Unit - 1: Introduction to Tourism-I (IX NOTES)

 Unit - 1: Introduction to Tourism-I

1.1 Introduction

Ø  Family vacations, school excursions, picnics, and visits to holy sites are all examples of tourism-related activities.

The joy of discovering new places is what drives tourism's popularity.

Travelling for pleasure, commerce, or business is referred to as tourism.

It necessitates that people or organizations leave their typical surroundings.

 
The tourist industry is built upon this movement, known as a tour.

Ø  Various industries like airlines, railways, and accommodations contribute to the tourism industry.

Ø  The tourism industry is the largest employment generator and rapidly growing.

 This unit aims to introduce the vast and thriving industry of tourism.

1.2 Defining Tourism

Ø  Tourism involves a significant movement of people across cultural boundaries, both within and across international borders, leading to economic benefits.

Ø  Defining tourism is important for analyzing and maintaining records of its benefits and identifying the participants involved.

Ø  The word "tourism" itself has origins in research and is derived from Latin and Greek words meaning "one's turn."

Ø  There is no clear consensus on the definition of tourism, but the 1939 definition by Hunziker and Krapf is widely accepted and popular.

Ø  Mathieson and Wall provide a working definition of tourism as the temporary movement of people outside their normal places of work and residence, involving activities and facilities catering to their needs.

Ø  The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) defines tourism as the activities of individuals travelling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year, not related to earning income from the place visited.

Ø  UNWTO emphasizes that tourism requires displacement outside the usual environment, a purpose other than remuneration, and a maximal duration (with or without an overnight stay).

Ø  All tourism involves travel, but not all travel qualifies as tourism.

1. What do you understand by Tourism?

Tourism, as defined by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), is "the activities of persons traveling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business, and other purposes not related to the exercise of an activity remunerated from within the place visited." Accordingly, for an activity to be classified as tourism, people must be temporarily relocated from their customary surroundings to a new location for a duration of time that does not exceed a year. They do business and indulge in recreational activities during this time that have nothing to do with making money from the locations they visit.

 

 

1.3 Tourist Typology

A tourist destination's economy and social fabric are both impacted by tourism, which is a socioeconomic phenomenon. Recognizing visitors is crucial to comprehending their social and economic contributions.

 

The relationship between travellers and tourists is illustrated in Figure 1.1. Every tourist is a traveller, and the distinction between them depends on the length of stay and the purpose of the journey.

(i) Tourists are temporary visitors who stay in a country for at least 24 hours but not more than one year. Their purpose of travel can be categorized as leisure (recreation, holiday, health, study, religion, and sport) or business, family, mission, or meeting-related.

(ii) Same-day Visitors or Excursionists are temporary visitors who stay less than 24 hours in the country they visit. This includes travellers on cruises or those attending specific events like conferences.

Included in the graphic are "other travellers," which include foreign military personnel, immigrants, transit passengers, cruise ship passengers, and asylum seekers. These people may remain longer than a day, but because they are not travelling for leisure or business, they are not regarded as tourists.

By understanding these distinctions, researchers can effectively study the impact of tourism and its various implications on a destination's social and economic aspects.

1.    What is the difference between a tourist and an excursionist?

When it comes to how long they stay in the country they visit, a tourist and an excursionist are different. Any transient visitor who spends at least 24 hours but no more than a year in the nation is considered a tourist. One can categorize their travel reasons into business, family, mission, or meeting-related categories, as well as leisure (recreation, holiday, health, study, religion, and sport).

On the other hand, an excursionist, also referred to as a same-day visitor, is a temporary visitor who stays less than twenty-four hours in the country visited. This includes individuals who may be on a cruise or visiting for specific purposes like attending a conference or meeting.

In conclusion, the primary difference between an excursionist and a tourist is the duration of their visit. While excursionists are same-day visitors who spend less than twenty-four hours at the site, tourists remain for at least twenty-four hours.

1.4 Purpose of Tourism

 

In modern times, the purpose of travel can be classified into the following headings:

1. Leisure: This includes activities undertaken during free time for relaxation, fun, and enjoyment. It encompasses recreation, holidays, health-related trips, educational trips, religious pilgrimages, and sports tourism.

2. Business: Travel undertaken for business purposes, such as attending conferences, meetings, trade shows, and other professional engagements.

3. Family: Trips taken to visit family members or for family-related events like reunions, weddings, or celebrations.

Each of these purposes plays a significant role in tourism:

 

ü  Recreation: Annual vacations or weekend getaways provide opportunities for relaxation and engaging in fun activities. People often choose destinations based on the availability of recreational activities and attractions.

 

ü  Holiday: Special destinations or sites with unique activities or attractions attract tourists for holiday purposes. These could include visiting historical monuments, participating in water sports, or experiencing unique cultural events.

 

ü  Health: Traveling to a different climate or location for the purpose of recuperation or medical treatment is becoming increasingly common. People seek destinations that offer specific health benefits or medical facilities.

 

ü  Education: Traveling to pursue higher education or participate in educational programs is considered educational tourism. Students often travel to different cities or countries for studying purposes.

 

ü  Religion: Tourism for religious purposes, such as pilgrimage, has a long history. People visit sacred sites and participate in religious events or rituals as an important aspect of their faith.

 

ü  Sports: International sporting events attract sports enthusiasts and participants from around the world. Tourists travel to attend these events as spectators or to participate in sports competitions themselves.

 

The purpose of tourism extends beyond leisure activities. There are various reasons why individuals participate in tourism activities out of necessity. These include:

1. Business: Businesses often need to travel to buy or sell products, attend trade fairs, establish business connections, or explore new markets.

2. Meeting: Professionals may travel to other cities or countries for meetings, conferences, seminars, or workshops, which provide networking and collaboration opportunities.

3. Family: Important family events like births, weddings, or funerals may require individuals to travel to be with their family members. This is commonly known as Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) tourism.

1.5 Components of Tourism.

The components of tourism, also known as the 4 A's of tourism, are essential for the functioning of the tourism industry. They are as follows:

1. Attraction: Refers to the features of a destination that attract tourists, such as natural landscapes, historical monuments, theme parks, and events. The attractions of a destination contribute to its popularity among tourists.

2. Accessibility: Describes the ease of reaching a destination through transportation infrastructure, including roads, railways, and airports. If a destination lacks proper accessibility, it may remain unpopular among tourists.

3. Accommodation: Involves providing lodging and boarding facilities for tourists. Accommodation is crucial for boosting tourism, as tourists require a place to stay overnight. It contributes significantly to the local economy.

4. Amenities: Include basic facilities and services provided to tourists, such as medical aid, currency exchange, safety and security measures, and communication facilities. Amenities make the tourist's experience more convenient and comfortable.

Additionally, another important component of the tourism industry is "Activity." This refers to the various activities available for tourists at a destination, such as sightseeing, sports, shopping, and engaging in cultural or recreational activities. The type and number of activities offered can influence the duration of a tourist's stay at a destination.

These components collectively form the tourism industry and are vital for attracting and serving tourists. Further details about these components will be explored in higher-level classes or advanced discussions on tourism.

1.    Differentiate between inbound and outbound tourists.

Inbound Tourist and Outbound Tourist are terms used in the context of tourism to distinguish the direction of travel and the residence of tourists. The main difference between these two types of tourists is as follows:

 

1. Inbound Tourist:

·       An inbound tourist refers to a visitor who arrives in a particular country from another country for the purpose of tourism.

·       These tourists are commonly known as international tourists, foreign tourists, or overseas tourists.

·       They are considered visitors to the destination country, and their travel involves crossing international borders.

·       For example, if someone from France travels to India for sightseeing, they would be considered an inbound tourist to India.

 

2. Outbound Tourist:

·       An outbound tourist, on the other hand, refers to a resident of a particular country who departs from their home country to visit another country for tourism.

·       These tourists are often referred to as domestic tourists when they travel within their own country or international tourists when they leave their country for tourism purposes.

·       Outbound tourists are residents of the home country and travel to a foreign destination.

·       For instance, if a person from India goes on a vacation to France, they would be classified as an outbound tourist from India.

 

In summary, the key difference between inbound and outbound tourists lies in the direction of travel and the residency of the tourists. Inbound tourists travel into a destination country from another country, while outbound tourists depart from their home country to visit a foreign destination.

1.6  Forms of Tourism

Tourism is one activity where the peaceful movement of a large number of people can be seen. This large-scale movement of people involves movement within national boundaries as well as across international borders. In the International Recommendations for Tourism Statistics 2008 (IRTS 2008)drafted by UNWTO, three basic forms of tourism were revised from earlier and updated as:

1. Domestic Tourism: comprises the activities of a resident visitor within the country of reference.

2. Inbound Tourism: comprises the activities of a non-resident visitor within the country of reference.

3. Outbound Tourism: comprises the activities of a resident visitor outside the

country of reference.

The above clearly mentions that when as Indians we visit cities and states within India

for a vacation or trip; we are taking part in Domestic Tourism activities. For example, a resident of Cuttak who visits Goa is participating in domestic tourism of India, popularly known as domestic tourist.

As an Indian, if one travels abroad to another country then he/ she is a part of outbound tourism activity. For example, a resident of Mumbai who visits New York is participating in outbound tourism of India, popularly known as outbound tourism.

While a tourist from another country visiting India is participating in the inbound tourism activity of India. For example, a resident of Melbourne who visits Bangalore is participating in inbound tourism of India, popularly known as inbound tourism.

Similarly, we must see here that an „Inbound Tourist of India‟ is also an outbound tourist of his / her country of origin while an „Outbound Tourist of India‟ is also an inbound tourist to his/ her destination country.

1. What do you understand by VFR?

VFR stands for Visiting Friends and Relatives. It is a term commonly used in the tourism industry to refer to a specific purpose of travel. VFR tourism refers to individuals or groups of people who travel to a destination primarily to visit their friends or relatives who reside there.

VFR tourism is driven by personal connections and social relationships. People may travel to attend family gatherings, celebrate special occasions, or simply spend time with their loved ones. It is a significant segment of the tourism industry, as visiting friends and relatives often involve overnight stays, dining out, and engaging in various activities in the destination.

VFR tourism can have a substantial impact on the local economy, as visitors contribute to tourism-related businesses and services. It also plays a role in promoting cultural exchange and strengthening interpersonal relationships between individuals and communities across different locations.

Overall, VFR tourism represents a distinct purpose of travel centred around visiting friends and relatives, fostering personal connections, and experiencing the social aspects of travel.

2.    What are the A‟s of Tourism?

The A's of tourism, also known as the 4 A's of tourism, refer to the key components or elements that are essential for the functioning and success of the tourism industry. These components contribute to attracting tourists, providing them with a positive experience, and ensuring the sustainable development of tourism destinations. The 4 A's of tourism are as follows:

1. Attraction: Attraction refers to the features, sites, or activities that draw tourists to a destination. It can include natural attractions such as national parks, beaches, and mountains, as well as cultural attractions like historical sites, museums, festivals, and events. Attractions play a vital role in enticing tourists and shaping their destination choices.

2. Accessibility: Accessibility refers to the ease of reaching and exploring a destination. It involves the availability of transportation infrastructure, including airports, seaports, roads, railways, and public transportation systems. Good accessibility ensures that tourists can conveniently travel to and move around a destination, making it more appealing and feasible for visitors.

3. Accommodation: Accommodation encompasses the provision of lodging facilities for tourists during their stay. It includes hotels, resorts, guesthouses, vacation rentals, and other types of accommodations. Adequate and diverse accommodation options are crucial for attracting tourists and providing them with comfortable and suitable places to stay while they explore the destination.

4. Amenities: Amenities refer to the supporting services and facilities that enhance the overall tourist experience. These can include medical facilities, shopping centres, restaurants, entertainment venues, recreational activities, tourist information centres, safety and security measures, and communication infrastructure. Amenities contribute to the convenience, satisfaction, and enjoyment of tourists during their visit.

These four components, namely attraction, accessibility, accommodation, and amenities, collectively form the foundation of the tourism industry. They are interconnected and depend on each other to create a favourable environment for tourism development, visitor satisfaction, and the economic growth of destinations.

1.7  Summary

You have learned about the tourist sector in this unit. The meanings of tourism, tourism, and excursion have been taught to you. It has been explained how a traveller and a tourist differ from one another as well as from other kinds of travellers. The elements of tourism—the so-called "A's of tourism"—such as accommodations, amenities, accessibility, and attraction, have all been covered. Additionally, you now know more about the many types of tourism, including inbound, outbound, and domestic travel. This course provides an overview of the broad subject of tourism and establishes the groundwork for additional research on this topic.