Macro Perspective of Tourism and Hospitality

WHAT IS TOURISM?

Tourism can be defined as the processes, activities, and outcomes

arising from the relationships and interactions among tourists,
tourism suppliers, host governments, host communities, and
surrounding environments that are involved in attracting and hosting
of visitors.

Tourism is a composite of activities, services, and industries that deliver a travel experience:
transportation, accommodations, eating and drinking establishments, shops, entertainment,
activity facilities, and other hospitality services available for individuals or groups that are
traveling away from home.

It encompasses all providers of visitor and visitor-related services.

UNWTO

• Tourism comprises the activities of persons traveling to and staying in places outside their
usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business, and other
purposes.

HOSPITALITY

• The word “hospitality” is derived from the Latin word hospitare, which means “to receive as a
guest”.

• All types of travelers engaged in tourism are described as visitors.

Two Categories of Visitors

• Same-day Visitors: Visitors who do not spend the night in a collective or private
accommodation in the country or destination visited. They are also called day-trippers and
excursionists.

• Tourists: Visitors who stay in the country or destination visited for at least one night.

Elements of Travel

• Distance

• Length of stay at the destination

• Residence of the traveler

• Purpose of travel

Purposes of Travel

• Visiting friends and relatives

• Conventions, seminars, and meetings

• Business

• Outdoor recreation – hunting, fishing, camping

• Entertainment

• Personal – family, medical, wedding

Characteristics of Tourism and Hospitality

• In tourism and hospitality, the product is not brought to the consumer ; rather, the consumer
has to travel and go to the product to purchase it.

• The products of tourism and hospitality are not used up; thus, they do not exhaust the
country’s natural resources.

• Tourism and hospitality is a labor-intensive industry.

• Tourism and hospitality is people-oriented.

• Tourism and hospitality is a multidimensional phenomenon.

• The tourism and hospitality industry is seasonal.

• The industry is dynamic.

Importance of Tourism and Hospitality

• Contribution to the balance of payments.

• Dispersion of development.

• Effect on general economic development.

• Employment opportunities.

• Social benefits.

• Cultural enrichment.

• Educational significance.

• A vital force for peace.