Tourism Perspective in the 21 Century

Contents: Foreword. Praise. 1. The history of tourism. 2. The dimension of tourism. 3. The economic significance of tourism. 4. The measurement of tourism. 5. The development and planning. 6. The organisation of tourism. 7. Tourism and environment. 8. Transport and tourism. 9. Travel agency and tour operation. 10. Tourism and developing countries. 11. The impact of tourism. 12. Tourism research, education and training. References and select bibliography.

"Tourism in the 21 century has become a very important activity both for nation states and individuals. Individuals use their disposable surpluses to undertake journeys to different destinations, which they would like to experience and enjoy. The state on the other hand clearly understands, that development of tourism provides employment to their countrymen and generates sizable foreign exchange with developed destinations for tourism. Therefore, development of tourism is a win win situation for the state and individuals.

In the process of development of tourism, there are many players who take part and coordinate different activities of tourism. The first activity in tourism is to provide access to a destination. This involves a number of players both in private and public sector and there are different modes of transport which are available for an individual to travel to the destination. The second important issue is of accommodation at the destination, which includes hotels, guesthouses, inns, paying guest accommodation, etc. The experience of tourists of their stay at particular accommodation is very valuable for it can make or mar the popularity of the destination. The third important issue is connected with the activities at the destination, which could be regarding adventure, sports art and culture, ecology and heritage. A destination is primarily known for activities which a tourist could experience there. Taj Mahal, a heritage monument of its own kind in the world, and people visiting neighbouring areas of Agra, do plan a visit to see the Taj. It is important, therefore, for a destination to have its activities defined and carrying capacities determined, which could be propagated through tour operators and travel agents.

The tourism perspective in the 21 century would be an important landmark in the development of tourism as the book discusses a number of important and related issues." (jacket)