Categories
LEM1027

Why i travel.

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 deepened 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 is an opportunity to learn, connect, and broaden my perspective on life.

(Photograph by a friend, 2024, as cited in Read, 2024). 

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 (Mclntosh, Goeldner, and Ritchie, 1995). 

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 gave me the opportunity to engage with 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. (Gopalakrishnan, 2019).

References

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

Personal image. (2024). Photo of Lucy Read at Cathedral Basilica de Santa Maria de Palma de Mallorca. [Image]. Published by Read, L P. Lucy’s Lifestyle Blog. Available at: https://blogs.tees.ac.uk/lucyslifestyle/ (Accessed: 27 October 2024).

McIntosh, R.W., Goeldner, C.R., and Ritchie, J.R.B., 1995. Tourism: Principles, practices, philosophies. 7th ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons (Accessed: 27 October 2024). 

Categories
LEM1027

Switzerland – Domestic and Inbound tourism

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, n.d.). 

(Rattanatum, n.d.)

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, n.d.)

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, n.d.)

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).  

Categories
LEM1027

The Tourism Area Life Cycle – DisneyLand

Disneyland Park
Anaheim, California, United States 

(Pexels, 2020). 

According to Butler’s TALC Model, which outlines stages like Exploration, Involvement, Development, Consolidation, Stagnation, and potentially Decline or Rejuvenation, Disneyland has demonstrated a sustained ability to rejuvenate and innovate, preventing it from entering a permanent decline phase.

Here are examples of how Disneyland exemplifies the TALC Model stages while avoiding decline:

Firstly, Exploration and Involvement. When Disneyland opened in 1955, it was revolutionary, pioneering the theme park experience. It drew significant media attention and gained initial involvement from locals and tourists alike.

Secondly, Development and Consolidation. Disneyland rapidly expanded its infrastructure and attractions, adding new “lands”, rides, and hotels to attract larger audiences. These additions consolidated its reputation as a premier family destination and drove increased international tourism.

Also, Stagnation. In the 1990s, Disneyland experienced a stage where growth began to slow, and the novelty started to wear off. However, the brand responded proactively by making substantial upgrades, enhancing attractions, and introducing new themed areas to maintain public interest.

Attendance stagnated during the 1990s (See Figure 1), reflecting the challenges associated with the stagnation stage of Butler’s TALC Model. (Wikipedia contributors, 2024).

Figure 1: Annual Attendance at Disneyland Park – 

98 – (Vincent, 2021). 99 – (Polsson, 2008).   100 – (The Lewiston Journal, 1984).

101 – (Scottware.com.au, 2015).     102 – (Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), 2007).

    103 – (Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), 2008).

104 – (Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), 2009).

105 – (Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), 2010).  

  106 (Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), 2011).

107 – (Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), 2012). 

108 – (Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), 2019).

109 – (Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), 2018).

110 – (Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), 2017).

111 – (Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), 2016).

112 – (Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), 2017).

113 – (Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), 2018).

114 – (Themed Entertainment Association, 2019). 

115 – (Themed Entertainment Association, 2020). 

116 – (Themed Entertainment Association, 2021).

117 – (Themed Entertainment Association, 2022). 

118 – (Themed Entertainment Association, 2023). 

119 – (Themed Entertainment Association, 2024).

Next, Rejuvenation. Disneyland’s strategy has been to continually rejuvenate itself to prevent decline. Examples include the integration of new technology (like interactive experiences), collaborations with popular franchises (such as Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge), seasonal events, and expansions that cater to new generations and wider demographics.

By consistently investing in new attractions, adapting to visitor demands, and staying culturally relevant, Disneyland has managed to avoid decline and remain a key player in the global tourism industry. Its success highlights the importance of adaptability and innovation in sustaining the lifecycle of a tourism destination. (Tourismteacher.com, 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). 98

Polsson, K. (2008) Attendance of Disneyland Park 1980. Islandnet.com. Archived from the original on 8 July 2008. Available at: http://www.islandnet.com/~kpolsson/disland/dl1975.htm (Accessed: 26 December, 2024). 99

Scottware.com.au (2015) Attendance of Disneyland Park 1984–2005. Available at: https://www.scottware.com.au/theme/feature/atend_disparks.htm (Accessed: 26 December, 2024). Archived from the original on 22 May 2015. 100

The Lewiston Journal (1984) Disneyland – still magic after all these years. The Lewiston Journal, 13 March. Available at: https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=WQ0gAAAAIBAJ&pg=1525,1685952&dq=disneyland+attendance&hl=en(Accessed: 26 December, 2024). 101

Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) (2007) TEA/AECOM 2006 Global Attractions Report (PDF). Available at: https://web.archive.org/web/20190207072248/http://www.teaconnect.org/images/files/TEA_158_724007_160525.pdf(Accessed: 26 December, 2024). Archived from the original on 7 February 2019. 102

Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) (2008) TEA/AECOM 2007 Global Attractions Report (PDF). Available at: https://www.teaconnect.org/images/files/TEA_29_601512_140617.pdf (Accessed: 26 December, 2024). Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. 103

Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) (2009) TEA/AECOM 2008 Global Attractions Report (PDF). Available at: https://web.archive.org/web/20211007225444/https://www.teaconnect.org/images/files/TEA_23_503031_140617.pdf(Accessed: 26 December, 2024). Archived from the original on 7 October 2021. 104

Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) (2010) TEA/AECOM 2009 Global Attractions Report (PDF). Available at: https://www.teaconnect.org/images/files/TEA_24_693197_140617.pdf (Accessed: 26 December, 2024). Archived from the original on 2 June 2010. 105

Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) (2011) TEA/AECOM 2010 Global Attractions Report (PDF). Available at: https://www.teaconnect.org/images/files/TEA_25_134960_140617.pdf (Accessed: 26 December, 2024). Archived from the original on 19 July 2011. 106

Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) (2012) TEA/AECOM 2011 Global Attractions Report (PDF). Available at: https://www.teaconnect.org/images/files/TEA_26_543179_140617.pdf (Accessed: 26 December, 2024). Archived from the original on 18 October 2015. 107

Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) (2019) TEA/AECOM 2012 Theme Index and Museum Index (PDF). Available at: https://aecom.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/2012_Theme_Index.pdf (Accessed: 26 December, 2024). 108

Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) (2018) TEA/AECOM 2013 Theme Index and Museum Index (PDF). Available at: https://aecom.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/2013_Theme_Index.pdf (Accessed: 26 December, 2024). 109

Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) (2017) TEA/AECOM 2014 Theme Index and Museum Index (PDF). Available at: https://aecom.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/2014_Theme_Index.pdf (Accessed: 26 December, 2024). 110

Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) (2016) TEA/AECOM 2015 Theme Index and Museum Index (PDF). Available at: https://aecom.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/2015_Theme_Index__Museum_Index.pdf (Accessed: 26 December, 2024). 111

Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) (2017) TEA/AECOM 2016 Theme Index and Museum Index (PDF). Available at: https://aecom.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/2016-ThemeMuseum-Index.pdf (Accessed: 26 December, 2024). 112

Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) (2018) TEA/AECOM 2017 Theme Index and Museum Index (PDF). Available at: https://aecom.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/2017-Theme-Museum-Index.pdf (Accessed: 26 December, 2024). 113

Themed Entertainment Association (2019) TEA/AECOM 2018 Theme Index and Museum Index. Available at: https://aecom.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Theme-Index-2018-5-1.pdf (Accessed: 26 December, 2024). 114

Themed Entertainment Association (2020) TEA/AECOM 2019 Theme Index and Museum Index. Available at: https://aecom.com/wp-content/uploads/documents/reports/AECOM-Theme-Index-2019.pdf (Accessed: 26 December, 2024). 115

Themed Entertainment Association (2021) TEA/AECOM 2020 Theme Index and Museum Index. Available at: https://aecom.com/wp-content/uploads/documents/reports/AECOM-Theme-Index-2020.pdf (Accessed: 26 December, 2024). 116

Themed Entertainment Association (2022) TEA/AECOM 2021 Theme Index and Museum Index. Available at: https://aecom.com/wp-content/uploads/documents/reports/AECOM-Theme-Index-2021.pdf (Accessed: 26 December, 2024). 117

Themed Entertainment Association (2023) TEA/AECOM 2022 Theme Index and Museum Index. Available at: https://aecom.com/wp-content/uploads/documents/reports/AECOM-Theme-Index-2022.pdf (Accessed: 26 December, 2024). 118

Themed Entertainment Association (2024) TEA/AECOM 2023 Theme Index and Museum Index. Available at: https://aecom.com/wp-content/uploads/documents/reports/AECOM-Theme-Index-2023.pdf (Accessed: 26 December, 2024). 119

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

Vincent, J. (2021) Disney ticket history. Available at: https://jansworld.net/disney-ticket-history (Accessed: 26 December 2024). 

Wikipedia contributors. (2024) Disneyland. Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disneyland#Attendance (Accessed: 26 December, 2024). 

 

Categories
LEM1027

Introduction to Mother Shipton’s Cave and the infrastructures that are needed to support it.

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, 2024).

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. (Raina, 2005). 

(Mothershipton.co.uk, n.d.)

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 (2024c) 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.