The Tourism Host Chapter Three Snapshots

The Host’s Attitude There are two ways that a host can react to tourists and tourism: 1.Positive and open 2.Negative and closed

Why would someone be negative and closed to tourism? This can happen because of TOURISM ILLITERACY- this is an educational deficiency about tourism.

People can be illiterate in tourism in the sense that they  do not plan for tourism  do not see tourism as a benefit to the community  do not understand how to use the tourist dollar for community improvements  feel that tourists should not intrude on their way of life These issues are hard to overcome as they probably stem from a bad experience.

What may prevent acceptance of tourists? 1.Crime and unwanted behaviour that comes with tourism. 2.Air, water, land, and noise pollution. 3.Over crowded roads, parks, shopping, restaurants, etc. 4.Resentment of tourists who do not follow local rules, or cultural/social norms 5.Inflation during high season 6.Unemployment after tourism season ends 7.Increase in cost of services such as police 8.Leakage

What would the host think of Mr. Bean?

Benefits of Tourism for the Host 1.Diversified full-time and part-time jobs 2.Better choices in entertainment, shopping, and food service 3.Better roads, airports, and public transportation 4.Area beautification is kept up for tourism 5.Tourist dollars helps to bring down our taxes 6.Recreational and educational facilities built 7.Modernization 8.A favorable world image

What do people “get from” their vacations? What do they get for their money? A: m_ _ _ _ _ _ s Whether good or bad, this is what tourists take back from their vacation. Handout: “Open Water: The True Story”

The Professional Tourism Host To address issues with tourism illiteracy the government identified 10 critical human resource (the people who work in hospitality and tourism) issues: 1.Tourism viewed as not a true profession by society 2.Shortage of trained workers 3.Poor training practices 4.Poor attitudes and self image 5.High turnover 6.Poorly trained managers 7.Lack of recognition for education and training 8.Shrinking labour pool or workers under 35 9.Language barriers 10.Declining profits/increasing competition

Part of a host’s responsibility is to promote and market their product! Let’s have a look at a few different hospitality and tourism hosts and the job they do. As you watch write down how each promotes and markets their product.