International Tourism

1.0 Tourism and International Tourism

Tourism is the movement of people from one place to another. The tourism product is different from other products as it is produced and consumed simultaneously by the consumer. The buyer has to experience the product and services to know the worthiness of the tourism package. For instance if the tourist is buying a package tour to destination Mauritius, the tourist must travel to the country to experience the tourism products and services available there. Then he will assess his experience as being satisfied or not and whether it was value for money to choose Mauritius to spend his holidays.

So the purchase of tourism products bears an element of risk, all customers faces economic risks when purchasing tourism products because the product cannot be seen or sampled prior to consumption. Some overseas destinations may be perceived to be dangerous due to diseases or crimes. People may fear flying no matter what airline they fly with while others may reduce the perception of physical risks by selecting safer airlines. Status can be lost through visiting the wrong country or traveling with a company that has a poor image. This risk occurs when the potential customer feels the purchase may not reflect the self-image he wishes to portray. So it is important to minimize these risks through product and promotion strategies like creating information in brochures and leaflets, which will help in convincing travelers and lessen their perception of risks.

Globalisation is one of the major trends in the international tourism industry and involves a convergence in tastes preferences and products. The global company produces standardized products contributing to the homogenization of the world tourism market. International hotels groups like Hilton make sure that their products and services remains to the same level in any country where the hotel is located. A tourist entering a Hilton in Mauritius must enjoy the same services as the tourist entering a Hilton in America.

Globalisation has also enabled tourists to travel to international destinations due to the development of the transport network. The world is seen as a global village and this enable people to move rapidly within countries. People tend to look for new destinations and new experiences, this is now possible as many countries have developed their tourism industry and also have opened their skies to other countries. The media has also played a major role in international tourism; various destinations market their tourism products and services through the media to attract tourists. International tourism fairs are often organised whereby several countries promote their products and services.

1.1 Impacts of Tourism

1.1.1 Economic impacts

For decades tourism industry growth has been a major contributor to increased economic activity throughout the world. It has created jobs in both large and small communities and is a major industry in many places. It is the dominant economic activity in some communities. Yet, the impacts of tourism to a community are not widely understood even where tourism is growing dramatically and should be of the greatest interest or concern. Most people think of tourism in terms of economic impacts, jobs, and taxes. However, the range of impacts from tourism is broad and often influences areas beyond those commonly associated with tourism Leaders as well as residents who understand the potential impacts of tourism can integrate this industry into their community in the most positive way. Tourism increases employment opportunities. Additional jobs, ranging from low-wage entry-level to high-paying professional positions in management and technical fields, generate income and raise standards of living. Particularly in rural areas, the diversification created by tourism helps communities that are possibly dependent on only one industry. As tourism grows, additional opportunities are created for investment, development, and infrastructure spending.

The economic impact of tourism may also involves;

-Increases price of goods and services

-Increases price of land and housing

-Increases cost of living

-Increases potential for imported labour

-Cost for additional infrastructure such as water, power and fuel

-Increases in road maintenance and transportation systems costs

When considering the economic impacts of tourism, it is essential to understand that tourism businesses often include a significant number of low-paying jobs, often at minimum wage or less. These jobs are often seasonal, causing under-employment or unemployment during off-seasons. Labour may be imported, rather than hired locally, especially if particular skills or expertise is required, or if local labor is unavailable. Some tourism -related businesses are volatile and high-risk ventures that are unsustainable.

Greater demand for goods, services, land, and housing may increase prices that in turn will increase the cost of living. Tourism businesses may claim land that could have higher- value or other uses. Additionally, non-local owners and corporations may export profits out of the community. The community may have to generate funds (possibly through increased taxes) to maintain roads and transportation systems that have become more heavily used. Similarly, if additional infrastructure (water, sewer, power, fuel, medical, etc.) is required, additional taxes may also be needed to pay for them.

1.1.2 Environmental impacts

Areas with high-value natural resources, like oceans, lakes, waterfalls, mountains, unique flora and fauna, and great scenic beauty attract tourists and new residents (in-migrants) who seek emotional and spiritual connections with nature. Because these people value nature, selected natural environments are preserved, protected, and kept from further ecological decline. Lands that could be developed can generate income by accommodating the recreational activities of visitors. Tourist income often makes it possible to preserve and restore historic buildings and monuments. Improvements in the area’s appearance through cleanup or repairs and the addition of public art such as

murals, water fountains, and monuments (part of making a community ready for tourism) benefit