Factors Affecting Tourism

Introduction In addition to travel motivators and barriers, there are several other factors that have a direct impact on the tourism industry

Economic Factors Just as the cost of travel can act as a barrier, economic prosperity can encourage people to take trips, both for business and for pleasure. When the economy is good, people have more discretionary income- the money we have left over after paying taxes and living expenses Growing economy + discretionary income=growth in the tourism industry

Technological Factors The more tourism facilities a country has, the greater opportunity for success is has as a tourist destination Large cities throughout the world have first-class airports and high speed rail lines New planes now carry more people than ever (The new Airbus A380 can carry up to 853 passengers!)

Technological Factors- Continued This is part of the tourism infrastructure (structures, networks, and pathways for communications, transportation, power, and economic development) developments in the internet have made people more aware of travel options and made it easier to book travel

Airbus a380

Airbus a380 beside regular plane

Vancouver, B.C.- SkyTrain

Political Factors Tourists end to avoid areas of political unrest Political stability can strongly influence the number of travellers that travel there Examples:

Syria

Egypt

Afghanistan/Iraq/Iran/Pakistan

Demographic Factors Demography- characteristics and background of a country’s population Demography can have an influence on travel patterns In Canada, the population is aging. The people most likely to be travelling are the ‘baby boomers’ (born between 1946 and 1961)

Other demographic factors that can play into travel Increase in the number of working women and two-income households Trend- getting married and having families later in life More flexible working time Increase in paid vacation time Earlier retirement Education with travel opportunities

Cultural Factors The ancient culture of a country can be a drawing factor for tourists Some people find ancient civilizations fascinating Millions have travelled to Greece, Italy, Spain, Egypt and Mexico to learn more about their ancient histories. Chinese and Russian cultures have also recently experienced this increase due to people being interested in their cultures

Some Current trends in tourism Baby boomers will be the largest group of future travellers The internet will emerge as the major took for booking trips Increase in home computers means that many people will deal directly with travel providers, bypassing travel agents Out-of-Country travel will grow, especially to Asia Demand for all-inclusive vacations will grow Adventure tourism and sustainable tourism will grow in popularity Florida, Mexico and the Caribbean will remain leading “fun in the sun” destinations

Things to Ponder. . . How might the changing demographics of tourism change the type of tourism? (length of stay, distance travelled, type of vacation) What effect would a worldwide recession have on tourism?