Tourist Destination Analysis: Understanding Key Factors and Trends

This assessment delves into the world of tourism destinations, analyzing key factors that influence their popularity and income generation. It explores the cultural, social, and physical features of leading and developing tourist destinations, comparing their appeal to tourists. The assessment also examines issues that affect destination popularity, such as climate, political unrest, and economic factors, and discusses the potential of responsible tourism to enhance host communities. By analyzing statistics and trends, this assessment provides insights into the dynamics of the tourism industry and its future.

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Tourist Destination

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Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................3
Task 1...............................................................................................................................................4
LO1 Understand the scope of some of the key UK and worldwide tourism spots..........................4
1.1 Analyse main tourist destinations and generators of the world in terms of visitor numbers
and income generation.................................................................................................................4
1.2 Analyse statistics to determine tourism destination trends and predict future trends............5
Task 2...............................................................................................................................................8
LO2 Understand the cultural, social and physical features of tourist destinations..........................8
2.1 Analyse cultural, social and physical features of tourist destinations explaining their appeal
to tourists.....................................................................................................................................8
2.2 Compare features of developing and leading tourist destinations.......................................10
Task 3.............................................................................................................................................11
LO3 Understand how the characteristics of destinations affect their appeal to tourists................11
3.1 Compare the appeal of current leading tourist destinations with that of currently
developing tourist destinations..................................................................................................11
3.2 Evaluate how characteristics of a tourist destination affect its appeal................................11
Task 4.............................................................................................................................................13
LO4 Understand issues likely to affect the popularity of tourist destinations...............................13
4.1 Analyse issues that affect the popularity of tourist destinations..........................................13
4.2 Discuss the potential for responsible tourism to enhance the host community at worldwide
tourist destinations.........................................................................................................................13
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................15
Reference List................................................................................................................................16
Appendix........................................................................................................................................18

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Introduction
Travel and tourism sector in considered to be a very fast growing sectors in the United Kingdom.
Tourism could be defined as an activity involving tourists who visit various places other than
their existing environment and stay in the places for a short period of time. Depending on the
requirement of an individual, traveling purpose may vary. This assessment may assist the readers
to identify some of the major spots of tourist destinations depending on the generation of its
income and the number of visitors. It will also provide guidance to the readers to understand
some of the determining features of tourism like physical features, social features and cultural
features as well. These determining factors are important as they result in tourist attraction. The
readers will also find out the comparison between some of the prime tourist spots with some of
the upcoming tourism spots.

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Task 1
LO1 Understand the scope of some of the key UK and worldwide tourism spots.
1.1 Analyse main tourist destinations and generators of the world in terms of visitor
numbers and income generation.
There are various tourism spots that tend to attract many tourists for visits and stays. The
uniqueness and the appealing features of these tourist spots may vary and depending on these
characteristics, the number of visitors and the generation of income in these spots may vary.
Table 1: Main Tourist Destinations and Income Generators
Country Tourist destinations Number of visitors in
2016
(millions)
Number of visitors in
2015
(millions)
France Paris 18.0 18.7
Thailand Bangkok 3.7 3.5
United States of
America
New York 12.7 11.8
UAE Dubai 15.3 11.1
United Kingdom London 19.9 16.2
(Source: World Economic Forum, 2017)
It is quite evident from the table shown above that the number of tourist visitors visit London
quite regularly. In one of the recorded data it has been found out that the number of tourists who
visited London in 2016 is near about 19.9 million, which is certainly more that the number of
tourists who visited in the preceding year. As per the above table, it is evident that Paris also had
good number of visitors that is 18 million which is not much differed from that of London
(World Economic Forum, 2017). It can be derived from the provided data that the number of
tourists has depreciated in 2016 as compared to the year 2015. Dubai is also considered to be one
if the popular tourist spot and as per the given data it is seen that in the year 2016 it had around
15.3 million visitors, which is certainly more than the previous year. New York has also

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followed Dubai quite closely since it has 12.7 million tourists in the year 2016, thereby
increasing its number of visitors compared to the previous year. According to the given data it is
seen that Bangkok has also increased its number of visitors in year 2016, that is, 3.7 million
which is more than that of the previous year (World Economic Forum, 2017).
Table 2: Income Generation at Different Tourist Destinations
Country Tourist destination Income generation in
2016
(USD billions)
Income generation in
2015
(USD billions)
UAE Dubai 31.30 28.20
United States of
America
New York 18.52 18.39
Thailand Bangkok 6.40 6.35
United Kingdom London 19.76 18.39
France Paris 12.88 13.00
(Source: World Economic Forum, 2017)
According to the information provided in the above table, it is evident that Dubai is the utmost
revenue generating tourist spot. Its income generation surpasses that of the others by a huge
margin. It is seen that Dubai had $28.20 billion in the year 2015 but it increased its income to
$31.30 in the year 2016. It can also be seen that London and New York were also in the same
margin of income in the year 2015, that is, $18.39 billion (London and partners, 2017). But in the
next year, London increased its income to $19.76 billion whereas New York increased its income
to $18.52 billion. Paris also had an income generation of $13.00 billion in the year 2015 but its
income decreased to $12.88 billion in the next year. Dubai had least number of tourists amongst
all and as a result its income generation is very low. It generated an income of $6.35 billion in
2015 and it marginally increased to $6.40 billion in the next year (Visit Britain, 2015).
1.2 Analyse statistics to determine tourism destination trends and predict future trends.
The most appealing feature of any tourism spot is that it has be attractive and trending to attract
tourists to visit these places. With maturity and nationality of tourists, trends may differ.
According to the data provided along, the future and present trends of these tourism industries

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can be identified. There are many features that attract tourists to trip London. Some of these
features are revealed in the figure below:
Figure 1: Key Drivers for Leisure Visits to London
(Source: McKercher, 2017)
As depicted in the figure given above, some of the major aspects that attract these tourists to trip
London are its social and cultural experiences, various architectural landmarks, seasonal events
and many live concerts that are help there (McKercher, 2017). According to the analysis of the
above data, it has been found out that 45% of the tourists visit London because of its vast cultural
experiences. It can hence be deduced from the above data that it is because of its cultural
experiences that leads to attract a huge number of tourists to visit the place. Again, it can be
noted that about 23% of its visitors visit London mainly for its huge architectural experiences
(Visit Britain, 2015). In this context, an example can be stated that of London Eye, which attracts
tourists to a great extent. Live concerts and seasonal events also influence many of the tourists.
Trending nature of the tourists may vary with the purpose of visiting the tourist spots (London
and partners, 2017). The main trends of tourism are as follows:

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Trends by Nationality: Purpose of tourism may vary with the trending nature of these visitors. It
has been found out that many domestic as well as international visitors visits London because of
its vast cultural experience (Antón, et al., 2017). We should also keep in mind the amazing
architectural expanse of the country which results in attracting a lot of visitors.
Trends by Age: As per the information in the above data, it is quite evident that most of the
tourists visit London to gain familiarity and skill from its amazing culture. In a recent data it has
been found out that many middle-aged people visit London to know more about its cultural
heritage (London and partners, 2017).

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Task 2
LO2 Understand the cultural, social and physical features of tourist destinations.
2.1 Analyse cultural, social and physical features of tourist destinations explaining their
appeal to tourists.
Cultural characteristics of these tourist spots are an influencing factor of the people who reside in
those places as well as for people who visit those places. Social features may have several
inclusions ranging from social groups, sustainability, government of the places and also the
political influence that the people might face. Physical features may include the climatic
condition and many more attached to it.
Table 3: Comparison between London, Bangkok and Hong Kong as Tourism Destination
Features London Bangkok Hong Kong
Physical Features London is considered to
be precisely the largest
urban area on the United
Kingdom. It has many
famous rivers and
landmarks that is a
determining factor for
tourist attraction. Some
of them are river
Thames, Elizabeth
tower and lot more.
The capital city of
Thailand is Bangkok. It
has many physical
aspects that serve as a
medium of tourist
attraction. Bay of
Bangkok, Rattanakosin
island and many more
have their presence in
the city.
Being the capital city of
China, Hong Kong has a
lot of physical features
which attract tourists to
visit the place. Victoria
Harbour, Victoria Peaks
are some of the features
of its tourist attraction.
Cultural Features There are many things
that are included in the
culture of London. They
are basically
entertainments like
music, museum, events
Almost 95% of the total
population of the place
of Bangkok are
Buddhist. Tourists
mainly visit this place in
order to explore the
This place has a very
unique culture and
because of which it is
very well known. Its
culture is a combination
of traditional Cantonese

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and many others. Many
cultural icons have their
presence in these places.
Buckingham palace may
be regarded as one.
Buddhist culture.
Another feature of
Bangkok which attracts
tourists is its
modernization and
wealth.
culture along with the
British influence, which
in turn has shaped up its
unique culture. The
major reasons that
attract huge number of
tourists to the place are
its literature and arts,
various religious beliefs
and many more.
Social Features The language spoken in
London is English,
which is by far the most
commonly known
language. The factor
helps tourism to be
facilitated with the
mode of communication
and it also helps to
develop a friendly
environment. As a
result, tourists develop a
tendency to visit the
place more and more.
The people residing in
this place have recourse
to mainly one language
that is Thai. This serves
as a major drawback for
attraction of tourists as
they face a lot of
communication issues
while their stay in
Bangkok.
Mainly people residing
in this place have been
used to speaking mainly
two languages that is,
English and Chinese.
Therefore, tourists may
get help while they try
to communicate with
people. Due to this
reason many tourists are
attracted towards this
tourist destination.
(Source: weebly, 2018)
2.2 Compare features of developing and leading tourist destinations.
Comparison of the cultural features of London with Bangkok.
Leading tourist destination- London Developing tourist destination- Bangkok
Being renowned for its theatre quarter, London
is established as one of the leading tourist
There are many features which directly attract
many tourist and visitors. It’s traditional and

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destinations in the world. There are many such
places of visit in London. Some of them are the
National Gallery, British Museum and many
more. These places add to the cultural heritage
of the city.
religious events, arts and many things act as a
medium to attract tourists. These are few
features which tend to attract tourists. But its
features are not so appealing as that of London.
(Source: Kirsty, 2014)
The social features of London in comparison to that of Bangkok:
Leading tourist destination- London Developing tourist destination- Bangkok
The language spoken in London is English,
which is by far the most commonly known
language. The factor helps tourism to be
facilitated with the mode of communication
and it also helps to develop a friendly
environment. As a result, tourists develop a
tendency to visit the place more and more.
The people who reside in this place have
recourse to mainly one language that is Thai.
This serves as a major drawback for attraction
of tourists as they face a lot of issues regarding
communication while their stay in Bangkok.
London is considered to be precisely the
largest urban area on the United Kingdom. It
has many famous rivers and landmarks that is a
determining factor for tourist attraction. Some
of them are river Thames, Elizabeth tower and
lot more.
The capital city of Thailand is Bangkok. It has
many physical aspects that serve as a medium
of tourist attraction. Bay of Bangkok,
Rattanakosin island and many more have their
presence in the city.
(Source: Kirsty, 2014)

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Task 3
LO3 Understand how the characteristics of destinations affect their appeal to tourists.
3.1 Compare the appeal of current leading tourist destinations with that of currently
developing tourist destinations.
According to the present situation, it is clearly understood that most of the tourists visit places
preferably based on their income criteria. Apparently, London is the leading tourist destination
compared to other places. The reason is precisely because it has many appealing factors which
are a determining factor that attract tourists into visiting these places (Veretekhina, et al., 2017).
London being the capital city of England is easily recognized by tourist because it has a very
huge attractiveness when compared to Bangkok which is regarded as the developing tourist spot.
This is the major reason why tourists visit London more frequently than they visit Bangkok.
There are various types of business in the market of London; hence it helps visitors to have a
new start-up plan going (London, 2017). The scope for the success of business in Bangkok is
certainly less when compared to that of London as a result not many business people visit the
place. The type of visitors who visit London may range from a variety of backgrounds such as
students, businessmen, vacations, etc. Whereas in Bangkok very limited people visit the place as
it does not have very high scope for business. There are numerous appealing factors in London
such as the environment, facility and comforts. These factors are easily available in London than
that in Bangkok (London, 2017).
3.2 Evaluate how characteristics of a tourist destination affect its appeal.
There are various ways in which tourism sectors can be impacted. There are various
characteristics which serve as appealing to the tourists. These characteristics can be classified as
physical, economic and political quality.
Economic characteristics
The role of tourism is very important in developing the economic significance of the nation, as a
whole. Economic development and expansion is considered to be the key for almost every tourist
destination to sustain in market (Murphy, 2013). London being the leading tourist spot has

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always focused on the economic upliftment of the state. London has a way better process for the
development of its economic status as compared to Bangkok. Due to this feature, the impact on
economic status of London is comparatively low. Variable economic eminence can affect the
appeal of the tourist destination and could be harmful for both London and Bangkok. In a recent
study it has been found out that the fluctuation of economic status is more in Bangkok and as a
result it affects its tourist destinations.
Social characteristics
One of the chief factors that directly influence the appeal of these tourist spots is its population
and mortality. London is visited by tourist because it has huge population, whereas Bangkok has
very low population. But the literacy rates of Bangkok are high compared to that of London. As
a result, tourists face a lot of communication issues when they visit Bangkok and hence they
prefer visiting London over Bangkok (Kerr, et al., 2018).
Physical characteristics
There are many factors falling under physical characteristics, which include infrastructure,
service of transport, availability of utility and others. Lack of these physical features will directly
affect the appealing nature of these tourist spots (Murphy, 2013). London has availability of
almost all the physical characteristics when compared to Bangkok. Therefore, visitors prefer
going to London instead of Bangkok.
Political characteristics
London is basically a democratic state and as a result, the government facilitates the tourists, to a
great extent. The government of London is highly strict and due to this the corruption rates are
lower in comparison to Bangkok. Tourists are safe within the state and due to this they are
attracted towards the place (Murphy, 2013). The government policy of Bangkok is very weak
and as a result the number of visitors in Bangkok is relatively low.

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Task 4
LO4 Understand issues likely to affect the popularity of tourist destinations.
4.1 Analyse issues that affect the popularity of tourist destinations.
There are many issues that affect the popularity of tourist destinations. They are climate, political
unrest and terrorism, economic factors and others.
Climate: The climate of the place is one of the major determining factors that may attract tourists
to a great extent. Pleasant climate is always necessary for tourist to visit these places. If the
climate of the place is not good then it might result in the lack of tourist visiting the place
(Murphy, 2013). London has a very favourable and pleasant climate and therefore it attracts
majority of tourists in comparison to that of Bangkok.
Political unrest and terrorism: It is also one of the major determining factors for tourism.
Visitors would love to visit places where no such act of terrorism and political unrest takes place
(E. Cohen and S.A. Cohen, 2012). London being a democratic country helps to welcome
majority of tourists. Bangkok on the other hand suffers from a lot of terrorist activities due to
visitors are not attracted to the place.
Economic factors: This is one of the most important issue which affect tourist destinations. If
the economic status of the place is not up to the mark then people will not be attracted to the
place. Fluctuation of economy should be under control as much as possible (Murphy, 2013).
Travelling expenses should also not be high as it decreases the interest of the people visiting the
places. The rates of currency fluctuation affect the visitors to a great extent.
4.2 Discuss the potential for responsible tourism to enhance the host community at
worldwide tourist destinations.
To carry out tourism business properly, these tourist destinations will have to make sure that they
minimize the overall destructive effects of the social, physical and political factors that lay an
impact on the business. By doing this the tourism business will generate higher revenues and it
will also improve the overall performance. These destinations will have to increase the economic

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status by having more employments (Murphy, 2013). It can be done by decreasing the non-
employment and poverty rates of the states. To develop the eco-tourism culture, maintaining
friendly environment is very necessary, which in turn would help to maintain and conserve
various tourist’s destination.

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Conclusion
It could be said, from the above argument, that tourism and travel industry in rated as one of the
best rising industries. According to the data mentioned above, it can be derived that London, the
foremost visitor spot, has the most number of people from all parts of the globe annually. The
generation of income can vary from one tourism spot to another. Dubai is the leading income
generating spot of tourist concern having over $30 billion income in a year. The above
information states that trend is also another factor which influences the business to a great extent.
Visitors are attracted towards the tourism spots which are considerably trendy. The reason for
London being the leading tourism spots is because of its vast cultural heritage. Mainly around
45% people visit the place to gain knowledge about its culture.

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Reference List
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Cohen, E. and Cohen, S.A., 2012. Current sociological theories and issues in tourism. Annals of
Tourism Research, 39(4), pp.2177-2202.
Kerr, T., Small, W., Ayutthaya, P.P.N. and Hayashi, K., 2018. Experiences with compulsory
drug detention among people who inject drugs in Bangkok, Thailand: A qualitative study.
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attractions in driving demand. International Journal of Tourism Research, 19(1), pp.120-125.
Murphy, P.E., 2013. Tourism: A community approach (RLE Tourism). Routledge.
Veretekhina, S.V., Medvedeva, A.V., Vinichenko, M.V., Demchenko, T.S., Karyagina, T.V. and
Makushkin, S.A., 2017. Current Trends Influencing the Competitiveness of International
Tourism. Journal of Advanced Research in Law and Economics, 8(2 (24)), pp.658-669.

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Visit Britain, 2015. The GB Day Visitor Statistics 2015. [pdf] Available at:
<https://www.visitbritain.org/sites/default/files/vb-corporate/Documents-Library/documents/
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Appendix

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