Exploring Sustainability in Tourism

The assignment content consists of a collection of academic articles and online resources related to sustainable tourism, cultural tourism, tourism management, and disaster response. The papers cover topics such as voluntary policy instruments for sustainable tourism, sustainability indicators for community tourism, rural tourism, and the impact of taxation on carbon dioxide emissions. Additionally, there are case studies on how arts councils help regions enhance their appeal and collaborations between stakeholders in protected areas to promote sustainability.

TOURIST DESTINATION
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Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................................................3
Task 1 Understand the scope of key UK and worldwide tourist destination ............................................3
a. Analysis of main tourist destinations ................................................................................................3
i) The average expenditure in UK compared with Europe and Asia ....................................................3
ii) Implications of the differences of Tourist Arrivals and Tourist Receipts in countries .....................4
b. Statistical analysis of tourism destination trends and prediction of future trends of UK .................6
Task 2 Understand the cultural, social and physical features of tourist destinations.................................6
a. Exploring UK appeals to tourists ......................................................................................................6
(i) Analysis of cultural, social and physical features of different tourist destinations .........................6
(ii) Explanation about important elements that make appeal of each destinations .............................8
(b) Comparison of the features of selected tourist destination with a developing tourist destination. .9
Task 3 Understand how the characteristics of destinations affect their appeal to tourists.......................10
3.1 Appeal of these destinations in terms of the types of tourists visiting them.................................10
3.2 Negative and positive effect of the following characteristics to the appeal of the tourist
destinations..........................................................................................................................................11
Task 4 Understand the impacts of change on the travel and tourism sector............................................12
4.1 Impact of changes on the travel and tourism.................................................................................12
4.2 Discussion of the potential for responsible tourism to enhance the host community in the three
issues and identification of measures .................................................................................................13
Conclusion...............................................................................................................................................13
References ...............................................................................................................................................15
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INTRODUCTION
Travel and tourism has been getting more attention and recognition from the government bodies
because of the contribution it gives to the economic development. In the contemporary scenario, travel
and tourism industry has adopted different methods and techniques for the purpose of promoting all the
integrated services to the customers and business clients (Lee and Chang, 2008). The present research
study has been made with an attempt to analyze the scenario of tourism in most of the developed and
developing countries in past 2–3 years and along with the same, comparison has been made regarding
the cultural, social and physical attributes of major tourist destinations. Tourism destinations are getting
populous because they give numerous services to the clients integrated with cultural and heritage
aspects of a particular place. Moreover, in the present research report, researcher has also discussed the
impact of economic, physical and political facets on tourism functions. Lastly, researcher has stated the
impacts of changes on travel and tourism sector along with several reasons for which travel companies
implement changes in the business entity.
TASK 1 UNDERSTAND THE SCOPE OF KEY UK AND WORLDWIDE TOURIST
DESTINATION
a. Analysis of main tourist destinations
i) The average expenditure in UK compared with Europe and Asia
It has been observed that living standard of people at UK has been improved from last many
years and this makes the country relatively developed in all sectors. Considering the tourism sector, the
numbers of visitors have been augmenting because people are spending more in travel and tourism
services. France, Italy and Spain are the chief destinations of UK where people prefer to visit the most
as compared to other countries (Goeldner and Ritchie, 2006). Increased number of visitors increases the
level of income and at the same time it aids to make the country more developed and competent from
others. As per the frequency of visitors, it is evident that in the year 2014, large numbers of people have
visited the country. While on the other hand, in the year 2013, 31.1 million visitors came to the country
and the degree of visitors increased to 32.6 million in the year 2014. Thus, from the data, it is clear that
popularity of destinations of UK have been rising. This aids the economy to enhance the standard of
living, education level and other service sectors. Hence, this assists UK to serve more leisure services
to the end users.
From the given data, it is also clear that number of visitors in UK are more as compared to
China, Mexico and Thailand; however considering the table, it can be seen that number of visitors in
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UK were fewer in the year 2014 as compared to China and Mexico (Lanza and Pigliaru, 2007).
Alongside, London, Edinburgh, British Museum, Flamingo Land in Yorkshire and other museums are
the major destinations of UK that persuades international tourists as well towards UK tourism. More
than 6 million people have visited National Gallery and British Museum in the year 2013; therefore it
can be said that these are the major and populous destinations of UK tourism.
Rank Country
International
tourism
arrivals
(2014)
International
tourism
arrivals
(2013)
Change (2013
to 2014 (%)
1 France 83.7 million 83.6 million .1
2 United States 74.8 million 70.0 million 6.8
3 Spain 65.0 million 60.7 million 7.1
4 China 55.6 million 55.7 million -.1
5 Italy 48.6 million 47.7 million 1.8
6 Turkey 39.8 million 37.8 million 5.3
7 Germany 33.0 million 31.5 million 4.6
8 United
Kingdom
32.6 million 31.1 million 5.0
9 Russia 29.8 million 28.4 million 5.3
10 Mexico 29.1 million 24.2 million 20.5
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Table 1: International Tourist Arrivals in 2014
ii) Implications of the differences of Tourist Arrivals and Tourist Receipts in countries
The income level of a country generally increases when people are able to spend income and
resources for travel and tourism services. Hence, UK earns more money and receipts during the time
period when the numbers of tourists are more and as a result, the overall brand value of the country get
increased.
Difference of Tourist Arrivals and Tourist Receipts
Rank Country
International
tourism
receipts
US$(2014)
International
tourism
receipts
US$(2013)
Change (2013
to 2014 (%)
1 United States 177.2 billion 172.9 billion 2.5
2 Spain 65.2 billion 62.6 billion 4.2
3 China 56.9 billion 51.7 billion 10.2
4 France 55.4 billion 56.7 billion -2.3
5 Macao 50.8 billion 51.8 billion -1.9
6 Italy 45.5 billion 43.9 billion 3.7
7 United
Kingdom
45.3 billion 41.0 billion 10.3
8 Germany 43.3 billion 41.3 billion 5
9 Thailand 38.4 billion 41.8 billion -8.0
10 Hongkong 38.4 billion 38.9 billion -1.4
Table 2: International Tourism Receipts
 France: Apparently, France is one of the most populous tourist destinations because visitors
from all around the world prefer to visit the place due to its beauty and historical aspects
(Alegre and Pou, 2006). Every year more than 12 million people visit the destination and this
frequency has been increasing from last 3 years to 2014 as in the same year 55.4 million people
visited the destination. Hence, comparing the number of visitors in 2013 and 2014, there is a
change of -2.3% in tourist receipts. Turkey: In the year 2013, 37.8 million tourists have visited the country; however the ratio has
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been increased to 39.8 million in the year 2014; thus this shows the change of 5.3% in tourist
receipts. Turkey is also another popular destination which is evident from the augmented
number of visitors. Thailand: The frequency of visitors were more in Thailand in the year 2013 (41.8 million) and
in 2014, 38.4 million people have visited the destination which reflects change in -8% in the
tourist receipts (Ayuso, 2007).
 HongKong: Comparing the number of visitors in the year 2013 and 2014, it can be said that
there is change of -1.4% in the tourist’s receipts.
b. Statistical analysis of tourism destination trends and prediction of future trends of UK
Years Number of
Visitors (m) Spend £(bn)
Average
spends per
visit
Average
nights per
visit
International balance
of payments £ (bn)
2003 24.715 £11.855 £480 8.2 -£16.697
2004 27.755 £13.047 £470 8.2 -£17.238
2005 29.97 £14.248 £475 8.3 -£17.906
2006 32.713 £16.002 £489 8.4 -£18.409
2007 32.778 £15.960 £487 7.7 -£19.053
2008 31.888 £16.32 £512 7.7 -£20.515
2009 29.889 £16.592 £555 7.7 -£15.102
2010 29.803 £16.899 £567 7.6 -£14.921
2011 30.798 £17.998 £584 7.6 -£13.703
2012 31.084 £18.640 £600 7.4 -£13.810
2013 32.692 £21.258 £650 7.5 -£13.252
2014 34.377 £21.849 £636 7.7 -£13.688
Table 3: Trends in Tourism of UK over the last 10 years
Considering the trends of tourism of last ten years, it is apparent that in some years number of
visitors has increased and in some of the years, number of visitors has reduced as well. The number of
visitors (24.715 million) in the year 2003 was fewer; however this ratio has been increased in the next
subsequent years. It is noteworthy that only two long- haul markets (USA and Australia) appeared to be
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at the top ten places and on the other hand, all the top ten markets measured in terms of value are
developed rather than emerging markets for international tourism. Besides this, Britain is expected to
have a tourism industry worth over £257 million by next 5 years and this is also expected to increase
10% in GDP aspects which could further support 4 million jobs in the nation.
TASK 2 UNDERSTAND THE CULTURAL, SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL FEATURES OF TOURIST
DESTINATIONS
a. Exploring UK appeals to tourists
(i) Analysis of cultural, social and physical features of different tourist destinations
Tourist destinations UK Italy Russia
Cultural There are several places
in England that are of
historical interest in
which city of
Manchester is the
second most visited city
in England after
London.
Italy is considered the
second largest tourist
earner and the second
most visited country in
the world afterwards
France because people
visit the destination on
higher extent. In the
year 47.5 million people
visited Italy due to its
cultural and heritage
aspects (Cultural
tourism: how Arts
Council England helps
the North enhance
its appeal, 2014). Italy
has been blessed with
masterful artists and
architects and the chief
places depict Byzantine
and Romanesque style
Rich cultural heritage
and great natural variety
place makes Russia
most popular among all
the other destinations.
Moscow and Saint
Petersburg featured
museums and other
ornate churches are the
impressive fortifications
of the destination.
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which shows the
importance of legendary
work. The geographic
distribution of cultural
supply is very wide and
more than 9% of
municipalities host
cultural and historical
goods of some interest.
Social Tourism plays a
significant part in the
economic life of
England. England has
long history and
pervasive culture spread
all around the world and
English language and
colonialism made
England a popular
destination.
People mainly visit Italy
for its rich art, cuisine,
history, fashion and
culture. People prefer to
travel the place because
of the priceless ancient
monuments and
attractive monuments.
Further, Italy also
contains more World
Heritage Sites than any
other country in the
world (Choi
and Sirakaya, 2006).
Russia is a country of
numerous and greatly
varied cultural and
historic sites. A wide
variety of incredible
travel destination is
available within the
European part of Russia
and that is most likely
by the customers all
around the world.
Physical England is also
populous for unique
natural environment and
it has significant eco-
tourism industries as
well (Dann and
Liebman Parrinello,
Italy has over 30
airports in all the major
cities and towns and it
run flights for domestic
passengers as well;
hence it is clear that
networking and
Tourism in Russia has
seen rapid growth since
the last Soviet times and
then as a popular
international tourist
destination as well. Rich
palaces and parks of
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2009). In the year 2014,
more than 17,404,000
overseas visitors have
visited London due to
physical attractions of
Italy.
connectivity aspects of
the country are
effective.
extreme beauty are
found in the former
imperial residences in
attractive places of
Russia.
(ii) Explanation about important elements that make appeal of each destinations
Appealing elements of UK, Italy and Russia: UK's Culture: Beauty as well as cultural factors of UK is highly popular and both the factors
appeals tourists on higher extent. Most of the museums (Victoria and Albert Museum, British
museum and Science museum) beguile the clients to visit the country because that provides
information and education about new and innovative things. Sports activities are also popular in
chief destinations of UK and this makes the country worldwide different with that to others. Beauty of Italy: Italy is populous among people because it provides the best experience of
natural beauty and scenes. Paris and Cannes in France are the major and glamorous cities where
more than 85 million tourists visited in the year 2013. The remarkable gardens are a list of the
over two hundred gardens in the French ministry of culture (Fons, Fierro and y Patiño, 2011).
Tourism significantly contributes to the balance of payments and this enhances the overall
profitability factor of the country.
 Beaches and natural beauty of Russia: Tourism in Russia is a major contributor to the national
economic life and it also contributes 6.5% in the GDP factor. Russia has held strong position in
world's tourism; thus it is called as the second most visited country in the world after France.
The mild climate during the whole year and sandy beaches has been attracting tourists from
Northern Europe for decades.
(b) Comparison of the features of selected tourist destination with a developing tourist destination
Tourist destination Leading Destination UK Developing Destination China
Cultural values and historical
facets of UK
UK is one of those destinations
that celebrate numerous festivals
so as to showcase the concern
Tourism of China has greatly
expanded over the last few
decades since the beginning of
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towards cultural values and
norms. As apparent there are
different museums in UK that
persuades the visitors to visit the
country for more than one
purpose. UK tourism is also
beneficial due to music, cultural
facets and food varieties.
reform and opening (Goeldner
and Ritchie, 2006). In the year
2006, China received about 49.7
million international visitors and
this made the country fourth
most visited place. Chinese food
and music are the two major
aspects that appeals customers
highly.
Social facets UK always make sure that needs
of the visitors are fulfilled and
for the same, the country delivers
prominent services in all areas
(Laing and Roberts, 2005).
Chinese culture is far different
with that to other countries and
the country get attention from
customers because of the peace
and meditation aspects
Physical facets Flora and fauna are the chief
aspects for which people prefer
to visit the country. Another
important factor that increases
tourism of UK is better
transportation and
communication services.
Transport facilities in China have
been improved a lot and this
appeals the customers as well.
Moreover, China is adopting new
technologies and devices which
help the country to develop new
products in electronic area.
TASK 3 UNDERSTAND HOW THE CHARACTERISTICS OF DESTINATIONS AFFECT THEIR
APPEAL TO TOURISTS
3.1 Appeal of these destinations in terms of the types of tourists visiting them
In this contest, the appeal of tourist destinations is termed as most crucial element that
influences visitors from all over the world. In addition to that all kinds’ tourism activities are mainly
associated with the three basic elements such as tourist’s guests, host society as well as the
environment. All these factors in the integrated manner affect the tourism demand. The development of
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Tourism in particular area is greatly depending upon its characteristics. Encompassing various aspects,
tourism planning has been addressed a highly complex process and it must be carried out with a
systematic manner.
In this context, Typology is termed as an effective tool and approach through which an
appropriate plan for tourism development at particular location is developed by identifying the different
patterns related to demands of tourism related services such as the special effects (Lanza and Pigliaru,
2007). In the process, detail evaluation of the intensity of the tourist visits is also carried out which is
highly influenced by certain or unique characteristics of the destination and the effect of the
environment. The approach of Plog's typology is applied for comparison of the different scenarios that
influence the appeal of the tourism demand in the leading tourist’s destinations along with the emerging
destinations of the world. In this typology, the tourists are categorized with reference to personality
traits along with their behavior. In this context, tourists range is determined between two extremes
psychometric and all centric. Between these two lies the midcentury who that are possessing the
attributes and features of both the types in proportional manner.
 Psychocentric: It includes such individuals who have the conservative approach win selection
of an appropriate tourist destinations falls under this category. These kinds of individuals select
those places which are safe and have the tendency to revisit that particular place again these
individuals are also considered as repeaters. Psychocentric people always want to visit a
particular destination that posses several beautiful destinations, spectacular views as well as that
place must give the pleasure of nature's lap (Laws, 2011). In this context, countries such as US
and UK are greatly influencing visitor from all over the world with the help of their natural
wonders, historic landmarks along with several entertainment venues. Various international
events have been addressed as the major attractions of these nations that play important role in
order to influence visitor from all over to participate in wide range of gatherings from around
the Globe, the festival and carnivals that are known for its hugeness and glamour. In addition to
that wide range of the amusement parks, the magnificent museums and galleries have been
acted as an important element of appeal of tourist destination. On the other hand, the new
emerging destinations like Nepal and Myanmar are attracting visitors from all over the world
with their beauty scenic and the spectacular views of the mountains along with waterfalls.
 Allocentric: It includes those people who are always want to visit new places so as these
individual are termed as the allocentric tourists (Lee and Chang, 2008). They always consider
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such tourist destination which offers more adventure and thrill during tourism. In this context
different countries like Nepal is influenced visitors from all over the world with the flowing
rivers that plays significant role for managing water sports activities such as river rafting to the
adventure lovers. In addition to that the country is surrounded by mountains so as it also offers
various activities related to adventure tourism that includes mountaineering and trekking. In this
context, France is not being selected as destination for tourism by all centric tourists because
this country is popular for its archaeological in the form of colossal monuments, museum along
with Georgian architecture.
 Midcentric: The people are having characteristics of both type of personality. These kinds of
individuals’ selects destinations for visiting that provide them the several unique memories and
fun with the combination of adventure and entertainment (Liu and Wall, 2006). In this context,
India is identified as great destination where an individual can address rick culture and great
archaeological destination like palaces and forts along with adventure tourism related to river
rafting, trekking etc. India is enriched with sparkling beauty of islands, mountains and the
cultural heritage sites that plays important role to attract visitors from all over the world.
3.2 Negative and positive effect of the following characteristics to the appeal of the tourist destinations
There are various factors that appeals the customers towards tourism in both positive and
negative aspects and a few are discussed in the below mentioned section. Economic: Economic condition of UK is stable enough and this helps the country to invest
resources in different aspects. Hence, most of the resources are invested in travel and tourism
sector and this allows the country to earn more foreign exchange from varied countries. Further,
USA is also popular in the same way as the economy is developed; hence resources are
adequately invested in improving the service sector of the nation (Mayor and Tol, 2007). Physical: People visit Nepal because the place is popular for better transportation and
networking facilities. Nepal has good infrastructure; but it lacks in delivering different utilities
which is one of the chief reason, some people do not prefer to visit the country. Communication
channels are somewhere also weak which creates issues related to connectivity. On the other
hand, USA has improved its communication chain and this assists the country to connect with
varied other countries as well. Social factors: Burma and Nepal both are developing countries and both are trying new
methods and ways to improve the level of poverty. Quality and standard of life of people needs
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to be improved so that economy of Nepal can grow. Issues related to health have been
increasing in Burma; therefore most of the visitors do not prefer to visit the place. On the other
hand, literacy rate of UK and USA are high and more opportunities of employment are available
in these countries; hence sometimes people prefer to travel subsequent place so that they can
these opportunities (Stronza, 2009).
 Political: In UK, tourism industry has been considered a source of maintaining political stability
because the activities involved in tourism attracts international bodies to conduct many events
at the same place. One of the apparent examples is London Olympics Games as afterwards the
event; more than 5 million visitors have visited the country.
TASK 4 UNDERSTAND THE IMPACTS OF CHANGE ON THE TRAVEL AND TOURISM
SECTOR
4.1 Impact of changes on the travel and tourism Natural disasters earthquake in Nepal (2015): The April 2015 Nepal earthquake killed more
than 9000 people and it has destroyed almost all the places of Nepal. This has a direct impact on
tourism industry and as a result, economics of Nepal affected. Health and safety issues also
generated at the subsequent destination; however because of this natural disaster, the overall
economy of Nepal got affected (Nepal earthquake: a disaster that shows quakes don't kill
people, buildings do, 2015). Hence, in order to improve the economic condition of Nepal,
government has spent huge resources; still tourism sector is affected the most. Terrorism in Tunisian beach (2015): Gunman Seifeddine Rezgui killed 38 people at the
Tunisian resort of Sousse and it was also the deadliest attack in the history of Tunisia. Hotels
were targeted in attacks to undermine tourism because they were considered “brothels” by the
ISIS (Terror on the beach, 2015).
 World disease- outbreak of swine flu in India (2015): The large scale outbreak of infectious
diseases has threatened the economic and regional stability of India and due to improper
response on the epidemic; so many people died (Timothy, 2011). It is an apparent fact that every
year international visitors visit India especially in the winter season; however due to swine flu
epidemic, the ratio of tourists got reduced. Till February2015, swine flu had claimed more than
500 lives including a few visitors from different countries.
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4.2 Discussion of the potential for responsible tourism to enhance the host community in the three
issues and identification of measures
 Immediately after the terrorist attack on Tunisia beach, the flight JAF5017 came to redirect the
Brussels. Further British Tour operator Thomson also announced that the flights to Tunisia will
be canceled so as to safeguard people from the terror attack. House of Commons also observed
a minute of silence so as to remember the victims (Toney, 2000).
 Community hubs as well as different schools are a priority for reconstruction after the
earthquake in Nepal because the government wants to give children a step back into normal life.
The government also aims to provide essential childcare services by allowing their adult
families to return to work or participate in further reconstruction. Support is also provided to the
residents from international agencies.
 In order to protect people from swine flu disease, government has made safety provisions
because it spreads widely and commonly in polluted and populated areas. Further campaigns
are also organized so that to make the public aware about the precautionary aspects and also
about the epidemic (Waterton, 2010).
CONCLUSION
Summing up the above study, it has been found out that there has been significant variation
addressed among tourism related activities of people. Traditionally, it is identified as a movement of
people which is carried out mainly for holy purposes at the pilgrimages. In the contemporary era, it has
been addressed as a recreation which is scheduled from informal ways to the planned and organized
tours and trips. Further, there are several factors playing important role in order to influence the
demand of tourism related services at any destination.
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