What is the Geography of Tourism?
Tourism has now become an industry and today it is the world’s largest industry in terms of employment generation and total value in the contemporary globalised world. It influences the economy, society, and culture of people involved in it. It has environmental impacts as well.
Geography of tourism refers to the study of the relationship between physical and human geography and the travel and tourism industry. It encompasses a range of topics which are geographical in nature:
i. location and distribution of tourist destinations,
ii. transportation networks,
iii. the impact of tourism on local communities and the sociology of tourism
iv. the impacts on the environment etc.
Tourism plays an important role in understanding the complex relationships between travel and tourism, the environment, and local communities, and in developing sustainable tourism practices that benefit both tourists and host communities.
Although geographers have taken long-standing interest in tourism, but the Geography of Tourism has blossomed during 1990s, and the foundational studies in the Geography focused on four phenomena and connections between them:
1. The places, that groups of people leave, visit and pass-through;
2. The people, so travelling;
3. The organisers, who make these trips possible; and
4. The people who are encountered along the way.
- The inclusion of tourism in geography is due to its spatial affinity and economic and cultural role.
- Tourism greatly influences the regional characteristics of a region and the activities of local people.
The geography of tourism considers the physical and cultural features of a destination, such as climate, topography, natural resources, and cultural heritage, and how these elements contribute to the appeal of the destination to tourists. It also examines the ways in which tourism can impact the places by putting its impacts on people's economy, society and culture, environment- through increased pollution and overuse of natural resources, and also the role that tourism can play in conserving and preserving the natural and cultural resources.
Geographical Factors that influence Tourism:
1. Tourism resources are geographical: Geographical characteristics, like places of attractions, places of accommodations, places of transport network and services etc., in the destination influences the overall tourism activities. Geographical factors play a significant role in determining the attractiveness of tourist destinations. Natural features such as landscapes, climate, coastlines, and wildlife, as well as cultural and historical assets, contribute to the appeal of a destination. The unique geographical attributes of a place influence the motivations of tourists and the types of activities and experiences sought by visitors.
2. Climate and seasonality: Climate as important factor controls the physical geography of any region which determines the seasonality of tourist destinations. Different climates attract tourists seeking specific weather conditions for their activities. Seasonality affects tourism flows, accommodation availability, pricing, and the overall visitor experience. Geographical factors such as latitude, altitude, and proximity to oceans or mountains determine the climatic characteristics and seasonal variations of a destination.
3. Cultural heritage and authenticity of Place: Different regions and destinations have unique cultural traditions, historical sites, and local communities. Geography shapes the heritage and culture and presentation of these cultural heritage, influence the authenticity and distinctiveness of tourism offerings. Visitors are attracted to destinations that provide opportunities for cultural immersion and genuine experiences.
4. Accessibility and transportation: Geography of place determines the accessibility of tourist destinations. The presence of airports, seaports, road networks, and transportation infrastructure affects the ease of travel and the flow of tourists. Geographical factors like distance, topography, and connectivity impact transportation options and travel times, influencing tourist behaviour and destination choices. The accessibility of destinations, transportation networks, proximity to major markets, and the presence of natural and cultural attractions contribute to the spatial concentration or dispersion of tourism.
4. Tourism occurs in places. Geography influences the spatial distribution of tourism activities. Different regions, countries, and localities have distinct tourism patterns due to variations in geographical factors. Tourism involves movement and activities of people between places and it is an activity in which both the characteristics of places and personal self-identities are framed through the relationships that are created among places, landscapes and people.
5. Planning and management: Geographical knowledge informs destination planning, infrastructure development, and environmental management strategies. Understanding the geographical context helps in identifying sustainable tourism practices, preserving cultural and natural heritage, and ensuring a balanced and responsible approach to tourism development.
6. Map and Geographical information systems (GIS): Geographic information systems play a significant role in tourism geography. GIS technology allows for the collection, analysis, and visualisation of spatial data related to tourism activities. It helps in mapping tourist flows, identifying spatial patterns and trends, analysing the spatial relationships between tourism and other variables, and supporting decision-making processes in tourism planning and management.
The role Tourism shaping Geography of Places:
1. Destination analysis: Destination analysis explores the spatial patterns and distribution of tourism activities, the spatial organisation of tourist infrastructure, and the factors that contribute to the attractiveness and competitiveness of a destination.
2. Spatial interactions, linkages and patterns: Tourism geography explores the spatial interactions and linkages between tourism and other sectors or activities. It analyses the connections between tourism suppliers (hotels, restaurants, tour operators) and supporting industries (transportation, retail, entertainment) and investigates how these relationships influence the spatial organisation of tourism regions.
It also examines the relationships between tourism and other economic, social, and cultural activities in a destination, such as agriculture, manufacturing, and local communities.
3. Spatial interactions and networks: Tourism activities in geography involve spatial interactions and transport networks. Tourists move within and between destinations, engaging with local communities, attractions, and services. The connections and relationships between different locations, regions, and sectors influence the flow of tourists, the exchange of goods and services, and the overall tourism experience which create the spatial organisation of tourism activities and thus the geography of that place.
4. Regional development: The nature of tourism in geography is closely linked to regional development. Tourism can stimulate economic growth, job creation, and infrastructure development in regions with favourable geographical conditions and tourism resources. The spatial distribution of tourism activities can contribute to reducing regional disparities and shape the social and economic dynamics of specific areas.
5. Environmental considerations: The natural environment is a fundamental component of tourism in geography. The impact of tourism activities on the environment is a critical consideration. Geographical factors such as ecosystems, biodiversity, land use, and natural resources play a crucial role in sustainable tourism practices. Conservation efforts, environmental management, and responsible tourism policies are necessary to protect fragile ecosystems and minimise negative impacts on the environment.
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