Increase In Tourism
History For much of history, tourism and travel were difficult, expensive, uncomfortable and dangerous, so the desire to travel had to be very strong. Nowadays visiting other places is considered to be a natural part of life and most people expect to travel at least on an annual basis, if not more often. As it becomes less difficult and more affordable, more and more people travel and for a greater variety of motives.
More Holidays All countries in the developing world have increased the number of holidays a person can expect to receive by law. A hundred years ago a person would be lucky to receive one day for a summer holiday - even luckier - to have this as a paid holiday. Today, as a result of stronger economies, unions and changes in society people can expect to receive a minimum four weeks paid holiday. Inevitably if people have more time then there is a greater chance that they will use some of that time in the tourism industry. There is even more chance that they will go on holiday if they have a higher income.
A Smaller World The world is getting smaller! It now takes just 24 hours to reach countries on the other side of the world. You can now fly to France for £50! A nationwide motorway network has meant you can drive from one end of the UK to the other in twelve hours. The channel tunnel means that we can be in France in half an hour. Pop to Belgium for the weekend, fly to France for a surf! Twenty years ago, Cairns (North East Australia) was just a tiny town. Today it is a world famous city. Why? - They built an airport. The more the transport network develops and the cost of fuel drops (yes drops! Fuel is cheaper today then ever before if you take into account the increase in wages) the greater the chances to go on holiday, the greater the growth in tourism.
Development Tourists spend money - lots of it! £25 billion in the UK in 1990 and so tourism can be developed by Governments in the developed and developing world to provide employment, earn foreign currency and diversify the economy. In the UK, most major cities have looked to tourism as a tool of regeneration. In Bristol, £s; 98 million has been spent regenerating the harbour-side to provide a range of tourist attractions including a new IMAX cinema and hands-on science museum. In Zimbabwe, Operation Campfire sells hunting licenses to tourists to control animal populations and uses the profits to build schools and hospitals for the rural population. The growth of tourism in the developing world is a very significant part of the world market.
Elderly Population Half of the world is getting wrinkly! Numbers of retired people in the developed world are higher than ever before. They have cash and are living longer than ever before. Early retirement, pensions and better health care has meant that the pensioner pound is a very important influence in the growth of tourism and, its not all coach trips to Bognor. AJ Hackett (first person to run a commercial bungee jump operation) lets pensioners jump for free! As entrepreneurs respond to this large and wealthy population, tourism will continue to grow.
Society Today's society is changing. After the World Wars people realised there was more to life than work and Blackpool. Many of the men had been stationed overseas and came back with experiences of new places, culture and cuisine. The women had to work in traditionally male jobs and society changed forever. Women working increased family income making foreign holidays more affordable. People now consider a holiday as an essential not the absolute luxury it used to be. Many put this down to the stresses of modern life!
Income We earn more than ever before. Prices are comparatively cheaper than ever before. Consequently we have a greater disposable income than ever before. Disposable income is the money left after we have purchased essentials that we can spend on what we like including holidays. Add this to the reduction in air-fares and cheaper package holidays and tourism must increase.
Communication The communications revolution is the next big thing in tourism. Companies like GO and Last minute.com are already developing the Internet as a tool for booking holidays. You can take a walk through your hotel online, check out the views, find out about the nightlife - and all this before you book! It's advertised as faster and cheaper than going down to the high street.
Activity Using A2 Geography P280-282, answer the following… Describe and explain the factors responsible for the growth of recreation and tourist activities in the UK and other MEDC’s under the headings; Physical, Economic, Social, and Technological. To what extent are these factors of limited application to people living in LEDC’s?