Monday, July 13, 2009
Rural Tourism
Introduction
Rural America is a popular tourist destination. According to a recent study, nearly two-thirds of all adults in the Nation, or 87 million individuals, have taken a trip to a rural destination within the past three years (Travel Industry Association of America, 2001a). Almost nine out of ten of these trips were for leisure purposes. Overall, the travel industry is big business in America.
Travel expenditures within the U.S. totaled nearly $564 billion in 2000, making the travel and tourism industry the third largest in the Nation (after health services and business services), and accounting for total direct employment of over 7.8 million (Travel Industry Association of America, 2001b).
Tourism has many potential benefits for rural areas (Frederick, 1992). Tourism can be an important source of jobs for nonmetro communities, especially for those that are economically underdeveloped. Because jobs in the tourist industry often do not require advanced training, local residents with few skills can readily work as food servers, retail clerks, and hospitality workers. Tourism also not only offers business opportunities to local residents, but it can serve as a vehicle for marketing a place to potential residents and firms, as today’s tourist may return
later to retire or start a business locally.
Rural America is a popular tourist destination. According to a recent study, nearly two-thirds of all adults in the Nation, or 87 million individuals, have taken a trip to a rural destination within the past three years (Travel Industry Association of America, 2001a). Almost nine out of ten of these trips were for leisure purposes. Overall, the travel industry is big business in America.
Travel expenditures within the U.S. totaled nearly $564 billion in 2000, making the travel and tourism industry the third largest in the Nation (after health services and business services), and accounting for total direct employment of over 7.8 million (Travel Industry Association of America, 2001b).
Tourism has many potential benefits for rural areas (Frederick, 1992). Tourism can be an important source of jobs for nonmetro communities, especially for those that are economically underdeveloped. Because jobs in the tourist industry often do not require advanced training, local residents with few skills can readily work as food servers, retail clerks, and hospitality workers. Tourism also not only offers business opportunities to local residents, but it can serve as a vehicle for marketing a place to potential residents and firms, as today’s tourist may return
later to retire or start a business locally.
Benefits deriving from tourism development must be balanced against potential negative effects. Jobs in the travel and tourism industry are frequently low-paying and seasonal and often offer limited benefits. In some cases, particularly where tourism strategies are ineffectual, local residents may have to pay for tourism marketing and infrastructure through higher taxes. Tourism can also increase demand for land in rural areas, which may inflate real estate prices, potentially putting the cost of housing beyond the reach of the average local resident. This is the
case for some amenity-rich tourism destinations (particularly in the West) experiencing growth in recent years stemming from recreation-based activities (Brown and Fazzone, 1998). Tourism may directly lead to unsightly sprawl in rural areas by creating a demand for development.
Other negative side effects include potentially higher rates of crime and greater demand for local services, such as police and fire protection and sanitation services, which can be expensive to provide. Also, tourism can risk changing the rural “sense of place” for some communities.
Increased crowding and traffic congestion may also result with an influx of tourists into an area. Greater demand for local arts and crafts can also potentially lead to a lowering of the quality of these products. Finally, tourism risks degrading natural resources in rural areas unless 3 environmental sustainability efforts are undertaken. Many of these risks, however, can be mitigated if proper planning is employed at the outset of tourism development.
case for some amenity-rich tourism destinations (particularly in the West) experiencing growth in recent years stemming from recreation-based activities (Brown and Fazzone, 1998). Tourism may directly lead to unsightly sprawl in rural areas by creating a demand for development.
Other negative side effects include potentially higher rates of crime and greater demand for local services, such as police and fire protection and sanitation services, which can be expensive to provide. Also, tourism can risk changing the rural “sense of place” for some communities.
Increased crowding and traffic congestion may also result with an influx of tourists into an area. Greater demand for local arts and crafts can also potentially lead to a lowering of the quality of these products. Finally, tourism risks degrading natural resources in rural areas unless 3 environmental sustainability efforts are undertaken. Many of these risks, however, can be mitigated if proper planning is employed at the outset of tourism development.
Comprehensive planning and development represents one of the key components of most
successful rural tourism strategies. Long and Nuckolls (1994) underscore the need for effective planning, and stress that technical assistance can prove crucial to tourism development success for many small communities with limited resources. Weaver (1991) argues that many nonmetro communities would also benefit from an expanded Federal role in rural tourism, as well as greater State involvement. Marcouiller (1997) stresses that tourism planning need not occur in a vacuum, but may be of more use to a rural community when the planning is tied to broader
regional development efforts.
successful rural tourism strategies. Long and Nuckolls (1994) underscore the need for effective planning, and stress that technical assistance can prove crucial to tourism development success for many small communities with limited resources. Weaver (1991) argues that many nonmetro communities would also benefit from an expanded Federal role in rural tourism, as well as greater State involvement. Marcouiller (1997) stresses that tourism planning need not occur in a vacuum, but may be of more use to a rural community when the planning is tied to broader
regional development efforts.
Marketing of tourism poses special challenges for many rural areas. Frequently, rural
communities lack the name recognition associated with more populated areas. Different
strategies can be pursued to achieve greater name recognition among potential visitors.
Commonly, this involves targeting potential visitors to an area. For example, Henning (1996) demonstrates that survey methods in a rural Louisiana community have been effective in targeting the area to seniors, who are among the most frequent visitors. Often regional marketing makes the most sense given the limited resources available to many rural areas (Shields and Schibik, 1995). However, Sadowske and Alexander (1992) caution that prior to implementing an expensive marketing strategy, communities should be aware of other costs associated with tourism development. They also argue that the key to success in tourism often lies in communities striking a balance between the private and social costs and benefits of rural tourism development.
communities lack the name recognition associated with more populated areas. Different
strategies can be pursued to achieve greater name recognition among potential visitors.
Commonly, this involves targeting potential visitors to an area. For example, Henning (1996) demonstrates that survey methods in a rural Louisiana community have been effective in targeting the area to seniors, who are among the most frequent visitors. Often regional marketing makes the most sense given the limited resources available to many rural areas (Shields and Schibik, 1995). However, Sadowske and Alexander (1992) caution that prior to implementing an expensive marketing strategy, communities should be aware of other costs associated with tourism development. They also argue that the key to success in tourism often lies in communities striking a balance between the private and social costs and benefits of rural tourism development.
Tourism can be an important force for developing disadvantaged rural areas. In particular, rural communities with few other options for development may perceive that tourism represents a panacea for growth. While tourism can certainly be an important component of a sound development plan, this is not always the case. For example, Bontron and Lasnier (1997) note that the local tourism impact varies greatly among rural regions and depends on a host of factors including work force characteristics and seasonality issues. Local support, however, is usually a
necessary component for a successful tourism strategy, as noted by Bourke and Luloff (1995), and echoed by Brass (1996), Burr (1995), and Woods (1992). That is why tourism strategies must be consistent with local goals and be sensitive to sustaining a community’s character and traditions.
necessary component for a successful tourism strategy, as noted by Bourke and Luloff (1995), and echoed by Brass (1996), Burr (1995), and Woods (1992). That is why tourism strategies must be consistent with local goals and be sensitive to sustaining a community’s character and traditions.
Some have cautioned that while tourism has been a high-growth industry in recent years, it often produces low-paying, part-time, and seasonal jobs (Bontron and Lasnier, 1997). However, others point out that such part-time positions offer important opportunities for those rural residents lacking higher education and advanced training since these individuals would generally not qualify for higher-paying, professional positions (Frederick, 1992). Moreover, in many places people may already have part-time or seasonal jobs and tourism can help supplement these workers’ salaries. For example, many farm laborers and some farmers only work during part of the year and can use another job at a different time of the year to make more money.
Part-time tourism jobs may also provide needed income to a parent who needs time off to care for family members. High school-age children may also prefer such jobs since their schedules would not accommodate full-time positions. Hence, part-time and seasonal jobs may make the most sense for important segments of the rural population.
Part-time tourism jobs may also provide needed income to a parent who needs time off to care for family members. High school-age children may also prefer such jobs since their schedules would not accommodate full-time positions. Hence, part-time and seasonal jobs may make the most sense for important segments of the rural population.
Tobago
Tobago: the definitive tourist guide
A visitor information guide to the jewel of the Caribbean
Our goal is to "lift the lid" on Tobago as a holiday destination. Allow us to tell you what the island has to offer through the eyes and from the perspective of visitors. There's no glossy marketing hype here – just down-to-earth unbiased, frank and honest information for everyone contemplating a beach holiday. The island features reviews of Tobago holiday accommodation including hotels, guesthouses, self-catering holiday apartments, vacation rental villas, plus restaurants, car hire, excursions, bird watching, scuba diving, flights to Tobago and other types of tourism-related business.
A visitor information guide to the jewel of the Caribbean
Our goal is to "lift the lid" on Tobago as a holiday destination. Allow us to tell you what the island has to offer through the eyes and from the perspective of visitors. There's no glossy marketing hype here – just down-to-earth unbiased, frank and honest information for everyone contemplating a beach holiday. The island features reviews of Tobago holiday accommodation including hotels, guesthouses, self-catering holiday apartments, vacation rental villas, plus restaurants, car hire, excursions, bird watching, scuba diving, flights to Tobago and other types of tourism-related business.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
SINGAPORE
A great-billed heron flaps its majestic wings as it settles on top of a concrete embankment, oblivious to the constant drone of bulldozers shoving muddy ash into a dump site. Colourful starfish and gritty crabs adorn the beach while coral reefs thrive close to the shore, from where tankers and other ships can be seen plying one of the world's busiest waterways.
Welcome to Semakau, which the Singapore government believes to be the world's first island made almost entirely from trash.
The 350-hectare offshore landfill, comprising two natural islets connected by a rock embankment, can hold 63 million cubic metres of rubbish, enough to accommodate Singapore's landfill needs until 2045. Towed by giant barges, more than 2,000 tonnes of waste, including construction debris and ash from incineration plants, are dumped onto the island every day.
Bora Bora (French Polynesia)
The "Pearl of the Pacific" is possibly the single most famous island in the world and superlatives are missing to describe its beauty. Bora Bora is located 280 km north-west of Tahiti, just under one hour away by plane from Papeete.
Papua New Guinea is one of the world's most naturally beautiful countries. Soaring mountain peaks, unspoiled beaches, lush rainforests, unique flora and fauna and the cultural richness of the people combine to make Papua New Guinea an increasingly popular destination for tourists.
There is already a well established infrastructure catering successfully for many types of visitor packages but the potential for expansion and improvement is limitless.
NIEU Island
Just three hours northeast of New Zealand and you’re a whole world away. Inside and out, up, down and under, nothing on our planet Earth comes close to Niue.
There are less than 90 hotel rooms in Niue, so sometimes the number of visiting whales out-number the visiting humans. Seriously.
All in a country four and half times the size of Rarotonga. A quarter of Niue is virgin rainforest, and guided walks will help you explore this safely!
You’ll have all the space and time you need to do your own thing, but whatever you choose to do, you won’t have to queue to do it.
One of the world's safest destinations
Niue is a place where crime is almost unheard of, where anyone can feel totally safe walking around after dark, where personal belongings are respected. Our politically stable tight-knit community affords protection to everyone.
America's Healthiest Beach
1. Tybee Island, Georgia
A barrier island about 18 miles east of Savannah, low-key Tybee boasts a 3-mile stretch of beach that our judges labeled “magnificent,” complete with gorgeous water. “The beaches here rarely have water-quality problems,” says panelist and water-quality expert Nancy Stoner, who is very picky about where she dips a toe in.
Exercise is a way of life on Tybee.
There are sunrise yoga classes on North Beach, and biking is the preferred mode of transportation. “You can leave your car parked and bike just about anywhere on the tiny island,” says judge Elizabeth Joy, MD, a family-and-sports-medicine physician. And if you forget your gear, just rent a ride from one of the bike shops—trailer bikes for the kiddies and roller skates are available, too.
The island also has the least expensive lodgings, on average, of all the towns on our list. And its eateries serve up an abundance of good-for-you fare like fish tacos, salads, and veggie-filled sandwiches. “The restaurants serve simple, heart-healthy dishes,” says judge Ruth Frechman, RD, a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association.
Tybee offers something for everyone—and that’s why it tops our list of healthy summer escapes.
Stay here: Rooms at the 17th Street Inn (starting at $125 per night) have full kitchens, so you can make your own healthy meals. Want to be near the beach? You can’t get closer than the Desoto Beach Hotel (starting at $179.95 per night).
A barrier island about 18 miles east of Savannah, low-key Tybee boasts a 3-mile stretch of beach that our judges labeled “magnificent,” complete with gorgeous water. “The beaches here rarely have water-quality problems,” says panelist and water-quality expert Nancy Stoner, who is very picky about where she dips a toe in.
Exercise is a way of life on Tybee.
There are sunrise yoga classes on North Beach, and biking is the preferred mode of transportation. “You can leave your car parked and bike just about anywhere on the tiny island,” says judge Elizabeth Joy, MD, a family-and-sports-medicine physician. And if you forget your gear, just rent a ride from one of the bike shops—trailer bikes for the kiddies and roller skates are available, too.
The island also has the least expensive lodgings, on average, of all the towns on our list. And its eateries serve up an abundance of good-for-you fare like fish tacos, salads, and veggie-filled sandwiches. “The restaurants serve simple, heart-healthy dishes,” says judge Ruth Frechman, RD, a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association.
Tybee offers something for everyone—and that’s why it tops our list of healthy summer escapes.
Stay here: Rooms at the 17th Street Inn (starting at $125 per night) have full kitchens, so you can make your own healthy meals. Want to be near the beach? You can’t get closer than the Desoto Beach Hotel (starting at $179.95 per night).
Tourism in Pakistan
Tourism in Pakistan
This informative article regarding tourism in Pakistan is for the general public. Many people might now be knowing the correct touristic places in Pakistan.
Pakistan is a rich and varied country in its own right. It is ancient and modern also. Besides the several historic and cultural sights that Pakistan has to offer, there is geographical and environmental diversity that makes Pakistan truly a destination for all seasons. Indeed Pakistan today presents a rich mosaic of nearly 60 centuries of continuous, eve changing history and culture in settings which range from the beaches of Karachi to the deserts of Thar and Cholistan, and from the green plains of the Punjab to the majestic and challenging mountains of the Hindukush, Himalayas and the Karakoram ranges. And then there are the cities, Peshawar, Lahore, Multan and Thatta, the folkloric histories of which have the ability to charm both the casual tourist as well as the visitor with special interest. The rich diversity that Pakistan offers the visitor is evident as you travel within Pakistan.
Today Taxila is a archaeologist’s paradise with a museum and historic sites scattered within a radius of a few miles. In Pakistan today one can indeed relive the past, transport oneself into bygone era of great kinds who were both warriors and philosophers, men in whole lifetimes rich and majestic histories unfolded. Sand not only is the visitor hound to the spellbound by the stories of the past, he will also be overwhelmed by the splendid natural beauty of the countryside which can be tranquil at times and awe-inspiring at others.
What is Travel & Tourism
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Travel is the transport of people on a trip or journey. Reasons for travel include:
- Tourism travel for recreation. This may apply to the travel itself, or the travel may just be the necessary investment to arrive at a desired location.
- Visiting friends and family
- Trade
- Commuting - going to various routine activities, such as work or meetings.
- Migration travel to began life somewhere else; nomadic people do this
- Pilgrimages - travel for religious reasons.
Definition of Travel:
- change location; move, travel, or proceed; 'How fast does your new car go?'; 'We traveled from Rome to Naples by bus'; 'The policemen went from door to door looking for the suspect'; 'The soldiers moved towards the city in an attempt to take it before night fell'
- undertake a journey or trip
- make a trip for pleasure
- travel upon or across; 'travel the oceans'
- the act of going from one place to another; 'he enjoyed selling but he hated the travel'
- change of location: a movement through space that changes the location of something
- undergo transportation as in a vehicle; 'We traveled North on Rte. 508'
- locomotion: self-propelled movement
- travel from place to place, as for the purpose of finding work, preaching, or acting as a judge
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
The Cook Island
The Cook Islands’ is an authentic and refined Pacific experience encased in a lifestyle that exudes warmth, happiness and respect. We are a proud people with a rich culture and a lush tapestry of traditions that entwine with our daily lives. As part of our welcome to you, we would be honoured if you would share our customs and culture, and in this way, become one of us.
The Cook Islands consist of 15 islands with a total population of approximately 19,000, scattered over some 2 million square kilometres of the Pacific Ocean.
They lie in the centre of the Polynesian Triangle, flanked to the west by The Kingdom of Tonga and the Samoas and to the east by Tahiti and the islands of French Polynesia.
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