Showing posts with label economic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label economic. Show all posts

Functions of tourism - combination of professional activities

Worldwide, tourism has in recent decades become firmly established as a major industry providing significant economic and employment benefits.

For example, in Australia, tourism accounts for 8% of employment and 5.8% of Gross Domestic Product and nearly 15% of export earnings. As well, forecasts for Australian inbound
tourism are very strong. There is, in some instances, the combination of interaction and phenomenon resulting from travelling and staying by non-residents, given that they take up residence and do not engage in any profitable business.

Tourism, is therefore, the combination of professional activities related to transport, accommodation, provisions and leisure activities offered to a tourist. The generally perceived importance of tourism for economic development reasons cannot be disputed. Statistical evidence depicts a remarkable increase in the number of international travellers from 25 million in 1950 to 425 million in 1990 - and over and above this figure in 1997. As such, tourism is a significant strategy for capital accumulations. Furthermore, current developments in international tourism markets - as well as domestic and national tourism - show increases in many countries.

The reason for travel may be different from the purpose. For instance, ‘one may need a rest’ or ‘the advertising was persuasive’, or simply ‘to accompany a friend’. Mere explanations do not necessarily clarify the intention or resolve for travel.

People’s desire for travel

People’s desire for travel is related to their immediate socio-physical environmentss and the appeal of the beyond. And this travel drive is an economic, environmental and sociological force of global proportions.

However, there is considerable debate surrounding the meaning of travel in terms of tourism. Much of this debate is concerned with the desirability of employing definitions based upon the activities that are engaged in or on the experiences that are derived from participation.

To some, tourism usually denotes a form of activity that takes place beyond a specific distance from the home or in a geographic, administrative jurisdiction different from one’s place of permanent residence. Tourism involves the motivation, preparatory experiences and expectations of people travelling - the tourist. It also enwraps the anticipations, adjustments and tolerances of the residents the hosts. And, it engages numerous organizations, agencies and institutions in catering to guest needs, wants and desires. To others, tourism is construed
as the science, art and business of attracting and transporting visitors, accommodating them and graciously catering to their needs and wants. Still to others, tourism is a means through which peoples may know and understand one another; human understanding being so essential in the world at this time.

Statisticians and market analysts have sought better descriptors for more entertainment; hospitality; art; architecture; dance; performing arts, etc. accurate accounting of tourism visitations. For instance, domestic tourists have been classified as visitors from within the country who stay a minimum of 24 hours and not more than one year for pleasure, recreation, sport, business, visiting friends and relatives, missions, conferences, health reasons, studies and religion.

International tourists are considered to be residents of one country visiting another for many or all of the same purposes as domestic tourists. For discussion purposes, general classifications could be as follows: tours; attractions; resorts; cruises; adventure. Evidently, a subclassification is feasible for each of these enumerations.