The components of tourism

THE COMPONENTS OF TOURISM

Definition of tourism

One can define tourism as the non-permanent movement of a person from his or her place of abode to another place for purposes not limited to business, leisure and pleasure. It includes staying in places provided by others for free or paid for and using facilities created for the benefit of making life easy during their stay.

COMPONENTS OF TOURISM

Introduction

Many tourists need to be attracted to visit a country or a place but this is not enough; they must find the destination easy to access so if accessibility is a problem then not much can be done. Travelers who would like to stay overnight near the attraction also need accommodation very close to the attraction or not too far away from it. Not just any accommodation but the type that has amenities to make the visitor’s period of stay comfortable. Aside all these, if the destination is not well marketed for people to patronize, not much can come out of it so there is the need for awareness to be created about the destination. This is why the components of tourism has been broken down into five called the 5 A’s of tourism. The five are discussed below.

 Attraction

One of the most basic components of tourism is attraction. The tourist needs to be attracted by something otherwise there is nothing to pull him to a destination. The traveller can be attracted to cultural and archeological sites. Apart from that, he or she can also be attracted to historical buildings. Nature loving travellers are attracted by beaches, mountains, national parks and places where the flora and fauna are unique or well preserved close to the original. Other travellers are attracted to events such as sports, exhibitions and trade fairs.

Accessibility

After travelers are attracted to a destination, there is the need for them to get to the place to be able to enjoy all the juicy promises made in the brochures or as advertised. Accessibility is a very important factor in the components of tourism. That calls for transportation. There are several forms in which the tourists can be transported to the destination of attraction. Surface transportation could be adopted which would include travelling by car/bus or by train. The roads to the destination must be good enough to make travelling smooth and comfortable. Some could also go by air and still others can go by water transportation like using a boat or ship. For those who are a little close to the attraction, they could trek and this can possibly give them breath-taking views of the area.

 

Accommodation

Another component of tourism is accommodation. There are some destinations that require an overnight stay or even more than an overnight stay. Under such circumstances, there is the need for accommodation to be provided for the visitors. In some cases, the accommodation includes food all provided by the facility that is lodged in but in other cases too, only the accommodation is provided. Though food and drinks could be available, the tourists have to buy directly from the restaurants.

Amenities

To complement the first three components discussed before, there is the need for amenities at the destination. Amenities generally refer to the facilities and services that the guests need before they embark on the trip, when they get to the destination or while on the move. Tour operators may have to assist travelers in acquiring visas for the trip if visas are required. They have to help them buy tickets. Two types of amenities have been distinguished, one is natural and the other is man-made. The natural amenities include, but are not limited to clean beaches, fishing, rock climbing and trekking experiences. There could also be sightseeing, Sea bathing and experiencing the sunrise. The man-made amenities include music, dance and drama, cultural performances by cultural troupes, festivals and the availability of strong and stable internet, to mention just a few.

Awareness

The last but not least component of tourism is awareness. This component may seem insignificant but it is the one that when absent makes all the others irrelevant. How can tourists be attracted to a destination when they are not aware of it? There is the need for a vigorous marketing of an attraction. Modern forms of advertisement can reach far and wide in a short time.

Conclusion

The five A’s of tourism are very important in the tourism industry. One cannot be promoted at the expense of the others.

SAMPLE QUESTION(S)

1. a. List five components of tourism.

    b. Explain the components listed in ‘a’ above.

ALSO READ:
The different forms of tourism
Concepts in tourism

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