Influences on the Travel and Tourism Industry

Influences on Travel and Tourism Industry

Support for Tourism

It is needless to say that tourism industry generates a lot of job places (reduces unemployment and its negative effects), what may significantly improve economic situation of a country. Tourism also may promote culture and traditions of the country (or particular region) and thus rise the cultural awareness.

Government benefits from tourism industry mainly by imposing taxes. Airport taxes, fuel taxes and income tax paid by people working in the industry bring lots of money to the government. A well-developed tourism brings inbound visitors who usually spend more money and leave foreign currency in the country. Only in Scotland the industry generates approximately £5 billion per year. Scottish government works to increase this amount to £7.5 billion by the year 2015. It is believed that 50% growth is real and sustainable. In 2006 Scottish Parliament created “The Tourism Framework for Change”. The document includes some predictions about tourism development in ten years time and gives ideas for how to expand the industry.

Government involvement in tourism industry is also strictly associated with an image of the country. Well developed industry has positive impact on the opinion about the country across the world. Positive image and good opinion among foreign countries may improve government co-operation with them.

In 1969 the Development of Tourism Act was established by the British Tourist Authority. Under this act member countries of Great Britain had been obligated to develop and promote tourism industry in the country and give financial help to hotels that are to be set up (and improvement of already existing ones).

Scotland is a part of the United Kingdom and the main government for the country comes through Westminster. In 1999 Scotland was granted ‘devolution’ for certain areas, and from that time has its own government. In 1973 United Kingdom joined the ranks of European Union member states. Now the country has to respect all the laws and regulations set by the European Parliament.

Government plays multiple roles in each country. It facilitates tourism, has responsibility for developing and implementing policy and for drafting laws. Probably one of the most important roles of the government is taking care of internal security of the country. For example during commonwealth games 2014. The security budget for the Glasgow 2014 Games was increased dramatically after the London Olympics. Extra cash being spent on securing the athletes' village, hotels and training venues, and providing additional CCTV and perimeter fencing.

Government plays an important role in tourism industry and affects it in many ways. It creates particular laws, regulations and policies that influence tourism industry. For example Development of Tourism Act 1969 or The Tourist Boards (Scotland) Act 2006. The government can also found organizations that regulate and support tourism. Such organizations usually focus on promoting the industry (i.e. VisitScotland). Government can also control influx of tourists by setting VISAS.

Government provides financial aid for tourism projects, for example new Forth Road Bridge that straddles the Firth of Forth alongside the villages of North Queensferry and South Queensferry on the opposite shore. The new bridge will deliver the following benefits: connect strategic transport networks, improve reliability of journey times for all modes, increase travel choices, improve accessibility, support sustainable development and economic growth.

Government involvement in tourism industry may differ greatly from one country to the next. Government tends to be more involved in tourism in developing countries. The reason for that is very simple- money. Developing the industry requires major investments: renovations, materials, labouring and advertising. In poor countries, there are more important expenses than tourism investments, other just do not attract many tourists, because they are dangerous or have very little to offer. Some countries simply do not know how to develop tourism industry, attract more visitors and develop the industry as a whole.

Together with the development of technology, tourism developed. The industry started to play more and more important role for the economy of many countries. With time, a number of bodies supporting tourism was set up. They can be divided into following categories: voluntary (non-profit), private, public and international. The organizations have different functions.

Public organizations supporting tourism are probably the most popular and have the biggest influence on the industry. Let's take a look at the role of the three of them (working in the UK):

Visit Scotland is a national organization that plays a huge role in Scottish tourism industry. Its aim is to maximise the economic benefit from the sector. The organisation provides quality assurance schemes, promotes the country and attracts potential visitors to Scotland by providing information about the country, advertising and generally taking care of good image of the country.

Visit Britain is a tourism agency, which is responsible for promoting Great Britain all over the world. Visit Britain works to develop tourism industry in the country and rise the number of inbound visitors. Organization wants to increase the awareness of the importance of travel and tourism industry.

Forestry Commission Scotland responsible for forestry in England and Scotland. It was set up in 1919 to expand Britain's forests and woodland. To do this the commission bought large amounts of former agricultural land, eventually becoming the largest land owner in Britain. Over time the purpose of the Commission broadened to include many other activities beyond timber production. One major activity is scientific research, some of which is carried out in research forests across Britain. Recreation is also important, with several outdoor activities being actively promoted. The organization protects and improves biodiversity across Britain's forests.

Not only government organisations work to support travel and tourism and related industries. There is a number of private associations that operate in the interest of the industry. The first one I would like to talk over is Association of British Travel Agents. ABTA is the Association of Tour Operators and travel agents that operates in the UK. It’s members get a support in developing their businesses. The association also helps the travellers, so they can enjoy their holiday, fell safe and confident. ABTA provides financial protection, in case of any problems deals with the granting of compensation due. The association also makes sure that standards in tourism industry are rising constantly  by advising on various issues, i.e. health and safety.  ABTA represents the industry for the government and makes sure that consumers are treated fairly.