Tourist Destinations in Scotland - Case Study Example

Tourism in Scotland Name Course Name and Code Instructor’s Name Date Map of the leading tourist destinations in Scotland Available at http://www.google.co.ke/imgres?imgurl=http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/48/Scotland_map.png&imgrefurl=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Scotland_map.png&usg=__0MhEIsouh5UzNZOxUEomjPHa3PA=&h=372&w=253&sz=31&hl=sw&start=23&zoom=1&tbnid=gwMsXiKqYrnuTM:&tbnh=122&tbnw=83&ei=Dy2lTq-LE8icOrWPxZcC&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dscotland%2Bmap%26start%3D20%26hl%3Dsw%26sa%3DN%26tbm%3Disch&itbs=1 Introduction Tourism is well developed in Scotland and it accounts for up to 200,000 direct employments. It is estimated that tourists spend over £4 billion annually in the country (The Scottish Government, 2011). Tourism industry in Scotland is a vital element in the economic, social, environmental and cultural well-being of Scotland in both urban and rural areas (Miers, 2006). Most people in Scotland depend on tourism industry for both infrastructure and jobs. Most visitors to Scotland come from United Kingdom. The bulk of overseas visitors come from United States of America (The Scottish Government, 2011). The aim of this project is to analyse Scotland as a tourism destination and discuss the impact of tourism industry on Scottish culture and society (Surhone, Timpledon, and Marseken, 2010). The project identifies factors that attract tourists to Scotland and explores what motivates tourists to respond to the pull of Scotland’s attractions. The project also considers the various ways in which the needs of tourists are fulfilled by major sectors of tourism industry. Scotland’s natural environment Scotland is surrounded by the sea on three sides with its only land border stretching for only 96km with England (The Scottish Government, 2011). The mountains found in Scotland are some of the most defining natural feature. Scotland geography is highly varied from large cities to uninhabited islands and form rural lowlands to barren uplands. The northern parts of Scotland landscape are characterised by touring peaks while the southern part is known for its countryside features which are lash and gently undulating (Surhone, Timpledon, and Marseken, 2010). Rivers in Scotland are famous because their association with mythical monsters, their influence on the works of artists, songwriters and poets and their characteristic angling (Page and Connell, 2006). Watercourses in Scotland have for long been utilized for work and play. Scotland has a rich variety of rocks which are famous worldwide and which are utilized for generation of new ideas (Palmer, 2008). Summer is experienced in the months of June, July and August and during this time weather is usually unpredictable. It is during this period that some parts of Scotland experience prolonged daylight, which often extends to 11 PM (The Scottish Government, 2011). Rural parts of Scotland experience spring and autumn in April and October. Winter is experienced between November and March. During winter, it is occasionally crisp and bright and is colder, gloomy and all are often very brief. Thus, the distinguishing natural features of Scotland include a variety of lakes, spectacular hills and mountains and glens (valleys). The hill country and moorland is covered in mountain and short heather grasses (Surhone, Timpledon, and Marseken, 2010). Major features of Scottish society Historically Scottish people emerged from an integration of the Picts and Gaels, incorporating neighbouring Britons as well as Germanic peoples. Today Scottish refers to any person whose linguistic, family ancestral, cultural or genetic origins are from within Scotland. The earliest in inhabitants of Scotland in early middle age included the Picts, the Gaels and the Britons in addition to the Angles. These people are grouped according to their respective languages (The Scottish Government, 2011). Until 13th century, most inhabitants of Scotland spoke Celtic languages (Surhone, Timpledon, and Marseken, 2010). The use of Gaelic language was widespread in Scotland by the 9th century and reached its peak in 11th century. From 15th century until recently, Scotland was divided by language into Gaelic speaking and Scots speaking. Today English is the most spoken language in Scotland. In spite this; the country is still divided into two cultures (Surhone, Timpledon, and Marseken, 2010). These include the Gaelic and rurally oriented Highland cultural spheres and the more hybrid and urban Lowland culture. The local communities support tourism through arts, poetry and mythical tales and traditions. Scotland also has minority groups from Asian communities such as Chinese, Indians and Pakistanis; Caribbean and Africans. These groups also play a major role in promotion of tourism through their unique culture which attract visitors from other communities. Scotland’s heritage resources To experience the heritage of Scotland visitors tour historical sites such as Inveraray Jail museum, Stirling Old Town Jail, Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway, Paxton house, gallery and country park, Motherwell Heritage Centre, Burns National Heritage Park, Summerlee Industrial Museum and many other heritage sites (The Scottish Government, 2011). These sites gives visitors a taste of the historical past and in some cases the sites involve dramatization which enable visitors to experience past historical events that occurred in Scotland in real time (Surhone, Timpledon, and Marseken, 2010). For instance, the ‘ghost’ is a known historical figure which often appears in fictionalized tours as a silent figure which is used for his otherworldly and dramatic looks. The country is also endowed with a variety of natural heritage ranging from wildlife to unique vegetations, from unique mountains to beautiful coastline scenery. The history of tourism in Scotland Scotland’s tourism development has been largely been influenced its landscape development as a repository of the mysterious and ghostly and its emergence as a designation has been thoroughly intermingled from the beginning of modernity. English tourists were the first to start touring Scotland in mid 18th century (The Scottish Government, 2011). They toured Scotland in search of extraordinary sensations and sights, which they believed, could not be found back at home (Palmer, 2008). The Act of Union of 1707 integrated Scotland into United Kingdom (Page and Connell, 2006). Scotland natives had launched a fierce rebellion against English elite expansion ambitions and as such, “it was not quite part of the nation state thus constructed” (Books, LLC. 2010). When Bonnie Prince Charlie’s rebellion was defeated in 1745, Scotland was figured as a highly ambiguous site by English elites (Surhone, Timpledon, and Marseken, 2010). Scotland was seen to be different from England in terms of cultural practices and habits. The English elites turned to Scotland to satisfy their needs for something beyond prosaic matters of everyday life (MacLellan and Smith, 1998). They toured to Scotland in search of what they believed was not found at home. Scottish landscape was ascribed to mystical and fantastic qualities by 18th and 19th century tourists due partly to stories they read about Celtic past (The Scottish Government, 2011). The Celtic inspired tales during this period was a romantic reaction to modes of thinking among rationalist that were seen as enlightened lot. One particular romantic interest in Scotland was centred on the figure of Ossian who was believed to be a Celtic bard of the dark ages (Page and Connell, 2006). As such, Ossian was among the first phenomenon to influence first instances of literary tourism. Today mystical tales are still being incorporated in tourism and they form part of reasons why tourists visit Scotland (Palmer, 2008). ‘Push’ factors These are factors, which pushes tourists from their usual place of residence to stimulate a demand for tourism. The majority of visitors to Scotland are from UK and from North America. This lot of people have enough funds at their disposal and are interested in experiencing the romantic and beautiful scenery described in both literary works and advertisement. However, recent economic downturn has slowed down the numbers flocking to Scotland to experience the scenery and fictionalised past believes. ‘Pull’ factors Pull factors are factors which help stimulate a tourism product. Spectres are used to attract and entertain tourists from both inside and outside United Kingdom to Scotland (The Scottish Government, 2011). The myths and historical believes in Scotland are main features which attract most tourists especially from United Kingdom and America (Palmer, 2008). In addition to this, literary works have for long been instrumental to growth and development of tourism industry in Scotland. Ghosts and other paranormal entities are used to promise visitors enlivening tour to Scotland (Surhone, Timpledon, and Marseken, 2010). They are used to sell the country to the rest of the world (Erfurt-Cooper and Cooper, 2010). Scotland is depicted as a country, which has had more than its fair share of ghosts and that every castle or tower house has its own ghosts. Hotels are depicted as being haunted in advertisements (Page and Connell, 2006). Staged authenticity of these claims is attained through ghostly guise that assists Scottish heritage as more glorious than everyday mundane present in which tourists live. The long and complex history of clean, unspoilt nature of Scotland and beautiful scenery in addition many historical sites and attractions make up the main features, which attract tourists to Scotland (Palmer, 2008). Thus, tourists visit Scotland to experience and see these natural features that are still unspoilt by human activities. Another pull factor especially for tourists from UK is the proximity of Scotland. The closeness of Scotland to England and the amazing natural and cultural features of Scotland make tourists from England to flock there. Likely motivational factors Motivational factors refers to internal factors such as wants, needs, motives and desires that drive people to do things they do. Since motivational, factors are internal factors it is often not easy to determine what motivates people to visit a place (The Scottish Government, 2011). However, given that most tourism promotions utilized in Scotland depict the country as a ghostly site, it is possible that most people are stimulated to visit Scotland to experience this ghostly nature of the country (Surhone, Timpledon, and Marseken, 2010). The Celtic literature, which is widely available in literary works, could also be one of motivating factors for tourists to visit the country (Erfurt-Cooper and Cooper, 2010). The beautiful scenery found in Scotland and its varied weather conditions could be possible motivational factors for tourists’ attraction (Palmer, 2008). Promotion of Scotland as a tourist destination The alleged Loch Ness monster sightings in Scotland and ghost sightings are used to promote Scotland as tourist destination (The Scottish Government, 2011). Travel agencies use online advertisements and brochures to illustrate amazing features that tourists can enjoy sightseeing while in Scotland (Palmer, 2008). In this brochures and online ads, Scotland is depicted as land of ghosts and haunting experience (Erfurt-Cooper and Cooper, 2010). The adverts aim at creating images of ghosts and haunts among the tourists (Page and Connell, 2006). The beautiful and clean scenery found in Scotland is also illustrated in the adverts. Activities of tourists in Scotland Some of the main activities of tourists in Scotland include ghost walks and scenery sight seeing (Palmer, 2008). Ghost walks involves listening to visiting various castles in company of tour guides who narrates ghostly tales of the 17th and 18th century and sometimes involve ghost guises who appear suddenly during the walks (Erfurt-Cooper and Cooper, 2010). This makes the visitors experience the tales as if they are real (The Scottish Government, 2011). Business tourism has also experienced growth in recent past (Surhone, Timpledon, and Marseken, 2010). This is associated with conferences and meetings. By the year 2008, this sector accounted for 20% earning of the total tourism income (The Scottish Government, 2011). While in Scotland visitors can visit music festivals, engage in Highland games, surf, stone skim, horse ride, rock climbing, skydiving, paragliding and scuba diving among many other activities (Erfurt-Cooper and Cooper, 2010). Sightseeing activities entail wildlife watching and beautiful scenery watching. Visitors The impact of tourism on Scottish society The impact of tourism in Scotland has been more positive as opposed to negative impacts. Many Scottish residents derive their livelihood either directly or indirectly from tourism. The government of Scotland has policies, which ensure sustainable tourism (Page and Connell, 2006). This ensures that impacts of tourism on the environmental and social development are not ignored (The Scottish Government, 2011). The cultural believes of Scotland are enhanced by tourism because most visitors partly come to the country to experience the past cultural and social believes of the country (Surhone, Timpledon, and Marseken, 2010). In spite this; most residents in major urban areas have lost their cultural practices due to interaction with visitors and as such, their cultural and social practices are an integration of modern practices from other parts of the world and traditional Scottish practices (Scotland, 2011). Accommodation in Scotland Various styles of accommodations are available in Scotland that meets the special needs of each visitor. This ranges from holiday cottages to leisure hotels, caravan parks to campsites, family self-catering cottages to holiday houses (Surhone, Timpledon, and Marseken, 2010). Some of these facilities are designed to cater for special needs of the disabled persons. Thus, any one has a place to rest and enjoy a variety of accommodation while in Scotland dependent on the economic status of the visitor (Laws, 2006). Gastronomic experiences Due to interaction with other parts of Europe, Scotland cuisine shares much with wider European cuisine. Scottish cuisine has specific set of cooking and practices (Erfurt-Cooper and Cooper, 2010). Traditional Scottish dishes exist hand in hand with international foodstuffs brought about through interaction between Scottish people and other people from other parts of Europe (The Scottish Government, 2011). Most restaurants serve traditional and fusion cuisine, which is made from local ingredients. In addition, Chinese and Indian takeaway restaurants exist in some towns in addition to traditional fish and chip shops (Erfurt-Cooper and Cooper, 2010). In larger towns a variety of cuisine is offered which range from Thai and Japanese to Mexican, Polish, Pakistan and Turkish (Surhone, Timpledon, and Marseken, 2010). Thus, visitors have a variety of mouth washing cuisines to choose from while in Scotland. There are foodie festivals in autumn where various foodstuffs and traditional dishes are offered (Page and Connell, 2006). Transportation Scotland has a well-developed transport system. One can use flights, car, train, bus and tax to move to any part of the country. The country has four international airports: Edinburgh airport, Glasgow international airport, Aberdeen airport and Glasgow Prestwick international airport (The Scottish Government, 2011). This facilitates international travelling. Waterway transport has been overtaken by railways transport even though some waterways are being restored and reopened. Thus, visitors have a variety of transport means to choose from while in Scotland (Surhone, Timpledon, and Marseken, 2010). Conclusion Scotland is endowed with heartbreaking cultural mystical believes involving ghosts of wide range of characteristics in addition to natural heritage that is worthy experiencing. From the beautiful coastlines to beautiful mountain scenery, from wide range of wild life to ghostly and mystical tales, one has an opportunity to experience all this while in Scotland. Furthermore, accommodation, transport and Scottish cuisines ensure one is comfortable while there. Reference Books, LLC. 2010. Tourism in Scotland: Scottish Youth Hostels Association, Smoking, Health and Social Care Act 2005, Argaty, Visitscotland, Visitscotland. Com. London: General Books LLC. Erfurt-Cooper, P., and Cooper, M. 2010. Volcano and Geothermal Tourism: Sustainable Geo-Resources for Leisure and Recreation. London: Earthscan. Laws, E. 2006. Tourism crises: management responses and theoretical insight. London: Routledge. MacLellan, R., and Smith, R. 1998. Tourism in Scotland. London: Cengage Learning EMEA. Miers, R. 2006. Scotland, 7th Ed. Geneva: New Holland Publishers. Page, S., and Connell, J. 2006. Tourism: a modern synthesis, 2nd Ed. London: Cengage Learning EMEA. Palmer, N. 2008. Royal tourism: excursions around monarchy. London: Channel View Publications. Surhone, L., Timpledon, M., and Marseken, S. 2010. Tourism in Scotland. London: VDM Verlag Dr. Mueller AG & Co. Kg. The Scottish Government. 2011. Tourism. Available at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Business-Industry/Tourism [Accessed 20 October 2011] Scotland. 2011. Culture. Available at http://www.everyculture.com/Sa-Th/Scotland.html [Accessed 24 October 2011] Read More