Theory of Tourism (TM101)

Lecture 7 Tourism Components and Supply (Cont’d)

Supply Components I. Natural resources and environment. (√) II. Built environment(√) III. Operating Sectors. (√) Accommodations(√) Transportation IV. Spirit of hospitality and cultural resources

2. Transportation In developed countries, automobile transportation is most common. Roads should be hard, all-weather surfaced, be properly graded and drained, and be built to international standards for safe use.

2. Transportation (cont’d) Supplementary services, such as gasoline stations, roadside eating facilities, motels roadside parks, roadside picnic facilities, rest parks that have toilet facilities, scenic turnouts, marked points of interest within easy access of the road, and auto repair and service facilities are all needed for successful auto tourism.

2.1. Roadside Parks Auto tourists use and enjoy roadside parks, picnic tables, rest areas, scenic turnouts, and similar roadside facilities. These facilities are sometimes abused by inconsiderate motorists who litter the area with their trash.

2.1. Roadside Parks (cont’d) Some states provide deluxe roadside parks with a fine information building, free refreshments, tourist hosts and hostesses, and rest rooms. These parks are equipped with supplies of folders, maps, pictures, and other amenities for a refreshing, informative stop.

2.2. Types of Transportation Air Ground (Motor coach- Rail) Sea (Ship and Boat)

IV. Spirit of Hospitality and Cultural Resources The development of hospitality resources is perhaps the most important factor in tourism. The finest physical facilities will be worthless if the tourist feels unwelcome.

IV. Spirit of Hospitality and Cultural Resources(Cont’d) A favourable attitude toward the visitor can be created through programs of public information and propaganda. Public relations and publicity designed to convince local citizens of the importance of tourism are helpful.

IV. Spirit of Hospitality and Cultural Resources(Cont’d) Courses at tourism Educational intuitions for all persons who have direct contact with visitors are useful. In these institutions, store clerks, gasoline station attendants, hotel clerks, and other persons who are directly in contact with the visitor are given orientation on the importance of tourism to their community

IV. Spirit of Hospitality and Cultural Resources(Cont’d) Other parts of the program include the importance of appearance and good grooming, greeting of visitors, providing information, and being helpful, gracious, friendly, and cooperative. Adequate training of personnel can also create the desired hospitable attitude.

Tourists Activities Shopping Entertainment, Recreation, and Other Activities

1. Shopping Shopping is an important tourist activity and thus an essential element in tourism supply because it affects the success of the tourist destination area. The most important single element in shopping is the quality of the products offered for sale as they relate to the local area. Tourists who are shopping are particularly interested in handicraft items that are typical or indigenous to the particular locale or region.

1. Shopping (Cont’d) Tourists can be encouraged to spend more money on shopping if displays are high quality, imaginative, and attractive. Hotels are excellent places for shops; and if these shops are exquisitely furnished and stocked, the tourist is attracted to the shop and is more likely to make purchases.

1.1. Shops and Clerks Shopkeepers and clerks themselves should be friendly and polite. Furthermore, the shopkeeper should not be so anxious to close a sale that the tourist is pressured. A tourist who is courteously served in a store and who makes a good purchase will tell friends back home.

1.1. Shops and Clerks(Cont’d) Thus, future business can be developed in this way. Salespeople should also take the time to explain the value of the item and relate something of its history that would be otherwise unknown to the purchaser. Of course, this information should be accurate and truthful

1.1. Shops and Clerks(Cont’d) Salespersons must have sufficient language ability to conduct conversations with the visitors. The most common language is English, but a knowledge of other languages that are commonly spoken by tourists who visit a particular area is a necessary qualification of clerks who serve these visitors. Salespersons must be patient and understanding and try to help the prospective purchaser cheerfully at all times.

1.2. Prices and Unethical Practices One of the most important considerations in shopping is the pricing of the goods. Probably resented more than any other single factor of tourism is higher prices for tourists than for local residents. Because many shoppers compare prices from one store to another, price should be as consistent as possible and in line with costs. (good value for money)

1.3. Native Marketplaces Another shopping experience concerns the local market or so-called native marketplace. Such areas are rich in civilization and have much local color.

1.3. Native Marketplaces (Cont’d) They are popular with visitors, even though the visitor may not understand the language and may have trouble making a purchase. Although many persons in native shopping places do not understand any foreign languages, the sign language of bargaining is fairly universal.

2. Entertainment, Recreation, and Other Activities The recreation and other activities engaged in by tourists at their destination comprise a major component of tourism. Thus, considerable thought and effort should be devoted to the type of activities that visitors are likely to enjoy.

2.1. Entertainment In any country, there are expressions of the culture in the music, dance, drama, poetry, literature, motion pictures, television, ceremonies, festivals, exhibits, shows, meetings, food and beverage services, and tours (or local excursions) that portray the best the area has to offer.

2.1. Entertainment(Cont’d) One of the best ways to bring these entertainment opportunities to the attention of the visitor is with a social director whose desk is in the lobby of hotel, resorts, and other forms of accommodation so that the visitor can readily find out what is going on and make arrangements to attend.

2.1. Entertainment(Cont’d) In European hotels, this desk is traditionally staffed by the concierge, who provides an amazing amount of information concerning all types of entertainment and activities available.

2.1. Entertainment(Cont’d) An appropriate substitute is a knowledgeable person at the front desk to provide information concerning recreation and entertainment. Bulletin board displays or posters and verbal announcements of outstanding events made in the dining room or other areas where guests gather can also provide entertainment information.

2.1. Entertainment(Cont’d) A local newspaper or a weekly magazine is normally provided to hotel guests to give current information on entertainment, recreational, and cultural opportunities in the city.

2.2. Special Events Entertainment can be provided very effectively as a special promotional event to attract visitors during an off season. One of the best examples of this is Aloha Festivals, Hawaii. This festival is enthusiastically supported by local tourism interests and is very successful in attracting tourists. Musicians, dancers, exhibits, floral displays, and special programs are assembled and give the visitor an unusual opportunity to enjoy the beauty and excitement of cultural expression that this state offers.

2.2. Special Events (Cont’d) Once created such events become annual and typically grow in visitors and importance. Expositions and festivals are very attractive to visitors and deserve adequate promotion.

2.3. Museums and Art Galleries Museums and art galleries are another major attraction for tourists. They provide some of the highlights in many of the world's most important tourist destinations such as New York, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Paris, London, Madrid, Rome, Singapore, Tokyo, Buenos Aires, Mexico City, and many others.

2.3. Museums and Art Galleries (Cont’d) The quality and magnitude of these institutions are an important consideration for attracting and satisfying tourists.

2.4. Sports Golf and sports such as tennis, surfing, swimming, mountain climbing, skiing, hunting, fishing, hiking, prospecting, or any other outdoor sports activity require properly publicized facilities and services.

2.4. Sports (Cont’d) Guides, equipment, charter boats, and other services needed to enjoy these spans must be readily available at fair prices. Convenience and accessibility are key factors in this type of entertainment.

Thank You

Theory of Tourism (TM101)