XI UNIT-3 CONCEPTS OF TOURISM (ENGLISH)
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1. What is a Tourism System?
- Core Purpose: A tourism system is studied to understand the "what" and "how" of tourism. It involves destinations, tourists, and their activities working together.
- The Destination: The place a tourist chooses to visit because of its attractions.
- UNWTO Definition: The main destination is the place visited that is central to the decision to take the trip.
- Touristic Activities: The activities tourists engage in at the destination (e.g., visiting historic sites, theme parks, etc.).
- The Environment: Tourism activities do not happen in a vacuum. They are constantly influenced by an external environment consisting of political decisions, socio-cultural conditions, and technical updates.
- The person who is active in tourism.
- In Leiper's model diagram, the tourist is referred to as the traveller.
- Traveller Generating Region (TGR): The home region where tourists start their journey, plan their tours, and depart.
- Tourist Destination Region (TDR): The chosen region or place that the tourist has decided to visit.
- Transit Route Region: The territory or path through which travellers travel to get from their home (generating region) to their destination.
- This includes the actual travel period and any places along the way where tourists might stop.
- Leiper's key concept: It is the interval where the traveller feels they have "left their home region but have not yet arrived where they choose to visit."
- In the Transit Zone: Shown in a dark color on the model, businesses here act as travel facilitators (e.g., transport services).
- In the Generating and Destination Regions: Businesses operate here primarily for the purpose of marketing and promotion.
Factor Type | Where it Occurs | What it Does | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
Push Factors | Traveller Generating Region (Home) | Motivates the tourist to leave. | Factors at home that make a tourist want to go on a tour. |
Pull Factors | Tourist Destination Region (Destination) | Attracts the tourist to visit. | The attractions at the destination that draw the tourist in. |
- Identifying Drivers: It helps tourism planners identify the specific "push" and "pull" factors driving travel.
- Successful Replication: Once these factors are identified, they can be successfully replicated to develop brand-new tourism generating and destination regions.
Tourism Motivators
Building directly on our previous notes about Leiper's Tourism System, remember how "push factors" in the Traveller Generating Region motivate a person to travel?
These push factors are directly linked to tourism motivators. According to researchers McIntosh, Goeldner, and Ritchie, motivation is defined as the driving force within individuals that impels them to action. They categorize tourism motivations into four main groups:
1. Physical Motivators
What they are: Motivators related to the refreshment of body and mind, health purposes, sport, and pleasure.
Core Goal: To reduce tension.
Student Example: A tourist travelling to a yoga retreat in the mountains to de-stress, or going to a beach resort to relax and swim. These motivators "push" people to destinations where they can participate in physical activities.
2. Cultural Motivators
What they are: Driven by a strong desire to see, learn, and know more about other cultures.
What tourists want to discover:
The lifestyles of local people
Local music, art, dance, and folklore
Student Example: Travelling to Rome to visit historical monuments, or flying to Vienna to attend a classical music concert or a traditional dance recital.
3. Interpersonal Motivators
What they are: Driven by the desire to meet new people, visit friends or relatives (VFR), and seek fresh, different experiences.
Core Goal: Serving as an escape from routine relationships at home/work, or travelling for spiritual reasons.
Student Examples:
Booking a homestay in a new country to experience a local lifestyle and forge new friendships.
Travelling to another city specifically to attend a friend's or relative's wedding.
4. Status and Prestige Motivations
What they are: Driven by the desire for personal development, education, and boosting the personal ego through recognition and attention from others.
What they include:
Continuing one's education
Pursuing specific hobbies in depth
Student Example: Travelling to attend a prestigious academic summer school or an international conference to learn a new skill and earn recognition among peers.
3.4 Barriers to Tourism
Meaning of Barriers to Tourism
Barriers to Tourism are the factors or conditions that discourage or prevent people from travelling or participating in tourism activities.
In simple words:
Motivators push people to travel, whereas barriers stop or discourage people from travelling.
Barriers can be internal (related to the individual) or external (related to the environment, destination or government).
Major Barriers to Tourism
| No. | Barrier | Simple Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lack of Leisure Time | People may be busy with jobs, business, education or family responsibilities and may not get enough time for holidays. |
| 2 | Economic Factor | Tourism requires money. If a person's disposable/discretionary income is low, they may avoid travelling. |
| 3 | Physical Limitations | Poor health, disability, old age, pregnancy or poor physical fitness may restrict travel. |
| 4 | Space/Distance | A destination that is very far away or poorly connected may discourage tourists from visiting. |
| 5 | Family Stage | Family responsibilities, young children, elderly parents or lack of a travel companion can affect travel decisions. |
| 6 | Safety and Security | War, terrorism, political unrest, crime, health risks and negative publicity can make tourists feel unsafe. |
| 7 | Infrastructure | Poor roads, transport, sanitation, electricity, drinking water and overcrowding can discourage tourists. |
| 8 | Political Factors | High taxes, visa restrictions, customs problems and government regulations may create barriers to tourism. |
| 9 | Communication and Technology | Lack of tourism information, poor marketing and language differences can make it difficult for tourists to choose or enjoy a destination. |
| 10 | Lack of Interest | If tourists are not interested in or aware of a destination, they may not choose to visit it. |
1. Lack of Leisure Time
People may not have enough free time because of:
Jobs and business
Education
Family responsibilities
Other personal commitments
Example: A working person may not be able to take a long vacation because of work responsibilities.
2. Economic Factor
Tourism is generally a leisure activity, so people need extra income after meeting their basic needs.
Discretionary income = Income left after paying taxes and essential expenses.
If discretionary income decreases, demand for tourism may also decrease.
3. Physical Limitations
Some people may be unable to travel because of:
Disability
Old age
Poor health
Poor physical fitness
Pregnancy
Proper accessibility and tourist facilities can help reduce this barrier.
4. Space/Distance
The distance and accessibility of a destination influence tourists' choices.
If a destination is very far away and has poor connectivity, tourists may choose a nearer and more accessible destination.
5. Family Stage
Family responsibilities can affect travel decisions.
For example:
Parents with young children may avoid long journeys.
People caring for elderly family members may have limited travel opportunities.
Teenagers usually depend on their parents for travel decisions.
Single travellers may sometimes avoid travelling because they do not have a companion.
6. Safety and Security
Tourists prefer destinations where they feel safe.
Barriers include:
War
Terrorism
Political unrest
Crime
Health emergencies
Negative publicity
Government travel advisories
Example: Disease outbreaks such as SARS and Swine Flu affected international tourism.
7. Infrastructure
Good infrastructure is essential for successful tourism.
Important facilities include:
Roads and local transport
Clean surroundings
Drinking water
Electricity
Sanitation
Well-maintained monuments and buildings
Adequate tourist facilities
Poor infrastructure → Less tourist satisfaction → Lower tourist arrivals
8. Political Factors
Government policies can sometimes discourage tourism.
Examples:
High taxes
Visa restrictions
Customs and immigration difficulties
Restrictions on charter flights
Complicated government regulations
9. Communication and Technology
Technology helps tourists get information about destinations. However, lack of information or marketing can make tourists unaware of a destination.
Language can also be a barrier when tourists cannot communicate easily with local people or tourism service providers.
10. Lack of Interest
Sometimes tourists simply do not have interest in a destination.
This may happen because:
They do not know about the destination.
The destination is not properly promoted.
They do not find the destination attractive or relevant to their interests.
Conclusion
Tourism barriers should be identified and reduced by tourism organisations, governments and destination management agencies so that more people can travel comfortably, safely and conveniently.
Exercise – 2
1. What is meant by tourism motivators?
Answer:
Tourism motivators are the factors that encourage or motivate people to participate in tourism activities and travel to different destinations. In simple words, motivators are the reasons that push people to travel.
2. Name any four barriers to tourism with suitable examples, from your own travel experiences.
Answer:
Four barriers to tourism are:
Lack of Leisure Time:
People may not get enough time for travelling because of jobs, studies or family responsibilities.
Example: I could not go on a long vacation because of my school/college commitments.Economic Factor:
Lack of sufficient money can prevent people from travelling.
Example: I had to cancel a trip because the travel, accommodation and food expenses were too high.Safety and Security:
War, political unrest, crime, terrorism or health risks can discourage people from travelling.
Example: I avoided travelling to a destination because I felt that the place was not safe.Space/Distance:
A destination that is very far away or has poor connectivity may discourage tourists.
Example: I chose a nearby tourist destination instead of a faraway place because transportation was not easily available.
3.0 Forms of Tourism
Meaning of Forms of Tourism
Tourism involves the movement of people within a country or across international borders for different purposes. Tourism is divided into different forms to understand:
the movement of tourists,
the flow of tourism,
the number of visitors,
and the economic impact of tourism activities.
According to the International Recommendations for Tourism Statistics 2008 (IRTS 2008) prepared by UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization), there are three basic forms of tourism:
Domestic Tourism
Inbound Tourism
Outbound Tourism
1. Domestic Tourism
Definition
Domestic Tourism refers to the activities of a resident visitor within their own country.
In simple words, when a person travels within his/her own country, it is called domestic tourism.
Example
If a person living in Delhi travels to Goa, Jaipur, Kerala or Mumbai, it is domestic tourism because the person is travelling within India.
Key Point
Resident + Within own country = Domestic Tourism
Features
Takes place within the country.
The tourist is a resident of that country.
No international border is crossed.
It contributes to the country's tourism economy.
Takes place within the country.
The tourist is a resident of that country.
No international border is crossed.
It contributes to the country's tourism economy.
Example:
An Indian resident travelling from Delhi to Rajasthan for a holiday is a domestic tourist.
2. Inbound Tourism
Definition
Inbound Tourism refers to the activities of a non-resident visitor within a country.
In simple words, when a person from another country visits our country, it is called inbound tourism.
Example
If a tourist from France visits India to see the Taj Mahal, Jaipur and Kerala, it is inbound tourism for India.
Key Point
Non-resident + Coming into the country = Inbound Tourism
Features
The visitor comes from another country.
The visitor is a non-resident of the country being visited.
It involves an international trip.
It brings income from foreign tourists and contributes to the country's economy.
The visitor comes from another country.
The visitor is a non-resident of the country being visited.
It involves an international trip.
It brings income from foreign tourists and contributes to the country's economy.
Example:
A tourist from Japan visiting Delhi and Agra is an inbound tourist for India.
3. Outbound Tourism
Definition
Outbound Tourism refers to the activities of a resident visitor outside their own country.
In simple words, when a person travels from their own country to another country, it is called outbound tourism.
Example
If an Indian resident travels to Dubai, France, Singapore or Nepal for tourism, it is outbound tourism for India.
Key Point
Resident + Outside own country = Outbound Tourism
Features
The tourist is a resident of the country.
The tourist travels outside the country.
An international border is crossed.
Spending takes place in the destination country.
The tourist is a resident of the country.
The tourist travels outside the country.
An international border is crossed.
Spending takes place in the destination country.
Example:
An Indian resident travelling to Singapore for a holiday is an outbound tourist for India.
Easy Way to Remember
| Form of Tourism | Who travels? | Where? | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic | Resident | Within own country | Delhi → Goa |
| Inbound | Non-resident | Into another country | France → India |
| Outbound | Resident | Outside own country | India → Dubai |
Shortcut:
Domestic = Inside
Inbound = Coming In
Outbound = Going Out
Combined Categories of Tourism
The three basic forms of tourism can also be combined to understand the overall movement of tourists and its economic impact.
There are three combined categories:
Internal Tourism
National Tourism
International Tourism
1. Internal Tourism
Definition
Internal Tourism comprises Domestic Tourism + Inbound Tourism.
It includes the activities of both resident and non-resident visitors within the country.
Formula
Internal Tourism = Domestic Tourism + Inbound Tourism
Example
In India:
An Indian resident travelling from Delhi to Kerala → Domestic Tourism
A French tourist visiting India → Inbound Tourism
Both are included in Internal Tourism because both tourists are travelling within India.
Easy Meaning
Internal Tourism = All tourism activities taking place inside the country.
Key Point
It includes:
Residents travelling within the country
Foreign visitors travelling within the country
2. National Tourism
Definition
National Tourism comprises Domestic Tourism + Outbound Tourism.
It includes the tourism activities of residents of a country, whether they travel within their own country or outside it.
Formula
National Tourism = Domestic Tourism + Outbound Tourism
Example
For India:
An Indian resident travelling Delhi → Goa → Domestic Tourism
An Indian resident travelling India → Thailand → Outbound Tourism
Both are part of National Tourism because both travellers are Indian residents.
Easy Meaning
National Tourism = Tourism activities of the residents of a country, both inside and outside the country.
Key Point
It focuses on residents, not on whether the destination is inside or outside the country.
3. International Tourism
Definition
International Tourism comprises Inbound Tourism + Outbound Tourism.
It involves tourism activities where an international border is crossed.
Formula
International Tourism = Inbound Tourism + Outbound Tourism
Example
A tourist from France visiting India → Inbound Tourism
An Indian tourist travelling to France → Outbound Tourism
A tourist from France visiting India → Inbound Tourism
An Indian tourist travelling to France → Outbound Tourism
Both are forms of International Tourism because they involve travel between countries.
Easy Meaning
International Tourism = Tourism involving travel between different countries.
Comparison of Combined Categories
| Category | Combination | Simple Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Tourism | Domestic + Inbound | Tourism within the country | Indian + foreign tourists travelling in India |
| National Tourism | Domestic + Outbound | Tourism by residents of a country | Indians travelling within India and abroad |
| International Tourism | Inbound + Outbound | Tourism involving different countries | Foreigners visiting India + Indians going abroad |
Complete Concept at a Glance
FORMS OF TOURISM
│
┌────────────────┼────────────────┐
│ │ │
Domestic Inbound Outbound
Tourism Tourism Tourism
│ │ │
Resident Non-resident Resident
Within Within Outside
country country country
│ │ │
└───────┬────────┘ │
↓ │
Internal Tourism │
Domestic + Inbound │
│
Domestic Tourism ───────────────┐ │
↓ │
National Tourism │
Domestic + Outbound │
│
Inbound Tourism ─────────────────┐ │
↓ │
International │
Tourism │
Inbound + Outbound │
FORMS OF TOURISM
│
┌────────────────┼────────────────┐
│ │ │
Domestic Inbound Outbound
Tourism Tourism Tourism
│ │ │
Resident Non-resident Resident
Within Within Outside
country country country
│ │ │
└───────┬────────┘ │
↓ │
Internal Tourism │
Domestic + Inbound │
│
Domestic Tourism ───────────────┐ │
↓ │
National Tourism │
Domestic + Outbound │
│
Inbound Tourism ─────────────────┐ │
↓ │
International │
Tourism │
Inbound + Outbound │Important Formulas for Examination
1. Internal Tourism = Domestic Tourism + Inbound Tourism
2. National Tourism = Domestic Tourism + Outbound Tourism
3. International Tourism = Inbound Tourism + Outbound Tourism
One-Line Revision
Domestic: Resident travelling within the country.
Inbound: Non-resident travelling into the country.
Outbound: Resident travelling outside the country.
Internal: Domestic + Inbound.
National: Domestic + Outbound.
International: Inbound + Outbound.
Domestic: Resident travelling within the country.
Inbound: Non-resident travelling into the country.
Outbound: Resident travelling outside the country.
Internal: Domestic + Inbound.
National: Domestic + Outbound.
International: Inbound + Outbound.
3.0 Types of Tourism –
Meaning of Types of Tourism
Tourism is available in different types to satisfy the different needs, interests and expectations of tourists.
People travel for different purposes such as:
Education
Business
Leisure and recreation
Cultural knowledge
Wildlife
Rural experiences
Cruises
Adventure
Special interests
Therefore, tourism is divided into different types according to the purpose of travel.
Main Purposes of Tourism According to UNWTO
According to UNWTO, the purpose of a tour can mainly be divided into two broad categories:
Personal Purpose
Business Purpose
Most other purposes of travel come under these two broad categories.
Types of Tourism
Different types of tourism are developed to meet the specialised needs of tourists.
Some important types include:
1. Educational Tourism
Tourism undertaken for the purpose of learning, studying or gaining knowledge.
Example:
Students visiting historical monuments, museums, universities or botanical gardens for educational purposes.
2. Cultural Tourism
Tourism undertaken to learn about and experience the culture, traditions, heritage, customs, art and lifestyle of a destination.
Example:
A tourist visiting Rajasthan to experience its folk dances, traditional food, music and heritage.
3. Leisure Tourism
Travel undertaken mainly for relaxation, enjoyment and recreation.
Example:
A family travelling to Goa for a holiday and spending time at beaches.
4. Cruise Tourism
Tourism in which tourists travel on a cruise ship and visit different destinations during the journey.
Example:
A tourist taking a cruise that visits several coastal destinations.
5. Wildlife Tourism
Tourism that involves visiting wildlife sanctuaries, national parks and natural habitats to observe animals and birds.
Example:
Visiting Ranthambore National Park to see tigers.
6. Rural Tourism
Tourism that involves visiting rural areas and villages to experience rural life, traditions, agriculture and local culture.
Example:
A tourist staying in an Indian village and experiencing traditional farming and village life.
7. Business Tourism
Tourism undertaken mainly for business-related purposes.
It may include:
Business meetings
Conferences
Trade fairs
Exhibitions
Corporate events
Business tourism is an important part of the tourism industry.
Special Interest Tourism (SIT)
Meaning
Special Interest Tourism (SIT) is a type of tourism designed to meet the specific interests or specialised needs of tourists.
Instead of travelling for general sightseeing, tourists choose a destination or tour because they have a particular interest.
Examples of SIT
Botanical tours
Wildlife tours
Bird-watching tours
Heritage tours
Photography tours
Adventure tours
Cultural tours
Food and culinary tours
Example 1: Botanical Tourism
A group of Botany students from the United Kingdom may visit India to study and visit its botanical gardens.
This is Special Interest Tourism because the students are travelling for their specific academic interest in plants and botany.
Example 2: Root Tourism
Root Tourism is another example of Special Interest Tourism.
People of Indian origin living outside India may travel to India to discover their family history, ancestors and ancestral places.
They may visit the places where their ancestors lived and try to understand their family roots.
Key Point
SIT = Tourism based on a specific interest of the tourist.
3.6.1 Introduction to MICE Tourism
Meaning of MICE
MICE is an acronym for:
| Letter | Meaning |
|---|---|
| M | Meetings |
| I | Incentive Tours |
| C | Conferences |
| E | Expositions |
MICE Tourism is a rapidly growing type of tourism, mainly related to business and professional travel.
1. Meetings
Meaning
Meetings are organised gatherings where people come together to discuss and deliberate on important matters.
Meetings may be related to:
Business
Academics
Administration
Company matters
Mergers and partnerships
Meetings can take place within an organisation or may require participants to travel to another city or destination.
Example
A company's senior managers travelling from Delhi to Mumbai for an important business meeting.
Key Point
Meetings = Gathering to discuss or decide matters.
2. Incentive Tours
Meaning
Incentive tours are reward trips offered by organisations to motivate employees to perform better.
Companies may provide travel packages, holidays or other experiences to employees who achieve outstanding performance.
Purpose
The main purpose is to:
Motivate employees
Improve performance
Increase sales
Reward high-performing employees
Increase employee productivity
Example
A company may offer a golf holiday package to its top-performing sales employees as a reward for achieving high sales.
Key Point
Incentive Tour = Travel as a reward or motivation.
3. Conferences
Meaning
A conference is a formal gathering of people to discuss and deliberate on issues related to a particular industry, profession, academic field or sector.
Conferences may include:
Seminars
Symposiums
Academic conferences
Industry conferences
Professional meetings
They can be organised by:
Academic institutions
Professional associations
Industry organisations
Other specialised bodies
Example
A tourism association organising a conference where tourism professionals discuss the future of sustainable tourism.
Key Point
Conference = Gathering to discuss issues related to a field or industry.
4. Expositions
Meaning
Expositions include exhibitions, trade fairs and other events organised to showcase products, services, technology, art or culture.
They provide opportunities for businesses and organisations to display their products and interact with customers and other businesses.
Examples
Auto Expo
Art exhibitions
Fashion weeks
Trade fairs
Cultural exhibitions
Example:
The Auto Expo held in New Delhi showcases automobiles and related products.
Key Point
Exposition = Event organised to display or showcase products, services or culture.
Why is MICE Tourism Important?
MICE Tourism is important for the tourism industry because business travel often takes place even when tourists do not have much time for recreational activities.
For example, a businessperson may travel to another city for a conference or meeting and stay there for a few days.
MICE tourism is therefore a growing and expanding area of tourism.
Tourism organisations and agencies study MICE tourists to understand:
Their needs
Their preferences
Their travel behaviour
Their accommodation requirements
Their transportation needs
Their spending patterns
This helps the tourism industry provide better services and facilities.
MICE Tourism at a Glance
| MICE | Meaning | Main Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| M – Meetings | Formal gatherings | Discussion/decision-making | Business meeting |
| I – Incentives | Reward trips | Motivation/reward | Holiday for top employees |
| C – Conferences | Professional/academic gatherings | Discussion of industry or academic issues | Tourism conference |
| E – Expositions | Exhibitions/trade fairs | Showcase products, services or culture | Auto Expo |
Exercise – 3
Q1. What is the need for understanding forms of Tourism?
Answer:
Understanding the forms of tourism is important because it helps us to:
- Identify the movement of tourists within and across national borders.
- Understand the flow of tourism from one place to another.
- Classify different tourism activities for statistical purposes.
- Calculate the economic impact of different tourism activities.
- Help tourism organisations and governments in planning and developing tourism facilities and services.
In short:
Understanding the forms of tourism helps us to study tourist movement, tourism flow and the economic benefits of tourism.
Q2. What is meant by Special Interest Tourism? Give two examples of possible SIT packages.
Answer:
Special Interest Tourism (SIT) is a type of tourism that is designed to meet the specific interests, needs or expectations of tourists. In SIT, tourists travel because they have a particular interest in a subject, activity, place or experience.
Two examples of SIT packages:
1. Botanical Tourism Package:
A special tour for Botany students to visit botanical gardens and study different species of plants.
2. Root Tourism Package:
A tour for people of Indian origin living abroad to visit India and discover their ancestral places, family history and roots.
In short:
SIT = Tourism based on a specific or special interest of the tourist.
Q3. What do you understand by MICE?
Answer:
MICE stands for:
- M – Meetings
- I – Incentive Tours
- C – Conferences
- E – Expositions
MICE Tourism is a type of business tourism in which people travel to attend business meetings, conferences, seminars, incentive trips, exhibitions, trade fairs and other professional events.
Components of MICE:
- Meetings: Gatherings held to discuss business, academic or administrative matters.
- Incentive Tours: Trips offered by organisations as a reward or motivation for good performance.
- Conferences: Gatherings where people discuss issues related to a particular industry, profession or academic field.
- Expositions: Exhibitions, trade fairs and events organised to showcase products, services, art or culture.
In short:
MICE is an important and growing form of business tourism involving Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Expositions.
3.0 Types of Tour Packages –
1. Meaning of a Tour
A tour is a pre-arranged journey to one or more destinations and back to the point of origin.
A tour may include:
- Accommodation
- Transportation
- Food services
- Entertainment
- Sightseeing and other activities
A tour generally has a fixed price, duration and set of services, although some services may be purchased separately.
All-Inclusive Tour
A tour in which all major services are included for one price is called an All-Inclusive Tour.
Main Types of All-Inclusive Tours
Based on the participating tourist, all-inclusive tours are mainly of two types:
- Group Inclusive Tour (GIT)
- Free Independent Travel/Traveller (FIT)
2. Group Inclusive Tour (GIT)
Meaning
A Group Inclusive Tour (GIT) is a tour in which tourists travel together as a group.
A group generally consists of 15 or more tourists/passengers, commonly referred to as Pax.
Important Features
-
Tourists travel together in a group.
-
The tour generally follows a pre-planned itinerary.
-
A minimum number of tourists may be required for the tour to operate profitably.
-
There can also be a maximum number of tourists, depending on the capacity of the bus, coach or other transport.
-
It is generally more structured than an individual tour.
Example
A group of 30 tourists travelling together from Delhi → Agra → Jaipur → Delhi with common transportation, accommodation and sightseeing.
Remember
GIT = Group + Common Tour Arrangements
3. Free Independent Travel (FIT)
Meaning
FIT stands for Free Independent Travel or Free Individual Traveller.
It refers to a tour in which one tourist or a couple of tourists travel according to a pre-fixed or specially designed itinerary made to suit their requirements.
Unlike GIT, the itinerary of an FIT is generally custom-built according to the traveller's preferences.
Features
-
Usually involves an individual or couple.
-
More flexibility than a group tour.
-
The itinerary can be specially designed.
-
Accommodation, transportation, sightseeing and other services can be selected according to the tourist's needs.
-
FIT travellers often choose tailor-made/customised packages.
Example
A couple asks a travel company to arrange a 7-day Kerala holiday according to their preferred hotels, sightseeing places and transportation.
Remember
FIT = Individual/Couple + Flexible/Customised Travel
4. Itinerary
Meaning
An itinerary is the travel schedule or plan of a tour.
It provides important details about the journey and planned activities.
It may include:
-
Flight/train numbers
-
Departure and arrival times
-
Hotel details
-
Reservation confirmation numbers
-
Transportation details
-
Sightseeing arrangements
-
Planned activities
-
Dates and destinations
Simple Definition
Itinerary = Complete travel schedule of a tour.
Itinerary = Complete travel schedule of a tour.
5. Types of Tour Packages
All-inclusive tours are often divided into two types according to the itinerary:
- Ready-made Tour Package
- Tailor-made/Customised Tour Package
5.1 Ready-made Tour Package
Meaning
A ready-made tour package is a package with a pre-fixed itinerary.
The tour company decides the major details in advance, and the customer purchases the package as offered.
Usually Pre-decided:
-
Itinerary
-
Price
-
Accommodation
-
Transportation
-
Sightseeing
-
Number of Pax
-
Duration of the tour
-
Other services
Example
A travel company offers:
"5 Days Golden Triangle Tour – Delhi, Agra and Jaipur"
The price, hotels, transportation, sightseeing and schedule are already fixed.
Key Point
Ready-made = Pre-planned + Pre-fixed + Ready to purchase
5.2 Tailor-made / Customised Tour Package
Meaning
A tailor-made tour package, also called a customised tour, is specially designed or modified according to the requirements and preferences of the tourist.
Changes can be made in:
- Accommodation
- Transportation
- Sightseeing
- Duration
- Destinations
- Activities
- Other services
Example
A family wants a Rajasthan tour but wants:
- specific hotels,
- fewer sightseeing places,
- private transportation,
- extra days in Jaipur.
The travel company modifies the package according to their requirements.
Key Point
Tailor-made = Designed according to customer's needs
Important
FIT tourists generally choose tailor-made packages more often than GIT tourists.
6. Forms of Tours for Tourists in a Group
Tours offered to tourists can be mainly divided into three forms:
- Escorted Tour
- Hosted Tour
- Individual Tour
6.1 Escorted Tour
Meaning
In an escorted tour, an escort travels with the tourist group from the beginning of the tour until the end.
The escort may be:
- A local escort, or
- An escort from the tourist's country of origin.
The escort helps and facilitates the tourists throughout the tour.
Local guides may also be used at different destinations and sightseeing sites.
Example
A tour leader accompanies a group from Delhi throughout their entire 10-day Rajasthan tour.
Remember
Escorted Tour = One escort stays with the group throughout the tour.
6.2 Hosted Tour
Meaning
In a hosted tour, a new host meets the tourist group at each destination.
Unlike an escorted tour, the same person does not necessarily travel with the group throughout the entire journey.
Local guides are also commonly used at different destinations.
Example
A group travelling through India has a different local host in Delhi, Jaipur, Agra and Varanasi.
Remember
Hosted Tour = Different host at different destinations.
6.3 Individual Tour
Meaning
In an individual tour, the tourist or tourists travel on their own without an escort or host.
However, local guides may be hired whenever required.
Example
A couple travels independently through Rajasthan and hires a local guide only when visiting forts and monuments.
Remember
Individual Tour = Travel independently without an escort or host.
7. Familiarization Tour (FAM Tour)
Meaning
A Familiarization Tour, commonly called a FAM Tour, is a complimentary or reduced-price travel programme organised mainly for travel professionals.
It is designed to help participants become familiar with a destination, tourism product or supplier.
Who may participate?
FAM tours may be offered to:
- Travel agents
- Tour operators
- Travel buyers
- Travel journalists
Purpose of FAM Tours
The main purpose is to:
- Familiarise travel professionals with a destination.
- Help them understand hotels and other accommodation.
- Experience transportation facilities.
- Learn about tourism products and attractions.
- Encourage them to sell or promote the destination.
- Help travel journalists prepare articles and media coverage.
Example
A tourism board invites travel agents to visit Kerala on a discounted 5-day tour so that they can learn about its hotels, attractions and tourism facilities and later recommend Kerala to their customers.
Special Case: Travel Journalists
Travel journalists may be offered FAM tours as research trips so that they can experience tourism products and destinations and generate media coverage.
3.0 Defining Tourism Impacts
1. Meaning of Tourism Impacts
Tourism brings tourists (guests) into contact with the local people (hosts) of a destination.
Tourists interact with local communities to:
Buy local products
Use tourism services
Eat local food
Visit attractions
Participate in local festivals and events
Interact with local people
This interaction can bring changes to the environment and local community over a period of time.
Definition
Tourism impacts are the changes in the environment and community that occur, possibly as a result of tourism activities.
Tourism impacts are the changes in the environment and community that occur, possibly as a result of tourism activities.
These impacts can be:
Positive – beneficial effects
Negative – harmful effects
For easy understanding, tourism impacts are divided into three major types:
Socio-cultural Impacts
Economic Impacts
Environmental Impacts
2. Socio-cultural Impacts
Meaning
Socio-cultural impacts are the effects of tourism on the society, culture, traditions, customs, lifestyle and behaviour of local communities.
These impacts occur because of:
Direct interaction between tourists and locals
Indirect relationship through the tourism industry
Exchange of ideas, customs and lifestyles
Socio-cultural impacts can be both positive and negative.
Positive Socio-cultural Impact
Renewal of Cultural Pride
Tourism can encourage local people to rediscover and value their own culture and heritage.
When tourists show interest in local:
Traditions
Handicrafts
Folk dances
Music
Festivals
Art
Historical heritage
local people may develop a stronger sense of pride and belonging.
This can also help in the preservation of traditional arts and crafts.
Example
If tourists show interest in traditional handicrafts of a village, local people may continue producing and preserving those traditional crafts.
Negative Socio-cultural Impact
Demonstration Effect
The Demonstration Effect is an important negative socio-cultural impact of tourism.
It occurs when local people begin to copy the lifestyle, behaviour and consumption patterns of tourists.
They may adopt tourists':
Dressing styles
Eating habits
Language
Behaviour
Lifestyle
If this happens excessively, it may lead to:
Cultural degradation
Loss of traditional values
Changes in local customs
Weakening of traditional lifestyles
Example
Local youth may gradually replace traditional clothing and food habits with those commonly seen among tourists.
3. Economic Impacts
Meaning
Economic impacts are the effects of tourism on the income, employment, prices, business activities and overall economy of a destination.
Tourism is often considered one of the largest employment-generating industries in the world.
Economic impacts can also be positive and negative.
Positive Economic Impact
Employment Generation
Tourism creates employment opportunities in the destination region as well as in the tourist-generating region.
Jobs may be created in:
Hotels
Restaurants
Travel agencies
Tour operators
Transportation
Tourist attractions
Shopping
Entertainment
Guiding services
Example
When tourists visit a destination, hotels may hire more staff, restaurants may need more workers and local guides may get more business.
Negative Economic Impact
Inflation
Tourism can sometimes lead to inflation.
When the demand for consumer products and services increases because of tourists, their prices may rise.
This can increase the cost of:
Food
Goods
Services
Land
Housing
Accommodation
As a result, the overall cost of living for local residents may increase.
Example
If a tourist destination becomes very popular, demand for hotels, land and houses may increase, causing prices and rents to rise.
4. Environmental Impacts
Meaning
Environmental impacts are the effects of tourism on the natural and physical environment of a destination.
Tourism is closely connected with the environment because tourists visit:
Mountains
Beaches
Forests
National parks
Wildlife sanctuaries
Rivers
Lakes
Other natural attractions
Therefore, tourism can affect the environment in both positive and negative ways.
Positive Environmental Impact
Protection of Natural Areas
Tourism can help in the protection and conservation of selected natural areas.
National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries may receive greater attention and protection because tourism activities require:
Environmental management
Regular monitoring
Environmental audits
Protection of natural resources
Tourism revenue can also support the maintenance and conservation of natural areas.
Example
Wildlife tourism in a national park can encourage authorities to protect forests and wildlife habitats.
Negative Environmental Impact
Air Pollution and Emissions
The increasing number of tourists leads to greater use of:
Air transport
Road transport
Rail transport
Transport activities produce emissions, which contribute to:
Air pollution
Greenhouse gas emissions
Environmental degradation
Air travel can have a particularly significant carbon footprint.
Example
A large increase in air travel to a tourist destination can increase fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
5. Summary of Tourism Impacts
| Type | Positive Impact | Negative Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Socio-cultural | Renewal of cultural pride and preservation of arts & crafts | Demonstration Effect and cultural degradation |
| Economic | Employment generation | Inflation and increased cost of living |
| Environmental | Protection of natural areas | Air pollution and emissions |
6. Easy Flow Chart
TOURISM ACTIVITIES
↓
Interaction between
Tourists and Local People
↓
TOURISM IMPACTS
↓
┌────────────────┼────────────────┐
↓ ↓ ↓
SOCIO-CULTURAL ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENTAL
↓ ↓ ↓
Positive/Negative Positive/Negative Positive/Negative
↓ ↓ ↓
Cultural Pride Employment Conservation
Demonstration Inflation Air Pollution
Effect
TOURISM ACTIVITIES
↓
Interaction between
Tourists and Local People
↓
TOURISM IMPACTS
↓
┌────────────────┼────────────────┐
↓ ↓ ↓
SOCIO-CULTURAL ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENTAL
↓ ↓ ↓
Positive/Negative Positive/Negative Positive/Negative
↓ ↓ ↓
Cultural Pride Employment Conservation
Demonstration Inflation Air Pollution
Effect7. Activity – Understanding Tourism Impacts
Activity 4
Students can be divided into three or more groups to identify the positive and negative impacts of tourism in:
Their city
Neighbouring areas
Each group can study one aspect of tourism impact, such as:
Socio-cultural
Economic
Environmental
The groups should collect detailed information and present their findings.
They should also suggest solutions to reduce or control the negative impacts of tourism.
8. Need for Proper Tourism Planning
Considering the different impacts of tourism, tourism activities should not be developed without planning.
Tourism should be based on:
Proper planning
Sustainable development
Environmental protection
Community participation
Consultation with local people
Responsible use of resources
Proper planning
Sustainable development
Environmental protection
Community participation
Consultation with local people
Responsible use of resources
Important Conclusion
Tourism should be properly planned at all levels and developed in consultation with the local community so that its positive impacts are maximised and negative impacts are minimised.
Tourism should be properly planned at all levels and developed in consultation with the local community so that its positive impacts are maximised and negative impacts are minimised.
Exercise – 4
Q1. What are the types of tour packages available?
Answer:
Tour packages can be classified in different ways depending on the type of tourist and the itinerary.
1. Based on the participating tourist:
Group Inclusive Tour (GIT): A tour in which tourists travel together as a group, generally with common arrangements.
Free Independent Travel (FIT): A tour for an individual or couple, usually arranged according to their specific requirements.
Group Inclusive Tour (GIT): A tour in which tourists travel together as a group, generally with common arrangements.
Free Independent Travel (FIT): A tour for an individual or couple, usually arranged according to their specific requirements.
2. Based on the itinerary:
Ready-made Tour Package: A package with a pre-fixed itinerary, price, services and duration. The customer purchases the package as offered.
Tailor-made/Customised Tour Package: A package specially designed or modified according to the requirements of the tourist.
Ready-made Tour Package: A package with a pre-fixed itinerary, price, services and duration. The customer purchases the package as offered.
Tailor-made/Customised Tour Package: A package specially designed or modified according to the requirements of the tourist.
Q2. What is meant by the socio-cultural impact of Tourism?
Answer:
Socio-cultural impact of tourism refers to the changes that tourism brings to the society, culture, traditions, customs, lifestyle and behaviour of the local community because of interaction between tourists and local people.
These impacts can be positive or negative.
Positive Impact:
Tourism can create cultural pride among local people. Tourists' interest in local traditions, heritage, arts and crafts can encourage communities to preserve their culture and traditional practices.
Negative Impact:
The Demonstration Effect may occur when local people start copying tourists' dress, food habits, language and behaviour. Excessive imitation can lead to cultural degradation and weakening of local customs.
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