TSM08906 VAM Assignment 1: Comparing Visitor Attraction Definitions

This report, submitted by Chan Yi Ling, compares two definitions of visitor attractions (VAs) – one by Botha and another by the British Tourist Council (BTC) – to determine which is most relevant. The assignment, part of the TSM08906 Visitor Attraction Management course at City University of Hong Kong, argues that Botha's definition, which includes events and happenings, is more applicable in the current tourism landscape. The author justifies this choice by highlighting the increasing importance of events in attracting visitors and the evolving nature of attractions. The report references various academic sources to support its claims, including works by Fyall, Leask, and Swarbrooke, and also discusses the Sydney Opera House as a prominent example. It critiques the BTC's exclusion of performance venues and its requirement for permanent establishments, concluding that Botha's broader perspective better reflects contemporary VA practices. The report was submitted on November 06, 2020.

Compare Existing Definitions of Visitor Attractions and Select the One Definition that you
Consider to be the Most Relevant. Justify your choice by explaining why you think so.
Chan Yi Ling (56647945)
The School of Continuing and Professional Education, City University of Hong Kong
Edinburgh Napier University
TSM08906 Visitor Attraction Management
Mr. Stephen SUN
November 06, 2020
Word Count: 480

TSM08906 VAM Assignment 1
Compare existing definitions of visitor attractions and select the one definition that you
consider to be the most relevant. Justify your choice by explaining why you think so.
The distress of reaching an extensively affirmed definition for visitor attractions (VA) is a big
challenge and is indicative of the diversity of matters influencing the management of VA, which
also affects vastly different follow-up studying on it. Comparing and contrasting the two
definitions of them, and the most relevant one would be taken.
Admittedly, Botha (2005:103) state that ‘Attractions are those occurrences or creations (such as
scenery, climate, hot water springs, exceptional flora or fauna, buildings or other architectural
work, scenes of historic importance, works of art, places of enjoyment and entertainment, etc.) or
happenings (such as festivals, meetings, sports competitions, etc.) in the natural or human-made
environments, that motivate people to travel.’.
Besides, the British Tourist Council (BTC) (2000) state that 'The attraction must be a
permanently established excursion destination, a primary purpose of which is to allow public
access for entertainment, interest, and education, rather than being primarily a retail outlet, or a
venue for sports, film, or theatrical performances. It must be open to the public without prior
booking, and should be capable of attracting day visitors or tourists.’.
There are clear differences between the two definitions, the most notable of which is the
recognition of an event. As many scholars pointed out, the BTC considers the VA should be
permanent. In contrast, Botha state that events and happenings are counted as VAs. Along with
the change in times, more and more city and tourism industry vigorous develop and innovate
events as a short-term strategy to attract visitors and tourists, sometimes they are even exhausted
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TSM08906 VAM Assignment 1
to operate and promote an event more than traditional attraction. Therefore, I repute the event
could be considered as a VA today.
Another significant difference is the places of enjoyment and entertainment. The BTC denies the
places of performance and sport as a VA explicitly. By comparison, all building which could
motivate the visitor was possible an attraction by Botha' opinion. In fact, the statistics show
every 5 tourists who visit Sydney, 1 would choose to visit the Sydney Opera House in 2015, it
has shown it is a famous attraction around the world, it is iconic and one of the most attractive
attractions in Australia. The current situation and tendency make me agree with Botha entirely.
Moreover, the BTC indicated that the VA should be opening and needless any booking, whereas
Botha has not mentioned in her viewpoint. Nevertheless, many attractions add to the reservation
system to affirm the protection of the VA and the experience of the visitors. Therefore, I am
afraid I disagree with the assertion of BTC.
In conclusion, the development of the tourism industry has greatly and variety these years.
Although the two definitions claim in the propinquity factor with different judgment, Botha's
notion of VA is the most relevant and suitable up to date. In my opinion, it could accurately
possibly describe modern VA better.
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TSM08906 VAM Assignment 1
References
Botha,C. (2005) The importance and role of tourism attraction.
Edelheim, J. R. (2015). Tourist Attractions: From Object to Narrative. Channel View
Publications.
English Tourism Council (2000). Action for Attractions. English Tourism Council.
Fyall, A., Garrod, B., & Leask, A. (2008). Managing visitor attractions: New directions. (2nd ed.)
Oxford
Hu, W., & Wall, G. (2005). Environmental management, environmental image and the
competitive tourist attraction. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 13(6), 617–635.
Leask, A., (2010), Progress in visitor attraction research: Towards more effective management,
Tourism Management, 31, 155–166
Ram, Y, Björk, P, & Weidenfeld, A. (2016). Authenticity and place attachment of major visitor
attractions. Oxford
Swarbrooke, J. & Page, Stephen J. (2001). Development and Management of Visitor Attractions.
(2nd ed.) Jordan Hill: Routledge.
Walsh-Heron, J., & Stevens, T. (1990). The management of visitor attractions and events.
Prentice Hall.
Sydney Opera House (2016) Sydney Opera House Annual Report 15-16. Retrieved
from
https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/content/dam/pdfs/annual-reports/Sydney_Opera_Hous
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TSM08906 VAM Assignment 1
e_Annual_Report_2015-16.pdf
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