Tourism Some of the Major

Tourism

Some of the major global issues in the tourism industry include sustainable development, safety, crime, political conflict, security, pricing, income disparity, ethics, language, technology, and consumerism. Other issues pertinent to global tourism that we identified in the course include specialty tourism, including ecotourism, adventure tourism, religious pilgrimage tourism, and special events such as festivals. We identified and examined these key global issues in light of their impact on host locales as well as on the tourism industry as a whole.

However, we also explored the patterns and trends relevant to eight specific nations: USA, France, German, Japan, England, Israel, Russia, and Australia. These nations each exhibit thriving and unique tourism industries. Issues such as income disparity are not as pertinent when investigating these eight nations as they would be when exploring tourism standards in developing nations. These eight destinations demonstrate an awareness of the increased consumer demand for high specialization in tourism, including the emergence of niche markets. For example, gay and lesbian travelers have specific desires and needs, as do individual female travelers or scholars in search of educational opportunities abroad. In addition to the niche market tourism trends that are emerging in these eight nations, overall tourism patterns and trends include shopping, technology, spiritual, and festival tourism.

Key national tourism issues that emerge differ from country to country. The United States possesses a diverse terrain and culture. The tourism industry in the United States consists of emerging interest in ecotourism and adventure tourism that centers on outdoors experiences such as hiking, camping, and rock climbing. However, a large market segment exists for consumers interested in urban tourism and shopping experiences.

France will always be a popular tourist destination for cultural and gastronomical experiences. Recent trends include more specialized traveling through France, such as regional tours of wine regions or rural areas. Similarly, a market exists for those interested in historical, art historical, and educational pursuits.

Similarly, Germany's tourist market thrives with burgeoning interests in cultural and historical activities. Regional beer festivals, architecture, and World War Two cites are niche market trends in Germany's tourism industry.

Trends that emerge in Japan include spiritual and religious study programs and other educational experiences including martial arts training and culinary programs. Cultural tourism and long-term travel are recent trends, as are work-travel experiences such as language instruction.

In England, as in other European nations, history and culture play a major role in creating tourism markets. Visits to historical cites, museums, urban and rural activities remain popular in England. A strong British pound has not detracted significantly from the English tourism industry.

In spite of regional conflict and danger, tourism in Israel remains viable. Consumers interested in religious, historical, cultural and educational experiences thrive, as do individuals who are interested in long-term travel such as living on kibbutzim or studying at a university.

Since the fall of the Soviet Union, tourism in Russia has blossomed and includes travelers interested in a range of experiences including language instruction, ecotourism, and adventure travel.

Finally, Australia thrives in tourism experiences related to adventure travel, ecotourism, and long-term stays. Both urban and rural travel experiences are relevant to Australia.

I would advise tourists interested in visiting these nations to take full advantage of the opportunities available to fully explore regional culture, history, and lifestyle. Each of these nations can be relatively expensive, so I would advise travelers to save considerable amounts of money. Some of the destinations, like Israel, involve caution due to political conflict but for the most part safety issues are matter of common sense.