Tourist Destinations: A Comparative Analysis of London and Paris

This report examines the key features of London and Paris as leading tourist destinations, comparing their cultural, social, physical, economic, and political characteristics. It analyzes visitor numbers, income generation, and future trends in tourism for both cities. The report also explores issues that may affect the popularity of these destinations and discusses the importance of responsible tourism in sustaining their appeal.

Tourist Destinations
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Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................................3
LO1 Understand the scope of key UK and worldwide tourist Destinations..............................4
1.1 Analyze 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..........7
LO2 Understand the cultural, social and physical features of tourist destinations....................8
2.1 Identify cultural, social and physical features of UK tourist destinations explaining their
appeal to tourists........................................................................................................................8
2.2 Compare and contrast features of the chosen destination with that of other ‘leading’
tourist destinations.....................................................................................................................9
LO3 Understand how the characteristics of destinations affect their appeal to tourists..........12
3.1 Investigate and analyse the economic and political characteristics of a designated
destination with that of two (2) chosen destinations................................................................12
3.2 Critically evaluate how the: cultural, economic, physical, political and social
characteristics of a designated destination affects its appeal to tourists..................................13
LO4 Understand issues likely to affect the popularity of tourist destinations.........................15
4.1 Compare and contrast a minimum of three (3) issues that may affect the popularity of the
designated destination with that of another destination...........................................................15
4.2 Critically discuss how the designated destination could sustain its appeal, with an
emphasis on ‘Responsible Tourism’........................................................................................16
Conclusion................................................................................................................................17
Reference..................................................................................................................................18
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Introduction
The learner has been appointed as a team member of a UK based tourist destination. The task
of the team member is to identify a leading and similar overseas tourist destination in order to
investigate the visitor profile, characteristics of tourism and all the features and the task of the
team member is to compare these features with one selected UK destination. The main
objective of this report is to evaluate the potential of the UK destinations and the
opportunities of the UK destination to be one of the leading tourist destinations. The physical,
cultural and economic characteristic of the selected locations is also mentioned in the project
report. The issues of sustainability will also be taken into consideration. The location that is
selected by the researcher is London. London is one of the exciting cities with some of the
best sights of the world according to the attraction sights and activities. The accommodation
facility of London is one the best among all the leading tourist destinations.
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LO1 Understand the scope of key UK and worldwide tourist Destinations
1.1 Analyze main tourist destinations and generators of the world in terms of visitor
numbers and income generation
Analysis of tourist destinations:
Destination Analysis
London, UK According to researched, it is seen that
London has been ranked as the third most
popular tourist destinations in the world. The
quality of life and the quality of the places in
London are truly high and attractive. London
is popular for having the cultural tourist
destination, which in turn attracts maximum
number of tourists. The rate of both unbound
and inbound tourism is very high in London.
Paris, France Among all the world top tourism
destinations, France ranks to be the top. The
France tourism apart from benefitting the
tourists, also provide employment for most of
the people in the travel and tourism industry.
The generators of the world in terms of number of visitors and income generation:
Destination Number of visitors Income generation
London According to the statistics,
more than over 31.5 million
of people have visited
London since 2010 till 2017.
It is a record breaking
situation.
The average spending or
rather expenditure in tourism
per week is 563 euro per
person visiting London. Thus
for 35 million people, the
income generation will be
according to it. A growth of
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9.9% in the GDP of UK has
been noticed from research.
Paris According to the record of
2013, 85.7 million tourists
visited in Paris.
France reached a rise in GDP
of about 204 billion Euros, as
the income generated from
the travel and tourism
industry.
The above figure shows the number of tourists, who visits London annually. The data is from
1984 till 2005.
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The numbers of visitors have increased since last 2012 and it will continue to grow from
2018 and onwards. The above pictorial representation demonstrates that the overseas visit to
London has a continuous growth (Xu and Fox, 2014).
The above diagram shows the income generation in UK. The rate of GDP in the country
increases and the rate of employment are also increased due to tourism in this country. Thus,
the travel and tourism industry also helps in the income generation of the country.
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The above statistical report in a graphical representation presents the total contribution of the
tourism industry in France. The rate of GDP from 2018 to 2018 is mentioned along with that
the future revenue income generation of France is also predicted in the above diagram.
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The above table shows the number of tourists that have visited Paris in the last year from
various other countries.
1.2 Analyse statistics to determine tourism destination trends and predict future trends
A critical analysis has been carried out, based on the information provided above related to
the number of visitors in London and Paris and the income generated in the two countries
from the tourism industry. On the basis if the data provided, in UK, more than 40% of the
inbound tourists visits for vacation or spending holiday. About 30% of tourist visits for
business purpose. London is one of the highly popular destinations as compared to all other
leading tourist destinations in the world. According to the reports, in the past three years
more than 40 billion inbound tourists visited London.
The above graphical representation shows the number of visitors in London and it also
predicts the future trends regarding to the number of visitors in the country. London is one of
the highly popular tourist destinations among all other popular tourist destinations. On the
basis of the above data, it can be said that any business organization related to the tourism
industry should make a well planned structure and strategy, such that they can handle and
meet all the varying requirements of the visitors.
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LO2 Understand the cultural, social and physical features of tourist destinations
2.1 Identify cultural, social and physical features of UK tourist destinations explaining
their appeal to tourists
Cultural features:
London attracts the tourists around the world by its very diverse and a rich culture. London
comprises of the most iconic and beautifully sculptured museums and galleries, which are the
reason for tourist attraction towards the place. The four of the leading attractions in London
includes the British Museum, the Southbank, the Modern centre and the National Gallery.
Each and every year, more than 50 percentages of the overseas visitor visits to all the above
mentioned attractions in London. Apart from those, there are several other attractions, both
inside and outside the city, which have also experience huge growth in the recent years in
terms of economy from the tourism industry. The three museums from the top ten museums
in the world exist in London. The tourists are also attracted towards the design festival of
London. The music and the film of London also create appeal for the tourists to visit the
location.
Physical features:
The most popular physical feature of London is the Big Ben or the Elizabeth Tower. This
tower is located in the north of the Palace of Westminster. The Palace of Westminster is said
to be the most precise and important symbol of the United Kingdom. The Thames river,
which is the longest river in England, along which London is located. For this view, most of
the tourist visits the destination. This provides a wonderful and eye soothing experience to
the travellers. The Royal Society is situated in London, which is meant for the protection of
the birds. In London, the best landscape is offered by the Rainham marshes. The Buckingham
Palace is also another attractive destination, where the number of visitors is maximum
annually.
Social features:
London is known as the fashion capital of the world. People can find a huge amount of
innovation with regard to designing to a large extent, which results in attracting tourists from
various places. People from various regions, visit London only for fashion and clothing
purpose. They spent their money to buy clothes and other accessories from London. The
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fashion is much more expensive in London as compared to any other country. Each and every
passing day, new styles and trends are introduced in the fashion market in London. This is
another most important reason, that London attracts most of the tourists. Apart from fashion,
London also attracts tourists for food and drinks. Amazing varieties and quality of food and
beverages are also one of the prime reasons behind tourist attraction. This is the reason why
most of the inbound as well as overseas tourist selects London as the holiday tourist
destination (Weber, 2017).
2.2 Compare and contrast features of the chosen destination with that of other ‘leading’
tourist destinations
Destinations Features
Cultural Social Physical
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London London attracts the
tourists around the
world by its very
diverse and a rich
culture.
The four of the
leading attractions in
London includes the
British Museum, the
Southbank, the
Modern centre and
the National Gallery.
London comprises of
the most iconic and
beautifully
sculptured museums
and galleries, which
are the reason for
tourist attraction
towards the place.
Each and every year,
more than 50
percentages of the
overseas visitor visits
to all the above
mentioned attractions
in London.
Apart from these
locations, there are
several other
attractions, both
inside and outside the
city, which have also
London is known as
the fashion capital of
the world.
People from various
regions, visit London
only for fashion and
clothing purpose.
People can find a
huge amount of
innovation with
regard to designing
to a large extent,
which results in
attracting tourists
from various places.
Visitors spent their
money to buy clothes
and other accessories
from London.
The fashion is much
more expensive in
London as compared
to any other country.
Each and every
passing day, new
styles and trends are
introduced in the
fashion market in
London.
This is another most
important reason,
that London attracts
most of the tourists.
The most popular
physical feature of
London is the Big
Ben or the Elizabeth
Tower. This tower is
located in the north
of the Palace of
Westminster.
The Palace of
Westminster is said
to be the most precise
and important
symbol of the United
Kingdom. The
Thames river, which
is the longest river in
England, along
which London is
located.
For this view, most
of the tourist visits
the destination.
This provides a
wonderful and eye
soothing experience
to the travellers.
The Royal Society is
situated in London,
which is meant for
the protection of the
birds. In London, the
best landscape is
offered by the
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experience huge
growth in the recent
years in terms of
economy from the
tourism industry.
The tourists are also
attracted towards the
design festival of
London.
The three museums
from the top ten
museums in the
world exist in
London.
The music and the
film of London also
create appeal for the
tourists to visit the
location.
Apart from fashion,
London also attracts
tourists for food and
drinks.
Amazing varieties
and quality of food
and beverages are
also one of the prime
reasons behind
tourist attraction.
This is the reason
why most of the
inbound as well as
overseas tourist
selects London as the
holiday tourist
destination.
Rainham marshes.
The Buckingham
Palace is also another
attractive destination,
where the number of
visitors is more than
any other tourist
destination annually.
Paris The art and music
and other source of
entertainment,
involves the culture
of Paris.
In case of cuisine, the
French are very
proud.
People coma and
visit France to learn
the art of food.
Apart from the food
and cuisine, the
French language is
Among all the
foreign countries,
French are the most
formal.
Paris is the centre of
fashion of entire
France.
Catholicism is the
religion followed by
the French people.
However, there are
more religions such
as Islam and
Buddhism followed
Paris is on the River
Seine, which is
connected by bridge
and is a beautiful
sight for the tourists.
People often visit the
Notre Dame
Cathedral.
The Concierge
Prison, is another
place where the
number of visitors
are more.
Montmartre is the
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also one of the
important part of the
French culture.
The French people
become very proud,
when people rather
visitors from
overseas visit Paris to
learn the language
spoken by them.
Picnics, football
matches, going to
cooking classes are
some of the activities
followed by the
French people.
People visit the Eiffel
Tower, which has
become the
international symbol
for Paris. Visitors are
able to learn about
the history behind the
structure of Eiffel
Tower.
by the French.
The people residing
in this country are
very proud of the
Government of the
country.
Romance and passion
has to be learnt from
them and they have
open attitude towards
having sex outside of
marriage.
Paris is also said to
be the home for
many high end
fashion designers.
The French arts are
also some important
feature, which
attracts most of the
tourists.
The French people
celebrate their
holidays on Easter
and generally
celebrate Christmas
holidays. They also
celebrate the days of
the French revolution
and carry many
attractive events.
famous drinking
place, which is one
of the major
locations where
tourist visits the
most.
Last but not the least,
the Eiffel Tower, is
the international
symbol of Paris.
Most of the tourist
from overseas visits
Paris only for the
Eiffel Tower.
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LO3 Understand how the characteristics of destinations affect their appeal to tourists
3.1 Investigate and analyse the economic and political characteristics of a designated
destination with that of two (2) chosen destinations.
Destinations Features
Political Features Economic Features
London The Government takes direct
decision related to tourism.
The decision that Britain
took to leave the European
countries, will have a huge
impact in the entire tourism
industry (
The currency of the country
is weakened due to the
uncertainties faced by the
nation (Wong, 2016).
By mixing the fiscal and
monetary initiatives, the
Government of the country is
taking proper measures to
handle the deterioration of
economy in the country.
In terms of the application on
the basis of rules and
regulations, United Kingdom
is termed as the most
successful nation among all
other nations in the world.
According to the records
based on the research, this
country experiences the
maximum growth of GDP in
terms of the travel and
tourism.
Major part of the economical
growth of the United
Kingdom occurs in London
and the south east areas.
Due to the economic
recession, occurred in 2008,
it had a huge impact on the
country with respect to the
jobs and employment
(Karami et al., 2018).
Paris The geographic and the
social features of Paris,
highly influences the political
condition of France.
Paris stands out to be the
number one with respect to
European economy.
According to recent reports,
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The Government of the
country carries out a unique
system, which in turn reflects
a rich political condition of
the country.
The population of the
country has shaped the
political culture of the
country.
The French politics follows
the culture of agreement to
the disagreed policies.
30 percentages of wealth is
being generated through
travel and tourism industry in
Paris.
In the greater Paris region,
the economy of the country is
based on the tertiary sector.
Paris experiences a diverse
economic condition.
3.2 Critically evaluate how the: cultural, economic, physical, political and social
characteristics of a designated destination affects its appeal to tourists.
Cultural Economic Physical Political Social
London attracts
the tourists
around the
world by its
very diverse and
a rich culture.
London
comprises of the
most iconic and
beautifully
sculptured
museums and
galleries, which
are the reason
for tourist
attraction
According to the
records based on
the research, this
country
experiences the
maximum
growth of GDP
in terms of the
travel and
tourism.
Major part of
the economical
growth of the
United Kingdom
occurs in
London and the
The most
popular physical
feature of
London is the
Big Ben or the
Elizabeth
Tower. This
tower is located
in the north of
the Palace of
Westminster.
The Palace of
Westminster is
said to be the
most precise and
important
The
Government
takes direct
decision related
to tourism.
The decision
that Britain took
to leave the
European
countries, will
have a huge
impact in the
entire tourism
industry.
The currency of
the country is
London is
known as the
fashion capital
of the world.
People can find
a huge amount
of innovation
with regard to
designing to a
large extent,
which results in
attracting
tourists from
various places.
People from
various regions,
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towards the
place. The four
of the leading
attractions in
London includes
the British
Museum, the
Southbank, the
Modern centre
and the National
Gallery. Each
and every year,
more than 50
percentages of
the overseas
visitor visits to
all the above
mentioned
attractions in
London. Apart
from those,
there are several
other attractions,
both inside and
outside the city,
which have also
experience huge
growth in the
recent years in
terms of
economy from
the tourism
industry. The
south east areas.
Due to the
economic
recession,
occurred in
2008, it had a
huge impact on
the country with
respect to the
jobs and
employment.
symbol of the
United
Kingdom. The
Thames river,
which is the
longest river in
England, along
which London is
located. For this
view, most of
the tourist visits
the destination.
This provides a
wonderful and
eye soothing
experience to
the travellers.
The Royal
Society is
situated in
London, which
is meant for the
protection of the
birds. In
London, the best
landscape is
offered by the
Rainham
marshes. The
Buckingham
Palace is also
another
attractive
weakened due to
the uncertainties
faced by the
nation.
By mixing the
fiscal and
monetary
initiatives, the
Government of
the country is
taking proper
measures to
handle the
deterioration of
economy in the
country.
In terms of the
application on
the basis of rules
and regulations,
United Kingdom
is termed as the
most successful
nation among all
other nations in
the world.
visit London
only for fashion
and clothing
purpose. They
spent their
money to buy
clothes and
other accessories
from London.
The fashion is
much more
expensive in
London as
compared to any
other country.
Each and every
passing day,
new styles and
trends are
introduced in the
fashion market
in London. This
is another most
important
reason, that
London attracts
most of the
tourists. Apart
from fashion,
London also
attracts tourists
for food and
drinks. Amazing
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three museums
from the top ten
museums in the
world exist in
London. The
tourists are also
attracted
towards the
design festival
of London. The
music and the
film of London
also create
appeal for the
tourists to visit
the location.
destination,
where the
number of
visitors is
maximum
annually.
varieties and
quality of food
and beverages
are also one of
the prime
reasons behind
tourist
attraction. This
is the reason
why most of the
inbound as well
as overseas
tourist selects
London as the
holiday tourist
destination.
LO4 Understand issues likely to affect the popularity of tourist destinations
4.1 Compare and contrast a minimum of three (3) issues that may affect the popularity
of the designated destination with that of another destination.
The issues that affect the popularity of the London and the selected tourist destination, Paris
are as follows:
The flexibility in the booking procedure: The process of booking should be made much more
easy and flexible for the visitors. If the system is done so, then it will have a huge impact to
increase the popularity of the destination. Nowadays, digital technology has highly
influenced the lives of people. Thus, the booking can be done through internet or can be done
over phone through teletext procedure. If this process is implemented, then it will be time
saving for both the visitors and the business organizations related to tour and travel industry.
Apart from being easier, the online booking technique is even cheaper, as the tourist do not
have to book any travel agency for guide, which will be cost effective.
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Brexit: All the people who reside in the United Kingdom, including the major political
leaders are voting, so that they can leave the European nation. This decision has created lots
of uncertainties in the political framework of the United Kingdom. According to research
report and also according to the experts, it has been predicted that this decision will have a
huge negative impact across Europe. This can be considered as one of the major threats,
which in turn will blow the total popularity of the tourist destination. This will also lead to a
decrease in the tour and travel business organization of the entire tourism industry (Allan and
Comerford, 2017).
Terrorism: The act of terrorism will have a huge negative impact on the popularity of United
Kingdom. In the British jails, a rise of terrorism and a rise in the number of terrorist prisoners
have been noticed according to research. A frequent rise in the threats received from
terrorism in the country, which would undoubtedly a huge negative influence throughout the
country. People are concerned about their safety and well being of their lives. So, the rate of
tourists visiting the attractive destinations of London will have a sever downfall, which in
turn denotes a massive downfall of the travel and tourism industry, which will result in
lowering the rate of income of both tourism conducting organizations as well the fall in the
economy of the country (Gill et al., 2015).
4.2 Critically discuss how the designated destination could sustain its appeal, with an
emphasis on ‘Responsible Tourism’
Responsible tourism is that type of tourism, which defines the various kinds of tourism. The
fare trade tourism and the green tourism are the examples of the responsible tourism. For any
business organization to develop in the industry and in order to make good economic growth,
sustainability is the most important factor, which should be taken under consideration. The
impact of tourism can be determined by the responsible tourism, irrespective of any tourist
destination. If the tourism industry can adapt them to the environment, then it will help the
organization to face the risks and challenges and will also help them to recover and emerge
from the adverse situation (Mihalic, 2016). From various research reports, it can be
concluded that responsible tourism is the best way that any national or rather international
organization should follow in order to cope up with the climatic and external environmental
change.
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The main objective of the responsible tourism is to focus on improving the services and the
quality provided to the society. It will help to reduce the negative impact towards the
environment. Responsible tourism will help in the reduction of the seasonal demand.
Responsible tourism will help in the increase of employment as well as increase the quality of
job regarding the tourism industry. Holidays can be accessible to each and every people by
using the facility of responsible tourism. Even the transportation cost for travelling can also
be reduced, if responsible tourism is followed. If the high end digital technologies are
implemented then it helps to cut the costs and will have a huge impact on everyone. The
perception that people have on the entire tourism industry is needed to be changed. People in
this industry needs help and have to be trained in a better way to improve both the career and
the industry. Both private and the Government agencies have to work together in order to
achieve success.
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Conclusion
The travel and tourism industry has undergone a huge change with respect to the political and
the economic structure of a country. The increase in the economy has helped people from
various countries to travel around in their leisure time. People all around the world, travel for
adventure and also to increase the excitement. The tourist gains experiences by travelling.
They in turn promote growth of the entire travel and tourism industry. In this research report,
analysis of tourist destinations has been done according to the number of visitors and the
income generation of the country per visitor. The cultural, social, political, physical and the
economic features of London and Paris have been discussed with detailed critical analysis in
this research report. The issues that affect the tourist destinations has been also discussed in
this report by the researcher. Finally recommendations have been given in terms of
responsible tourism.
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Reference
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