Geography and Tourist Destinations in the UK - Coursework Example

DEARNE VALLEY COLLEGE LEEDS METROPOLITAN FOUNDATION DEGREE IN TOURISM MANAGEMENT __________________________________ MODULE Geography and Tourist Destinations TUTOR: Andrew Birch DATE SUBMITTED: FRIDAY 17TH DECEMBER 2009 WORD COUNT: 2668 Table of Contents DEARNE VALLEY COLLEGE 1 LEEDS METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY 1 FOUNDATION DEGREE IN TOURISM MANAGEMENT 1 NAME:__________________________________ 1 MODULE TITLE: Geography and Tourist Destinations 1 TUTOR: Andrew Birch 1 DATE SUBMITTED: FRIDAY 17TH DECEMBER 2009 2 WORD COUNT: 2668 2 Table of Contents 3 Introduction 5 Scotland as a tourist destination 5 The appeal of Scotland as a tourist destination 5 The possible motivations of tourists visiting Scotland 6 Swiss Alps, Switzerland as a tourist destination 7 The appeal of Swiss Alps as a tourist destination 7 The possible motivations of tourists visiting Swiss Alps 8 Savannah as a tourist destination 8 The appeal of Savannah as a tourist destination 9 The possible motivations of tourists visiting Savannah 10 Factors that act as barriers or promoters to tourist flow 11 Conclusion 13 Bibliography 14 Introduction The purpose of this report is to study three tourist destinations, one each in UK, Europe and Worldwide, and understand the most appealing features of these destinations. Here, I will be discussing about the type of tourists who visit these destinations based on the appealing factors. Added to this, it describes the different types of motivation factors and how these factors can be related to the various types of destinations. It elaborates on the factors that impact the tourism flow patterns globally and also identifies global tourist destinations, where the impacts of tourism flows have affected the popularity of these destinations. Scotland as a tourist destination Here, I will be discussing the appealing factors that attract tourists to Scotland and the type of tourists who visit Scotland. I will also be identifying the motivations of the tourists that cause the tourist flow to Scotland. The appeal of Scotland as a tourist destination One of the main appeal of Scotland as a tourist destination is its natural beauty and wilderness. A large proportion of visitors to Scotland have an interest in wildlife and nature (Mike Watson, 2002). It is promoted as an ecotourism destination. The welfare of wildlife and its natural habitat are given importance, and tourists are expected to leave the precious environment they have come to experience untouched. The highlands and islands of Scotland are hugely important to Scotland's international appeal as a tourist destination. Scotland is internationally renowned for its breathtaking scenery (Scottish Executive, 2004) The highlands of Scotland are renowned as one of the pristine areas of Europe. The glens, mountains, lochs, coasts and islands are home to a range of wildlife. Wildlife nature at its best can be enjoyed here. Amazonia, Scotland's largest indoor rainforest is a major appeal for tourists. It is a unique place where you can explore the flora and fauna of tropical rain forests. The fauna includes spiders, reptiles, monkeys, fish and amphibians. It also conserves various butterflies and birds that fly freely around the Amazonia housing. Another major appeal for ecotourists is Barons Haugh, a community nature reserve. It consists of 107.3 hectares of richly varied habitats for nature lovers. Other habitats include marshland, woodland, meadows, parkland, areas of scrub and a section of the river Clyde. It is the perfect place for walkers looking to explore the habitat. This is a natural site and it has been preserved as such. The Meikle Bin peak present in the forest in Lanarkshire, provide the tourists with a panoramic view over the valley and the whole of central Scotland. The possible motivations of tourists visiting Scotland The most important motivation is Scotland's image as a human, enduring landscape matches, increasing consumer desires for escapism, a stress free environment and tranquility. Continued investment in transport, focused marketing campaigns and the drive to establish a brand for Scottish Tourism also serves as motivations (Our ambition for Scottish tourism: a journey to 2025) One of the motivational factors for tourists to select a destination is its accessibility. According to Rory MacLellan, Ronnie Smith, 2009, Scotland's range of accessible facilities is arguably among the best in Europe. Scotland also has a resident population transport, accommodation and facilities which are placed at the disposal of the tourist. Scotland is unique among tourist destinations for the wide variety of reasons and motivations that bring people to its shores. This includes visiting relatives and tracing one's ancestry - a particular draw for Scotland's large North American, English and Australasian Diaspora; investigating Scotland's history; enjoying the breathtaking scenery and outdoors activities to be found in the Highlands and Islands, such as hill walking, climbing, boating, skiing, cycling, fishing and golf; savouring the cultural attractions on offer during the many festivals; or simply checking out the urban scene in Scotland's towns and cities. (Our ambition for Scottish tourism: a journey to 2025) Swiss Alps, Switzerland as a tourist destination Here, I will be discussing the appealing factors that attract tourists to Swiss Alps, Switzerland and the type of tourists who visit Swiss Alps and the motivations of tourists that cause tourist flow to Swiss Alps. The appeal of Swiss Alps as a tourist destination Swiss Alps is quiet and a serene place in Switzerland. The primary appeal of Swiss Alps as a tourist destination lies in adventure sports. Hiking is the popular adventure sports of Swiss Alps. The Swiss Alps is the best hiking vacation in the world. As per 'The Adventure 100,' the greatest appeal lies in that the Swiss Alps is the best fully-supported hiking destination in the world. There are comfortable and conveniently placed alpine huts and inns at convenient intervals of distance. Each morning you can pack light, as there is facility to shift your luggage to the next possible destination. This makes trekking an enjoyable event. As per 'The Adventure 100,' there are tight-knit communities alive with culture. Each village in the Alps has developed a unique personality and history. You will become connected to traditional mountain culture and the way of life as you experience the Alps in French, German, and Italian. The breathtaking sceneries along the way you pass within view of 10 of the 12 highest peaks in the Alps are quite appealing. You might pass through the larch forests, lush alpine meadows, gushing streams, powerful glaciers and snow capped peaks. The wildlife and wildflowers along every trail is feast to the eyes. Chamois, ibex, and marmot make their home on high alpine slopes, while red deer hide in the thick forests. Gentian, black orchids, alpine ferns and rare edelweiss are spotted along the way. As per 'The Adventure 100,' the Alps is where mountaineering was invented and you can combine your trek with a summit climb on one of those epic peaks. The possible motivations of tourists visiting Swiss Alps The Swiss Alps has an extensive transportation network. Swiss transportation is among the world's best, but not the simplest Affordable accommodation and food seem to be the best, compared to any other hiking destinations in the world. The cost of food and accommodation are available at varied range of costs, thus accommodating all the need of tourists of all economic levels. As per 'The Adventure 100,'iIt is the most accessible mountains in the world. Well-marked and maintained mountain trails are made easily accessible by trams, gondolas, funiculars, and cogwheel mountain railways. Savannah as a tourist destination Here, I will be discussing the appealing factors that attract tourists to Savannah, and the type of tourist destination it falls under and the motivations of tourists that cause tourist flow to Savannah. The appeal of Savannah as a tourist destination The city of Savannah is the oldest city in the state of Georgia, USA, and one of the out-standing examples of eighteenth-century town planning in North America. Each year, Savannah attracts around seventy lakhs of tourists, who come to see the city's architecture and historic buildings, tree-lined squares and relaxed pace of life, pleasant weather and annual events and festivals (Vinay Mohan Das, 2009). The greatest appeal, for the tourists seem to be its architectural splendor. Hence, Savannah can be classified as a heritage tourist destination. One square mile section of the city is the largest National Historic Landmark District in the country, the highest district level awarded by the US National Park Service. (K. Winson-Geideman) The squares of Savannah have a very great appeal to the tourists. The squares are shaded by live oaks and magnolias, which are surrounded by historic buildings. There are 22 squares totally, including the enchanting Columbia square. Savannah has some of the oldest mansions such as the Owens - Thomas House and the Mercer House, which became a great appeal to the tourists after being featured in the famous film, "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil." Further, the historic monument, Roadhouse Railroad Museum, constructed in 1830's, has seven different railroad structures. It stands as a historic monument, which greatly appeals to the heritage tourists visiting Savannah. Tourists interested in art have their share to devour - the Telfair Museum of Art, the oldest public art museum in the South. Savannah also has a large number of art galleries throughout the district. The Savannah College of Art and Design is a flourishing artistic marvel of the city. Festivals and events play a major appeal factor to heritage tourists. In this context, Savannah can be called a festival city. There will be a festival to attend almost every month thus attracting the heritage tourists. Some of the important festivals worth mentioning are Savannah Hockey Classic, Savannah Black Heritage festival, Savannah Irish Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade and Celebration, Savannah Scottish Games, Tybee Island Beach Bum Parade, Savannah Jazz festival, St. Vincent's Academy Annual Tour of Homes and Tea, Christmas on the River and Lighted Holiday Parade etc. Savannah has shops and boutique at every corner of the city, which is a great asset for a tourist destination. Savannah's antique shops appeals to the traditionalist whose passion for history and customs of old are expressed through the rush of discovering a "must-have" find. (Savanna Area Convention & Visitors Bureau) Savannah also has its Tybee Island's sandy beaches, which is quite appealing to the tourists. The sandy beaches are uncontaminated, and spread over five miles, which has its own outdoor adventure just east of Savannah. The possible motivations of tourists visiting Savannah One of the motivating factors of tourists visiting Savannah is film-induced tourism. Savannah has been home to many motion pictures. The film "Forest Gump" was shot in Savannah. After that, the tourist inflow shot up by 7%. Similarly, the famous movie, "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil," was shot in Savannah. Further, there are different varieties of places to visit that ranges from art-centers and museums, to river fronts, beaches, parks, shopping malls, fast-food joints that gratify the needs of heritage-centric people, art-lovers, outdoor enthusiasts and young students (Vine Mohandas, 2008). Affordable accommodation and food is a prime motivation for tourists to visit the tourist destination. Savannah has enough places to stay curtailing to the budgets of the different sects of tourists. Since Savannah is a city with people of varied culture, it has a wide variety of eateries to choose from, which satisfies the taste and needs of the tourists. Since the city is a colonial city, in addition to the regular type of hotels, it has many quaint boutique hotels and inns. The eating places offer regional Sothern-style seafood, American, Italian, Continental, and even Asian cuisine in upscale places and rustic settings (Vine Mohandas, 2008) The other motivating factor is the infrastructure of the city. The infrastructure facilities for the incoming tourists are well planned with regularized traffic, and ample parking spaces. There are proper signs and post at appropriate places to direct the tourists correctly. Factors that act as barriers or promoters to tourist flow Here, I will discuss about the factors that affect tourist flow between the generating countries and its destinations. Tourist-generating areas represent the homes of tourists, where journeys begin and end. The key issues to examine in tourist -generating areas are the features that simulate demand for tourism and will include the geographical location of an area as well as its socioeconomic and demographic characteristics. These areas represent the main tourist markets in the world and, naturally enough, the major marketing functions of the tourist industry are found here (Brain G. Boniface & Christopher p. Cooper, 2005). Tourist-receiving areas attract tourists to stay temporarily and will have features and attractions that may be found in the generating areas. The tourist industry located in this area will comprise the attractions, accommodation retailing and service functions, entertainment and recreation facilities. Tourist destination areas are the most important part of the tourism system, not only attracting the tourist and thus energizing the system (Brain G. Boniface & Christopher p. Cooper, 2005) According to Usual, M., & Murkowski, C. (1996), there are two types of motivators to travel, Internal (push) and external (pull). Internal motivators include desire for escape, rest, relaxation, prestige, health, fitness, adventure, and social interaction. External motivators were based on attractiveness of the destination, including tangible resources such as beaches, recreational activities and cultural attractions and traveler's perceptions and expectations, and marketing image. As per Brain G. Boniface & Christopher p. Cooper, (2005), push factor are mainly concerned with the stage of economic development in the generating area and will include such factors as levels of affluence, mobility, and holiday entitlement. An advanced stage of economic development will not only give the population the means to engage in tourism but the pressures of life will provide the 'push' to do so. An unfavourable climate also provides a strong impetus to travel. Pull factors include accessibility, and the attractions and amenities of the destination area. The relative cost of visit is also important, as is the marketing and promotion of the receiving area. Further, according to Sitikanta Mishara, Tapan K Panda, the political upspring, terrorism, religious fundamentalism, level of crime perception by the foreign tourist affects the prospects of a destination. Conclusion Thus, based on the existing research and my understanding, I conclude that the character of an individual plays an important role in selecting the tourist destination of his/her choice. Also, the spending pattern and priorities of the individual play a very important role. The visibility of a tourist destination depends on the campaigns and promotions taken up by the government to promote that destination as a tourist spot. If not done so, some of the most beautiful and exotic places will go unheard of. Promoting a tourist destination involves improving the infrastructure, identifying the tourist generating destinations, and finding out means to lure the prospective tourists. Thus, a tourist will be totally satisfied if all his appeals to visit the destination are met, when he actually visits the destination of his choice. A tourist might be totally unsatisfied, if he comes to a destination with a perception in his mind and finds out that the reality is entirely different. Hence, care should be taken by the promoters of tourist destinations to make genuine promotions, so that the tourists will be satisfied and tend to come back again to enjoy the benefits of their favourite destination. Bibliography 1. Adventure Travel Guide with iExplore, 'Scotland Tours,' viewed 14th December, 2009, Read More