Tourism Emerging Markets of China and India - Coursework Example

Running Header: Emerging Markets (China and India) Student’s Name: Instructor’s Name: Course Code & Name: Date of Submission: Tourism Emerging Markets (China and India) Introduction Tourism industry is one of the most profitable industries in many countries (Sinha 2004). Whenever tourists come to the country, they bring in additional resources to the country. These resources contribute to the development of that country. In the recent years, many countries have made tremendous effort to tap income from this industry (Australian Government 2004). Among these countries are India and China. In the recent years, there have been major improvements in the tourism industry of the two countries. The two countries have over years restructured their mode of operation in handling tourist to suit that which is perfect place for any tourist in the world (Independence news for the world 2012). This essay looks at the recent developments and trends of tourism that have been happening in India and China. The essay further looks at the likely future trend of tourism in the two countries. India In India, the development of the tourism industry has been on the rise in the last four years. At the moment, the industry is largest service industry contributing to about 6.3 percent of GDP and accounting of 8.78 percent of total jobs (Sinha 2004). Though the country has not fully developed tourism industry, availability of tourism sites and products and adequate human resources will definitely make it possible for this industry to rise to its full potential. According to Seth, Bhat & Sushma (2010), in 2008, the tourism industry in India was at its infant stage. At that time the industry accounted for a volume of about 0.4 percent of the world population far much below any other countries that had similar resources. From studies and comparison with other countries, the government realized that it had a lot of potential and as a result urgent measures were taken in order to improve its share in global international tourism (Sinha 2004). It is at this stage that they employed skilled and well trained personnel to manage the industry. Staffs from the lowest level to the top management were put in place to run different departments of the industry. Major reforms were made in the hotels and accommodation industries, airline industries and advertisement which created a well-structured tourism state that was appealing in the eyes of any tourist. To ensure that there was proper coordination in the entire tourism industry; Tourism Development Corporation (TDC) was restructured to spearhead tourism agendas (Kaur & Johari 2012). TDC is a corporation which was established in 1966 with the objective of promoting and managing tourism development in the entire nation. Before 2008, the corporation never did much to sell the India as a tourism destination. But, between 2008 to date, when a new team of management was put in place, the corporation engaged in activities that saw rapid improvement on tourism industry. Five divisions were established to help in improving services offered to the tourists (Seth, Bhat & Sushma 2010). These divisions were; Institute of Hospitality, Group of Hotels, International trade, Travel and Tour and Tourism management and Consultancy. TDC then streamlined and improved its operations through establishing and managing new tourism related facilities and infrastructures. In the entire period that the corporation has been in operation, it enjoyed total support from the government. The government funded most of its project while the ministry of tourism also engaged in activities that promoted the operations of the corporation such as organizing events and fairs, operating package tours and financing the tourism training institute. The trend of tourism growth in India is that which seeks to identify new tourist attraction sites and improve on the quality of the existing once. India has identified its Northern region as one of the best sceneries for tourist attraction (Seth, Bhat & Sushma 2010). Northern India is one of the most visited areas in India. This is mainly accelerated by burgeoning Indian middle class (Hans 2008). Among the features that attracts tourists in this region are White Water Rivers, historical sites, beautiful sceneries and snowcapped mountains. Infrastructures such as road and electricity have lagged behind therefore lowering decelerating tourism efforts in these regions. However, the government has put appropriate measures to ensure this problem is addressed. There are also comprehensive plans by the government and TDC to refurbish the historical monuments and buildings and improve the accommodation facilities in tourist attraction sites. India has also found out the need of responding to change in tourism market through adapting of new global trend within the sector (Seth, Bhat & Sushma 2010). Specific facilities and products such as medical tourism are being promoted in all areas of the industry. Earlier on, India concentrated on pilgrimage and culture tourism. Since 2008, TDC introduced adventure tourism and golf tourism in India (Report 2012). This resulted to development of fun events such as Kayaking, abseiling, mountain climbing and rafting. The trend of tourism is now focusing on developing new locations for tourist attraction, art and craft and village tourism. China The China’s tourism industry is one of the best in the world. Compared to India, tourism, the growth rate in China is better and higher. Today, China is the third most toured country in the world. A report by World Tourism Organization indicates that if the tourism growth trend continues at a higher rate than most of other countries in the world (MTC 2002). The report further indicates that by that year, China shall be among the biggest overseas travelled destination. But making the reputation of tourism industry reach at this level has not been easy. The reforms to transform China into world class tourist destination started way back in 1970. It was at this time that the country was turning into middle class economy. The restriction that made it hard for foreigners to visit the country was eased (Forsgren & Hagstrom 2007). Initially, there were severe limitations that guarded who was and who was not allowed to visit the country. From then onward, China started receiving visitors of all kinds and that is when tourism industry erupted. By 1978, China had received over 230, 000 international tourists. By 2006, the country was ranked 4th most visited country in the world with over 45 million people visiting it. By 2010, the country the country was ranked 3rd most visited country One of the major contributors of the economic growth is tourism. Presently, the rate of economic growth is high at a rate that will enable the country to set a good ground for tourist destination by 2015 (Raina &Aggarwal 2004). There are three major resources in China; cultural and historical sites, natural sites and folk customs. Since 2006, the government has engaged in a strategy that aims to popularize these tourist destinations. More than 30 towns have a tourist attraction site that is well developed which gives tourists a variety of choices on where to go. There are a number of reasons that have accelerated the rate of tourism growth in China in the last few decades. Clear and properly organized tourism development strategies have been the main contributor of the high growth of the tourism industry (Kocak & Abimbola 2009). China has always been exposed to other foreign countries since 1978 and was therefore able to quickly lean on major principles of making its market a success. At the time when the economy of China was rapidly developing, the country came up with strategies of easing the control of foreign travel. This opened door for more foreigners to come to china. Furthermore, the government has come up with policy of opening outbound tourism destinations and periodically improving on the quality of the travel services in the near future (MTC 2002). Other than the sceneries, tourism products such as Irish dancing, music and culture, shopping, coastal scenery and city sighting, castles, house and gardens, golf among others are also being promoted (Forsgren & Hagstrom 2007). Moreover, there are strategies and measures being put in place to identify tourism products that can be incorporated in the industry. Eco tourism is also being highly promoted in China and is the fastest growing sector within the industry of tourism in India (MTC 2002). Though eco-tourism is in its infancy stage in China, the country has embraced its concept. It is one area that will not only promote the natural resources in the country but will also create employment opportunities in the country. Furthermore, the funds got for conservation of these schemes will protect the flora and fauna in the country. The future of tourism industry in China is looks bright and promising. Currently, there are over 5000 tourism sites in (China Report 2012). Today, there are plans to expand and improve on the quality of these tourist destinations all over China. It is for this reason that the China is likely to be the world leading tourism destination in the next 10 years. Conclusion Tourism in India and China has been enjoying high growth since establishment of this industry in the two countries. Major improvements in all levels of tourism have been taking place. In India, major reforms in tourism started four years ago when TDC was restructured. Facilities that promote tourisms were enhanced by this body and the government. There are further innovations of new products such as art and craft and village tourism. . Though tourism in India and China are still growing, China’s industry is more developed. In China, tourism reform started in 1978 and since then there have been high growth. High rate of economic growth, well developed infrastructures and proper handling of visitors have been the main contributors in the industry. Eco-tourism is at infancy stage but expected to be the fastest growing sector in the India in future years. Tourism growth in the two countries is high, and is expected to rise in the coming years. References Australian Government 2004, Steps to Sustainable Tourism - Planning a sustainable future for Tourism, Heritage and Environment, Department of Environment and Heritage, viewed 17 April 2011, < http://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/publications/strategy/pubs/steps.pdf > Forsgren, M & Hagstrom, P 2007, ‘Tourism Industry, Critical Perspectives on International Marketing ,Vol. 3, no. 3, pp. 291-305[[Mats Forsgren, Peter Hagström, (2007) "Ignorant and impatient internationalization?: The Uppsala model and internationalization patterns for Internet-related firms", critical perspectives on international business, Vol. 3 Iss: 4, pp.291 - 305 http://www.emeraldinsight.com/journals.htm?articleid=1631511&show=abstract Hans, B 2008, India Tourism Industry; Progress and Emerging Issues, viewed 17 April 2011, < http://depot.gdnet.org/newkb/fulltext/1228070211_INDIA%5C'S_TOURISM.pdf > Independence news for the world 2012, Tourist figure from Down Under to India on an upswing, Asia, viewed 15 March 2012, Kaur, J & Johari, K 2012, Tourism in India, viewed 17 April 2011, Kocak, A & Abimbola, T 2009, ‘Tourism Market in China’, International Marketing Review, Vol. 26, no. 4/5, pp. 439-452. [[Kocak, A & Abimbola, T 2009, ‘Tourism Market in China’, International Marketing Review, Vol. 26, no. 4/5, pp. 439-452.]] http://www.emeraldinsight.com/journals.htm?articleid=1805999&show=abstract MTC 2002, National Tourism Policy Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Government of India, New Delhi.[[ tourism.gov.in/CMSPagePicture/file/marketresearch/.../assam.pdf]] Raina, AK and Aggarwal, SK 2004, The Essence of Tourism Development, New Delhi: Sarup Singh & Sons. [[http://books.google.co.ke/books?id=TKPM6MAozzwC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false Seth, P, Bhat & Sushma S 2010, An Introduction to Travel Tourism, Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd. http://books.google.ie/books?id=AcGn-Fmc43sC&dq=Sushma+S.,+2010,+An+Introduction+to+Travel+Tourism&source=gbs_navlinks_s Sinha, PC 2004, Tourism Transport and Travel Management, Anmol, Publications Pvt. Ltd. http://books.google.ie/books/about/Tourism_Transport_Travel_Management.html?id=1gOFAAAACAAJ&redir_esc=y Read More