This Topic: Examine tourism destination regions in international tourism systems Recognise tourism generating regions and transit routes/hubs in international tourism systems Reviews Butler’s (1980) ‘Resort Cycle’ theory Considers the concept of ‘destination competiveness’

Factors Shaping Traveller Generation Population size Gross economic propensity Income distribution & wealth Spare time Demographic profile Tastes & preferences Transport facilities Fares/price Exchange rates Promotion Travel constraints – politics, illness, safety

Tourism Industries in TGRs Service tourist needs pre-trip: Retail travel agencies Promotional activity by NTOs, STOs, RTOs, LTOs Marketing - tour operators + wholesalers Other service industries

Tourist Generating Regions (TGRs) Where trips begin. Consider these perspectives: Spatial (geographical) where residents depart on a trip that is more than a day-trip Economic the resources tourists use on a trip are generated in TGR Culture and psychological a place generates tourist travel when conditions (environments) shape residents needs & motivations – the ‘push’ factors

The role of Transit Routes Consider: Transit route efficiency Accessibility Travel time Fares + other travel costs Availability of carrier/other transport Capacity Frequency of service Changes in transit Discomfort Perceived safety Attractions en route Number of stopovers Places in dual roles: TRs and TDRs A supporting role – ‘the paths that must be traversed to get from home to a destination, to additional destinations in many cases, and then home again’ (Leiper, 2004:122)

What is a destination? Focus of facilities & services designed to meet needs of tourists Most destinations comprise: Attractions Access Amenities Ancillary Services

Appropriate Quote ‘Every destination has unique mix of characteristics, determined by its location, culture and history. These, together with the area’s degree of dependency on tourism, and industry’s seasonal and structural characteristics, influence the experiences of visitors and residents. The development of a systems model for each destination can clarify the importance of each element in a particular locality (Laws 1995:37)’.

Common features of destinations Destinations are: Cultural appraisals Inseparable Not just about tourists but many other groups Comprise elements that have to be complementary

Butler’s (1980) model Figure 2.3 The tourist area life-cycle Sources: Butler, 1980; Boniface and Cooper, 2009

TALC – usefulness and criticisms Focus of many studies –applied model of destination evolution, a guide for marketing and planning, a forecasting tool Model shows general trend over time An explanatory model However, Different parts of some destinations may be at different stages of TALC cycle Visitation and other data necessary to support TALC stages Model needs to be applied to each location showing political, social and economic influences as modifying factors

Destination Competiveness Begins with identifying: ‘Comparative advantage’ ‘Competitive advantage’

Model of Destination Competiveness (Ritchie & Crouch 2003)

Destination Competiveness - a Tourism Context Competiveness of what? Economic prosperity – Opportunity to showcase a destination as a place to live, do business, invest in, and trade with A country or the people of a country

Competitiveness for what? Market segments Outbound tourism Inbound tourism Resource allocation for tourism

How do we measure competiveness? Indicators of competitive performance & factors which contribute to competitiveness: Historic measures - describe how a destination has performed related to enhancing prosperity Conditions which contribute to, or detract from, ability of destination to be competitive EG: GDP, level of expenditure on research & development, population health, education standards, nature of workforce – employment structures

Dimensions of competitiveness Identifying + developing factors which determine competitiveness, thus, prosperity of a tourism destination Characteristics of a region which make it attractive to visit Barriers which deter travel to a destination Effectiveness of marketing to enhance perceived attractiveness Effectiveness of organisation structures and strategic alliances Ability of destination to assemble and interpret information providing insights + understanding to design + develop high appeal experiences more quickly than competitors Capability of destination to deliver a high quality visitor experience

Then… Determine most appropriate indicators of success concerning performance of tourism to destination prosperity Establish relative strength + positioning of a destination in relation to competitors in the market

Figure 2.1 Destination management concepts

Sourcing relevant data Apply these indicators to your destination. What outcomes present in your explanation of tourism at the destination? List outcomes. All aspects of DC are valid. Yet complexity of concept means only some features will be evident. Use those features to explain how DC resonates at your chosen tdr.