Tourism Destination Analysis

This assignment delves into the multifaceted aspects of tourism destinations. It examines various factors that contribute to a destination's appeal, such as perceived relevance, travel blogs, built environment influence, branding, and consumer behavior. The analysis also considers the impact of social media marketing and sustainable tourism practices on destinations.

TOURIST
DESTINATION

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Main tourist destinations in
terms of visitor numbers and income generation..................................................................1
1.2 Future trends in
term of visitor numbers and visitor profile............................................................................3
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................4
2.1 Cultural, social and physical features of destination and the
appeal to tourists....................................................................................................................4
2.2 Comparison of the cultural, physical and social features of the UK and China............5
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................7
3.1 Economic and political characteristics of both
destinations............................................................................................................................7
3.2 Cultural, economic, physical, political and social
characteristics of the UK.......................................................................................................7
TASK 4............................................................................................................................................8
4.1 Issues that may affect the popularity of the UK destination............................................8
4.2 Designated destination appeal and Responsible Tourism..............................................9
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................9
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................11

INTRODUCTION
In today’ competitive environment, many industries are having cut throat competition.
One of these markets, travel and tourism is the fastest growing field all over the world. There
are many places specially in United Kingdom which are considered as visitor’s attractions like
natural (lake, landscapes), man-made (heritage property) and cultural tourist destination. They all
have a huge number of visitors in UK from numerous countries.(Beritelli, 2011). In the
following report different aspects of tourist places will be discussed as their physical features,
local people attitude, infrastructure and economic development. These characteristics play a vital
role in increasing and decreasing tourism improvement. Government authority plays an
important part in promoting tourist destinations to improve its economy as improvement in
economic sector encourages living standard of the people. United Kingdom is one of the top
travel places in terms of income and number of visitors which makes it the best place to visit.
TASK 1
1.1 Main tourist destinations in terms of visitor numbers and income generation
Following are data related to tourism industry in countries like USA, UK, Thailand and
Italy. This data will enable to understand tourist destinations better.
2015
Basis USA Spain UK Thailand Italy
Approximate
support to
economy
472.6 billion
US dollar
3.2 billion US
dollar
229 billion US
dollar
107.8billion
US dollar
67.8 billion US
dollar
Approximate
number of
visitors
77.6 million 68.3 million 64.5 million 7.8 million 20.8 million
2016
Basis USA Spain UK Thailand Italy
Approximate61.530.5 billion 4.9 billion 340.1 billion 129.8 billionJ 77.4 billion US
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support to
economy
US dollar US dollar US dollar US dollar dollar
Approximate
number of
visitors
83 million 74 million 806.8 million 32.51million 48.8 million
From the above data it can be said that among all leading tourist destinations, United
States of America is the most desirable place all over the world. This industry has contributed of
472 billion dollars according to 2015-year data. It is on top position in terms of number of
visitors which is 77.6 million. No other country has this much high number. On the other hand,
Spain has gained $ 3.2 billion from tourism sector. Which shows that this is also one of the
desired tourist destinations in the world. The country had approximate 68 million people who
visited in the year 2015. From this data it can be observed that it has various appealing features
which attract numerous visitors. (Ewing and Cervero, 2010). Third nation is United Kingdom
which has 229 billion $ income from this industry. It is a considerable amount which is used to
uplift the economy. .
The country has 36 million visitors which has visited here previous year. United
Kingdom is most travelled country all over the world which shows its future dominant position
in tourist destinations after USA. As approximate 64 million people have visited here. Thailand
is also one of the most visited countries in the world as it has economic growth through tourism
by 129 billion dollars in year 2015. 32 million visitors have been recorded who spent money on
many destinations in the nation. Last but not the least county is Italy which has recorded 50
million tourists in year 2015. Approximate 67 billion dollars have been contributed to country
economy.
According to record of year 2016, again United States of America is at the top position in
tourism market as it has generated 530 billion dollars to contribute in economy through tourism
and number of visitors are 83 million in year 2016. On the other hand, United Kingdom has 80
million travellers which shows that it is an upcoming world’s leading tourist destination
(Goeldner and Ritchie, 2012). It has approximately 340 billion economic support by tourism
sector according to department of Culture, Sport and Media. According to the data, Spain has
almost 5-billion-dollar income and 74 million people as visitors. While, Thailand is fourth
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country as it has 32 million visitors in year 2016. Its income from this sector has been recorded
of 129 billion dollars. Last country among leading tourist destinations is Italy which has recorded
48 million visitors. Due to this huge number, considerable amount of income was received which
is 77 billion $. So United Kingdom has separate record of day visit survey and overnight stay
that contribute in most of the economy. Revenue from this helps in foreign exchanges to the
country. Apart from this, it creates a lot of employment opportunities for people in UK. The
country includes some famous and attractive destinations like Victoria and Albert museum which
contains moving images, theme parks like Thorpe park and British airways London eye. Thus it
can be said that UK is likely to be the world top tourist destination in term of number of people
who travel as well as revenue from this industry.
1.2 Future trends in terms of visitor numbers and visitor profile
As, tourism industry is one of the most growing sector all over the world, there is need to
estimate future trend in term of visitors numbers and income from tourism sector (Hays, Pageand
Buhalis, 2013).Trends in this industry include changes in choices of tourist which affect s
economy of particular country. Smart travel, crowd sourcing of luxury hotel and solo traveling
are some major latest tend in today global tourism trends. Following are data of United Kingdom
and Spain which are one of the leading tourist destinations in current time.
UK 2014 2015 2016 2025 Major Comments
Approximate
income to
economy
3.70% 3.80% 4.20% 5.60% United Kingdom has possibility of
gradually and continuous growth in
tourism sector as shown in trend
data.
Approximate
number of
visitors
75
million
78.5
million
83
million
86
million
United Kingdom has a very large
scope of increase in number of
visitors in future according to trend
analysis.
Spain 2014 2015 2016 2025 Comments
Approximate 3.30% 3.10% 2.90% 3.10% Economic
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income to
economy
contribution
will be not
increased at
high rate.
Approximate
number of
visitors
64 million 65.2 million 73 million 80 million Number of
visitors will be
increasing year
by year.
From the above data related to United Kingdom it can be said that tourism sector has
income from which it spends 3.7 percent to contribute in economic condition in year 2014. On
the other hand, it had approximate 75 million tourists in the same year. In the next year, the
nation had increased number of tourists like 78 million and income of which it had spent 3.8
percent to its economy (Horner and Swarbrooke, 2016). According to the data for 2016, United
Kingdom has 83 million number of people who have visited the country. On the other hand, it
has spent near 4.2 percent of income from tourism industry. So, it can be predicted from previous
data that it might have 86 million number of visitors in the year 2025 and the contribution to
economy will be 5.6 percent.
Another country is Spain which has 64 million visitors in the year 2014. It had spent 3.3
percent revenue from tourism on economic development in same duration. According to next
year data, total contribution through tourism industry has been recorded as 3.1 percent fro
economic development. But the number of visitors is increased to 65 million. In 2016, Spain had
73 million people as visitors and had economic contribution of 3 percent to improve. On the
basis of these previous three years, it can be predicted that number of visitors will be 80 million
in year 2025 and consequently, income support to nation economy will be approximate 3.1
percent. Thus Spain future trend will be average but UK will have a hike in its tourism market.
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TASK 2
2.1 Cultural, social and physical features of destination and appeal to tourists
Every travel place has its own features which attract visitors from all over the world. Top
two countries in tourism sector United Kingdom as UK and United States of America or USA
(Laws, 2011). Some major features of these tourist destinations include cultural, social and
physical features which contribute to increase or decrease number of visitors. These features help
to attract tourists and play like an appeal. USA is the strongest economy all over the world.
Features can be explained as followings.
 Social feature- These features have impact on decision of tourists United Kingdom has
its special place due to its royal tradition.
 Physical feature- This includes land condition of some particular place in United
Kingdom and USA. There are many tourist destinations which are highly maintained by
authority like rivers, museum, circus in UK. London has huge amount of vacationers
which can affect physical features in a negative as well in a positive way. On the other
hand, US has many adventurous features as rock gardens, forest and ocean which make
it special for visitors.
 Economic features- This is also an important part of tourist destination in United
Kingdom. The country is in a strongest position in economy due to high tourism income
of $ 2.65 trillion. For example, London is strong economy of UK as its tourists
contribute by visiting which results in more investment in the long term. Another tourist
destination is USA which has GDP is $18.5 trillion.
2.2 Comparison of cultural, physical and social features of the UK and China
United Kingdom and China are leading tourist destinations in today time. There have
their own specific qualities to fascinates more people to visit. As some special features can
hinder or foster the growth of tourism sector of these countries, so they should be considered.
China has different climate from United Kingdom and invites different tourists to find new
tourist destinations during particular climate. There are complete opposite cultural values in
these two nations which appeal specific people. Physical features of these nations are also
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different from each other (Murphy, 2013). Followings are some major differences between China
and United Kingdom.
Basis of difference United Kingdom China
National Festival Christmas -British people
celebrate Christmas every year
on 25th December which is a
special feature for tourist of
different culture.
Buddhism Festival -Chinese
people celebrate Buddha
birthday which is one of the
famous festivals all over
world. Festival like this is
included in social feature
which help in increasing
tourists number. Buddha
festival is celebrated in May or
June every year. Many visitors
from all over the world come
to visit the festival.
Religion Christianity-United Kingdom
has its major religion as
Christianity or catholic.
Buddhism-On other hand,
Chinese people have
Buddhism as their religion.
Culture United Kingdom culture is
based on values of
Christianity. There are some
other religions like
Protestantism, Hinduism,
Russian Orthodoxy, Armenian
and Sikhism. There is liberal
culture to adopt any religion.
As Chinese people are very
close to their cultural values, it
charms many tourists to
explore their cultural values
and customs. Buddhism
culture of the country has three
categories like Han, Tibetan
and Southern Buddhism.
Practices in this culture are
Meditation, mantras, devotion
to deities. The people believe
in understanding of human
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nature.
Physical features Tower of London-This is the
most visited place in United
Kingdom which attracts
maximum number of tourists.
China has world top unique
thing as physical feature to
attract various people which is
great wall of China. It is
included in seven wonders of
world.
Economic Features United Kingdom is one of the
top five economies of world. It
has a positive impact on its
tourism market.
China is the strongest economy
in all over the world. Better
condition of economy makes
many people to visit the place
at frequent basis.
TASK 3
3.1 Economic and political characteristics of both destinations
Economic and political characteristic of United Kingdom-This feature of tourist
destination plays a vital role in increasing or decreasing tourism sector in the long term. United
Kingdom is world fifth strongest economy which provides employment over all country.
According to the latest data for year 2016, tourism industry has provided employment to
approximately 3.5 million people in UK. Currency value of the country is very strong in current
time which attracts many visitors. Purchasing power is also better which proved more
infrastructure (Prayag and Ryan, 2011). After Brexit, the country has made its own business
rules and regulation which help in expanding its monetary sector long term. Political
characteristics of United Kingdom includes government and its regulation implied according to
legislation. There is unwritten constitution of the country and no elected government.
Economic and political characteristic of China- This nation is world’s largest economy
which is a strong factor for its tourism industry. According to the latest data of year 2016, GDP
(Gross Domestic Product) $11.3 trillion. The country encourages its internal or local small
business which contributes in economic development in the long run. China produces many
things by local originations which is a plus point for its economy. Political characteristic of
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country includes its government which is people republic of China. There is a democratic
political structure which provides freedom to citizens to choose government by their own choice.
Liberal political condition encourages tourism market to grow.
These political and economic structure are considered as game changer of tourist
destination development. For example, if these characteristics are not in favor of foreigner entry
then it can make it difficult for visitors (Qu, Kim and Im, 2011). Thus China and United
Kingdom have their own different positive and negative features which can affect tourism
business market in future.
3.2 Cultural, economic, physical, political and social characteristics of the UK
There are various different tourist destinations in United Kingdom which attract visitors
from all over the world. As there are many beautiful places among which London is the most
visited place every year. This is developed city which have some world famous places to visit.
Population of London is almost 9 million as per the record. Some features of city like cultural,
social, physical and social which fluctuate the number of tourists. Per capita income 0.1 million
euro. There is Piccadilly circus, Harrods, Shakespeare globe, British museum and Sherlock
Holmes museum.
The Climate of the city is rainy and pleasant which attracts many visitors. Snowfall,
spring and autumn season are the times when many tourists come to visit the London. Rise in
sea level and acidic oceans harm coastal area which are tourist places. Winter sports are
decreased with rise in temperature. Greenhouse gas emission has also a negative impact on
tourism of UK. Frequent changes in climate make uncertainty related to number of tourists.
Social characteristic of London includes its values and traditional customs (Vanhove, 2011). As
the whole country follows its ancient values, London people have also their own way in term of
religion. Political characteristic of London includes its government structure which has royal
family to rule. Queen is main ruler of London as every single rules and regulations are made
according to her approval. This unique feature also encourages many people to visit the place
which consequently contribute in economy in the long term.
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TASK 4
4.1 Issues that may affect the popularity of the UK destination
Although there is a huge scope of growth in tourism sector in United Kingdom, still there
are some issues which can have impact on popularity of tourist destinations. These issues or
elements are economic, environmental and social issues. Following are few explanations of
issues.
 Economic Issues- Financial condition of any country have a huge impact on tourist
destination. One of the major part of economic issue is employment. Strong economy
leads to high employment in all over the country including tourism field. Currency value
is also an important element for United Kingdom as tourist destination (Yuksel, Yuksel
and Bilim, 2010). If currency value is poor in comparison to visitor country , then it
attracts many foreigners to spend money and visit the place at low cost. On the other
hand, if the currency is strong then only rich people can be able to visit. GDP of United
Kingdom has been recorded as $2.65 trillion which affect tourism in a positive way.
 Social Issues- Social issues include attitude and behavior of the local people of tourist
destination. In United Kingdom, people are very friendly and warm to greet others which
has positive impact on tourists. Sometimes overcrowded place has a negative impact on
tourists as they do not feel comfortable to visit over crowded place in UK.
 Environmental Issues- Popularity of tourist destination like United Kingdom is affected
by environmental issues like natural resources availability, deforestation of place and
population of that particular place. For example, Alton tower which is theme park is
protected from pollution by government. Cars should be parked in separate parking yard
to avoid pollution at this tourist destination. There are sometimes, when the climate is too
cold or too hot which can be harmful for tourist. It may lead to decreased visited number
to that place for a while. On the other hand, if natural resources less, then many tourists
will not prefer to visit the place. Thus these above three issues are crucial parts of
popularity of tourist destination.
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4.2 Designated destination appeal and Responsible Tourism
Responsible tourism is a system which decreases the impact of some factor impact on
tourist destinations. These factors include social, economic, environment and political etc. This
system helps in improving infrastructure of the visitor attractions as well as the nation so that
more visitors come to visit the place. The responsible tourism benefits in term of income and
employment in particular place in the long term (ŽabkarBrenčičandDmitrović2010). More
employment provides more facilities and comfort for tourists. This supports protection of place
whether it is natural attraction or heritage visitor attraction.
This type of tourism takes care of local people in term of their culture protection and
conservation of tourist destination. It motivates disabled people to visit by providing them access
which can establish a great image of a particular tourist place. The scheme tries to make a
connection between tourists and local people to improve the tourism experience for long term in
a positive way. For more good results, responsible tourism includes enhancing wellbeing of host
country and minimize negative issue impact. So that there is no problem with tourist who come
to spend and enjoy their holidays at tourist destination. Thus responsible tourism makes sure of
development and improvement in tourism.
CONCLUSION
From the above report it can be concluded that tourism sector and its destinations are
important part of any country whether it is China, United Kingdom, Spain USA or France. There
are many factors which have drastic impact on tourist destinations like environment of visitor
attraction as natural, heritage and cultural. To protect all places of visits, responsible tourism is
important system which maintains the standard of code of practice in travel market all over the
world. United Kingdom and other leading tourist destinations have many features which
encourage many visitors to come to explore the world there like physical features and economic
features.
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