The Meaning and Importance of Tourism and Hospitality: Instructor
The Meaning and Importance of Tourism and Hospitality: Instructor
Introduction
Tourism and hospitality has been one of the largest and fastest-growing industries in the world. It contribute greatly to
global economic development. Countries that are leading in tourism and hospitality revenues are the United States,
France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Mexico, and Japan.
PRINCIPLES OF TOURISM
Definition of Tourism
“ sum of the phenomena and relationships arising from the travel and stay of non-residents, in so far as they do
not lead to permanent residence and are not connected to any earning activity” – Prof. Hunziker and Krapf of
Berne University, Switzerland
“Tourism is the temporary short-term movement of people to destinations outside places where they normally live
and work and their activities during their stay at these destinations” – Tourism Society in Britain.
“traveling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for
leisure, business and other purposes“ – WORLD TOURISM ORGANIZATION
In 1994, the United Nations identified three forms of tourism in its Recommendations on Tourism Statistics:
o Domestic tourism, involving residents of the given country traveling only within this country
o Inbound tourism, involving non-residents traveling in the given country
o Outbound tourism, involving residents traveling in another country
TOURIST
Tourists tend to stay in their comfort zones a bit; they may speak only English instead of trying to learn phrases in the
local language; stick to major cities instead of venturing to smaller towns or off-the-beaten-path locales; and stay in areas
where the amenities are similar to what they have at home.
Temporary visitors staying at least 24 hours, whose purpose could be classified as leisure, business, family, mission and
meeting.
EXCURSIONIST
Temporary visitors staying less than 24 hours in the destination visited and not making an overnight stay, including cruise
travelers but excluding travelers in transits
TRAVELLER
Generally speaking, someone who considers himself a traveler will try to immerse himself in the local culture rather than
standing out. If you’re a traveler, you may try to explore the less-traveled areas and explore locations where tourism
doesn’t drive the economy. You’ll interact with locals. Your goals for a trip will be to learn and experience new things,
rather than to take a relaxing break from everyday life. A traveler may consider a trip a journey rather than a vacation.
Elements of Travel
Distance - The difference between local travel or traveling within a person’s home community and non –
local travel away from home
Length of Stay at a Destination- Tourists temporary visitors who make at least one overnight stay or 24
hours; Excursionists temporary visitors who do not stay at least 24 hours in a destination
Purpose of Travel – The residence or origin of the traveler is the third basic elements of travel. For research
business and research purposes, it is important to know where people live
Nature of the tour
Visiting friends and relatives
Conventions, Seminars and Meetings
Business
Outdoor Recreation (e.g. Hunting, fishing, boating and camping)
Entertainment (sightseeing, theatre, sports)
Personal (family, medical, funeral, wedding)
Others
Is a geographical unit which the tourist visits and stays. It may be a village, a town, a city, a district, a region, an
island, a country or a continent
ATTRACTIONS
Event Attractions- tourist are drawn to the destination solely because of what’s taking place there.
Site Attractions- The destination itself has the appeal
Natural Attractions- Includes mountains, beaches, climatic features, such as sunshine and pure air.
Man-made- Include building of historical or architectural interests such as Fort Santiago, holiday camps or theme
parks.
Tourist Services
1. Passenger transport
2. Accommodation
3. Food and beverage
4. Entertainment
5. Tour operator
CHARACTERISTICS OF TOURISM
In tourism, the product is not bought to the consumer; rather, the consumer has to travel and go to the product to
purchase it.
The products of tourism are not used up; thus, they do not exhaust the country’s natural resources.
Tourism is a labor – intensive industry
Tourism is people oriented
Tourism is multi – dimensional phenomenon
Tourist industry is seasonal
The industry is dynamic- It is characterized by the changing ideas and attitudes of its customers therefore must be
always prepared and willing to adjust to these changes
IMPORTANCE OF TOURISM
Contribution to the balance of payments.
Dispersion of development.
Effect on general economic development.
Employment opportunities.
Social benefits.
Cultural enrichment.
Educational significance.
A vital force for peace.
*end of chapter 1*