Overview
This lecture covers the nature of tours, tourist products, tourist destinations, and the key characteristics of tourism, highlighting distinctions between domestic and international travel, types of tours, and defining features of tourism as an industry.
Nature of a Tour
- Tours can be categorized by destination: domestic (within one's country) and international (abroad).
- Domestic travel is easier with fewer barriers; international travel involves language, currency, and documentation barriers.
- Tours can also be classified by type: package (arranged by agencies or operators) and independent (self-arranged, also called DIY or backpacking).
- Independent tours may be done solo or as a self-organized group.
Tourist Products
- Tourist products are mostly intangible services (e.g., experiences, airline and hotel services, and food).
- Main characteristics: tourist products are services, have psychological appeal, vary in quality over time, and their supply is fixed to the location.
- Tourists purchase experiences and services, not physical products to take home.
Tourist Destinations and Spots
- A tourist destination is a broad area (e.g., a province or town), while tourist spots are specific attractions within that area.
- Factors of tourist destinations: attractions (natural/man-made or events), amenities (hotel facilities, restaurants, etc.), and accessibility (transport options).
- Examples: Cebu (destination) with the Taoist Temple and Oslob whale watching (spots); Palawan (destination) with Coron and El Nido (spots).
Characteristics of Tourism
- Tourists must travel to the product; it can't be brought to them.
- Tourist products aren't used up by consumption—sites remain for future visitors.
- Tourism is labor-intensive, relying on significant human resources.
- People-oriented: service providers are essential for product delivery.
- Multi-dimensional: involves both the journey (dynamic) and the stay (static).
- Seasonal industry: peak (high demand, low supply, higher prices) and lean (low demand, high supply) seasons.
- Dynamic: constantly changes due to evolving tourist interests and demands for innovation.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Domestic Travel — Travel within one's own country.
- International Travel — Travel to a foreign country.
- Package Tour — Pre-arranged tour offered by agencies or operators.
- Independent Tour — Self-arranged tour, often called DIY.
- Tourist Product — Intangible services or experiences bought by tourists.
- Tourist Destination — A broad geographic area visited by tourists.
- Tourist Spot — Specific locations or attractions within a destination.
- Amenities — Facilities or services provided to tourists (e.g., hotel pools, spas).
- Accessibility — Ease of reaching a destination via transport options.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review examples of tourist destinations and spots mentioned.
- Prepare to discuss the distinctions between products, destinations, and spots in next session.