Tourism has taken many forms over time, most of which seem to have been a simple expression of youthful energy and curiosity about the world beyond their bounded society. Their travels were usually a form of alternatives to prevailing tourism. Historically, these involved travels to medieval universities and such institutions as the “Grand Tour”, with its year abroad for young scholars and their tutors.             Youth travel itself is not a new phenomenon. For centuries, young people have been travelling around the world with their families, in groups, or on their own. The World Tourism Organization (WTO) defines the ‘young’ tourism market as travelers 16-25 years old, who take a trip of at least one night’s stay. The Canadian youth market is defined as young people 30 years of age and under, who are travelling outside the family unit, not for business, and not primarily to visit friends or relatives, and whose travel includes at least one overnight stay.   Youth Travel Market             Different groups within the youth travel market have unique characteristics and motivations for travel, and require different products to suit their needs. the youth travel market is divided into two broad categories: independent yout travel and youth travel group.     Youth Group Travel             This group is consisting of six or more unrelated young people travelling together. Youth travel group is divided into two groups: student travel or school-based youth group travel and non-school based youth group travel. Youth travel is specifically sanctioned by the sponsoring school, school board or school district. School based youth group travel may be driven by curriculum-related activities an/or semi-curricular or extra-curricular activities like music performances and sports competition. Travel and activities are generally undertaken as a group, accompanied by teachers, school personnel and/or adult chaperones. Non-school-based youth group travel is often referred as youth travel grope. This travel is organized by a group such as a sports team, church group, cultural/musical performance troupe or Scouts/Guides. Travel is often undertaken as a group, but may also occur in smaller groups, led by parents or other adult chaperones. Youth group travelers are price sensitive, in the sense that they are more strongly influenced by price related issues that the average business or convention traveler. Independent Youth Travel             Sometimes referred to as ‘free independent youth travelers’, or foreign independent youth travelers’, independent youth travelers travel alone, or in small informal groups. Today’s independent youth travelers tend to be well educated, well informed, and Internet savvy. Students between the ages of 18 and 26 mostly comprise this group, although some are young professionals who are either unemployed or taking time off between school and settling down. Most independent youth travelers head for destinations farther from home stay longer and spend less daily but more in total than the average adult tourist spends. They appear to be price sensitive for travel, housing and food, but less for entertainment, shopping and attractions. Domestic independent youth travelers tend to plan shorter trips, to one or two specific destinations. Foreign independent travelers tend to have longer stays, and are experience-driven. Independent Youth Traveler Characteristics 1. Between 15 and 30 years old 2. Well-educated – most often students or previous students 3. Travel independently, or with 1-2 friends 4. Risk-friendly, experience oriented 5. Responsive to destination/experience based marketing initiatives 6. Detailed pre-trip planning 7. Lower incomes, but willing to save/combine travel with work in order to finance travel 8. Lower daily spending, but longer stays resulting in higher overall spending per trip Motivations for Travel 1. Explore other cultures 2. Increase knowledge and experience through self-discovery 3. Relaxation 4. Social Interaction Source:   Bibliography:               Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

TOURISM BEHAVIOR

Tourism Behaviour Tourism Is a travel for predominantly recreational or leisure purposes. Tourism also refers to the provis...

Special Interest Tourism can only increase in the 21st Century

Special Interest Tourism Introduction             Tourism industry has been one of the most important industries in the world during the past few decades that have helped many countries and nations to improve their economies by increasing sales, employment and the foreign currency earnings (1991). Tourism has been part of the normal daily life of many people in the world (2006).             That is why most of the countries and places in the world are doing their best in focusing on their tourism industry because of the fact that the said industry has obtained the leading position of becoming the most important source of income and foreign investments (2006).  (2006) believes that the growth of the tourism industry will continue to expand in the near future and will maintain its growth to become the most important industry in the world (). Special Interest Tourism             Special interest tourism is a controversial and a hot label that often used incorrectly or interchangeably to define a form of tourism that refers to the mass tourism (2000). According to the World Tourism Industry or WTO, special interest tourism can be defined as the specialized tourism that involved individual or group tours by those people who wishes to develop their given interests or visit sites and places that has a relation or connection with their specific interest or subject (2003). According to , people are traveling because of their particular interest for a particular subject that are available or can be seen in a given country or place (2003).             On the other hand those people who are into the special interest tourism are called special interest tourist. They are motivated by their desire and urge to pursue their particular interest, hobby or activity than can be a sport like, scuba diving, golf or mountain climbing or bird watching; another thing that can motivated them is their love for heritage interest like folk music, educational pursuit and periodical architecture. They are choosing their destination based on the can offer them a better and unique way of enjoying their hobbies and interest (2000).             There are many kinds of special tourism interest; it can be educational tourism, sports tourism, sex tourism, health and beauty tourism, arts and entertainment tourism and a lot more. This study will mainly focus on three special interest tourisms which are the: educational tourism, sex tourism and heritage cultural tourism. Kinds of Special Interest Tourism Definition 1. Educational Tourism 1. This type of tourism is define as the urge or desire to travel to learn ( ). 2. Educational tourism includes travel in order to undertake different university courses, short courses or even recreational courses () 3. Rodger define educational Tourism is a program that enables participants to travel to a certain location as a group  with the main purpose of engaging or involving in a learning experience ( ) 2. Sex Tourism 1. National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (2007) define sex tourism as the activity of traveling to another country in order to engage in a sexual activity with other. 2. Sex Tourism often refer to child prostitution or a trip done by males to different parts of Asia where there are available women who are exploited for the benefits of the tourists (2003).   3. Cultural Tourism 1. Cultural tourism is the result of the people’s urge to experience the cultures of other countries ( 1999) 2. According to cultural tourism is a genre of special interest tourism that is based on the search of a person for a certain participating for a new and deep cultural experience that can range from aesthetic, intellectual, psychological and emotional ( 2007). 1. Educational Tourism             During the past decades, the educational tourism have evolved and developed number of ways such as the student exchanges or the urge of the young people to travel to another country in order to study and learn as well as analyze the language and culture of other people; special holidays on the other hand, is the urge to travel to learn something new (1999). There is no doubt that educational industry has already become one of the most popular types of special interest tourism. According to  and (1997), the world market for international education travel was estimated to increase from 4.8 million trips up to more or less 8 million trips in 1996, showing that it had increase 66% of its total trips (). Table 1 Worldwide Education Travel Trips and Spending (1980 – 1996) () 2. Sex Tourism             The term sex tourism is mostly associated to the prostitutes more particularly women in Asia. Although prostitution is illegal in most countries more particularly, for those minors, still, the said type of tourism is still in full bloom in many of the poor countries in the world. In fact according to the survey conducted in Germany and Switzerland, there are about 8% of the respondents who have answered that they had sex with someone whom they had only met during their holiday that could be a fellow traveler, a local and more particularly a prostitute ( 2003).             In fact according to statistics,  in Costa Rica, the capital city of San Jose, there are about 2, 000 child prostitute alone, that are regularly sold to the foreigners as a part of their sex-tour packages (2007). One thing that have affect the fast growth of the said industry is when HIV/AIDS have arrived to Southeast Asia, the industries started to implement different health check up.  Nowadays, the said type of tourism has also involved in the use of the Internet for their marketing strategy. 3. Cultural Tourism             The World Tourism Organization has stated that cultural tourism is the fastest growing market in the industry of tourism ( 2007). During 1993, World Tourism Organization estimated that the cultural travel has its share of 37% to the overall international trips and it had increases by 15% annually. The said improvement and growth of the said tourism will continue until the end of the century. Conclusion             There is no doubt that tourism had been the most important industry of any country that is why most of them are doing their best in order to maintain and preserve all of their resources that can attract the attention of their target tourist. With accordance to the three chosen tourism, I must say that all of them are in great performance in the international tourism industry. Perhaps of all the special tourism that I had chosen, the education tourism is the most fast growing and the most in demand in the world. On the other hand, the sex tourism is the most controversial and most judged.                   Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Special Interest Tourism can only increase in the 21st Century

Special Interest Tourism Introduction Tourism industry has been one of the most important industries in the world during...

Ecotourism

Tourism is also one of the growth sectors of the global economy. World-wide, it is predicted to more than double from 2000 figures by 2020, when the World Tourism Organization calculates there will be 1.6 billion international travelers.   Nature-based tourism refers to those tourism experiences that are directly or indirectly dependent on the natural environment and require a land or water base. The sector includes activities undertaken in mid and backcountry tourism zones but does not include front country experiences such as downhill skiing, golf or other destination resort activities   Ecotourism means ecological tourism, where ecological has both environmental and social connotations Generally speaking, ecotourism focuses on local cultures, wilderness adventures, volunteering, personal growth and learning new ways to live on the planet. It is typically defined as travel to destinations where the flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. Responsible ecotourism includes programs that minimize the adverse effects of traditional tourism on the natural environment, and enhance the cultural integrity of local people. Therefore, in addition to evaluating environmental and cultural factors, initiatives by hospitality providers to promote recycling, energy efficiency, water re-use, and the creation of economic opportunities for local communities are an integral part of ecotourism.   “Many organizations and operators involved in ecotourism have used different variations and definitions of this term,” said , the executive director for Alaska Wilderness and Recreation Tourism Association, a non-profit trade association that represents wilderness-based tourism businesses. “A challenge within the industry is that there is no one recognized definition.” Lacking that, pointed to two definitions, one given by the International Ecotourism Society: “Ecotourism is responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and sustains the well-being of local people.” The second definition was formed by , author of “Rethinking Tourism and Ecotravel: the Paving of Paradise and How you Can Stop It” () and director of the Rethinking Tourism Project. “Ecotravel involves activities in the great outdoors-nature tourism adventure travel, birding, camping, skiing, whale watching and archaeological digs-that take place in marine, mountain, island and desert ecosystems.” AWRTA has combined and incorporated both definitions into the association’s ecotourism guidelines that highlight the environment, residents, communities and quality experiences for visitors. The resulting benefits include visitors who want to learn about and interact with the cultures and destinations and are conscious of leaving few impacts on the environment and communities. That focus can encourage local and community-based planning efforts, Leonard said, as well as lend to a more sustainable industry. , director of tourism development for the Juneau Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the ecotourism industry has been evolving over the years. “When people think about ecotourism, the first thing they think is to get out there and enjoy nature, rather than the industrial-type of tourism,” Beiler said. “But it’s still a pretty vague term. It’s basically whatever you want the consumer market to believe. You can have ecotourism in downtown Anchorage if you want. Far be it from me to think that would happen, but you could do it.” Alaska’s physical landscape offers the perfect opportunity for ecotours. “From Southeast to the Arctic, from the lava fields of the Seward Peninsula to the black spruce forests of the Interior, permafrost, fjords in Southeast Alaska,” he said. “We have such a diverse ecosystem that we are the ecotourism destination of the world.” Alaska’s diverse populations also are part of the attraction. “Cultural tourism is on the upswing in America right now,” Beiler said. “More and more people are interested in the people they go to see. “So we just keep spinning off in different directions, whatever suits the market at the time, whatever suits the destination,” he said. “What is Alaska? We’re not a theme park. We’re not a beach. We don’t position ourselves as the shipping Mecca of the world. We’re not the great Mall of America. That’s not what Alaska is about. It’s about meeting the people, eating the foods and enjoying Alaska.” , who is the executive director for the Soldotna Chamber of Commerce and who is on the Kenai Peninsula Tourism Marketing Council’s board of directors, said the Kenai Peninsula is host to an increasing number of visitors who want to do more than fish for world-class salmon. As a result, more businesses are providing outdoor experiences, such as hiking and opportunities to view bears, birds and other wildlife. “Even bed and breakfasts are providing hiking opportunities,” she said. “I applaud the businesses that are doing this. We’re getting our name out there as an area that has more to do than just fish and (are letting people know) that we’re here all year-round.” , supervisory park ranger at the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, also reported seeing a steady increase in visitors who want to see the natural areas and who want to see wildlife. “They’re interested in the different types of ecosystems found around the world and they want a personal touch to it, a more intimate interaction,” he said. Education is an important component for satisfying these kinds of visitors. “Ecotourism companies are providing an interpretive message to their customers as they go through these natural areas,” Kent said. “Whether they’re floating down the Kenai River or spending time at an Alaska Wildland Adventures wilderness lodge on Skilak Lake, they’re providing natural history information to these folks. “I think people, in general, want to learn about the natural world, whether you classify them as conservationists or otherwise.” Alaska Wildland Adventures, based in Girdwood, began offering trips 25 years ago. “It started out as one small trip and I was one of the guides,” said Company President Kirk Hoessle. “(Later), we would take 50 to 60 people on five or six trips over the course of a summer.” Now AWA hosts several thousand people a year at their wilderness lodges and 1,200 to 1,500 people join their small group tours into areas across the state, including Denali National Park, the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and the Inside Passage. “We link seamlessly together interesting experiences, such as hiking, rafting and overnight accommodations that feature lodges with an Alaska ambiance without sacrificing comfort,” Hoessle said. “The days are dominated by getting out and exploring and interacting with nature. There’s enough comfort at night where (guests) enjoy their vacation, but not enough that we separate them from the natural world.”   For , ecotourism involves two concepts, one focusing on economics, and the other focusing on the environment. “At certain times and certain places, it’s better to grow the economy by protecting certain areas and letting businesses develop around those,” he said. “That’s a way to achieve sustainability to enjoy the many benefits that nature provides year after year and to make a living at the same time. “But also, it’s a way of operating where you have minimal impact on the environment, appropriately sized groups and sharing of information with the group so they go away with a much deeper appreciation for the environment, wildlife and habitat,” he said. “It’s like a form of education.” The word “ecotourism” can emphasize the ecological significance of a destination and thus provide guidance to tourists as to appropriate conduct. The word can also impart the impression that a provider of travel services is “ecologically” committed.   Indeed, the Ecotourist Association of Australia defines ecotourism as ‘ecologically sustainable tourism that fosters environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation’ 1995).   Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Ecotourism

Tourism is also one of the growth sectors of the global economy. World-wide, it is predicted to more than double from 2000 figures by 2...

Cultural Tourism

Introduction             Tourism is already part of every country that caters not only food but time for leisure for the tourists. It is also considered as one of the largest industry and driver of the economy to somehow meet its survival. There are many issues involved when it comes to the tourism that includes the labor and the utilization of the natural resources. Every country offers different kind of tourism which is basically inspired by their natural culture. Therefore, the tourism is another way of introducing the best history and culture on the foreigners. But apparently, the connection between the culture and the tourism has been established. This joint force created an impact in the country which is both good and bad. The culture tourism is the beginning where the culture, its heritage and its value are not only introduced but can also experience. Cultural Tourism As defined by the World Tourism Organization (WTO), tourism comprises the activities of persons travelling to and staying in place outside their usual environment for not more than one year for leisure, business and other purposes. On the other hand, the cultural tourism is more about introducing the natural assets like sites and monuments and focused on the visitor’s motivations and perceptions. The typical types of sites or attractions which are considered to attract cultural tourist are archeological sites and museums, architectures like ruins, famous building, or whole towns. The art, sculpture, crafts, galleries, festivals, events are also included.  Music and dance whether classical, folk, or contemporary; drama in theatre, films, and even the dramatists are part of the natural heritage that can be introduce to the visitors. The language and literature study, tours, events, religious festivals, pilgrimages, cultures and sub cultures are the other attractions that the visitors might be interested are also offered in the cultural tourism program (2006). Besides from this, the tourism and the culture are both essential part of the nation. The culture is the mirror of the history and the tourism is one of the many drivers of economy that emphasizes the future thus, making the interrelationship between tourism and culture complex ( 2005). But the truth is that tourism visitors of course are not mindful of local government boundaries (2009). The natural assets of the culture and values such as historical buildings, traditional houses, handicrafts and local food are exploited and destroyed slowly ( 2006). The cultural assets are subject for preservation of history and culture, many sites and assets are already quite well known in their respective areas and within the various historical societies, as well as tourism products ( 2009).  It is not necessarily focused on cultural tourism, but it assumes considerable importance, given the strong cultural assets of each country. The whole strategy in this sense is very much a strategy to develop cultural tourism, develop and not destroy. The cultural tourism might be focused on the elite forms of culture, leaving out forms of popular culture tourism such as ethnic art tourism and working-class heritage. In which another way to create conflict among the factors that forms the cultural tourism (2005). Cultural Heritage Values There has been little attention paid to value the protection of the heritage sites that was destroyed by the commercial introduction of the cultural tourism. For many cultural heritage sites, an important component of values are the history that goes with it – in which nobody can assessed even if they try different market computations. The challenge now is how to preserve the existing value of every heritage founded in one country. Another issue that may arise is the restoration of the cultural values and heritage where nobody can ever assess on how much it will cost them ( 2003). The restoration can only alter the authenticity of a cultural heritage and lose its value not only in the eye of the local residents but also in the eye of the visitors. A strategy of meeting the goals and objectives of the tourism and the cultural tourism is the same as meeting the ideas and sharing the information and resources to create a foundation that a country can centralize its focus. Better communication between the arts and tourism sectors is essential in order to collaborate effectively. The tourism and hospitality industries require the tools to better understand and engage local arts and culture both as community assets and as opportunities for new and emerging markets (2007). Conclusion             The cultural tourism plays a different kind of role in one country. As the mirror of the history and the driver of the economy, the contradiction between them slowly began to emerge. The culture, for some many scholars, should be preserved and maintain the physical attribute and historical value. In economic sense, when the heritage reached its centennial year of existence, the monetary value increases. But no one ever tried computing the market value of one cultural heritage because of all its attributes and historical insights.             Another issues that may arise here, is the tourism’s impact to the culture. Foreigners may not understand the native language of most of the local residents of the host country and because of this; the cultural heritage is slowly been destroyed. People are not aware of it because they are busy about the economic progress brought by the tourism. They will never know not until there is a major dilemma that affects the culture and the natural resource that the people once restored. The negligence of the people and the unrelenting exploitation of the resources, as well as the cultural heritage will cost them more than half of their income and losing the historical values that lies on its niche. There are many programs that the government and non-government created to protect all the nations valued resources and culture. Tourism should be the one to be blame for this outcome, but the entire people indeed.  The conflict in restoring the cultural assets and other cultural values will reflect on the authenticity of the culture.   Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Cultural Tourism

Introduction Tourism is already part of every country that caters not only food but time for leisure for the tourists. It is ...

Ecotourism

Tourism is also one of the growth sectors of the global economy. World-wide, it is predicted to more than double from 2000 figures by 2020, when the World Tourism Organization calculates there will be 1.6 billion international travelers.   Nature-based tourism refers to those tourism experiences that are directly or indirectly dependent on the natural environment and require a land or water base. The sector includes activities undertaken in mid and backcountry tourism zones but does not include front country experiences such as downhill skiing, golf or other destination resort activities   Ecotourism means ecological tourism, where ecological has both environmental and social connotations Generally speaking, ecotourism focuses on local cultures, wilderness adventures, volunteering, personal growth and learning new ways to live on the planet. It is typically defined as travel to destinations where the flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. Responsible ecotourism includes programs that minimize the adverse effects of traditional tourism on the natural environment, and enhance the cultural integrity of local people. Therefore, in addition to evaluating environmental and cultural factors, initiatives by hospitality providers to promote recycling, energy efficiency, water re-use, and the creation of economic opportunities for local communities are an integral part of ecotourism.   “Many organizations and operators involved in ecotourism have used different variations and definitions of this term,” said , the executive director for Alaska Wilderness and Recreation Tourism Association, a non-profit trade association that represents wilderness-based tourism businesses. “A challenge within the industry is that there is no one recognized definition.” Lacking that, pointed to two definitions, one given by the International Ecotourism Society: “Ecotourism is responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and sustains the well-being of local people.” The second definition was formed by  of “Rethinking Tourism and Ecotravel: the Paving of Paradise and How you Can Stop It” () and director of the Rethinking Tourism Project. “Ecotravel involves activities in the great outdoors-nature tourism adventure travel, birding, camping, skiing, whale watching and archaeological digs-that take place in marine, mountain, island and desert ecosystems.” AWRTA has combined and incorporated both definitions into the association’s ecotourism guidelines that highlight the environment, residents, communities and quality experiences for visitors. The resulting benefits include visitors who want to learn about and interact with the cultures and destinations and are conscious of leaving few impacts on the environment and communities. That focus can encourage local and community-based planning efforts,  said, as well as lend to a more sustainable industry. , director of tourism development for the Juneau Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the ecotourism industry has been evolving over the years. “When people think about ecotourism, the first thing they think is to get out there and enjoy nature, rather than the industrial-type of tourism,” said. “But it’s still a pretty vague term. It’s basically whatever you want the consumer market to believe. You can have ecotourism in downtown Anchorage if you want. Far be it from me to think that would happen, but you could do it.” Alaska’s physical landscape offers the perfect opportunity for ecotours. “From Southeast to the Arctic, from the lava fields of the Seward Peninsula to the black spruce forests of the Interior, permafrost, fjords in Southeast Alaska,” he said. “We have such a diverse ecosystem that we are the ecotourism destination of the world.” Alaska’s diverse populations also are part of the attraction. “Cultural tourism is on the upswing in America right now,” Beiler said. “More and more people are interested in the people they go to see. “So we just keep spinning off in different directions, whatever suits the market at the time, whatever suits the destination,” he said. “What is Alaska? We’re not a theme park. We’re not a beach. We don’t position ourselves as the shipping Mecca of the world. We’re not the great Mall of America. That’s not what Alaska is about. It’s about meeting the people, eating the foods and enjoying Alaska.” , who is the executive director for the Soldotna Chamber of Commerce and who is on the Kenai Peninsula Tourism Marketing Council’s board of directors, said the Kenai Peninsula is host to an increasing number of visitors who want to do more than fish for world-class salmon. As a result, more businesses are providing outdoor experiences, such as hiking and opportunities to view bears, birds and other wildlife. “Even bed and breakfasts are providing hiking opportunities,” she said. “I applaud the businesses that are doing this. We’re getting our name out there as an area that has more to do than just fish and (are letting people know) that we’re here all year-round.”  supervisory park ranger at the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, also reported seeing a steady increase in visitors who want to see the natural areas and who want to see wildlife. “They’re interested in the different types of ecosystems found around the world and they want a personal touch to it, a more intimate interaction,” he said. Education is an important component for satisfying these kinds of visitors. “Ecotourism companies are providing an interpretive message to their customers as they go through these natural areas,” Kent said. “Whether they’re floating down the Kenai River or spending time at an Alaska Wildland Adventures wilderness lodge on Skilak Lake, they’re providing natural history information to these folks. “I think people, in general, want to learn about the natural world, whether you classify them as conservationists or otherwise.” Alaska Wildland Adventures, based in Girdwood, began offering trips 25 years ago. “It started out as one small trip and I was one of the guides,” said Company President . “(Later), we would take 50 to 60 people on five or six trips over the course of a summer.” Now AWA hosts several thousand people a year at their wilderness lodges and 1,200 to 1,500 people join their small group tours into areas across the state, including Denali National Park, the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and the Inside Passage. “We link seamlessly together interesting experiences, such as hiking, rafting and overnight accommodations that feature lodges with an Alaska ambiance without sacrificing comfort,”  said. “The days are dominated by getting out and exploring and interacting with nature. There’s enough comfort at night where (guests) enjoy their vacation, but not enough that we separate them from the natural world.”   For , ecotourism involves two concepts, one focusing on economics, and the other focusing on the environment. “At certain times and certain places, it’s better to grow the economy by protecting certain areas and letting businesses develop around those,” he said. “That’s a way to achieve sustainability to enjoy the many benefits that nature provides year after year and to make a living at the same time. “But also, it’s a way of operating where you have minimal impact on the environment, appropriately sized groups and sharing of information with the group so they go away with a much deeper appreciation for the environment, wildlife and habitat,” he said. “It’s like a form of education.” The word “ecotourism” can emphasize the ecological significance of a destination and thus provide guidance to tourists as to appropriate conduct. The word can also impart the impression that a provider of travel services is “ecologically” committed.   Indeed, the Ecotourist Association of Australia defines ecotourism as ‘ecologically sustainable tourism that fosters environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation’ (1995). Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Ecotourism

Tourism is also one of the growth sectors of the global economy. World-wide, it is predicted to more than double from 2000 figures by 2...

Sustainable Tourism

Sustainable Tourism Question: Are the concepts of sustainable tourism and sustainable development linked? Why is understanding this relationship important?   Introduction             Tourism is one of the fast evolving industries that contribute to the development of the society. Basically, tourism is classically regarded as traveling for recreation although this definition has been expanded in recent years to include any travel outside of one’s normal working or living area. According to Inskeep, (1988), the tourist originated when large numbers of middle class people began to join aristocratic travelers. As societies became wealthier, and people lived longer, it became not only possible but probable that lower-middle and middle class people steadily employed would retire in good health and with some significant savings. In line with these changes, tourism becomes a trend not only to the upper class people but also to lower-middle and middle class people with significant savings. More and more people are now traveling around the globe just to experience tourism. Meaning, there are continues increase in numbers of tourist around the globe. But the question is: “Is tourism provides significant help to the host country?” The issue concerning the impact of tourism in the host country shows advantages and disadvantages.  One of the advantages of tourism is the increase of profit and employment to locals but its drawback is all about the damages it causes to our environment. In response to drawback, John Ashe (1999) argued that sustainable tourism involves the partnerships that will “effectively conserve and utilize limited resources, based on consumer and market demand and the development of community-based initiatives”. With regards to this, this paper will be discussing the relationship between sustainable tourism and sustainable development.   Discussions Sustainable tourism is very important because it brings profit into an area. If you want to grow, you need to find a source of capital. When a destination has something that attracts people they will spend money when they come to visit. Sustainable tourism also means that the infrastructure of the local economy is set up to support the tourism. For example, if the host country has an incredible lake that just cries out for visitors and yet there is no way to get to it because the roads are not built, then people will not come consistently. If the host country have a rodeo but do not provide parking and food concessions, people will stay away. If the host country have a professional sports team in town but the seats of the arena are broken, the roof leaks, the paint is peeling, the food is stale, and there is no climate control people will not come. Sustainable tourism is the entire area recognizing the need for the tourism and demonstrating a willingness to invest in whatever it takes to make it happen. In addition to this, sustainable tourism also reacts to changes in environment. It is an industry that gives a low impact on the environment and local culture, while giving employment to locals, generate income and the conservation of local ecosystems (Butler, R and Pearce, D (eds.) 1995). Butler, R and Pearce, D (eds.) (1995) also added that it is also conscientious tourism which is both ecologically and culturally sensitive.  With regards to the needs of sustainable tourism, is it conformable to sustainable development of the host country?  Sustainable development is actually related to sustainable tourism or vise-versa. As we all know that sustainable tourism is useful as it allows the visitor to see what a single country or state what they have to offer with small impact to environment. By advertising for people to come and visit your homeland, brings dollars as people purchase souvenirs to remember they were there. In accordance to sustainable development, the tourists can still come back and use again the preserved natural resources. What happens then, is the tourist wants more out of their visiting experience the next time around. Thus, bringing more demand and stay competitive with neighboring nations. Hence, tourism brings more to a country or state, and in return it would bring more visitors causing sustainable economic development for a particular region.             When we say sustainable development, we are thinking of the resources that we are using today and without sacrificing our future needs.  Thus, the call of sustainable tourism to generate income and preserving the environment is actually similar to the call of sustainable development i.e. to use the resources with recognition to the future needs.              However, there are also issues in sustainable tourism that violates the concept of sustainable development. And that is, if the tourism industry did not respond to sustainable tourism properly, let say for example, in spite of many promises to avoid the mistakes of previous developments, the tourism industry continuously alter the environment without preservation caution. Furthermore, most of the jobs that the tourist industry creates tend to be seasonal and fairly low-paying. Even in places like Las Vegas, which are seen as great success stories, wages are not particularly good (And no one would argue that Las Vegas is the epitome of sustainability). And turning an area into a tourist resort tends to split the local community. All in all, tourism is a long-term loser for all but a very few places (and most of those are cities with special attractions), in spite of its short term economic attraction. Thus, this practice is not conformable to sustainable development.   Synthesis        From this we may say, that sustainable tourism is linked to sustainable development. The tourism industry should respond to sustainable tourism in order to gain sustainable development.  These concepts are important since it saves not only the future of tourism industry but also our future, our world. But how can we achieve sustainable tourism in response to sustainable development? It can be done, and it can be truly achievable, if we contribute good, environmentally-friendly acts on our tourism industry. What I can suggest to achieve sustainable tourism are the following: (1)   If possible, use public transportation in order to go to the beach, the forest, or national park. If you must drive, leave the car at a town center closest to the park or beach and use public transport (where available) to reach the destination. (2)   Follow the four (3) R’s: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. (3)   Go local over going abroad. There are so much more opportunities to visit parks that are closer to your own home than flying away on an airplane to visit a beach that is comparable to your local beach; or to visit a pine cone forest that you can just walk to a redwood grove. (4)   Prevention is better than repair. It is true that when we hurt our body, we need to cure it to the best we can for medicine. But, when we destroy the environment we are visiting, it may be hard to repair itself from the presence of human wastes (plastics, tin cans, paper plates) because it cannot be absorbed by the soil present. It is better to prevent those situations by bringing in environmentally-friendly products that we can reuse and using less resources that we can actually save for future use. When we do all of these, there will be a lot of benefits, from saving the environment from degradation, to saving bucks from being into waste from buying non-environmentally friendly products. We can also reduce the amount of garbage we put in the garbage cans and recycle what we use for something else, like plastic cups for decorations and souvenirs, or vegetable peels for fertilizer. And if these things are being practiced then sustainable development is possibly achieved and that is through sustainable tourism.   References: Ashe, J. (1999). Bluewater Blureprint, Plus Five. UN Chronicle. 36, 3. Butler, R and Pearce, D (eds.) (1995). Change in Tourism: People, Places, Processes, Routledge, London.   Inskeep, E. (1991). Tourism planning: An integrated and sustainable approach. New York: Van Norstrand Reinhold.     Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Sustainable Tourism

Sustainable Tourism Question: Are the concepts of sustainable tourism and sustainable development linked? Why is understanding this relat...

History, Growth and Impact of the Leisure Industry in Australia

History, Growth and Impact of the Leisure Industry in Australia   Bertrand Russell on one occasion commented, “The ability to use leisure wisely is the final test of a civilization”. There is a reality on Russell’s statement as today’s civilization is dynamic and ever-changing resulting to forgetfulness of the idea of leisure and fun. Thus, the use of leisure and its forms is considered as the antidote for the hustles and bustles of contemporary lifestyle. Leisure is the most fundamental expression of an individual’s freedom. It is because leisure is tantamount to people’s ability to do things they enjoy with or without justified intentions. Leisure opens up new opportunities for a person to explore a destination, an activity, or other interesting things, places, and circumstance. In leisure, a person explores not only life’s treasures but also the self, which in turn prompts him/her in a deeper appreciation of life and of creation. Leisure or the pursuit of leisure, whether travel or entertainment such as the movies and video games has become a profitable business for some people and source of economic advantage of some countries worldwide. This paper briefly looks on the case of Australia’s leisure industry particularly its history, growth and impact. It is argued that the leisure industry consists of entertainment, recreation, and tourism including related products, services, and activities. In this paper, the case of tourism, gaming and amusement parks, and sports activities are illuminated. Further, the role of the government and the private sector is evaluated considering that leisure specifically tourism as among Australia’s major source of national economic advantage. Since tourism is already synonymous on the case of leisure industry, the discussion of its history, growth and impact focuses on this feature.   History: a brief perspective Australia is the only continent that occupies a single national territory. Considering its national history, it is considered that the country’s historical development in leisure goes hand in hand with other aspects of development. The history of the leisure industry dates back on the same era where leisure and tourism became a global trend as a result of changing lifestyles among modern societies and its people (Lanfant 1980). According to Urry (1990), the evolution of the tourism industry resulted to its commercialization. Evidence shows that over the last four decades, dominant tourism production model changes from Fordist mass tourism to post-Fordism (Urry 1990) or the 20th century capitalism. The leisure industry of Australia includes tourism, gaming and amusement, recreation, and sports. Today, Australia promotes its leisure industry through various media particularly the internet, wherein a domain is maintained and features all year round schedule of leisure and tourism activities, tourism and destination features and packages, and other travel information. It is also understood that the industry is a major source of revenue and economic activity.   Growth: the case of tourism             Tourism Research Australia, in its Quarterly Results of the International Visitor Survey report summarizing tourism activity in the country last March this year, indicates that the growth of leisure and tourism industry is increasing. Data presented says that “there were 5,206,349 visitors to Australia aged 15 years and over”, which is calculated to be 1% higher compared to March 2007. People travel and spend their leisure time for several reasons. On Australian context, people visit due to the following reasons: holiday (49%); visiting friends and relatives (21%); business (17%); education (7%); employment (2%); and other (4%). The same report identifies the country of origin of visitors on the year period: New Zealand (1,030,142); the United Kingdom (643,034); Japan (504,890); and USA (432,394).   Impact: a mirror of national development Leisure and tourism can raise the profile of a destination like Australia, attracting the interest of investors and visitors alike. It is not simply the case that many countries turn to tourism out of desperation, but because it affords their population a better standard of living. There are a number of benefits that may be derived from tourism provided that it is managed properly (Ghimire 2001). These have, of course, been well documented in tourism literature and might include the creation of employment, the receipt of foreign exchange, the expansion of other economic sectors, and infrastructural developments. In environmental and socio-cultural terms, tourism development can provide a stimulus and funding for conservation, and the preservation of cultural heritage and traditions. Some of the more intangible benefits may include the renewal of cultural pride, the revitalisation of customs and traditions, and opportunities for cross-cultural exchange and integration. Again, these are more difficult to measure, but can be perceptible within local communities. Aside from economic benefits (Ap and Crompton 1998), among the perceptible impacts of leisure and tourism include more employment opportunities; enhanced transportation system; and increased cultural consciousness (Mak 2004). More employment opportunities are a result of the presence of foreigners in the place that would spark the labor interest to explore the investment possibilities of the area. It also leads to an enhanced transportation system through advances in vehicle and route-way design that will allow greater opportunity for pleasurable and meaningful participation in this worldwide phenomenon. With the existence of tourism come stimulated restoration of culture and historic sites. Heritage features could not be kept intact if their preservation had not become the ongoing concern of tourists, resulting both in financial contributions and state support from them. It is also utilized as a tool to resolve or even avert conflict (Moli 2003).   Different sectors of the leisure industry: three examples Tourism. Within the sphere of the environmental factors are the groups of participants involved and affected. According to Kandampully, Mok and Sparks (2001), they are: (1) the tourists; (2) the businesses providing the goods and services that the tourist market demands; (3) the government of the host community; and (4) the host community. In Australian perspective, tourism is booming. This is supported by the same results obtained from the reports of the Tourism Australia and the Tourism Research Australia accessible in their corporate domains. Gaming and Amusement Parks. This is just a feature of the entire leisure and tourism package in the country. In particular, amusement parks are available in specific areas and are able to compete with other amusement parks worldwide (e.g. Disneyland in USA and Hong Kong). The condition of gaming and amusement parks in the country is highly monitored as it boosts economic benefits brought about by patrons and visitors. Sports. Australia, for the purposes of developing its National Sports Tourism Strategy, defined sports tourism according to its classifications; domestic sports tourism and international sports tourism. The first is defined as any sports-related trip of over 40 kms and involving a stay of at least one night away from home; while the second is any trip to Australia a prime purpose of which is to participate in a sporting activity, either as a spectator, participant or official.    Role of the Government and Private Industry             Basically, the role of the Government and the private sector is similar as they are among the stakeholders particularly on the creation of sustainable leisure and tourism industry through strategic planning and development of policies. As part of tourism strategic planning and development, there are specific motives why governments all over the world sustain the development of tourism (Gray 1997) and are adapted below. Initially, the prospective for tourism to produce foreign currency is vital, even more so in countries which have artificial or controlled exchange rates, or which are, frequently accordingly, caused to undergo balance of payments difficulties. Second is the truth that tourism is labor exhaustive, and generates employment throughout the economy. Similarly, tourists pay out money on lodges, transportation, and meals, but also on an extensive assortment of goods and services. Third is the actuality that the tourism industry does not, in general, have need of costly or intricate technology or an extremely skilled labor force. With the exemption of a handful of multifaceted projects like airline operations, investment in tourism is not relatively costly, and will frequently give back a profit practically speedily. Furthermore, a lot of nations previously have prepared the basic and most imperative prerequisites for the improvement of the tourism segment; an agreeable climate, striking surroundings, historical locations, and welcoming population. In other words, governments frequently sense that their nation possesses an unexploited economic resource, and come to a decision to take advantage of it. Because leisure and tourism industry serves millions of people from in places across the globe and generate multibillion-dollar revenues (Brymer, et al. 2005), there is a need to constantly monitor, develop, and maintain sustainable development among all aspects. The issue of long-term sustainability or sustainable development and its management turn out to be a challenge to all stakeholders including agents from national governments, international and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the whole of the industries itself (Rondinelli and Berry 2000). There is an urgent need and call for the effective performance of organizations and partnerships particularly those who are involved in the implementation of tourism policies and their success in moving towards a sustainable destination like Australia.     References Ap, J. & Crompton, J. L. (1998). Developing and testing a tourism impact scale. Journal of Tourism Research, 37(2), 120-130.   Brymer, R.A., March, L., Palmer, M., & Schmidgall, R.S. (2005). Cultural influences on ethical decisions of students enrolled in European hospitality programmes. Tourism and Hospitality Research, 5: 4, 346-357   Ghimire, K. B. (2001). Regional Tourism and South-South Economic Cooperation. The Geographical Journal, 167(2); 99.   Gray, M. (1997). The Political Economy of Tourism in Syria: State, Society, and Economic Liberalization. Arab Studies Quarterly (ASQ), 19(2); 57+.   Kandampully, J., Mok, C. & Sparks, B. (2001). Service Quality Management in Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure. New York: The Haworth Press, Inc.   Lanfant, M. F. (1980). Introduction: Tourism in the process of internationalisation. International Social Science Journal, 32(1), 14-45.   Mak, J. (2004). Tourism and the Economy. Hawaii: University of Hawaii Press.   Moli, G. P. (2003). Promotion of Peace and Sustainability by Community Based Heritage Eco-Cultural Tourism in India. International Journal of Humanities and Peace, 19(1), 40+.   Rondinelli, D.A. & Berry, M.A. (2000). Environmental Citizenship in Multinational Corporations: Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development. European Management Journal, 18:1, 70–84   Urry J. (1990) The tourist gaze: leisure and travel in contemporary societies. London: Sage.   Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

History, Growth and Impact of the Leisure Industry in Australia

History, Growth and Impact of the Leisure Industry in Australia Bertrand Russell on one occasion commented, “The ability to use leisur...