Travel and Tourism (0471) | Features of destinations and their appeal to different types of tourists

Welcome to Global Tourism: Destination Appeal

Hi everyone! This chapter is all about understanding the magic behind tourism – specifically, what makes a destination attractive, and why different people choose different places. Think of it like this: why do some friends want a relaxing beach holiday, while others prefer trekking up a mountain?

In the context of Global Tourism, learning these features helps us understand demand and how destinations manage their appeal. Don't worry if this seems like a long list; we will break down each feature and see exactly which types of tourists they attract!

Section 2.2: Features of Destinations and Their Appeal

The Core Ingredients of a Destination's Appeal

A destination is successful when its features meet the specific needs of a tourist. These features can be categorised based on environment, logistics, and experience.

1. Natural and Geographical Features

These features are often what make a destination unique and cannot easily be changed.

• Location:
  This refers to where the destination is geographically. Is it landlocked (like Switzerland) or coastal (like Thailand)? Location heavily influences the activities available.
  Example: Remote island locations appeal strongly to couples seeking seclusion or high-end luxury leisure tourists.
• Weather and seasonal characteristics:
  The climate is a primary factor. Do tourists want snow, sun, or mild temperatures? This determines when they travel (seasonality).
  Example: Hot, sunny weather is essential for beach/coastal tourists, while heavy snow is necessary for ski resort tourists (a type of special interest tourist).
• Topographical features:
  This describes the physical shape of the land – mountains, flat plains, valleys, or lakes.
  Example: Mountainous topography appeals to adventure tourists (a special interest type) for hiking, climbing, or skiing. Flat land is good for cycling groups.

2. Practical and Logistical Features (Infrastructure and Access)

These features relate to how easy and comfortable it is for tourists to reach and move around the destination.

• Accessibility:
  How easy is it to get to the destination from the tourist’s home country, and how easy is it to move around once there? This includes provision for tourists with specific needs (e.g., wheelchair ramps, clear signage).
• Travel and transport gateways and hubs:
  These are the main entry points.
  Examples: Major international airports (hubs), busy seaports, or major rail stations. Good gateways are vital for business tourists and groups who need efficient travel.
• Infrastructure:
  This covers all the essential services and facilities needed to support tourism and daily life.
  
  • Roads (highways, quality of surfaces)
  • Public transport (buses, trains, underground/MRT)
  • Airports and ports
  • Utilities (reliable electricity, water, internet)

  Analogy: Infrastructure is like the backbone of the destination. Without good roads and reliable power, even the best attractions struggle.

3. Experience and Cultural Features

These are the unique experiences, activities, and environments tourists come to enjoy.

• Built and natural attractions:
  Natural attractions are created by nature (reefs, national parks). Built attractions are man-made (museums, theme parks, historical sites).
  Example: The Great Barrier Reef (Natural) attracts ecotourists; Disneyland (Built) attracts families.
• Culture (traditions and language, arts, music):
  This is the unique way of life of the local people. Tourists travel specifically for cultural immersion (e.g., attending traditional festivals).
  Appeal: Tourists interested in VFR (Visiting Friends and Relatives) or cultural special interest holidays.
• Expected behaviours (respecting customs and rules/regulations):
  Tourists need to know how to behave to avoid offence. Destinations that clearly communicate rules (e.g., dress codes for religious sites) feel safer and more welcoming, especially to responsible tourists.

4. Management and Sustainability Features

• Tourism organisations and providers:
  The presence of reliable organisations (like NTOs - National Tourism Organisations, or reputable tour operators) ensures quality, safety, and a good experience.
  Example: A well-organised Tourist Information Centre (TIC) is essential for independent travellers and individuals who plan their trips on the go.
• Sustainable provisions:
  Features that ensure the destination is protected for the future (e.g., eco-friendly hotels, recycling facilities, protected nature reserves).
  Appeal: Crucial for ecotourists and responsible tourists. They actively seek destinations with strong sustainable provisions.

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Matching Features to Tourist Types (The Appeal)

The key skill in this section is application: understanding *why* certain features attract specific tourist segments.

Appeal for Leisure Tourists and Families

Leisure Tourists (those seeking relaxation and fun) and Families typically prioritise safety, comfort, and entertainment.

• Key Features They Look For:
  
  • Built Attractions: Theme parks, large museums, zoos, and water parks (for children).
  • Infrastructure: Good road networks and accessible public transport (prams/strollers).
  • Accommodation: Resorts (especially purpose-built or integrated resorts) that offer all services on-site.
  • Weather: Predictable, warm weather (for beach activities).
• Did you know? Families often choose destinations with clear expected behaviours and high safety standards, making them more likely to pick well-established, integrated resorts.

Appeal for Business Tourists (MICE)

Business Tourists (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions) travel for work and demand efficiency and professionalism.

• Key Features They Look For:
  
  • Accessibility & Gateways: Direct, frequent flights into major airport hubs (time is money!).
  • Infrastructure: High-speed internet, efficient public transport (MRT/underground), and luxury accommodation near conference centres.
  • Location: Often large urban destinations (cities) where business centres are located.
  • Providers: High-quality local providers and event managers (DMCs).

Appeal for Ecotourists and Responsible Tourists

These tourists are motivated by environmental and cultural sensitivity.

• Key Features They Look For:
  
  • Natural Attractions & Biodiversity: Pristine, protected environments (national parks, rainforests).
  • Sustainable Provisions: Eco-lodges, commitment to reduce, reuse, recycle, and use of alternative energy sources.
  • Culture & Expected Behaviours: Opportunities for genuine, non-damaging cultural interaction, respecting local traditions and language.
  • Tourism Organisations: Strong local NGOs and providers that directly benefit local communities (social enterprise).

Appeal for Special Interest Tourists

Special Interest Tourists travel for a specific reason (e.g., medical, religious, adventure, cultural).

• Key Features They Look For:
  
  • Topography & Weather: If they are hikers or skiers, they need mountains and snow (topographical features). If they are sun-seeking medical tourists, they need reliable, warm weather.
  • Culture: Specific cultural sites, language, or music venues (for cultural tourists).
  • Location: Specific religious or historical sites (for pilgrims).

Common Mistake to Avoid!

When answering exam questions, do not just list the features. You must explain the link. For example, do not just say "Good infrastructure." Instead, say: "Good infrastructure (like reliable roads and public transport) appeals to Families because it makes moving children and luggage easier and safer."