CHAPTER 12

TOURISM COMPONENT AND SUPPLY

Considering that tourism is a composite of activities & industries that deliver a travel experience. - Figure 12.1 extracts the supply components of activities, policies, services & industries
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INTRODUCTION

SUPPLY COMPONENTS
1. NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT - Natural resources that any area has available for the use and enjoyment of visitors - Basic elements includes: air and climate, physiographic of the region, landforms, terrain, flora, fauna, bodies of water, beaches, natural beauty, water supply for drinking, etc

A great variety of combinations of natural resources can create environments attractive to the tourism development (most noticeable factors temperature zones and changes in demand for recreational use)

a) Location The closer an area to it potential market, the more desirable it is & likely to have high demand. (user-oriented areas; golf course) By contrast: an area with superb natural beauty should locate away from it major market & yet have satisfactory level of demand. (e.g.: US national park)

b) Productivity of natural resources ~It will be affected by intensity of use. ~Concentrations of use under consideration and planning accordingly for permanent aesthetic appreciation will help maintain the quality of natural resources (e.g.: terrain, vegetation, beaches)

c) Quality of natural resources ~ It must be maintained to sustain tourism demand ~ Proper level of quality must be considered when planning ~ Maintenance of quality standards is necessary for continued satisfaction of visitors ~ Ecology and environmental considerations are vital

2. BUILT ENVIRONMENT - This component have been developed within or upon the natural environment
- Infrastructure; consists of all underground and surface development construction (e.g.: water supply system, drainage systems, roads, communication networks, gas & electric lines)

- Superstructure; facilities constructed

primarily to support visitation and visitors activities (e.g.: airports, road, drives, parking lots, parks, hotels, restaurants, etc)

a) Infrastructure and Superstructure ~ The ground & service installations (infrastructure) are paramount importance to successful tourism and it must be adequate. ~ Hotel/Lodging structures are among the most important parts of superstructure. ~ Goal should produce an architectural design & quality of construction that results in a distinctive permanent environment.

~ A tourist is often attracted to:

facility design in conformance with local architecture as a part of the local landscape : because people often travel to immerse themselves in an environment different from their own Interior design should be stimulating and attractive Lodging structures need local dcor & atmosphere as well as comfort

b) Auto Traveler Services ~ In developed countries, automobile transportation is most common. ~ Roads should be hard, all-weather surfaced, properly graded & drained and built to international standards for safe use. ~ Auxiliary services needed for successful tourism. (gas stations, motels, roadside eating facilities, rest parks with toilet facilities, marked points of interest within easy access of the road, etc)

c) Roadside Parks ~ Auto tourists use and enjoy roadside parks, picnic tables, rest areas and similar roadside facilities ~ Sometimes these facilities being abused by inconsiderate motorists who litter the area with their trash

~ Some states provide deluxe roadside

parks with a fine information building, free refreshments, tourist hosts and rest rooms. ~ Equipped with supplies of folders, maps, pictures for a refreshing, informative stop.

3. OPERATING SECTORS a) Accommodations ~ sufficient quantity to match demand ~ Hotel facilities must meet expectations, wants and needs of travelers i) Types of accommodations Hotels Condominium apartments Timesharing

b) Hotel Management Local Charm cultures, local costumes, retention of unsophisticated charm, friendliness, cleanliness Inspection relate to water supplies, sewage, general cleanliness, safety Regulations fairness, minimum standards Hotel Classification using a number of different system Promotion through Referral and Franchise Groups

c) Types of Transportation Air airport facilities must be adequate Motorcoach facilities, multilingual guide/ tape recording with earphones Ship and Boat reliable weather forecasting, ready availability of needed supplies, repair services Rail frequent schedules of trains, high-speed trains Taxis- clean appearances, multilingual driver

4. SPIRIT OF HOSPITALITY AND CULTURAL RESOURCES - most important factor in tourism - finest physical facilities will be worthless if the tourists feel unwelcome - favorable attitude a) Activities Tourist Enjoy Most ~ done by questionnaires ~ hosting visitors provide the requested entertainment facilities

b) Shopping ~ important tourist activity ~ authentic & local made products (native handicraft)
Native marketplaces rich in ethnicity, much local color Shops and Clerks should be amiable & courteous, sufficient language ability Prices and Unethical Practices consistent, avoid unethical method of selling

c) Entertainment, Recreation, and other Activities

Entertainment native to the area Special Events attract visitors during off-season Museums and Art Galleries provide some of the highlights in many of the worlds most important tourist destinations Sports extra activities that satisfying the tourists, convenience and accessibility