1.02-Understand the complexity of hospitality and tourism destinations.

The Tourism Industry The tourism industry consists of businesses that organize and promote travel, such as travel agencies tour operators cruise companies meeting and convention planners convention and visitors bureaus travel and tourism offices travel planners, who create travel packages

Tourism: The World’s Largest Industry The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) defines a tourist as someone who “travels to and stays in places outside the usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes”. Domestic tourists travel within their own country. International tourists travel to another country.

Destination Marketing Organizations A destination marketing organization (DMO) promotes the features of the destination to potential visitors in order to increase business. DMOs may coordinate local festivals, events, and sports tournaments. They may operate a convention and visitors’ bureau (CVB) to promote an area to convention groups and visitors.

The Five W’s of Travel All travelers must make five basic decisions: Who is traveling? (number of people and their ages) What type of trip is it (business or leisure) and what transportation will be needed? When is the trip? (urgency, reason) Where is the destination? (location) Why is the trip needed? (motivation)

Business Travel Business travel is done for sales, training, and functions related to work. One person or a small group may travel for a specific business purpose. May use dynamic packaging to meet specific needs. May involve meetings, events, and incentive (ME&I) travel, such as conventions. Incentive travel is a reward from a company to its employees for outstanding work.

Leisure Travel Leisure travel is done for rest, relaxation, and enjoyment. Travel for leisure may be done to: Reach a vacation destination, such as the beach. Attend an event, such as a sports game. Visit friends and relatives (VFR).

Tourism and the Economy A tourism destination area (TDA) is a location that intentionally attracts visitors and brings in revenue through tourism. Tourism helps build infrastructure. Tourists add money to a TDA by buying lodging, food, and other goods and services. Tourists benefit their home economy by buying transportation and other goods and services.

Tourism Destination Areas Tourism destination areas (TDAs) provide tourism infrastructure and market themselves to potential visitors. Communities, regions, states, countries, or groups of countries can become TDAs. A TDA is usually created around a central attraction, which may be natural (Grand Canyon) or constructed (Disney World).

Documents for Travel and Tourism A passport is issued by a national government as proof of a person’s identity and citizenship. A visa authorizes a noncitizen to enter, exit, or live in a country for a specified time. Travel agencies may obtain visas for their clients Embassies and consulates can issue visas Instead of visas, some countries require a tourist card.

Travel Information Each country establishes the requirements needed to enter it. The country of origin has requirements for reentry. The U.S. Department of State provides information on travel requirements for citizens going abroad or foreign tourists coming to the United States.

Seasonality A tourist destination area may be classified by seasonality according to its climate: All season—popular year-round Winter warm—“sun destinations” Winter cold—ski resorts Summer resort—lake or coastal areas

Impact of Seasons Demand for hospitality services varies with the seasons. Peak seasons are those with the highest demand. Off-peak seasons have the lowest demand. Timing of peak and off-peak seasons depends on the type of business and its location. Shoulder season-The time between high and low season in a travel market.

Factors Affecting Success Four factors hospitality managers cannot control include: weather political conditions economic conditions globalization (the process in which the economies of nations become interconnected)

Segments of Tourism Sustainable development: promoting environmental protection. Ecotourism: observing and preserving the natural environment and culture. Heritage tourism: traveling to places that authentically represent history and culture. Local interest: sites, festivals, and events. Voluntourism: tourism that includes volunteering.

Tours May be taken independently or with a group Include at least two of the following: Transportation Lodging Meals Entertainment Attractions Sightseeing activities

Types of Tours In independent tours, the itinerary is set by the traveler. Domestic independent tours (DIT) or foreign independent tours (FIT) are custom-designed by a wholesaler or travel agent. Hosted tours include a local host or guide. Escorted tours have a preset itinerary, and an escort accompanies the travelers.

Types of Tours A city guide is an expert who “steps on” a coach to act as a guide. A site guide provides interpretation at the attraction. A docent is a site guide who volunteers at a museum. An interpreter is a mixture of a teacher and an actor.