Key Features of the Existing Tourism Patterns - Essay Example

A Critique of Tourism Policy and Planning in France A Critique of Tourism Policy and Planning in France Tourism, though underestimated, is the number one economic earner in many parts of the world. Individuals flock into various destinations for the purposes of festivities, pleasure, and leisure. Tourism helps shape the economy of many countries. Exotic and luxurious destinations are on offer for visitors from all around the world. France is one European country that benefits from some of the perks brought on by tourism (Gunn & Var 2002). As a politically stable country, it is well-known for some of its exotic features. It is revered for its attractions, not forgetting the citizens of that region, who are known for their love and generosity. Tourism, however, might be an activity that benefits only a selected few. The political class enjoy the full extent of the tourism sector. This is a disadvantage many citizens in these regions face, but cannot do much to help their situation. This paper will examine the tourism policy and planning in France, and how this might affect individuals in that region. The introduction of international relations promotes tourism in many parts of the world. Globalization enables culturally, socially, and politically diverse individuals to interact daily. It is through this interaction that folks are able to comprehend the diverse nature of the places they visit. While doing so, they are trading some of their foreign currency with that of the country they are visiting. This often enables the country to earn some foreign currency. Tourism policies and planning in France enables everyone to enjoy the culture and traditions of the country without restrictions (Gunn & Var 2002). There have been complaints about the coming of diverse cultures into France through tourism, but they only fall on deaf ears. Tourism policy is a vital factor in trying to comprehend the nature of a country. If the economic and environmental effects of tourism were only felt in some countries, then tourism policy would not be as crucial as it is in modern day (Lickorish & Jenkins 2012). The involvement of government in the running of the tourism sector is an indicator that there is a lot gained from tourism. It is through government that many of these policies are arrived at, to ensure that the region benefits entirely. The actions of a government, whether direct or indirect, can influence tourism in a region. It is, therefore, common to see governments making tourism a priority because of the economic stability it brings. Tourism policy involves making decisions that affect the tourism sector in a region. Some of these policies include; access in the air transport industry, the hotel industry, and the transport industry. Altogether, these form the perfect conditions in which tourists enjoy their stay in their destination areas (Lickorish & Jenkins 2012). Policies on the air transport industry promote the travelling of tourists from different countries, into their tourist destinations. The government, therefore, has a direct link into the policies that are implemented in the airline industry. In terms of hotels and accommodation, many public owned resorts are owned by politicians and members of congress. If not, they have majority shares in the running of the business. Members of the public cannot afford to run high-end businesses. This is because; they do not have people in high places to fight their battles for them. It is the sad reality that many individuals face in these countries. Poverty and a high level of prostitution is the order by which many regions live by, not to mention the high crime rates. The introduction of policies is only out to benefit a selected few that have a hand in the growth of the economy. In various destination areas, the patterns of arrivals are erratic and unplanned for, while in other areas, the planned visits are barely seeing the predicted numbers (Ashworth & Tunbridge 2000). This makes it a daunting task trying to allocate capital that is already spent in preparing for tourists. This is often seen in developing countries where; capital is invested in the tourism sector. However, it does not attain its full potential because the numbers of destinations do not attain the targeted number of visitors. Key features of the existing tourism patterns In recent times, France has recorded the highest number of tourists in the world. They are not only experiencing a high number of visitors, the length of stay of these visitors is also increasing. It is a factor that has a significant pull on the economic standing of the region. The Japanese and Americans are largely responsible for the growth of the tourism industry in France (Robinson et al. 2011). This is albeit the fact that Japan went through the Tohoku earthquake, a nuclear crisis, and America going through the toughest recession in their history. They still contribute to the highest number of tourists in France throughout the past five years. The French tourism prospects are solid and the investments are significantly high. It is this commitment the government has focused a lot of energy in ensuring the industries responsible are standard. The rise in the tourism rate is responsible for a number of other factors. The employment level is likely to increase as the number of visitors in need of attention will be greater than usual. The sectors responsible for ensuring this is possible report an increase in the amount of individuals working on their behalf. The airlines record an increase in staff members to ensure that tourists are served with the respect they deserve. By having a large number of people on rotation, it is much easier to serve them without having too many complaints (Roberts & Hall 2001). Airports are busy at different times of the year. During the holidays, it is possible to increase the airplanes operating to ensure that everyone willing to travel can do so. This is without running the risk of overbooking, and overcrowding in the region’s airports. Once such public sectors experience a significant rise in capital and investments, it is possible to have an increase in economic growth. This is if the rise is steady and continuous. Many businesses also report a rise in sales and services (Pickard 2001). Privately owned businesses also report an increase in their services to visitors in the region, who might want an experience they cannot find in their own countries. This may also force them to hire more staff, making employment rise in the region. It may be correct to claim that the private sector is the one that benefits extensively from an influx of tourists in any region. This is why many political individuals are privatising their businesses, and ensuring they have a piece of the tourism pie. Their influence in the political arena enables them to get certification that allows them to conduct business in areas that other business owners cannot afford. Many of the regions that are experiencing an influx of tourists have the influence of politicians in everything. Hotels, private planes, taxi businesses all have a political hand in control. This is probably why poor people only end up being staff members at high-end hotels, and taxi services (McKenzie 2008). They only get these opportunities while the tourist levels are substantial. In the event these levels go down, they get laid off resuming their previous economic activities. These advantages make regions gain significantly during holidays and festive seasons. The movement of foreign currency encourages many individuals to set up shop, hence; increasing employment levels and raising the economic standing. This rise means that a country is developing through infrastructure and opens doors for more international relations. Through trade and technological exchange, these regions are benefitting from tourism, which ensures an increase in the standards of living. An increase in standards of living reduces issues like crime and prostitution (Hinch & Higham 2004). An increase in exports is also in the foreseeable future for the region, if allowed to grow and fully develop. Problems facing tourism in France Nepotism and corruption become rampant during these times. Economic power results in political power, which is used to influence poor people in the region (Higham 2012). Money can push the political agenda to the backburner as poor people are influenced to put people with money in power to get help. Tourism does not assist matters as individuals believe that the jobs they have are permanent. The owners of these businesses use poor, vulnerable people to climb up the political ladder, forgetting to aid in the poverty alienation process. However, the sad truth is that; individuals do not seem to learn from this, and always go back to these tendencies just to get money. They get exploited even more, but cannot help themselves because they are in too deep. Another problem facing the tourism industry is the limited view the government has surrounding the industry. The French government does not fully see the potential tourism offers the region, and that is probably why there are sanctions when it comes to tourism. The government is not entirely concerned with the ripple effects tourism has on other sectors in the region. This is especially in sectors such as unemployment, and the imbalances in their economy. Tourism faces stiff challenges through the fact that some politicians do not seem to comprehend the regional advantages brought on by tourism. International trade can foster relations that bring in foreign currency through exchange of goods and services (Hall 2008). This pushes government officials to cry foul whenever revenue is being allocated to tourism. Institutions developing tourism in France and the policy framework There are a number of institutions that assist in the growth of tourism in France. These agencies offer education about tourism, and the benefits brought on by it to the citizens in the region. The tourism policy in France is carried out by the minister of state. It is the minister’s prerogative to implement policies that advocate for the growth of the sector, while catering to the needs of the citizens (Hall & Page 2006). This means offering the citizens an avenue to voice their concerns on the matters they feel affect them. Socially, individuals are more aware of the effects of tourism. They are, therefore, afraid of tourism due to the negative influence. This education is useful because; citizens can analyse and comprehend the benefits of tourism, and advocate for it. Diverse partnerships across borders allow institutions in France to develop their connections. The Global Partnership for Sustainable Tourism in France is responsible for making these connections. Partnerships created between the airline, hotel, and private transport services allow tourists to have an avenue from which trust and honesty prevails. All these provide an avenue to protect the investments in place, and the tourists in the region. These markers prove an added advantage to the growth of this sector (Endy 2004). This is as individuals are willing to put their trust in the system, rather than relying on their instincts while in a foreign country. Non-governmental organizations offer some solutions to the growth of tourism. In the midst of the problems associated with tourism, some of these institutions provide information on what is needed to be done. This information is gained through conducting research from citizens in the region, to find out their thoughts about what affects them. This information is then put forward to help parliamentarians decide what is good for their citizens, and the economy. In an overall survey, there are indicators that this information may guide more than just parliamentarians in coming up with exceptional policies for tourism in the region (Edgell & Smith 2008). The people find out what they need to make their lives become much better; through tourism and international relations. Tourism strategy of France Improvements in the travel industry are proving to be a wise strategy on the part of the French government. Tourists are having an easier time on French roads, which makes their experiences worthwhile. Tourists are now able to visit a myriad of places through an efficient transport system (Lickorish & Jenkins 2012). Tourists can now see Paris, visit the port of Nantes in the French Riviera, and visit the region of Champagne; producers of the famous champagne drink fancied by the rich and famous. Tourists can get anywhere in France and many places of interests in time, while enjoying the experience. This strategy may bring together diverse cultures. This is through the connection each of them might have from wherever they are visiting. Another strategy that could aid in the growth of the tourism sector is the subsidizing of tourist packages. If this gets to be implemented, a large number of tourists; both local and international, could enjoy the advantages brought on by tourism. The prices on some of the tourist packages may lead to an increase in the number of individuals willing to spend capital in the region. This is regardless of whether they are visiting from different places, or are citizens of the region. In another strategy, the government is willing to check the issues that face visa applications into the region (Robinson et al. 2011). This may make it easier for tourists moving into the country for pleasure to have a much easier time. It is vital to make this change so that individuals prepare for the visit. This is rather than wasting time thinking about their visa into the country from being granted or rejected. The process and the time taken can be reduced or automated to allow repeat tourists easier and faster access. This is without the normal process first time tourists go through when trying to enter France. When this happens, a lot of individuals may be spared the agony of going through airport security, customs, and enjoy their stay in the country. Another strategy would be cutting back on the cost on private businesses (Veal 2010). Does the strategy address the issues identified? The strategies addressed may try and solve some of the issues identified. In the case of international relations, airport security may have an easier time going through all visitors coming into France. Focus may be placed on first time visitors into the region, which saves on time and revenue. Security can be beefed up in the region, but in areas that accommodates visitors. This can reduce the crime rate that is rampant in many tourist destinations (Veal 2002). Also, by creating an avenue for a transport system, the number of tourists in the region may double, increasing the revenue brought into the region. The subsidies in place may guarantee that visitors get more value, for less. It is imperative that they do so in order to have an experience in the region, hence; go back for more. It is one way to guarantee that visitors always appreciate the nature of tourism. By cutting back on the revenue required from private businesses, it is likely many economically placed individuals will be willing to set up shop in the region (Swarbrooke 1999). This increases the employment opportunities among the locals, making everyone benefit from the economic activities in the region. All these strategies are attainable if effort was placed in creating the appropriate system for tourism in the region. In conclusion, it is vital to note that tourism is one of the most key sectors in every economy. The growth and development of this sector makes it possible for people to have decent standards of living and employment. A tourism industry that thrives ensures that the country has beautiful places to visit, and an increase in the region’s economic growth (Ashworth & Dietvorth 1991). There is a slight chance that France’s strategies will ensure that the tourism industry in the region will become more competitive, productive, and more profitable. 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Veal, JA 2010, Leisure, sport and tourism: politics, policy and planning, Hart Publishing, Australia. Read More