Month: October 2024

Travelling for me is a journey of discovery and growth, driven by a deep-rooted passion for tourism. My recent trip to Palma, Spain, in late April to early May was a university-led educational experience that immersed me in the world of tourism and fulfilled my eagerness to explore new places and cultures. Visiting TUI offices and attending meetings introduced me to the inner workings of the industry, offering firsthand insights into tourism’s dynamic nature. Beyond academics, this trip was a chance to connect with new people and make friends, adding a meaningful social dimension to the experience. Exploring the vibrant city of Palma, tasting local food, and experiencing Spanish culture were captivating and further fuelled my passion for understanding diverse ways of life. Travelling, in essence, combines learning with adventure, and this trip reminded me why I love stepping into new environments—it’s an opportunity to learn, connect, and broaden my perspective on life.

Displayed above is an image of me on a tour bus that travels throughout Palma, with the Cathedral Basilica de Santa Maria de Palma de Mallorca visible in the background.

This educational trip also aligns closely with McIntosh, Goeldner, and Ritchie’s (1995) Theory of travel motivation, reflecting its Intellectual, Social, and Cultural components.

The Intellectual Component was fulfilled through activities that engaged my curiosity and provided new knowledge about the tourism industry, specifically regarding its impact on Palma, enhancing my understanding of how the industry shapes local economies and visitor experiences.

The Social Component of the theory was evident in the friendships and connections I built on this trip, which fostered personal growth, boosted my self-confidence, and created meaningful bonds with peers who share similar interests.

Finally, this trip catered to the Cultural Component by immersing me in the unique cultural fabric of Palma. From exploring local architecture, like the image shown above, learning about the effects of tourism on the daily lives of residents, this journey allowed me to experience the city’s identity and gain a richer understanding of its culture and heritage.

Together, these motivations enhanced my experience, combining learning, connection, and cultural appreciation in a way that deepened my passion for travel and tourism.

NEEDS CITE

References

Gopalakrishnan, K., 2019. A study on the influence of social media marketing on consumer buying behavior. [pdf] CORE. Available at: https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/234671427.pdf (Accessed: 27 October 2024).

Switzerland 

Switzerland is a country in Central Europe that is mountainous and contains many lakes, villages, and the tall Alps. There are mediaeval neighbourhoods in its towns, such the Zytglogge clock tower in the capital Bern and the wooden chapel bridge in Lucerne. The nation is also well-known for its hiking routes and ski areas. Key businesses include banking and finance, while Swiss chocolate and timepieces are well-known worldwide. 

Population – 8.776 Million (2022) 

Classydestinations, (No Date).

Rattanatum, T, (No Date).

Domestic and Inbound Tourism 

Due in large part to its Alpine regions, Switzerland has seen a rise in domestic tourism. 34.3 million domestic tourist nights were spent in 2021, a 16.8% increase above pre-pandemic levels.

OECDiLibrary, (No Date). 

In 2023, Switzerland received around 20.8 million foreign visitors.

– 19.76 million foreign visitors visited Switzerland in 2019, the most ever reported in years prior to the pandemic.
– When the epidemic began in 2020, this figure fell to 10.7 million – visits, a 46% decrease.
– Switzerland saw a slight 28% rise in foreign visitors by 2021, with 13.69 million tourists.
– In 2022, there were 18.3 million inbound visitors; in 2023, there were 20.8 million, which was a 5% increase over the number of tourists in 2019.

Travellers to Switzerland in 2023 spent more than CHF 18.4 billion, both domestically and inbound.

Switzerland made CHF 18 billion in 2019 from inbound tourism.
In 2020, this amount dropped to CHF 9.6 billion as a result of travel restrictions brought on by the coronavirus and a decline in foreign tourists. This grew to CHF 10.9 billion in 2021, a small 13% increase.
The overall revenue from tourism in 2022 was CHF 16.4 billion. This surpassed the total revenue of 2019 by 12% in 2023, reaching CHF 18.4 billion.

Roadgenius, (2023).

Here is a table below stating the statistics from 2017-2021 of Switzerland’s Domestic, Inbound and Outbound Tourism:

OECDiLibrary, (No Date). 

References 

Classy Destinations (No Date) Switzerland Vacation. Available at: https://www.classydestinations.com/switzerland.html (Accessed: 12 November 2024).

OECD iLibrary (No Date) Site homepage. Available at: https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/docserver/06538760-en.pdf?expires=1729271129&id=id&accname=guest&checksum=F0FA571B5EB4F0201B7C5F1ADC288677 (Accessed: 18 October 2024).

Rattanatum, T. (No Date) 100,000+ best mountain photos – 100% free download – Pexels Stock Photos. Available at: https://www.pexels.com/search/mountain/ (Accessed: 18 October 2024).

Road Genius (2023) Switzerland tourism statistic – how many people visit? Available at: https://roadgenius.com/statistics/tourism/switzerland/#:~:text=How%20many%20tourists%20visit%20Switzerland,tourists%20visited%20Switzerland%20in%202023.&text=In%202019%2C%20Switzerland%20welcomed%2019.76,visitors%20in%20pre%2Dpandemic%20years. (Accessed: 18 October 2024).  

 

References 

Guerrero, D. (3 June, 2020) Low-angle shot of Cinderella Castle in Disney World – Free Stock Photo. Available at. https://www.pexels.com/photo/low-angle-shot-of-cinderella-castle-in-disney-world-8183994/ (Accessed: 29 October, 2024). 

Tourism Teacher, 2024. Butler’s Tourism Area Life Cycle Model. (online) Available at: https://tourismteacher.com/butlers-tourism-area-life-cycle-model/ (Accessed 12 November 2024).

 

 

 

 

 

Mother Shipton’s Cave

Knaresborough, North Yorkshire 

Mother Shipton’s Cave is a landmark and England’s Oldest Visitor Attraction, since 1630.

Mother Shipton, born Ursula Sontheil in 1488, is one of England’s most famous prophetesses, credited with predicting events like the Great Fire of London, the defeat of the Spanish Armada, and iron ships.

Though the stories about her may have grown over the centuries, the cave where she was born remains a central part of her legend, drawing visitors to Knaresborough. Whether fact or folklore, Mother Shipton’s connection to the cave and her prophecies have made her an enduring figure in English history.

Mothershipton.co.uk, (No Date). 

Infrastructures

Many types of tourism infrastructure are essential for this tourist attraction:

Transportation Infrastructure –
Visitors can access Mother Shipton’s Cave by various means of transportation, including train, coach, and car.

Food and Beverage Infrastructure –
Mother Shipton’s Cave offers small food stalls and gift shops on-site.

Health and Safety Infrastructure –
Within the grounds of Mother Shipton’s Cave, various health and safety measures are implemented to ensure the well-being of visitors. The attraction itself is a scenic walk through ancient woodlands, where attention to safety is paramount.

Utilities and Basic Services –
Mother Shipton’s Cave provides essential services, including toilets at the main entrance, with facilities for baby changing, as well as portable toilets located throughout the site. Accessible toilets are also available to ensure that all visitors are catered for.

Entertainment and Recreational Infrastructure –
Mother Shipton’s Cave enhances the visitor experience by offering a variety of themed events and activities depending on the season, such as Halloween and Christmas-themed experiences. These events often include seasonal decorations, hot chocolate, and performances by costumed actors, contributing to an engaging and memorable visit.

This well-rounded infrastructure supports both the practical needs of tourists and the overall enjoyment of their visit to Mother Shipton’s Cave, enhancing its appeal as a destination for both day trips and longer stays.

Mothershipton.co.uk, (No Date). 

References

Mother Shipton’s Cave (2024) The Park. Available at: https://www.mothershipton.co.uk/the-park/ (Accessed: 09 October 2024).

Mother Shipton’s Cave (2024) The Story. Available at: https://www.mothershipton.co.uk/the-story/ (Accessed: 09 October 2024).

Mother Shipton’s Cave (2024) The Story. IMAGE. Available at: https://www.mothershipton.co.uk/the-story/ (Accessed: 09 October 2024).

Raina, A. K. (2005) Ecology, Wildlife and Tourism Development: Principles, Practices and Strategies. New Delhi: Sarup & Sons, p. 192.