Types of Tourism Products
Some tourism products cannot be touched, held or taken away. These products include sights, sounds and experiences which tourists enjoy. Look back at your definition list for some examples.
What do tourists enjoy? Attractions can be Natural, Traditional or Man-made.
Challenge:
Drag and drop each example of Caribbean attractions below into the correct box. You will need to decide which type of attraction it is.
Extra challenge:
You must place them in alphabetical order!
What do tourists enjoy? Attractions can be Natural, Traditional or Man-made.
Challenge:
Drag and drop each example of Caribbean attractions below into the correct box. You will need to decide which type of attraction it is.
Extra challenge:
You must place them in alphabetical order!
What factors influence tourism development in the HOST country?
1. Accessibility – Caribbean countries are easy to reach by air and by sea, especially by visitors from North America and Europe (our largest source of visitors). [Examine the world map to see how close they are to us]
2. Availability, quality and price of tourist services. We should have a wide variety of tourist services: e.g. accommodation, restaurants, entertainment. These should be at prices to suit a range of pockets so there is something for everyone.
3. Perceptions of safety and security. The Caribbean has a reputation as a fairly peaceful and safe destination. We pay lots of attention to law enforcement and crime against tourists. [What happens when tourists are robbed?]
4. Political Stability. Tourists will travel to Caribbean countries that don’t have wars and riots. See previous point.
5. Infrastructure, especially water, sanitation, roads, air and sea ports. These facilities make travel more comfortable and easy. Caribbean governments develop them for both national and tourism development.
6. Other Factors: During winter in North America and Europe, our tropical climate and weather are attractive to tourists. In many countries, the exchange rate for currency is also attractive, therefore their spending power is greater. e.g. US$1 is about TT$6
What factors influence tourism development in the SUPPLY country?
1. Disposable income: This is money left after you have paid your bills and other expenses. If people have more income they are likely to spend some on travel.
2. Effectiveness of promotion and marketing: Caribbean attractions are well highlighted in the countries where our tourists come from (our markets). The Caribbean is seen as a very desirable location.
3. Accessibility: See accessibility above.
4. Cost and availability of transportation: Many air and cruise lines serve the region. Travel times are relatively short so many tourists will choose to come here.
Answer these:
- List 10 different types of accommodation available to tourists. E.g. guesthouse;
- List some International and Regional Airlines that service here. List any cruise lines you may know.
- Write a paragraph explaining why any two of the following are important for a viable tourist industry: promotion, transport, security, accommodation.
Tourist Arrivals in Barbados by Country of Residence
(Click on the table to enlarge)
(Click on the table to enlarge)