XI UNIT-1 INTRODUCTION TO TOURISM (Notes with questions)

 UNIT-1

INTRODUCTION TO TOURISM

 

1.1Introduction

The action of travelling for pleasure is known as tourism. It entails people moving outside of their own houses, whether it be across national borders or inside a city, state, or nation. The tourist business is made up of several different industries, such as tour operators, tour guides, drivers, retailers of souvenirs, and more. With ties to the aviation, lodging, transportation, telecommunication, attraction management, and manufacturing sectors, it is among the biggest employers globally. The study of tourism is fascinating because of how various businesses are interconnected.

1.2Defining Tourism

Ø The word "tourism" is derived from the Latin and Greek words meaning "one's turn" and "movement around a circle."

Ø Conceptually, tourism is defined as the phenomenon and relationships arising from the travel and stay of non-residents that do not lead to permanent residence and are not connected to earning activities.

Ø The definition of tourism was broadened to include various forms of business and vocational travel.

Ø The most popular definition of tourism globally is the one formulated by Swiss Professors Hunziker and Krapf, which includes non-resident travel for a specified period and purposes other than remunerated activity.

Ø The United Nations, in 1993, accepted the definition that identifies tourism as the activities of a person travelling outside their usual environment for less than a specified period, with a purpose other than earning activity.

Ø The definition highlights that tourism involves the movement of people, a specific period (over 24 hours and less than 1 year), and it is an economic activity.

1.3Elements of Tourism

The elements of tourism:

· Man: The human element is the creator of the act of tourism. Tourists are the ones who travel to different destinations for leisure, business, or other purposes.

· Space: The physical element is the space that tourists travel through. This includes the transportation they use, the places they visit, and the time they spend at each destination.

· Time: The amount of time visitors spend travelling and remaining at a place makes up the temporal factor. This may change based on the length of time it takes to go from one place to another, the kind of transportation used, and the activities the visitors choose to partake in.

The existence of tourism depends on these three factors. There wouldn't be any tourism-related activities without them.

Exercise-1

1. What are the elements of Tourism?

 

The elements of tourism :

 

1. Man: The human element, as the initiator of tourism activities. People are the ones who engage in tourism and undertake the journey.

 

2. Space: The physical element that is necessary for tourism to occur. It refers to the destinations, attractions, and locations that people visit during their travels.

 

3. Time: The temporal element of tourism, encompasses the duration of the trip itself and the length of stay at the destination. The time element varies based on factors such as distance, mode of transportation, and the planned duration of the visit.

 

These three elements, man, space, and time, are essential for the existence of the tourism phenomenon. They form the foundation of tourism, and without them, tourism activities would not be possible.

 

1.4 Identifying the Tourist

Tourism is a multifaceted socio-economic phenomenon that affects the areas it touches in both good and bad ways. It is crucial to recognize travellers and their actions to comprehend the economic advantages of tourism.

Several definitions of travellers and tourism-related activities have been developed by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Countries all across the globe use these criteria to measure the economic impact of tourism and to gather data on it.

· International tourist: An international tourist is someone who travels to a country other than their usual residence for at least one night but not more than one year, with a non-remunerative purpose.

· International excursionist: An international excursionist is someone who stays less than 24 hours in a country without spending the night and has a non-remunerative purpose.

· Domestic tourist: A domestic tourist is a resident who travels within the same country for less than one year, with a non-remunerative purpose.

These definitions are important for several reasons. First, they allow countries to track the number of tourists visiting their country and the amount of money they spend. This information can be used to assess the economic impact of tourism and to make decisions about how to develop and promote tourism in the country.

Second, these definitions help to ensure that tourism data is collected consistently across countries. This makes it possible to compare tourism data from different countries and to track trends over time.

Finally, these definitions help to protect the privacy of tourists. The UNWTO definitions do not require tourists to provide any personal information, such as their name or address. This helps to ensure that tourists can travel without fear of their privacy being violated.

The UNWTO definitions are not perfect, but they are the best available tools for measuring tourism and its economic impact. As tourism continues to grow in importance, these definitions will likely be refined and improved.

 

 

 

1.4 Linkage between Leisure, Recreation and Tourism

 

o Tourism is often considered a recreational activity during leisure time, except for business travel.

o Leisure and recreation are closely related to tourism, and understanding their interlinkages is important for comprehending the concept of tourism.

o Leisure, translated from Latin, means 'to be free,' while recreation refers to activities pursued during leisure time.

o Leisure is the free time available after fulfilling regular activities.

o Recreational activities can be pursued within a specific geographical boundary during leisure time.

o Recreational activities can include home-based activities like reading or watching television.

o Socializing with friends and family can be both home-based and local area-based, such as dining out in local restaurants.

o Day trips for picnics can occur within the local city or just across the city boundary in the same region.

o Tourism activities also take place within the same region, country, or across international boundaries.

o Business travel, though not a leisure activity, is still considered a tourism activity as it involves travel outside one's own residence.

o The interlinkage between leisure, recreation, and tourism provides insights into the types of activities that attract tourists and contribute to the growth of tourism in a destination.

Exercise-2

 

1. Identify the tour during which you were a same-day visitor or a tourist.

Same-day Visitors/Excursionists, i.e., temporary visitors staying less than twenty-four hours in the country visited (including travellers or cruises).

Tourists,  i.e. temporary visitors staying at least twenty-four hours but not more  than one year in the country visited and the purpose of their journey can be classified under one of the following headings:

a.Leisure (recreation, holiday, health, study, religion and sport);

b.Business, family, mission, meeting.

 

2. What is the linkage between Leisure and Tourism?

There is a big connection between tourism and leisure. Leisure is the term used to describe the spare time or leisure activities that people partake in for fun and pleasure. Contrarily, tourism entails visiting various locations and taking part in leisurely and exploratory activities. Since leisure time gives people the chance to engage in tourism-related activities, leisure and tourism are related.

People are free to pick from a variety of leisure-time tourism activities, including visiting tourist attractions, taking vacations, travelling to new locations, experiencing diverse cultures, participating in outdoor activities, and more. People frequently pursue tourism-related activities in their free time as a way to get away from their daily routines and partake in recreational activities.

Tourism and leisure are mutually beneficial. While tourism offers chances for leisure and recreation, leisure gives people the time and place to partake in it. Individuals' choices of travel places and activities are frequently influenced by their hobbies and leisure preferences. In addition, travel experiences provide people with a sense of total leisure fulfilment and offer cherished opportunities for fun, adventure, and relaxation.

In conclusion, leisure and tourism go hand in hand since leisure time makes it easier to participate in tourist-related activities, while tourism offers opportunities for leisure and recreational experiences. Combining leisure and travel makes people happier, presents chances for personal development, and produces lifelong memories.

 

1.6Characteristics of the Tourism Industry

Characteristics of the Service Industry

 

² - Characteristics define the fundamental features or qualities that distinguish something and give it an identity.

² - In contrast to consumer goods, the tourism industry is considered a service industry with distinct service characteristics.

² - The service industry includes sectors such as banking, legal services, medical practice, teaching, and accounting.

² - The service characteristics that differentiate the consumer industry from the service industry are as follows:

 

² i. Intangibility: The most unique characteristic of the service industry. Unlike tangible consumer goods that can be seen, touched, and felt before purchase, services are intangible and can only be experienced during consumption.

² - Example: The teaching skills of a teacher cannot be assessed beforehand but are experienced by students in the classroom. Each student may have a different perception of the teacher's skills.

 

² ii. Intangible Service Product: Choosing a grocery store based on the service provided by the storekeeper, even though the product (soap) is available in any store.

² - Example: When buying a bar of soap, customers prefer a store where they are treated as valued customers, highlighting the intangible characteristic of service.

 

² iii. Tourism as Intangible: Tourism, being an intangible service, creates uncertainty for tourists until they experience it firsthand.

² - Example: A tourist purchasing a tour package to the Egyptian Pyramids cannot know the actual experience until they visit and explore the pyramids. Similarly, the quality of hotel services and comfort can only be determined after checking into the room or experiencing a flight.

 

² iv. Service Product Consumption: Unlike consumer products that can be purchased and assessed before consumption, service products need to be consumed to be experienced.

² - Example: The experience of using an airline's services, such as comfort, in-flight meals, and overall service quality, can only be known once the consumer flies with that airline.

 

² - Perishability: Products related to tourism are ephemeral and have a short shelf life. Similar to perishable commodities like fruits and vegetables, things related to tourism have a limited shelf life and must be sold quickly to avoid being lost forever. Revenue loss incurred by unsold hotel rooms or vacant airline tickets is irreversible. The tourist business is susceptible to changes in revenue due to its perishable nature.

² - Inseparability: Products related to tourism are sometimes inseparable from the service provider. Tourism product manufacture and consumption frequently take place concurrently. For instance, it is impossible to replicate the experience of travelling to famous sites like the Taj Mahal or climbing the Eiffel Tower virtually. To enjoy the attractions, tourists must travel to the location in person. Unlike consumer goods, where you can order something and utilize it whenever it's convenient for you, this is not that.

 

² - Heterogeneity/Variability: Because human interaction is involved in the provision of services, the tourist sector is characterized by unpredictability. The passenger is unsure about several aspects of the trip experience, such as luggage management, in-flight behaviour, check-in procedures, and seat comfort, when they buy an airline ticket. These elements influence the whole flight experience of a specific airline. various people offer various services, and the calibre of those services might differ. Different travel executives at a travel firm could provide varying degrees of service. Variability results from the fact that the quality of service is contingent upon the particular conditions and persons involved.

² Title: Additional Characteristics of the Tourism Industry

² - Lack of Ownership: Lack of ownership is a common characteristic in the service industry, including the tourism industry. When visiting a restaurant, consumers do not become owners of the establishment, tables, or cutlery. They simply pay for the meal and the accompanying service without any ownership rights. In contrast, in the consumer product industry, purchasing a product provides physical evidence of ownership.

² - Seasonality: Tourism exhibits a seasonal nature, with destinations experiencing varying levels of popularity throughout the year. Certain periods, known as peak seasons, see increased tourist activity, while lean periods witness fewer tourists. For example, in India, foreign tourists tend to visit more during the autumn, winter, and spring seasons.

² - Demand Fluctuations: Tourism is highly influenced by consumer preferences, resulting in demand fluctuations. The consumer's taste and preferences continually change, impacting the demand for specific destinations or products. For instance, a once-popular luxury hotel may lose favour among tourists when a competitor offers better discounts and marketing strategies. As new destinations are discovered, seasoned travellers seek out newer, unexplored locations. The demand factor plays a crucial role in determining the flow of tourist traffic to a place.

² - Interdependence of Tourism Products: The complete tour experience extends beyond visiting monuments or destinations and includes various aspects such as travel, interactions with service providers, accommodations, meals, fellow travellers, and shopping. All these elements are interdependent and collectively contribute to the success of the tourism product. If any sector fails to meet the tourists' needs, it can impact the overall tour experience.

² - Risky Nature: Tourism is considered a risky product. Economic risks arise when tourists feel that the price they paid does not justify the product or experience. Additionally, physical risks, such as health concerns during disease outbreaks like SARS and swine flu, can affect tourism products. Tourist movements may cease when there are fears of physical risks. Furthermore, factors like terror threats, political situations, and the country's image portrayed in the media can impact the desirability of a destination. The multifaceted nature of the tourism industry makes it a risky business, as various factors can significantly impact the entire industry at any given time.

² Conclusion: The absence of ownership, seasonality, demand swings, dependency on tourist goods, and inherent hazards are some of the distinctive features of the sector. Comprehending these attributes is crucial in effectively handling the intricacies and obstacles encountered by the tourist sector.

 

1.7Components of Tourism

 

1. Attraction or Tourism Patrimony: These are the features that attract tourists to a destination. Examples include historical monuments, natural beauty, cultural heritage sites, theme parks, and wildlife sanctuaries.

 

Example: The Taj Mahal in India is a renowned attraction that draws millions of tourists each year due to its architectural beauty and historical significance.

 

2. Accessibility: This refers to how easily a destination can be reached using various modes of transportation such as road, rail, air, and water.

 

Example: The Maldives, known for its stunning beaches and resorts, has improved accessibility through international flights and seaplane transfers, making it easier for tourists to reach their destination.

 

3. Accommodation: It includes the facilities that provide lodging and boarding for tourists during their stay.

 

Example: The Burj Al Arab in Dubai is an iconic luxury hotel known for its opulent accommodations and exceptional services, attracting high-end tourists seeking a luxurious experience.

 

4. Amenities: These are the facilities and services provided to tourists to enhance their experience, such as recreational facilities, healthcare services, transportation within the destination, and currency exchange.

 

Example: Ski resorts offering equipment rental, ski schools, and après-ski entertainment provide amenities that cater to winter sports enthusiasts.

 

Additional A's in Tourism:

 

5. Activities: These are the various recreational and leisure activities available for tourists at a destination. They can include sightseeing, adventure sports, shopping, cultural experiences, and culinary tours.

 

Example: In Queenstown, New Zealand, tourists can engage in activities like bungee jumping, jet boating, hiking, and exploring beautiful landscapes, making it a popular destination for adventure seekers.

 

6. Available Packages: These refer to the range of tour packages and itineraries offered to tourists, catering to their specific needs and time constraints.

 

Example: A weekend getaway package to a coastal town may include accommodation, meals, beach activities, and guided tours, allowing tourists to make the most of their short trip.

 

These components collectively form the foundation of the tourism industry, providing tourists with a range of choices and experiences while contributing to the economic development of destinations.

Exercise-3

1. What do you understand by Service Characteristics?

Service characteristics refer to the unique features or qualities that distinguish services from tangible goods. These characteristics define the nature of services and differentiate them from consumer products. Understanding service characteristics is essential for businesses operating in the service industry, including sectors like tourism, banking, healthcare, and education. The key service characteristics are as follows:

1. Intangibility: Services are intangible, meaning they cannot be seen, touched, or felt before purchase. Unlike physical products, services are experiential in nature and can only be perceived and evaluated during consumption. For example, the quality of a teaching session, the experience of staying in a hotel room, or the satisfaction derived from a banking transaction are intangible aspects of services.

2. Perishability: Services are perishable and have a limited window of time in which they can be consumed or sold. Unlike tangible goods that can be stored, services cannot be stockpiled for future use. Unsold service capacity or time slots result in lost revenue. For instance, an empty hotel room or an unsold airline seat cannot be sold at a later date.

3. Inseparability: Services are often produced and consumed simultaneously. The consumer participates in the service delivery process, and the service provider and consumer are present together during the service experience. Inseparability implies that the consumer's involvement is necessary for the service to be consumed. Examples include attending a live concert, receiving medical treatment, or participating in a guided tour.

4. Heterogeneity/Variability: Services exhibit variability due to the involvement of human interactions and the subjective nature of service delivery. Service quality may differ across different service providers, individuals, or even different instances of the same service. Variability arises from factors such as the skills, attitudes, and behaviours of service personnel, as well as the individual experiences and expectations of consumers.

5. Lack of Ownership: When consuming services, customers do not obtain ownership of the physical elements associated with the service. They pay for the service experience but do not possess or own the tangible components involved. For example, dining at a restaurant does not grant ownership of the establishment or the table used during the meal.

These service characteristics have implications for businesses in terms of marketing, operations, and customer experience. Understanding and managing these characteristics are crucial for delivering high-quality services and creating customer satisfaction in service-based industries.

2. What is meant by A’s of Tourism?

The "A's of Tourism" is a framework that categorizes the key elements or components of the tourism industry. These elements, often referred to as the "A's," represent different aspects that contribute to the functioning and success of the tourism sector. The common "A's of Tourism" include:

1. Attractions: Attractions are the main destinations or points of interest that draw tourists to a particular location. They can be natural, cultural, historical, or man-made features that have unique appeal and value. Examples of attractions include landmarks, national parks, museums, beaches, festivals, and theme parks.

2. Accessibility: Accessibility refers to the ease of reaching a tourist destination. It involves transportation infrastructure, connectivity, and the availability of various modes of transportation like airports, roads, railways, and seaports. Good accessibility plays a crucial role in attracting tourists and facilitating their travel to and within a destination.

3. Accommodation: Accommodation comprises the lodging facilities available to tourists at a destination. It includes hotels, resorts, guesthouses, vacation rentals, hostels, and camping sites. Accommodation options vary in terms of their quality, amenities, and price range, catering to the diverse needs and preferences of different types of travellers.

4. Amenities: Amenities refer to the supporting services and facilities that enhance the overall tourist experience. They include restaurants, cafes, shopping centres, entertainment venues, recreational facilities, tourist information centres, and public amenities like parks, public restrooms, and safety measures. Amenities contribute to the comfort, convenience, and enjoyment of tourists during their stay.

5. Activities: Activities encompass the range of experiences and recreational opportunities available to tourists at a destination. They can include outdoor activities like hiking, water sports, wildlife viewing, and cultural activities such as visiting museums, attending cultural performances, or participating in local traditions. Activities contribute to the engagement and satisfaction of tourists during their visit.

6. Ancillary Services: Ancillary services refer to the supplementary services that support and enhance the tourism industry. These services include transportation services (car rentals, taxis), travel agencies, tour operators, guides, event organizers, souvenir shops, and other businesses that cater to the specific needs of tourists. Ancillary services play a vital role in facilitating and managing tourists' requirements and preferences.

The "A's of Tourism" framework offers a thorough analysis of the many components that come together to form the tourist sector. Each element impacts a destination's competitiveness and appeal while adding to the overall tourist experience. For destination management, marketing, and the development of sustainable tourism, it is essential to comprehend and utilize these components.