 Locations can come in all sizes and shapes  From mountaintop resort to cruiseship sailing  People often want to escape from daily routine  People are attracted to pleasing natural beauty  Area that have developped entertainment  Area with mild climate  → Important destination component: Ease of access Destinations

 The Romans were the first to enjoy the pleasures of resorts  They were build around public baths  Located at hot natural mineral springs  → Main reason for travel Roman Empire

 There are different way to classify destinations  By Season: Summer resort – Winter resorts – Winter vacation resorts – Four season resorts  By Type of trip: Cruise – Beach – Casino - Ski  → By considering seasonality and level of commercial developent Classifying Destinations

Tourist Destination Level of Commercial Development Degree of Seasonality Far from the crowd Links to the past Seasonal delights Sport activities City sights Year-round playgrounds  There are six groupings that emerge when the primary influences of seasonality and level of commercial and investment are taken into consideration

Far From the Crowd Level of Commercial Development Degree of Seasonality Far from the crowd  → Hunting and fishing lodges – Guest ranches  Managers must in a short period of time hire and train the staff – Bring all system into operation  Difficulty to find on short notice an electrician.

Links to the Past  → Heritage sites – Religious sites  Might be affected by religious holidays (Jerusalem, Mecca, Varanasi) → Pilgrimages  Heritage sites are the hottest trend. Tourists want to learn about their roots. Level of Commercial Development Degree of Seasonality Links to the past

Seasonal Delights  → Mountain, seaside or summer resorts  A resort is traditionally a summer operation offering besides a comfortable room and goood food, seaside or mountain location scenic, historical, recreational or therapeutic advantages. Level of Commercial Development Degree of Seasonality Seasonal delights

Sporting Activities: Snow Holiday  Problem of unpredictable weather pattern  Investments in snow-making and grooming equipment to start and maintain a ski resort  Potential number of skiers decreasing  Very risky investment Level of Commercial Development Degree of Seasonality Sport activities

Sporting Activities: Golf Resorts  In USA, 40 million golfers, in USA and Europe, golf grow fastly → Need of new golf courses  Golf is both recreational, a social event, and an opportunity to enjoy the natural surroundings  Golf courses are an important resort revenue center. Level of Commercial Development Degree of Seasonality Sport activities

Year-Round Playgrounds: Spa  Technically “spa” means mineral spring  Place where people go rejuvenate bodies & minds  Where people will find healthy food, exercice classes, baths, massages, herbal treatments and educational training programs. Level of Commercial Development Degree of Seasonality Year-round playgrounds

Year-Round Playgrounds: Cruise Ships  Cruising is booming because cruising is fun  Duration between 3 to 18 days  Popular destinations: 1. The Caribbean 2. The Mediterranean 3. Alaska 4. Coast of Mexico Level of Commercial Development Degree of Seasonality Year-round playgrounds

Year-Round Playgrounds: Cruise Ships  Cruise ships carry a large staff in charge og hotel operation, including  Hotel manager, housekeeping staff, chef and kitchen staff, maitre D and dining room staff, F&B manager  Occupency rate: 95% (70% for hotels)  Satisfaction rate: 85% and over are “extremely” or “very” satisfied (the highest in the travel business)  1. Everyone receive the same service quality 2. experience new activities 3. feeling of security.

Year-Round Playgrounds: Casino Resorts  Casino resorts are a groing segment of tourism  Travelers look for other entertainment experiences  Casino resorts in Nevada such as Las Vegas provide a large diversity of entertainment in order to attract the family market. Level of Commercial Development Degree of Seasonality Year-round playgrounds

Year-Round Playgrounds: Integrated Resorts  Also called “four-season resorts”  A sort of giant country club with rooms  Destination designed to be self-contained vacation retreats. Level of Commercial Development Degree of Seasonality Year-round playgrounds

City Sights Level of Commercial Development Degree of Seasonality City sights  City that has developped a tourist destination. Tourists are attracted to those locations because:  1. Great food 2. Accommodations 3. Interesting things 4. Beautiful architecture 5. Sense of history 6. Friendly people 7. Unique caracter.