Tourism and its Growth

Tourism - a stay away from home for over 24 hours for a recreational activity

Reasons why Tourism is Important

• Provides jobs for local people
• Increases income of other businesses that supply tourist industry
• In MEDC’s and LEDC’s although more important for LEDC’s - some countries it is main countries it is main contributor to GDP

UK Tourism

• Earns over £80 billion per year
• Popular because countryside, historic landmarks, churches, cathedrals, castles, and palaces
• Employs over 1 million people

Factors that influence no. of tourists

• Weather – bad weather discourages tourists
• World economy – if it is worse off, fewer overseas visitors more UK citizens
• Exchange rate – if pound is low- UK cheaper to visit so more overseas visitors
• Terrorism – people less willing to visit
• Major events – Olympics = more visitors

Reasons for growth / increase in Tourism:

• Better/Quicker Air Travel- Making Previously Remote areas accessible.
• More Paid Holidays- People tend to take many small holidays rather than one big one.
• Increase in amount of Disposable income- People can afford to treat them.
• Awareness of attractions- People are becoming more aware of travel from travel shows and advertising.
• 2 working parents
• Smaller families
• Longer life expectancy
• Cheaper/ Easier Travel
• Internet booking/advertising
• More unusual tourist destinations and attractions/destinations

Main Types Of Tourism:

• Cultural Tourism- Sightseeing, Exploring different Ethnic groups.
• Business Tourism- as air travel develops more people travel to offices and factories around the world.
• Geographical Tourism- Visiting great Geographical Spots e.g. Yellow Stone National Park, USA
• Visiting Family and Friends