Research Articles Base: Tourism Papers

Tourism Planning and Development

Tourism Planning and Development                         Tourism is always viewed as a key economic contributor in developed as well as developing countries worldwide. Believing on this idea, most tourism policy makers understand the importance of tourism planning and development so as to maintain sustainability among tourism stakeholders – society, people, and environment. Sustainable tourism planning and development is one of the important things to consider in gaining positive tourism effects to specific country or immediate community. On this paper, tourism planning and development is discussed by creating a site plan for Tamar in Hong Kong. The development of Tamar site is believed to be an essential action especially in providing a primary attraction that will interact with other attractions and draw more tourists to the destination area. Hong Kong is a premier tourist destination. Tamar site will significantly affect the current condition of Hong Kong tourism provided that it has the necessary and unique tourism features. Specifically, this paper discusses the following important parts: destination, market analysis, program definition, site analysis, conceptual design, feasibility, final plan, and evaluation.   DESTINATION Hong Kong is considered as among the world’s most competitive tourism spots and holds a recognized identity as one of the most exceptional and vibrant tourist destinations. Kwong and Miscevic (2002) provide descriptions that pictures Hong Kong as a land with an aura of magnificence, efficiency, and state-of-the-art competence. Hong Kong had many unique competitive advantages such as the hardware and software required of a world-class city, including keen business acumen, a well-developed infrastructure, a versatile financial system, robust legal institutions, policies conducive to a free and open society, a clean and efficient civil service, simple and low tax, a large pool of talent and a very cosmopolitan community (Hwa 2003). Hong Kong is also known for sustaining its competitive advantage especially in Asia’s hotel, restaurant as well as the entire tourism and hospitality industries (Lloyd et al. 2000; Yu 1994). Because of abundant offers and several attractions like its world-renowned cultural heritage, Chinese cuisine and dining, entertainment, leisure, and cosmopolitan lifestyle, tourists move their way to experience Hong Kong’s splendor through such top level offers. Geographically speaking, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) locates Hong Kong in a favorable geographic location in the centre point of Asia Pacific region with a minimum five (5) hours fly reaching most of the areas worldwide. With the support of government and able infrastructures, events tourism thrives on this piece of land. Different kinds of events that consist of both commercial, social, cultural, educational in nature are present in this venue. The historical brief of tourism development is limited because of the fact that it remained a British colony for several years that there other information and developments that are not credited to the present situation. However, in reference to the previous national history, it could be said that Hong Kong tourism is just fresh and pioneering. With the influence of free trade, globalization and advent of modern technological means, the nations become an instant role model in international tourism especially in cultural (heritage tourism). The development of the tourism is still in the making. Thus, it is still on the process of development in cooperation of the government, tourists, tourism-related individuals, and Hong Kong people.   MARKET ANALYSIS Today, Hong Kong has its various tourism features that attract visitors as bounded on its four product pillars, which are supported by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB). These four product pillars are the following: shopping; dining; culture and heritage; and city, harbour and green. It could be said that almost any of the districts of Hong Kong holds a tourism feature, thus, making it worthy of visit. The HKTB promotes Hong Kong as a vibrant, international city, the Events and Culinary Capital of Asia, and a leading global business, transportation and communications hub. Looking on the four product pillars, it is said that the current tourist market of Hong Kong is consists of various nationalities coming from all walks of life including Chinese people from Mainland China. Data obtained from the HKTB’s Annual Report 2006-2007 and published in their website indicate that there are 25.3 million people who arrived in the city. Although lower than what is expected by the HKTB, it is still a remarkable number as it increased into 8.1% compared to the previous year. Accordingly, long-haul markets especially members of the European, African and Middle Eastern countries flock all the way to the city and making a record of 11.1% progression. Competing with other tourists destinations in the country (e.g. Macau) and other Asian countries (e.g. Thailand, Malaysia, and other), the HKTB, as the prime marketing force, work on coming up with competitive combo and multi-dimensional tourism features and itineraries.  Potential markets and development opportunities may come in forms of other added features in the existing tourism package. For instance, the development of Tamar site can increase tourist arrivals provided that the said site is a promising location for construction of tourism facilities and other infrastructures like buildings that can serve as venue for tourism activities. The HKTB can also extend their international tourism networking to other leading tourist destinations and countries in the world. Strategic marketing plans and promotional programmes are also useful. If tourism in Hong Kong will consistently grow, economic development is ensured as well as employment is guaranteed. PROGRAM DEFINITION             The proposed tourism development is mainly focused on the development of Tamar site into a free and open space area where economic, political, cultural, social, and entertainment activities will be held. Today, the Tamar site is eyed as an outstanding location for the construction of new central government offices and in fact started project development application in November 2003 but halted during the SARS outbreak in China due to economic realignment. Critics argue that the conversion of Tamar site into a government complex will restrain the economic contributions of various tourism activities occurring in the site during some specified time of the year. Thus, this tourism development plan intends to improve Tamar site into a free and open space area that will stage a variety of economic, political, cultural, social, and entertainment activities in the whole city, managed by the HKTB and the government, and contribute into tourism economic benefits for Hong Kong. The goals and objectives for the development are as follows: 1.            To renovate Tamar site into a free and open space economic, political, cultural, social, and entertainment area managed by the HKTB and the government; 2.            To make Tamar site as a prime area that will boost tourism opportunity and increase tourism revenue among Hong Kong tourism players.   SITE ANALYSIS             Tamar site (see Appendix 1) is originally the location of the naval basin close to the British Forces Overseas Hong Kong headquarters. It is approximately 4.2-hectare large and is presently served as a parking lot at the harbourfront of Central, Hong Kong Island. Tamar site is near to some cultural and convention facilities including the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre to the east. It also links a group of financial, commercial and tourism hubs to the south. And it connects to Garden Road that is rich in historical and heritage values to the southwest. The site is also among the last enduring empty sea front spots along Victoria Harbour. It is also the most costly part of empty land in Hong Kong as it is valued at .3 billion on the market, that is, ,000 per square foot. Reports say that there are groups of businesses and individuals who are interested in putting up their own projects in the site including the halted project developments of the Hong Kong government.   Describe the location of the site, its size and features. Explain the on-site and off-site factors that were relevant in deciding to develop the tourism project for this site. Include a map of your proposed site (need not be to scale and may be hand drawn) showing site features, the proposed tourism development, access routes that lead to other attractions in the destination, and other relevant supply factors or links.   CONCEPTUAL DESIGN Discuss and describe visitor management strategies that will be implemented at the site. Include relevant design features, such as buildings, access drives, paths and parking areas, in your map specified in item 4.   FEASIBILITY The physical environment of Tamar site is ideal as it has both ways into land and water areas.   Analyse the physical environmental and social environmental feasibility (sustainability) of the proposed development by comparing potential positive and negative impacts on both dimensions.   FINAL PLAN Provide your final recommendations for the development (ie whether it should proceed or not) and reasons for your decision.   EVALUATION Explain three key monitoring processes and relevant indicators that will be used to evaluate your plan.     REFERENCES   http://www.hktb.com/eng/worldwide/annu/pdf/06_07/pdf01.pdf   http://www.legco.gov.hk/yr05-06/english/panels/plw/papers/plw1217cb1-579-1e.pdf     APPENDIX     Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Tourism Planning and Development

Tourism Planning and Development Tourism is always viewed as a key economic contributor in developed as well as ...

Discuss The Appropriateness And Accuracy Of The Tourist Area Life Cycle (TALC) Concept To The Development Of Hong Kong As A Destination

The appropriateness and accuracy of the tourist area life cycle (TALC) concept to the development of Hong Kong as a destination     INTRODUCTION The tourist area life cycle or what is known as TALC, in its appropriateness and accuracy model can amiably fit in Hong Kong as one effective destination and well noted to be useful in tourism sustainability analysis along with aspects of HK economy pathways and several impacts. Even if TALC for HK as destination involvement stage can ideally provide greater benefit for Hong Kong base and population, and the area life cycle integrates to the critical importance of HK tourism markets such as for the betterment of HK culture as well as social oriented welfare along with degree of diversity in TALC functionality during the initial process of the life cycle development making HK as leading destinations in the Asia Pacific.  TALC accounts for providing alternative and complementary approach in order to examine the relative location of HK based destination within the larger itinerary pattern such as trips or travels that depends on the destination sites or location routes within travel itineraries, HK tourist spots can exhibit effective characteristics of HK destination types for example single, gateway and hub destinations. The destination life cycle model will have applications to the HK tourism areas to amicably better understand the economic effects of Hong Kong tourism industry over time.   DISCUSSION Several of the tourism destinations such as HK have enjoyed healthy rate of growth in years, continuous growth become an assumed norm and as visitor numbers drop, HK destinations realized the presumption as one fact, HK destination marketers today are faced within some series of challenges, many of which are a function of tourism and other then, function of the external environment in which tourism operates. The tourism sector has been impacted by such variety of external forces which range from high fuel prices, fluctuating currency exchange (Beech, 2007) as well as global warming, terrorism threats, changing passport regulations, SARS, hurricanes, tsunamis, bland destination image (Haywood 2007, p. 16) and other perceptions regarding HK as a destination as well as increasing level of competition (Morgan and Pritchard 2002). One study have collected information on global air travelers to Hong Kong had exhibited the destination patterns mentioned majority placed HK as single destination for shopping holidays and business gatherings. Truly, Hong Kong and some destinations could benefit from tourism area life cycle as HK tourism can be much aware of essential role being one of most known destination markets and having synergetic relationships with destinations that tourists as well as travelers visit before and after arrival plans (Lew and McKercher 2002, pp. 609-621). Thus, in order for HK destination bases and population to benefit from tourism centered development, imperative TALC inspired policies need to be implemented as well as executed in controlling destination growth and be able to put emphasis on Hong Kong’s economic forecasts and tourism demands. Thus, HK tourism can be experiencing decline in tourists numbers brought about by factors, HK as a destination have the opportunity to rejuvenate the tourism offering which can include collaboration, strategizing, developing HK based destination brand that resonates with existing and future travelers and incremental innovation as in play, HK as known destination should see tourists numbers rebound if not surpass high marks. Zhang, Qu and Mo Yin Tang (2004, pp. 267-273) asserted in their study that, Hong Kong is one of the largest outbound tourist generators in Asia Pacific region and the outbound travel has grown over the years starting the year 2001. The study had investigated preferences of several Hong Kong residents in lieu to destination choice of the country’s leisure travel by means of in depth personal interviews and found diverse destination quality liking. So, conceptual framework of Tourism Area Life Cycle or what is termed as TALC was being examined during its proposed time by the proponent Butler during 1980s. However, in HK evidence of limited studies have applied TALC such as to the region’s national parks and some protected areas as external and internal factors affecting HK’s tourism development as well as environmental, social and economic changes of tourism area are known about. HK tourism then has experienced certain stages described in Butler’s 1980 seminal paper, ‘the concept of a tourist area cycle of evolution: Implications for management of resources from Canadian Geographer’ (Zhong, Deng and Xiang 2008, pp. 841-856).  Currently, HK government and HK based private sector were players as catalysts for the region’s tourism development from one stage to another cycle even though Hong Kong economy is becoming stable and growing on tourism stature, HK as a destination reality has been experiencing desirable transformation and added traditional culture and values due to the presence of tourism life cycle respectively. Furthermore, HK as a destination need to create and apply TALC along useful strategies that assist tourism cycle in dealing the issues while creating unique identity from potential competitors (Brooker and Go 2006). HK based tourism operators and destination officials may benefit from stepping back from situation in order to gain sense of perspective on what’s really going on. HK destinations due to TALC adaptation are facing assimilations of revitalizing tourism services and repositioning HK tourism in the market. One of precise indicators of HK destination performance is the number of visitors it receives experiencing fluctuations in numbers from year to year, it’s imperative to understand the true meaning as to why visitor counts are increasing, decreasing or remaining stable. In other words, HK tourism need to position tourism destination in context of Butler’s Tourism Area Life Cycle or TALC as noted by Butler in the year (1980). The TALC concept proposes that specific destination goes through key stages: exploration, involvement, development, consolidation, stagnation and decline and or rejuvenation. HK as a destination could enjoy varying levels of popularity but growth will follow an S-shaped path with dip at the end. Stage one will represent “finding” of HK as a destination from start few people visit HK but over years and through word of mouth promotion, number of adventurous folks decide an area is worth exploring, if only for bragging rights, visiting HK sites that their peers have either not heard about, or haven’t even considered visiting. Next, stage two adheres to the real wave of HK visitors, radical adventurers of stage one have already moved on, seeking other unique and novel locations and replacing them is the second wave of HK visitors who have heard about particularly unique location/destination and begin to check it out themselves. Moreover, stage three implies the discovery of HK location by the media and destination begins to become better known such as UK and signs of mass tourism begin and extra infrastructure is developed to support and attract the rising HK visitor numbers. Aside, stage four integrates apex of the growth curve. The percentage of increase becomes negligible, may decline by amount in comparison within years, such destination as Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park can ideally bring in number of HK located hotels, restaurants, shops and entertainment. Over time, HK destination may lose its distinctiveness and starts to look like others. Lastly, stage five accounts for slippery slope where HK visitor numbers continue to decline HK destination might only attracts dependable repeat guests, who prefer to visit and revisit well established, know quantities and spend less, stay shorter and less active. Then, HK tourism markets can possibly assign blame to the various external factors noted such as fuel prices, weather issues and others, TALC’s S-shaped curve were used to model the host guest dichotomy from initial excitement of potential of HK tourism through to resentment of tourists from exceeding local social carrying capacity. The S-curve can be applied to tourism destination brands (Morgan and Pritchard 2002, pp. 24-26). Based on tourist destination’s relationship with consumers, HK destination can move through initial stage referred to as fashionable as HK market attracts trendy visitors who have spotted destination in advance of advertising campaigns. The trendy move on as HK destination moves into its second stage, famous brought on by publicity and promotional efforts. Many people are aware of HK as a destination, but it have sense and appeal along with the fashionable and famous. HK destination in reference to TALC’s accuracy, possibly will overlay with life cycle of tourism business, specifically family businesses found in HK. Vast majority of tourism enterprises in HK, including those found in business hot spots are family owned enterprises since business and owners’ age, the concern that HK business people are less to expose capital to risk on innovative venture and or innovative tourism projects come precise into the picture. TALC provide grounds for HK to always be in control of the tourism sector and managing well the area life cycle for ideal move on the destination services into HK market and continuous development of TALC in reference to transformation of HK destinations on a high note. However, Cooper (2006) have put in analysis of the TALC suggesting that if HK destination comes to the stagnation and or fatigue stage the destination might experience declining tourists numbers, low yield of such domestic and repeat destination visitors. The down turn is the result of both a series of external forces that are beyond the destination’s control and a range of issues related to the destination’s built make up. For example, on the demand side, changing tastes and expectations of the tourism marketplace lead to the growth of competing destinations that can service demand more effectively. Responding to changes in the marketplace is problematic. HK as a destination can be comprised of fixed plant, capital investment in tourism infrastructure and superstructure that makes it difficult to change what’s offered. Another reason for the stagnation has to do with the range of products offered by HK destination. Many have not kept up with changes in consumer demand. A fixation on products that were successful in the past creates a form of inertia, good examples to illustrate salient points for example in HK Disneyland and Ocean Park, HK. Large number of manmade attractions, which start to outnumber the more natural attractions that made the place popular in the first place as HK offer number of commercial family oriented attractions, in addition to niche oriented attractions as the tourism wonder of HK Disneyland and Ocean Park does act as backdrop to HK business enterprises (Langley, 2007). It can be that, HK destinations need to understand and appreciate the fluidity of markets as change is inevitable realizing approach of past will not necessarily work in the future. Several tourism business is not known for their strategic thinking or integrative behavior patterns (Simpson and Bretherton, 2004) as HK tourism business is often virtual extension of personality, characteristic that influence capital structure, human resource development and strategic ambition. CONCLUSION HK destinations need clear destination brand image, one that clearly identifies and projected brand values that resonate with key target segments (King, 2002) as for HK destination marketers, it’s the relevance of the experience they offer the customer, rather than the destination they promote, which will be a core ingredient for success of HK tourism in the future (King, 2002) as HK destinations emerge to compete within the tourism market, it is imperative that destinations develop strategic focus. Therefore, there is no doubts that HK as destination and its relative forces play part in bringing effective tourism areas and augmenting tourists/visitor numbers. Indeed, the Tourism Area Life Cycle may be better platform to use to explain and discuss HK tourism downturns as authorities can amiably implement certain series of steps designed to rejuvenate some of HK destinations in order to always have an appeal to tourists and travelers. Then, the development of destination inspired strategy, the development of HK destination brand that resonates with tourists and innovation in an incremental and revolutionary manner and if matters, HK as effective destination should recognize the value of TALC such as in bringing in tourists numbers and processes to imply high destination application bases. REFERENCES Beech, M. (2007), “Weathering the perfect storm”, St. Catharines Standard, No.30 June, pp.1-2 Brooker, E., Go, F. (2006), “The relationship between branding and innovation: the SMTE perspective”, in Keller, P., Bieger, T. (Eds),Marketing Efficiency in Tourism, Erich Schmidt Verlag, Berlin, pp.53-63 Butler, R. (1980), “The concept of a tourist area life cycle of evolution: implications for management of resources”, The Canadian Geographer, Vol. 24 No.1, pp.5-12 Cooper, C. (2006), “The anatomy of the rejuvenation stage of the TALC”, in Butler, R. (Eds),The Tourism Area Life Cycle, Channel View Publications, Clevedon, Vol. Vol. 2 Haywood, M. (2007), “Lead: performing to potential”, Hotelier, No.September, pp.29 King, J. (2002), “Destination marketing organizations – connecting the experience rather than promoting the place”, Journal of Vacation Marketing, Vol. 8 No.2, pp.105-8 Langley, A. (2007), “Fighting tourism drop: operators slash prices to attract patrons”, Niagara Falls Review, No.21 August, pp.2007 References and further reading may be available for this article. To view references and further reading you must purchase this article. Lew, A. and McKercher, B. (2002). Trip destinations, gateways and itineraries: the example of Hong Kong. Tourism Management Volume 23 Issue 6, References and further reading may be available for this article. To view references and further reading you must purchase this articlDecember 2002, pp. 609-621 Morgan, N., Pritchard, A. (2002), “Contextualizing destination branding”, in Morgan, N., Pritchard, A., Pride, R. (Eds),Destination Branding: Creating the Unique Destination Proposition, Butterworth-Heinemann, Oxford Simpson, K., Bretherton, P. (2004), “Co-operative business practices in the competitive leisure destination: lessons from the wine tourism industry in New Zealand”, Managing Leisure, Vol. 9 No.April, pp.111-23 Zhang, H. Qu, H. and Mo Yin Tang, V. (2004). A case study of Hong Kong residents’ outbound leisure travel. Tourism Management Volume 25 Issue 2, April 2004, pp. 267-273 Elsevier Ltd. Zhong, L. Deng, J. and Xiang, B. (). Tourism development and the tourism area life-cycle model: A case study of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China. Tourism Management Volume 29 Issue 5, October 2008, pp. 841-856. References and further reading may be available for this article. To view references and further reading you must purchase this articElsevier Science Ltd. Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Discuss The Appropriateness And Accuracy Of The Tourist Area Life Cycle (TALC) Concept To The Development Of Hong Kong As A Destination

The appropriateness and accuracy of the tourist area life cycle (TALC) concept to the development of Hong Kong as a destination ...

Tourism

16.2 Table 16.1 illustrates some of the possible economic benefits and costs of recreation, leisure and tourism.  Critically review the comprehensiveness of the table, add to it where necessary and use it as a basis to analyze the effects of a leisure or tourism development or provision. Table 16.1 leisure and tourism cost and benefits Costs: 1.    Distortion of local prices - This arises if the cost of the imported goods seems to be lower than local ones. If there is an increase need of sun cream, sunglasses and sunhats. There will be a tendency of shortage of product therefore importation is needed but if there are not enough rules implemented by the government regarding the imports then it will only affect the local market by its allocation of goods. By that the local prices are the one that will suffer. 2.    Satisfaction of some wants at the expenses of others - There is a concept in free trade wherein it only shows irregularity because it tends to give benefit to all regarding the source of it. In the case of the prevention of the skin cancer, many will be benefited if they sell large amounts of sun creams to the market, however, it will not be in favor of others who are suffering from such disease. The approach seems to be negative because such earnings came from others unfortunate luck.   3.    Imports - Importation provides a partial solution to a country having a problem regarding the allocation of there goods and services. But having too much importation of goods and services may also result to a decline in terms of the country’s own products. Usually, the imported goods are cheaper than the product made by its own country itself. There should a proper policies and regulations that the government should impose to prevent such occurrences within the trading of goods. 4.    Congestion -This part of the social cost of tourism. Once an area becomes too much populated, several problems also follow. Especially if it is consisted of different people who have different beliefs and culture, it may lead to a lot of misunderstandings that may result to violence. It may also suggest competition regarding the available facilities, services and recreational opportunities.   5.    Aesthetic degradation - The driving force of the aesthetic degradation includes urbanization, large scale migrations, overpopulation in local area, warfare and poor agricultural practices. 6.    Pollution - The number one environmental cost of tourism is pollution. Pollution is can be classified into several types. It could be by land, water, air or noise. However, whatever its classification maybe it would still create unnecessary result to the environment. It also threatens the natural resources such as beaches, coral reefs, rainforests and other historical landmarks that were preserved by years.  7.    Resource depletion - This type of cost is also related with pollution. After causing to much pollution to the environment, there will be case wherein the resources may deplete especially the limited resources which includes the land, water and air. 8.    Erosion - Erosion is due to the excessive way of using the natural resources. This superficial destruction of the earth’s surface is caused by the climate change that becomes more possible because of the continuous destruction of the ozone layer. 9.    Loss of natural environment - Loosing the natural environment is just like loosing your identity. Because of the further changes occurring due to the massive promotion of tourism in a certain place, slowly, the environment is loosing it natural characteristics. The destruction of the ozone layer is just an example of it.   It would be hard to find a solution for this serious problem because ones a part of the nature has becomes damaged it would be difficult to find other alternatives for it. 10.  Loss of local control of resources - Despite the fact of the rapid tourism progression. The loss of local control of resources also becomes a problem. There should always be a proper allocation of resources regarding on what purpose it will be used. The local community is the one responsible for controlling such resources mainly because there is also the first beneficiary of these wealth accumulated from nature. There was even a study conducted that the stewardship of the local government beyond these resources can help lessen poverty.       Benefit: 1.    Satisfaction of wants - Many were confused about the difference of wants from needs. Needs are the essential things to our daily life in order to survive. While wants are the things that you don’t really need but wish to possess or have. Money is considered want in this case. Tourism brings new money to the economy. And enough satisfaction is given to each of the people behind it. 2.    Employment - Tourism provides new means of source of income and business opportunities although employments here tend to be seasonal only. During the summer season, expect a vast number of tourists who are heading their way for a long vacation within their chosen destination. Such jobs include those tourism related ones like hotel and tour services. 3.    Foreign exchange earnings - Because of the number of tourists going in, there will a large scale earning regarding the foreign exchange. Money is needed to supply the tourist demands and needs. They need to exchange their money to the available currency of the country of their choice in order to make some purchases. 4.    Technology transfer - This would be the most beneficial claim regarding tourism. It encourages the learning of new skills and promoting new ideas that will enhance the knowledge of the people within it. Once a country with an advance technology transfer all the principle of their technology to another country then it will really provide a great help especially if the country is just part of the not so developed ones.  5.    Improved health - Improved health is also related with the technology transfer. Once the technology is transferred, it will somehow provide a remedy to the people suffering from such diseases. A collection of facts from others might help distinguish the true causes and effects which soon might help improve health.    6.    Better understanding of things - There should always be a better understanding of all the things regarding tourism. Although it can be beneficial, on the other hand it can also result enormous effects which can brought harm. The advantages and disadvantages of tourism should be taken into consideration always to avoid or even minimize having problems.  7.    Regeneration in depressed areas - The regeneration of the depressed area is more often refer to as a promotion. It encourages the community’s revitalization and beautification in order to attract tourist and at the same time, it also benefits the community itself. 8.    Engine for economic growth - The number one reason of promoting tourism is to provide economic growth. It should somehow help the economy boost its progress but in a good way of course. Sadly, there is a wrong approach regarding the way on how an economy is rising. They even included the bad expenditures in the sum total of the economic growth.   9.    Source of profit - And because it is made to enhance the economic growth of the country, therefore it is also a part of the source of income. It provides employment even if it is seasonal; it provides business opportunities related with travel and tour services, it provides further foreign investments and gives government extra tax revenue each year.     References: Anonymous (2008) Local Communities Needs to Control Local Resources To Defeat Poverty. Available from:http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=15625&Cr=poverty&Cr1= (accessed 24th June 2008) Anonymous (2008) Tourism Cost and Benefits. Available from:http://www.geographyfieldwork.com/TourismProsCons.htm (accessed 24th June 2008) McVoy, E.C. (1942) Sociometry, Vol.5,No.1, pp. 80-88 Murray, W.E. (2006) Geographies of Globalization Routledge, London and New York,pp.317-318.   Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Tourism

16.2 Table 16.1 illustrates some of the possible economic benefits and costs of recreation, leisure and tourism. Critically review the c...

E-Business and IT: Applications for Tourism

Tourism Management     E-Business and IT: Applications for Tourism       By: Course: Instructor: Date:         Word Count: 2, 529     Abstract             E-business and ICT offers a number of benefits to industries and individual business firms including efficiency, effectiveness, cost savings, and other benefits. These benefits comprise areas of competitive advantage. These tools are important in the tourism sector to support competitiveness especially since the industry is fiercely competitive and dynamic. A look at the uptake of e-business and ICT in different countries or regions shows that areas with better technological infrastructure leads to higher engagement in these tools and the experience of more benefits relative to other areas. Case studies of business firms engaging these tools also explain the rationale and benefits of e-business and ICT in the tourism industry.               Table of Contents Abstract 2 Table of Contents. 3 I. Introduction.. 4 II. E-Business and ICT for Tourism… 4 III. E-Business and ICT in the Tourism Industry of Different Countries. 8 IV. E-Business and ICT in Individual Tourism Firms. 11 V. Conclusion.. 13 References. 14  I. Introduction             The global economy has increased the importance of e-business and information technology as key components of effective business strategy. These components refer to competencies, processes, and structures that operate through the Internet technology. E-business models and ICT has fostered enhanced productivity and reduced costs. In addition, e-business and ICT also allowed small and medium firms the tool to operate internationally resulting to greater competitiveness and more options for consumers. (Li 2006) As such, the tourism industry is more vibrant and dynamic with e-business and ICT. II. E-Business and ICT for Tourism             E-business operates by utilising ICT to enhance the business covering all processes operating through compute-mediated networks. The integration of e-business and ICT leads to the transformation of the business firm’s processes in delivering higher customer value by utilising developments in computing technology and philosophy. (Li 2006)             Engaging in e-business leads to the enhancement of three processes. First are production processes covering ordering, procurement and replenishment of resource stocks, processing of payment or other financial transactions, establishing linkages with suppliers, developing control processes in production, and other similar sub-processes. Second are customer-focused processes including selling via the Internet, promoting and marketing in the virtual market, processing and fulfilling the orders and purchases of customers, processing payments, providing customer support, and other similar processes. Third are management processes encompassing identifying areas of service delivery, training employees, sharing of information among the departments, enhancing communications through tools such as video-conferencing, and recruiting people online. Online applications improve the flow of information between the production and sales group to enhance overall productivity. Communications tools also enhance efficiency by improving the flow of information and feedback from frontline employees to top management and vice versa. (Li 2006)             E-business fits the changing characteristic of the global tourism industry for a number of reasons. One, the tourism industry caters to an international market because of developments in transportation and opening of economies to the international market. This means that tourism firms need tools to allow them to reach out to consumers worldwide and fulfil service and value offerings to consumers through online purchases and customer service. Another, the tourism industry is highly competitive so that the ability to offer greater value and better convenience to consumer worldwide constitutes a source of competitive advantage. E-business is an important tool in achieving competitiveness. Lastly, the tourism industry is very dynamic requiring individual tourism firms to be flexible in adjusting to changes in demand as well as in the business environment. E-business supports flexibility by making it easier to coordinate and achieve changes in the production, marketing, and management strategies across the entire organisation. (World Tourism Organization 2001)             Utilising information and communications technology involves the alignment of three factors, which are physical ICT infrastructure, business framework, and conduct of business or commerce. Physical ICT infrastructures include computer hardware and software to support networking and Internet connection. Business framework involves the integration of ICT in basic processes such as computerised or online service delivery that necessitates ICT competence of employees. Commerce refers to the nature and extent of relationships established by the firm using ICT tools and processes and the manner of conducting business. There are various means of conducting business and establishing relationships, including business-to-business or B2B, business-to-consumer or B2C, business-to-government or B2G, consumer-to-consumer or C2C, and mobile commerce or m-commerce. Business firms can engage in one or the other as well as combine and extend frameworks such as by using a business-to-business-to-consumer framework indicating partnership between firms in fulfilling service delivery. Although e-business and e-commerce are interrelated but different concepts, the utilisation of ICT encompasses both. (Li 2006)             ICT has catalysed major changes in tourism by restructuring the industry in the previous decades. Intermediation is a form of B2B or B2B2C that refers to the provision of service by tourism firms via intermediaries. Hotels and transportation firms utilise travel agencies as intermediaries by allowing travel agencies to book and make arrangements for consumers to stay at specific hotels and use particular airlines. However, with the emergence of ICT, hotels and transportation firms can now provide service directly to consumers through online and telephone booking and customer service. This led to dis-intermediation or the cutting of intermediation partnership between business firms to create other forms of intermediation or re-intermediation. New forms of intermediation led to the partnerships with tourism and travel websites to provide information and reviews on tourist destinations, hotels and restaurants, transportation services, and other areas of the tourism industry. Website hosting is also another form of intermediation. Re-intermediation involves the engagement of travel agencies in electronic business allowing them to regain intermediary relationships by augmenting the direct service offering and delivery of firms. (World Tourism Organization 2001)             ICT in tourism offers a number of benefits to business firms. One is improved efficiency of business firms by allowing sharing of information among business units in real time especially for business units operating in different regions. Efficiency happens by allowing fast sharing of information to support speedy and responsive decision-making and support provision among business units. Another is improved consumer experience since online service delivery and customer service allows greater convenience and options to consumers in planning travels or vacations and booking reservations. Last is added value offering to consumers by improving diversifying services and improving service delivery. Enhanced competition results to continuous efforts at improvement and innovation that enhanced business operations and consumers experience. (World Tourism Organization 2001; Li 2006)             The integration of e-business and ICT targets business efficiency to ensure customer satisfaction and competitiveness. These benefits accrue not only to large but also to small firms, especially since ICT is cost-effective making it accessible to firms regardless of capitalisation (Li 2006). These benefits have been experienced in the tourism industries of many countries and regions as well as individual business firms as discussed in the succeeding sections. III. E-Business and ICT in the Tourism Industry of Different Countries             In the European Union countries, e-business and ICT enhance and support various business activities of the tourism industry. All Business firms within the tourism industry in Europe use computers in various processes, almost all have Internet access, most have intranet and local area networking systems, and majority have wide area networking capabilities. (European Commission 2003) The uses of these e-business and ICT infrastructures are diverse. First use is e-marketing by providing tourism firms with a new venue and new tools of introducing the firm and its services to the global market and drawing the interest of consumers to the firm relative to its competitors. The online venue increased the opportunity for tourism firms to increase market share, sales volume, and service quality. E-marketing happens through online sales and trading through the development of websites that offers online inquiries, bookings or reservations for the different areas of operation in the tourism industry. Most air transportation companies offer online sales options and so do hotels making it more convenient for consumers to coordinate and place vacations or travels. It is very possible to use search engines to learn information about different alternative tourism destinations and search for transportation and accommodation. Most large firms and innovative small and medium firms also created their own websites offering information on service description, rates and promotions together with options to make online arrangements by email, customer service toll free hotlines, or onsite transactions. (European Commission 2003; Lassnig & Markus 2007) Second is the development of e-processes to support e-business including online collaboration in the design of product and services, online monitoring of capacity and inventory, online exchanges of documents with firm suppliers, and online exchanges of documents or papers with customers. One third of business firms in the tourism industry in Europe engage in electronic exchanges of documents, ten percent engage in collaboration for the design of products or services, and less then ten percent use electronic tools in monitoring capacity and inventory. This means that there is a wide room for greater e-business and ICT engagement of tourism firms in Europe to maximise the benefits and optimise the advantages of an online business model. (European Commission 2003)   Third is establishment of e-integration that operates by using e-business and ICT to link the different stages of the supply chain from the development of services to procurement of resources, to service delivery and after sales services. (European Commission 2003; Lassnig & Markus 2007)  Fourth is enhanced inter and intra-business connectivity at reasonable costs. Online infrastructures support better organisational communication to link the operation of the different departments or business units to ensure connectivity such as through a single website or customer service centre covering global operations through different business units. (European Commission 2003; Lassnig & Markus 2007) These benefits also comprise the benefits experienced by tourism industries in different developed countries of regions with well developed e-business and ICT infrastructures. Key areas requiring improvement in the tourism industry in developed regions is the more widespread uptake of these tools and greater use of electronic systems to maximise the benefits and effectively provide efficient global services.  In the case of a newly developed country such as China, the fast development of information and communication technology has also proven its importance in the tourism industry. The opening of China to the world market and the competitiveness of the international market has led many tourism firms to engage in e-business and ICT by establishing company websites offering services with some websites also providing online service delivery. However, the uptake is relative less and wrought with conflicts between the personal and social network-based business culture in China and the online relations through Internet-based networking. This means e-business and ICT adoption as means of improving internal processes and business operations but less as a means of establishing relationships and delivering service. There is also the tendency of the adoption of e-business and ICT by large firms and to a lesser degree by small family-operated firms. (Ma, Buhalis & Song 2003; Jin & Su 2007) With regard to the tourism industries in developing countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, e-business and ICT depends on the existence of supporting infrastructures such as telecommunications and the Internet. The uptake is highest in tourism firms operating in urban areas or large tourism firms with the capitalisation and know-how to adopt e-business and ICT in business operations. Even so the extent of utilisation of these tools is more as a means of achieving efficiency in achieving simple processes such as computerised recording of production and sales information or providing online information about the firm and its services but service delivery remains manual. (Collyer et al. 2003) The differences in experiences of the different developed, newly developed, and developing regions and countries with e-business and ICT indicates that greater involvement in these tools enables more benefits to support business goals and consumer demands. Business firms experience a boost in competitiveness by using these tools to achieve efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and effective service delivery. IV. E-Business and ICT in Individual Tourism Firms             Many tourism firms have experienced the benefits of e-business and ICT and these firms are found in developing countries, which mean that better telecommunications and Internet infrastructures provide greater accessibility and more cost-savings on their engagement in e-business and ICT.             Ryanair is a low-cost air transportation firm based in Ireland. It has become the leader in low-cost air transportation in Europe by engaging in e-business and investing in ICT by developing a fully automated online booking system and e-ticketing providing direct service to consumers. This means that customers can book their flights online and get to the airport on the scheduled flight. All bookings are checked using an online database. In addition, the company also utilised ICT in coordinating internal communications to ensure a no frills and convenient service for consumers, containing costs, controlling and expanding routes, and promoting tourism destinations covered by its roots in exchange for endorsements by these tourism communities. As such, Ryanair increased passenger traffic and received recognition for excellent service performance relative to its competitors in the low-cost airline category. (European Commission, 2006)             London Taxi Point is a public transportation company offering taxi services on demand via short messaging service (SMS) or text using mobile phones. Orders are automatically processed by computers and request sent to taxi operators and drivers who then respond via SMS before giving the confirmation message to the customer. However, this took 30 seconds to finish resulting to the same period of waiting time for consumers. As such, the interactive voice response (IVR) system was introduced with a computer system automatically processing calls, coordinating with taxi operators and drivers, and sending a confirmation to customers in 20 seconds. Although there are problems such as the fulfilment and customer service of taxi drivers, the company was able to gain a sizable market share by offering a convenient booking service, a secure service delivery because parties, transactions and destinations are recorded, and reasonable cost because of standardised fares for different destinations minimising the risk of exploitation of unknowing tourists. The company has partnered with the largest international taxi service making the company able to tap into the international market and establish links with hotels, tourist communities, and other tourism firms. (European Commission 2005a)              SkiStar is a large tourism firm specialising in winter tourism by operating skiing resorts in Norway and Sweden. At present the company is operating five ski resorts in these countries and enjoying a 33 percent market share. To enhance its market position and competitiveness, the company wanted to establish uniform value offering and strong brand equity for the five ski resorts and other possible acquisitions in the future. However, the company is having problems with the lack of linkages among the IT systems of the ski resorts. As such, the company developed a network system supporting a single electronic database of customers that allows the firm to recognise regular customers and establish better relations with customers. The consolidated IT system led to savings in terms of maintenance cost and efficiency in managing bookings. (European Commission 2005b)             Accor Hotels is a global group engaged in the management of various hotels around the world from high-class or luxury hotels to small and medium hotels to inns and spa resorts. The diversity of the hotels it manages involved a wide range of computing capabilities and back-end system making it difficult to provide uniform services. As such, the company implemented a project that established a uniform IT infrastructure for its global operations that support integration. Programming interfaces was outsourced to Microsoft. Now, Accor Hotels has achieved a high degree of integration and improved efficiency by managing a single booking and reservation system via its website covering all the hotels and providing a centralised customer service centre linked to the different hotels for coordination. Accor remains a leading hotel chain in the world. (European Commission 2004) V. Conclusion             The tourism industry has changed with the emergence of the global economy. Tourism firms not only contend with competition and service delivery in the home front but also in the international arena. To survive the fierce competition e-business and ICT are tools supporting competitive advantage as shown by the experiences of firms that integrated these tools in their operations.     References COLLYER, J., KOCAK, A., ARITON, D., LEE, G. & EDWARDS, V., 2003.  E-business in emerging economies: A comparison of Turkish and Romanian multimedia companies. European Commission’s IST Programme, available at http://www.cheshirehenbury.com/ebew/virtulahtml/collyer.html [Accessed 28th July 2008]   EUROPEAN COMMISSION, 2003. ICT & e-Business in the Tourism Sector. The European e-Business Market Watch Newsletter No.13, available from http://bibemp2.us.es/turismo/turismonet1/economia%20del%20turismo/economia%20del%20turismo/ICT%20and%20Business%20in%20tourism%20sector.pdf [Accessed on 28th July 2008]   EUROPEAN COMMISSION, 2004. Case study: ACCOR Hotels, available from http://www.ebusiness-watch.org/studies/case_studies/documents/Case%20Studies%202004/CS_SR07_Tourism_2-AccorHotels.pdf [Accessed 28th July 2008]   EUROPEAN COMMISSION, 2005a. Case study: London Taxi Point – A SMS based personalised taxi-on-demand service, United Kingdom, available from http://www.ebusiness-watch.org/studies/case_studies/documents/Case%20Studies%202005/CS_SR09_Tourism_3-London_Taxi_Point.pdf [Accessed 28th July 2008]   EUROPEAN COMMISSION, 2005b. Case Study: SkiStar – CRM for Four Skiing Destinations by Means of ICT, Sweden / Norway. E-Business Watch, available from http://www.ebusiness-watch.org/studies/case_studies/documents/Case%20Studies%202005/CS_SR09_Tourism_7-SkiStar.pdf [Accessed 28th July 2008]   EUROPEAN COMMISSION, 2006. Case Study: ICT-Deployment at the Low-cost Carrier Ryanair, Ireland. E-Business Watch, available from http://www.ebusiness-watch.org/studies/case_studies/documents/Case%20Studies%202006/CS_SR08_Tourism_6-Ryanair.pdf [Accessed 28th July 2008]   JIN, Y. & XU, X., 2007. On Chinese Tourism E-business Development on Current Stage. Boston: Springer.   LASSNIG, M. & MARKUS, M., 2007. Information and communication technologies in tourism 2007. Vienna: Springer.   LI, F., 2006. What is E-business: How the Internet Transforms Organizations. New York: Wiley-Blackwell.   MA, J. X., BUHALIS, D. & Song, H., 2003. ICTs and Internet Adoption in China’s Tourism Industry. International Journal of Information Management, vol. 23, no. 6, pp. 451-467.                       WORLD TOURISM ORGANIZATION, 2001. E-Business for Tourism – Practical Guidelines for Destinations and Businesses. Madrid: UNWTO.     Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

E-Business and IT: Applications for Tourism

Tourism Management E-Business and IT: Applications for Tourism By: Course: Instructor: Date: ...

Tourism policy and planning of Italy

Introduction             Tourism is an activity that cuts across the conventional sectors in the economy. It requires inputs of an economic, social, cultural as well as environmental nature, thus often described as being multi-faceted (Lickorish & Jenkins, 1997, p. 1).             Tourism is considered as one of the most important and vital industry in Italy. This is due to the fact that it can give the country different benefits in terms of employment and other economic aspects. The tourism industry of the country is considered as one of the most successful industry in the world. It is one of the top 5 countries in terms of international arrivals and receipts. In terms of international arrivals, Italy gained the top 5 positions from 2005 to 2006. In 2005, the country had recorded a total of 36.5 millions of arrivals, and it had increased to 4.1 millions in the next year, showing a great increased of 12.4%.             In terms of receipts, Italy had maintained its top 4 position from 2005 to 2006. In 2005, there was a total of 35.4 US billions, and 38.1 billions of US dollars that have acquired in terms of receipts, showing an impressive increase of 6.7% (UNWTO 2007).    History and Development of the Tourism Industry of Italy             The word feria (plural feriae) first appeared in the ancient Rome, it a Latin word that means Festival and it took on the meaning of vacation. The Latin festival had become the first model of the mobile holiday, far from one’s place or residence (Jafari, 2000, p. 333).             In 17th century the term Grand Tour was used to define the relationship of education and travel by Sir Francis Bacon. Italy was considered as the most popular destination. By 1913, tourism had become an opportunity, and there were about 90,000 British visitors, this is because of natural and historical characteristics of the country (Jafari, 2000, p. 333).             The economic and political uncertainty between the two world wars was the primary reason of the first intervention of the national government of Italy to get involved in the tourism industry, particular after the devastating impact of the Great Depression during 1929 (Jafari, 2000, p. 333).             The Italian State Tourist Office was created in 1919, and was given a mandate to gather different data and information in order to make a legislative proposal that will help to promote the country’s domestic tourism, thus focusing on the international tourism, as well as to facilitate different bank credit for the hotels. In 1932, the national government set up the Provincial Committees for Tourism that later on became the Provincial Offices. It acts as the local branches of the government in the sector. In 1924, bank credit facilitation for hotels was enacted and was followed by different programs and activities regarding the process of measuring in order to promote the domestic and international demand (Jafari, 2000, p. 333).             The government also focuses on the domestic demand by Fascist Saturday, yearly paid vacations, snow trains as well as the blue trains that can help to increase the local demand for tourism. In addition to that, the government also focuses on the needs of the foreign tourists like the discounted gasoline coupons as well as implementation of advantageous foreign exchange rate for the foreigners or known as the tourist lire (Jafari, 2000, p. 333).             Due to the effort of the government, the country had become the country with the most substantial accommodation structure in all of Europe. During 1994, there were already 34,549 hotels and other similar establishments with a total of 944,227 rooms and 1,724,333 beds. There are 2,346 collective tourism establishments with the total of 1,223,671 (Jafari, 2000, p. 333). The country had completed its postwar economic reconstruction during 1958 that helps to restructure the country from an agriculture-based to an industry-centered economy. It had helped to maintain the stability of the tourism industry. During the year, the international tourism industry of the country increased to .7 billion. The said number increase in 1995, and reach .4 billion (Jafari, 2000, p. 333). During 1995, the expenditure of the Italian tourists who are going abroad had reached up to .4 billion, that shows that the tourism is considered as the main export of services and considered as the second largest export items compare to other goods, that gained a total of 11.1% of exports during 1985, and increased to 11.9% in 1995 (Jafari, 2000, p. 333).             The result of the extensive management of the government regarding the tourism industry of the country had result to the growth of the interests of different hotel chains in the country. Furthermore the country had gained a pre-eminent position in the international tourism market and was ranked as top 4 country destinations from 1980 to 1996. The annual average growth rate in the year was 2.5%; the share of arrivals worldwide had reached 7.7% during 1980 and touched 5.5% during 1996. the development help the country to move from third to second rank for the tourism receipts among the global top tourism earners, having an outstanding growth rate of 8.4% (Jafari, 2000, p. 333).   Cultural Development of Italy’s Tourism Industry             During 2001, the tourism industry of the country faced different challenges primarily because of the September 11 attacks on the US. Tour operator reports that there are about 70% slumps (The New York Times, 2001). Until now, Italian government devoted on tourism development so as to achieve the four main goals, to enhance visitor satisfaction, to improve economy and business success, to good use of resources in sustainable way and to meet community and area integration. (Gunn, 2002).             For the past 15 years, the Danish tourism in Italy has been characterized by constant growth. That is the reason why, more and more Italian tour operators who used to concentrate on the German costumers have now turned their attention to the Danish market to help to diversify their customer base (Embassy of Italy in Copenhagen, 2008).             In addition to that, from 2003, there are different factors in the global arena that had affected the local tourist trade in the country such as economy, political situation like War in Iraq and SARS. It had affected the local travel agency, particularly the business trips, but the leisure trips started to gain ground again due to the Art City. Different tour operators responded to the fierce competition by offering low cost package and it had helped to the growth of the individual tourism (Embassy of Italy in Copenhagen, 2008).                         In 2006, the country started the Winter Olympic Games in Turin that helped to provide a profile boost for the country, together with its tourist’s offerings. Many spectators highly praised the efficient security systems, infrastructure and the warm reception that was given by the city to its visitors. The said event had been able to sold 900,000 tickets, and it show that not only the local populations but also winter sports fans from different part of the globe were able to come along to the city in order to experience the Olympic Winter Games. The tourism expenditure had benefited by the said globally-enjoyed event (Euromonitor International, 2007).             Due to the global financial crisis, different visitors and foreigners are looking for countries to visit that will offer them exciting experience but in cheap price. That is why in order to come up with the demand for cheap packages, continuous low-costs carriers is observed during 2006. In addition to that, the revolution in the Italian travel habits was primarily driven by the young people, teenagers and regular travelers, who are happy to renounce the comfort of a scheduled flight that made them to choose the low cost option due to the fact that it allows them to travel more often (Euromonitor International, 2007).              Furthermore, in connection to the growing demand for low-cost travels, the Internet is also one of the most important developments in the tourism industry in the country. More and more customers or visitors are booking their flights and trips via the Internet due to different discounts and cheap packages (Embassy of Italy in Copenhagen, 2008). The Internet is considered as a new trend in the Italian market, due to the fact that consumers are using the Internet in order to purchase their own flights (Euromonitor International, 2007).             Another important factor that can affect the tourism industry in the country is the movie or film industry. Different public and private organizations are realizing that the film production can be considered as a decisive element in promoting the tourism industry of the country, and eventually the entire economy. Naples and the Campania region was benefited from the said industry during 2006, due to the increasing number of British and Americans who want to visit the different locations of films like Cleopatra, The Talented Mr. Ripley and Il Postino (Euromonitor International, 2007).             Above all, the important trend in the tourism industry of the country is the advance booking. Italians seem be planning ahead increasingly, and it has a positive affected the advance travel bookings, The ASTO, a tour operator trade association, in 2006, there was a fall in the demand for the last minute trips, more specifically during the longer holidays, while there are more and more Italians who are booking in advance. Advance booking is considered as a new trend that is being followed by the Italians who are looking to save money without compromising the quality and comfort of a well planned and organized holiday. It has been observed that different cruises are the driving force of the said change in the consumer buying behavior pattern (Euromonitor International, 2007).     References   Danish Tourism 2008, Embassy of Italy in Copenhagen, Retrieved October 16, 2008, from http://www.ambberlino.esteri.it/Ambasciata_Copenaghen/Menu/I_rapp orti_bilaterali/Cooperazione_economica/Scheda_Paese/Turismo/   Travel and Tourism in Italy 2007, Euromonitor International, Retrieved October 16, 2008, from http://www.euromonitor.com/Travel_And_Tourism_in_Italy Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Tourism policy and planning of Italy

Introduction Tourism is an activity that cuts across the conventional sectors in the economy. It requires inputs of an economi...