The World Tourism Organization (WTO) sees tourism as an activity by people who travel outside of their customary neighborhood either for leisure, business, or for medical purposes for a period not exceeding one year. Some tourism scholars see tourism as the temporary movement of individuals away from their normal surroundings, and the activities undertaken during their stay in the new destination, as well as the facilities made to cater for the tourists needs. Pundits estimate that about seventy percent of tourists visit the ten major tourism destinations while thirty percent share the other destinations. It is, therefore, evident that the bulk of the revenue generated in the global travel goes to the established destinations; therefore, the undeveloped destinations need to undertake some strategic planning in order to attract tourists in their destinations. Tourists are drawn to a certain tourism destination because of its attractiveness that reflects the feelings of the tourists regarding the destination perceived ability to meet their needs. Thus, the more a certain destination meets the tourist’s needs, the more it is seen to be attractive, and consequently its popularity grows. It is imperative that the sustainable tourism development concept be adopted in all tourism destinations in order to appropriately cater for the needs of the travellers and the host destinations while enhancing and protecting opportunities for the future.
Table of Contents
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Definition of Tourism Destinations
- Attractiveness and Competitiveness
- Tourism Destinations Trends
Objectives and Key Themes
The objective of this paper is to discuss the tourism industry, focusing on the most visited destinations and the social, cultural, and geographical factors that attract tourists. The paper analyzes the competitiveness of tourism destinations and the factors contributing to their attractiveness.
- Definition and characteristics of tourism destinations
- Attractiveness and competitiveness of tourism destinations
- Trends in tourism destinations and their economic impact
- Factors influencing tourist choices
- The role of sustainable tourism development
Chapter Summaries
Abstract: This abstract introduces the World Tourism Organization's (WTO) definition of tourism and highlights the significant revenue disparity between major and less-developed tourist destinations. It emphasizes the need for strategic planning in less-developed destinations to enhance their attractiveness and meet tourist needs sustainably.
Introduction: This chapter presents contrasting definitions of tourism from the WTO and other scholars, highlighting the complexities of classifying tourism types (e.g., business vs. leisure travel). It sets the stage for analyzing the factors influencing tourist destination choices and the paper's aim to explore the most visited destinations and their characteristics.
Definition of Tourism Destinations: This section provides a scholarly definition of tourism destinations as places offering a curated combination of products and services. It emphasizes the importance of accessibility, attractions, activities, and auxiliary services, drawing on the work of Zygmunt (2013) and the WTO's criteria. The chapter also discusses the global distribution of tourists, highlighting the intense competition among destinations for visitors.
Attractiveness and Competitiveness: This chapter discusses the crucial role of tourism in national policy and the competitive landscape of the industry. It explores how destinations compete for tourists and the significance of enhancing competitiveness to boost visitor numbers and revenue. The chapter links attractiveness to a destination's ability to meet tourist needs, highlighting the importance of destination attributes in shaping tourist choices and the long-term profitability of the tourism sector.
Tourism Destinations Trends: This chapter presents data from the UNWTO's 2014 report on global tourism earnings and growth trends. It highlights the significant economic contribution of international tourism, showing the revenue generated and its impact on global exports. The chapter also details regional distribution of tourism revenue and arrivals, emphasizing the growth of Asia and the Pacific and Europe's dominant position in the market.
Keywords
Tourism destinations, attractiveness, competitiveness, sustainable tourism, tourism trends, economic impact, visitor numbers, UNWTO, destination marketing.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview of Tourism Destinations
What is the purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of a paper analyzing tourism destinations. It includes the table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. The preview is designed to give a clear understanding of the paper's scope and content.
What topics are covered in the paper?
The paper covers several key aspects of tourism destinations, including their definition and characteristics, attractiveness and competitiveness, trends in tourism, the economic impact of tourism, factors influencing tourist choices, and the role of sustainable tourism development.
What are the main objectives of the paper?
The paper aims to discuss the tourism industry, focusing on the most visited destinations and the social, cultural, and geographical factors that attract tourists. It analyzes the competitiveness of tourism destinations and the factors contributing to their attractiveness.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include defining tourism destinations, assessing their attractiveness and competitiveness, examining trends in tourism destinations and their economic impact, understanding factors influencing tourist choices, and the importance of sustainable tourism development.
What are the chapter summaries?
The chapter summaries provide brief overviews of each section: the abstract introduces the topic and highlights revenue disparities; the introduction presents contrasting definitions of tourism; the definition of tourism destinations chapter elaborates on the concept; the attractiveness and competitiveness chapter discusses the competitive landscape of the industry; and the tourism destinations trends chapter presents data on global tourism earnings and growth.
What are the keywords associated with this paper?
Keywords include: Tourism destinations, attractiveness, competitiveness, sustainable tourism, tourism trends, economic impact, visitor numbers, UNWTO, destination marketing.
What sources are referenced in the paper (as indicated in the preview)?
The preview mentions the World Tourism Organization (WTO) and a reference to Zygmunt (2013) in the context of defining tourism destinations. The UNWTO's 2014 report on global tourism is also cited in the chapter summary.
What is the overall focus of the paper?
The overall focus is on understanding the factors that contribute to the success and competitiveness of tourism destinations, considering both economic and sustainable development aspects. The paper analyzes how destinations attract tourists and the impact of tourism on various sectors.
- Quote paper
- Caroline Mutuku (Author), 2013, Tourism Destinations.Definitions, Changes and Trends, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/381273
