1. Factors Affecting Tourism

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

3. 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

4. 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!)

5. 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

6. Airbus a380

7. Airbus a380 beside regular plane

8. Vancouver, B.C.- SkyTrain

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

10. Syria

11. Egypt

12. Afghanistan/Iraq/Iran/Pakistan

14. 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)

15. 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

16. 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

18. 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

19. 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?