Chapter Nine: Destinations Cook: Tourism: The Business of Travel, 3rd edition (c) 2006 Pearson Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458. All Rights Reserved

Learning Objectives Explain how destinations combine many of the suppliers in the tourism industry Describe the similarities and differences among the destination resorts, resort areas/communities, and urban tourist destinations Identify the major classifications of destination resorts Identify the types of services and facilities that may be included in resort operations Identify the recreational amenities that guest may encounter at resort locations Explain why cruise ships are considered floating destination resorts Cook: Tourism: The Business of Travel, 3rd edition (c) 2006 Pearson Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458. All Rights Reserved

Introduction Destinations bring together the services of a variety of tourism suppliers in one place Primary goal of serving vacationers Include locales featuring beauty, special weather conditions, and/or entertainment opportunities Usually are accessible and close to heavily populated areas Cook: Tourism: The Business of Travel, 3rd edition (c) 2006 Pearson Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458. All Rights Reserved

From Resorts to Urban Destinations Early U.S., Europe and Roman resorts were health spas Appeal of resorts has been transferred from rest to recreation A resort is a “specific place to enjoy in its own right in addition to serving as a gateway to other resources.” Cook: Tourism: The Business of Travel, 3rd edition (c) 2006 Pearson Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458. All Rights Reserved

Classifying Destinations Seasonality classification Summer resorts, winter resorts, winter vacation resorts, and four-season resorts Trip type classification Cruise, beach, casino, ski, summer country resorts Umbrella classification Integrated resorts, town resorts, retreat resorts Strategic grouping Used to categorize destinations into groups that are similar Cook: Tourism: The Business of Travel, 3rd edition (c) 2006 Pearson Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458. All Rights Reserved

Far from the Maddening Crowds Significantly affected by changes in weather yet have little commercial development Hunting and fishing resorts Retreats and guest ranches Challenges faced by these seasonal, low commercialization resorts Hire and train staff in a very short period of time “Open” the resort each season Often difficult to obtain necessary supplies and services due to location Cook: Tourism: The Business of Travel, 3rd edition (c) 2006 Pearson Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458. All Rights Reserved

Links to the past Primarily consist of religious and heritage sites May or may not be affected by season Less modern commercial development Some experts believe heritage tourism is the “hottest trend” in the industry Cook: Tourism: The Business of Travel, 3rd edition (c) 2006 Pearson Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458. All Rights Reserved

Seasonal Delights Some effect due to weather but greater commercialization lessens seasonal effect Traditional resorts attempting to gain visitors during longer period of time than the traditional season Provide and escape from the heat or cold Expansion of the attractions/recreation possibilities in resort areas Cook: Tourism: The Business of Travel, 3rd edition (c) 2006 Pearson Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458. All Rights Reserved

Spotlight on Sporting Activities Affected by seasonal weather and are high in commercial development Snow Holiday Resorts Unpredictable weather patterns for snow Reduce risk by investing in snow making equipment Opposition from environmental groups Offer summer recreational opportunities Golf Resorts Recreational activity and social event Influence on meeting planners’ site selection decision Course design is a key factor to success Greens fees and other golf support services are important source of revenue Cook: Tourism: The Business of Travel, 3rd edition (c) 2006 Pearson Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458. All Rights Reserved

Year-Round Playgrounds Only slightly affected by seasonal changes and highly developed Offer a complex blend of facilities and services Spas Resort specializing in the rejuvenation of mind and body Often a piece of larger resorts Key feature is complete guest pampering Cruise ships Fastest growing segment of the travel industry Floating destination resorts in consumers’ minds Cook: Tourism: The Business of Travel, 3rd edition (c) 2006 Pearson Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458. All Rights Reserved

Year-Round Playgrounds, continued Casino resorts Have added non-gaming activities to transform casino into resort Spread of gaming resorts throughout US and Canada Mega-resort theme park/casinos appeal to families and just about everyone Integrated resorts Located so that they can be appealing all year round Similar to cruises in the variety of activities Cook: Tourism: The Business of Travel, 3rd edition (c) 2006 Pearson Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458. All Rights Reserved

Bright Lights and City Sights Urban areas that have developed into tourist destinations Urban destination has an image that sets it apart from other urban areas Cook: Tourism: The Business of Travel, 3rd edition (c) 2006 Pearson Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458. All Rights Reserved

Building on Success Greater affluence worldwide will increase travel to resorts More targeted marketing will also increase demand Gaining year-round business by targeting groups and conventions Cook: Tourism: The Business of Travel, 3rd edition (c) 2006 Pearson Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ, 07458. All Rights Reserved