Travel and Tourism into the future

Continued Growth

Over the last 20 years there has been a significant growth in:

UK residents visiting overseas
Overseas residents visiting the UK

UK residents visiting overseas

In 1982 there were 20.6 million visits overseas by the UK residents. By the year 2002, the number had tripled to 54.9 million. Even in 2001 when global terrorism had a big impact in world travel, UK residents visits abroad continued to increase at 2.5%. During this 20 year period, the number of nights spent abroad by UK residents, rose from 262 million to 595 million nights. The projection into the next decade, suggests a continued increase in the region of 2-3%. When people travel abroad, people spend money, the increase in travel over the last 20 years has averaged 5.3% each year, over the same time, spending has increased by 10.6%.

2. Overseas visitors to the UK

In 1982, 11.6 million people visited the UK, and by 1988 reached a peak of 25.7 million, however visits to the UK fell in the following years, into 2001, between February and September, foot and mouth disease caused a fall of 9.4% and visitor numbers continued to fall due to terrorist attacks in the USA. By 2002, visitor numbers were still lower than before 9.11. The number of nights, stayed by overseas residents followed the visitor trends, 136 million nights in 1982 rising to 231 million nights in 1998, falling to 190 million in 2001.

Over the last 3 years, the trend has shown an increase of over 5%. The prediction into the future suggests continued to increase at rates around 4%. Spending by overseas visitors has grown at 5% each year, whilst visitors for holidays have increased by 2%.

Product Development

The website, (the Association of British Travel Agency) says that the Hotspot destinations for 2004 are:

New Zealand

New Zealand has fantastic scenery and has become more popular due to the Lord of the Rings being filmed there. Also it has a reputation for having the best wine in the world. New Zealand also attracts thrill-seekers who want to experience activities such as white-water rafting, jet boating and bungee jumping.

Croatia

Although there were tragic wars in Croatia, more and more British people have rediscovered the country. The country has experienced major visitor growth, as in 2003; there was a 16% from 2002. There are many attractions such as the crystal sea for sailing and because it’s such good value for money the country has had a large steep growth in the numbers of visitors.

Bulgaria

UK bookings in 2003 were 110,000, which makes the UK Bulgaria’s third largest market behind Germany and Greece. Bulgaria offers great value for money, great coastlines, good ...

This is a preview of the whole essay

Croatia

Bulgaria

UK bookings in 2003 were 110,000, which makes the UK Bulgaria’s third largest market behind Germany and Greece. Bulgaria offers great value for money, great coastlines, good skiing and lively cities, but there have been many improvements on the infrastructure meaning it is a competing country with other Mediterranean countries.

Tasmania

Visitor numbers have increased by 30% in 2003; this has doubled over the last 5 years. Tasmania has lot to offer; including trekking through the World Heritage Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair area or night time walks through the ruins of Port Arthur, beautiful beaches, including Wineglass Bay. For animal lovers it also has the Tasmanian devil, an infamous dog-lime creature known from the children’s programme.

Britain’s Favourite Destinations – Top 5.

1. Spain

Spain is the number 1 destination for British holiday makers, with ½ million who have brought properties in Spain, which means there are a steady number of visitors. The most popular areas of Spain visited are Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca. Although, Mallorca and Menorca are known for ideal family destinations. However San Antonio and Ibiza have become the main destinations for younger people. The Canary Islands of Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Fuertaventura are popular during the summer due to the dry and warm climate. However they are also busy through the winter months due to senior citizens wanting to avoid the cold weather in the UK.

The Costa’s, still have attractions for many beach lovers, after 30 years ago. However places such as Costa de la Luz have become noticed to the British holiday makers.

2. France

France is still the number one place for British day-trippers. It has become more popular due to ferry companies, the Channel Tunnel and Eurostar making sure customers are well looked after with a good service. Research done shows that 1.9 million British visitors to France had the purpose to shop, most of them being day trips.

France is popular as a ski destination, as it has the highest resorts and areas in Europe. The capital, Paris, offers a range of attractions which include Museums, exhibitions and a favourite for children, Disney Land.

The number of airline routes into France had increased dramatically in 2002. But even though many British people have bought second homes in France, non-profitable routes are threatened to be closed.

Greece

The top 3 destinations in Greece are Corfu, Crete and Rhodes which are well- established and loved by British holiday makers. The Cyclades, including the popular islands of Mykonos and Ios, and the Dodecanese, including Rhodes are very popular who wish to travel from island to island.

However, Faliraki in Rhodes got a bad name in 2003 due to a tragic stabbing, unruly behaviour which ended with holiday reps and holiday makers getting arrested. For 2004, UK tour operators and Greek authorities hope that it will still be a lively place but will be safe and properly policed. Other Greek resorts attracting a young holiday makers in 2004 are set to be Malia in Crete, Kavos in Corfu and Kardamena in Kos.

The USA still remains the number 1 long haul destination, but numbers did decrease due to the 9/11 incident but now are rising again. Reasons for such vast numbers visiting the USA include the airfares being such good value.

Many visitors also don’t just visit once as there is so much to take in. Florida attracts British visitors for its sandy beaches, warm waters and major rides for thrill seekers. However for subsequent visits, New York, California and New England are favourite hot spots. New not so popular destinations which are set to increase in popularity are the Southern States which offers excellent cuisine and music.

Italy

Rome, Venice, Verona and Florence attract lovers of art, music and architecture as they are the cultural centres of Italy. Other attractions of Italy are its excellent cuisine, beautiful countryside, mountains and lakes.

Holiday makers choose to holiday off the coast on the wonderful islands, Sardinia and Sicily.

The main reason why Italy is so popular is because it is so accessible through the large and reasonably cheap transport system. Also there has been an increase in “no frills” airlines which have joined the scheduled and charter airlines which serve Italy, meaning competition has increased making a wider range of offers and value for customers.

Conclusion

Britain’s top five destinations show a pattern in what we look for. This includes hot climates, great scenery, and a range of activities. Looking into the future, a feel holiday destinations that are popular will remain popular but competition will decrease values. However as these countries become popular problems such as environmental factors and congestion problems could ruin the country for both tourists and the residents. These points are now being considered how we must protect and be cautious when we go on holiday to preserve areas of beauty that we love to visit.

Environmental Impact of Tourism/Travel

Pollution by: Aircraft

Motor vehicles

Atmospheric pollution by gases such as carbon dioxide, sulphuric dioxide and hydrocarbons.

Pollution by: waste/litter

Pollution of water bodies and land.

Pollution by: noise and congestion

Crowded “honey pots”

The issue that growth in travel and tourism will cause the destruction of the environment. E.g.

Erosion of foot paths
Destruction of wildlife habitats

Solution: the future of travel and tourism should be sustainable.

Eco tourism
Eco tax on visitors to Mallorca

Galapogas

Machu Pichu

Controlling the numbers of visitors as they pay to go.

Product Development

New frontiers – Antarctica

China

Luxury holidays – 5 star hotels, cruises, resorts for the high spending tourists.
City breaks and short breaks
Specialist holidays – bird watching, whale watching, wine and food tours.

No frills Airlines

Ryanair
Easyjet
BMI
Berlin Air

These airlines offer cheap alternative to national carriers such as British Airways, Air France and Lufthansa.

Scheduled services – short hall to European destinations from local airports such as Liverpool John Lennon, Nottingham, East Midlands – the largest hub = Stansted.

Growth in the size of Airports