Factors Influencing Tourism Development
- For much of history, traveling was difficult, expensive, uncomfortable and dangerous, and the concept of tourism did not exist.
- Nowadays tourism - traveling for leisure - is considered a natural part of life and a pleasure.
- Tourism makes use of primary and secondary resources:
- Primary tourism resources are the attractions for tourism or recreation, including landscapes and scenery, climate, wildlife, as well as cultural and heritage sites not built specifically for the purpose of tourism.
- Secondary tourism resources include accommodation, catering (gastronomy), transportation, entertainment and shopping facilities.
Physical Factors: The Natural Appeal
1. Natural Landscapes
- Mountains, beaches, and lakes are some of the most sought-after destinations for travelers.
- Different landscapes reflecting different types of topography will attract tourists with diversified preferences.
Natural landscapes often serve as the foundation for eco-tourism and adventure tourism, encouraging activities like hiking, diving, and wildlife observation.
2. Climate and Biodiversity
- Climate plays a crucial role in determining the seasonality of tourism.
- Biodiversity - richness of species of flora and fauna - is a major tourist attraction in multiple places.
The Amazon Rainforest draws eco-tourists keen on exploring its unique ecosystems.
Note- Primary resources often form the core of a destination's appeal, but they must be preserved and managed to ensure long-term sustainability.
- Secondary resources (the supporting infrastructure) are critical for enhancing the visitor experience and making tourism possible.
Hotspots: Attracting a Significant Number of Visitors
- Hotspots are areas of intense sporting, leisure or tourism activity that attract above average numbers of visitors due to their appealing attractions, cultural experiences, natural beauty, or recreational opportunities.
- Characteristics of tourism hotspots include:
- High Visitor Volume: These destinations typically receive large numbers of tourists.
- Diverse Attractions: Hotspots may offer a variety of attractions, such as landmarks, events, activities, and amenities that cater to different interests.
