This paper discusses the development of the tourism industry in the Gulf States including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Yemen, Oman and Kuwait.
Abstract This paper explains that the Gulf States countries realize that they can not continue to sustain their economies based on crude oil; therefore, they have identified the tourism industry as a viable option for the economy of the region. The author points out that the success of the tourism industry is dependent on regional stability, which is a problem in the Arabian Peninsula. The paper relates that tourism industry is labor-intensive; however, in the Persian Gulf region, the native population density is low, and skilled and trained workforces are generally imported from around the world. Maps.
Table of Content
Introduction
Introduction and Overview
Problem Statement
Importance of this Study
Definition of Terms
Limitations
Overview of this Study
Literature Review on Tourism Management
Overview of the Tourism Industry
Needs of the Tourism Industry
Identifying Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats
Political map
The United Arab Emirates
Saudi Arabia
Qatar
Bahrain
Yemen
Oman
Kuwait
Need for Sustainable Development
Different Types of Tourism
Marketing the Region to the Rest of the World
Supporting Tourism
The External Factors in the Persian Gulf affecting the Tourism Industry
Political Analysis of the Persian Gulf Region
Economic Analysis
Social Analysis
Technological Analysis
Legal Environment
Environmental Analysis
Competitive Analysis of the Market
Internal Rivalry
Barriers to Entry
Substitutes and Compliments
Buyer Power
Bargaining Powers of Suppliers
Discussion
Conclusion
Recommendations
Summary
From the Paper "In 2002, WTTC organized the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) in Johannesburg, South Africa to identify the important factors and constraints that are facing the travel and tourism industry. (WTTC) Tremendous amounts of resources and investments are made by the private sector in the travel and tourism industry. The private sector is always driven by the need to generate profits and revenue for the organization making the investments at the same time these entities are expected to practice responsible behavior and observe the laws and regulation of the region within which they conduct business and behave ethically and morally in the region. Long term planning and resource development is also essential. It does not make financial sense for a corporation to build a multibillion dollar resort only to have to abandon it ten years down the road if the corporation has not been able to maintain the integrity and environment in which the resort operates. "
Abstract This study provides a discussion of how people make their destination choices when traveling for pleasure. This is followed by an in-depth examination of the economic impact of terrorism on the travel and tourism industry through a critical review of peer-reviewed journal articles, governmental and industry online resources, and other scholarly literature. A summary of the research is presented in the conclusion.
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Background and Overview
Driving Forces for Destination Choice
The Economic Impact of Terrorism on International Travel and
Tourism
Current and Future Trends
Conclusions and Recommendations
From the Paper "Due in large measure to recent innovations in telecommunications, particularly the Internet, people all over the world are learning about new and fascinating places they would like to visit; because of improvement in transportation, they also have better ways to get to these formerly inaccessible destinations. As a result, travel and tourism has emerged in the 21st century as one of the world's largest industries with particular importance for countries with valuable tourist destination such as those in the United States, the Pacific, the European Union and the United Kingdom. The adverse impact of recent surges in terrorism, though, - even in presumably "safe" destinations - has given the travel and tourism industry much to consider today. During a period when even environmentalists are promoting travel and tourism in an effort to help preserve endangered regions and species, understanding the impact of terrorism on the international travel and tourism has assumed new levels of importance."
This paper examines the most used configurations of information systems in the hospitality industry today and the requirements for proper implementation.
Abstract This paper explains that the hotel industry has been very dissatisfied with the current technology system being used due to its' ineffectiveness in the pursuit of satisfying future business needs in the hospitality industry because it (1) lacks effective inter-vendor cooperation and systems integration, (2) drawbacks in the current
technology financing process and (3) has poor adoption of modern technologies. The author points out that the complexity of the systems presently in use in many of the hotels do not and will not ever have the capacity to streamline the process, much less increase the ROI for the company. The paper relates that hospitality industry is seeking new information technology solutions to meet the growing demands of the high-tech business world, which interacts with the hospitality industry and counts upon services such as those provided by the Hilton and the Marriott hotels.
Table of Contents
Statement of the Problem
Objective
Introduction
History and Background
Hospitality Industry: CRM Requirements
Hospitality Industry: ERP
Requirements/Current Needs in the Industry
Limitations of the Industry and Hesitancy in Utilizing IT Systems
Changes Needed in the Industry
Case Studies in the Hotel Industry
Information Technology Solutions in the News
Summary and Conclusion
Recommendation of Technical Standards for the Hotel Industry
Technical Standards
2005 Hospitality Industry Market Reports
From the Paper "Contractual licensing and use restrictions have led to many of the current existing restrictions of software in the hospitality industry as well as the unwillingness of the vendors in supporting the requirements of integration needed by their customers in the industry. More than the technical standards are needed as they create only the platform for open systems while business standards needed are for the ensuring of the contract right of the hotels in licensing and integration of systems. The vendors do have however, a right in protection of their intellectual property as well as the right to compete in software provision as well as provision of services for assistance with integration efforts. In order to avoid many of these limitations the HTNG White Paper suggests and even urges the adoption of the following forward-thinking business standards that respond to and answer the needs in the hotel industry."
Abstract This paper explains that the exigencies of mass tourism have completely changed the nature of many small coastal towns in the United Kingdom. The paper contends that the study of Britain's coastline is a relatively undocumented subject in urban design theory, but the issue is becoming increasingly important as coastal and seaside towns reinvent themselves in an effort to cope with these changing tourist patterns. This paper examines two coastal community case studies, Hastings and Clacton On Sea, in relation to their urban development from small fishing villages to popular resorts with an objective to discover why one coastal town develops differently from another. The paper includes illustrations, graphic analysis and various other existing research sources to appreciate the existing situation and explores the unique characteristics of coastal towns. The study's findings and summary of the research are provided in the conclusion.
Table of Contents
Abstract
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Review and Discussion
Background and Overview
Coastal Towns in the United Kingdom
Impact of Tourism on Coastal Towns
Chapter 3: Macroanalysis of Coastal Developments in the United Kingdom
Chapter 4: Microanalysis of Coastal Development
Hastings
Clacton On Sea
Chapter 5: Findings and Conclusion
Findings
Conclusions
References
From the Paper "The study of Britain's coastline is a relatively undocumented subject in urban design theory, but is becoming increasingly important as coastal and seaside towns reinvent themselves, time and again, to cope with changing tourist patterns. According to Page (1995), "As historic towns gain tourist potential, historic quality gains market value. A new urban society is emerging, seeking leisure, culture and a high-quality environment, and cities are moving from being industrial centres of production to becoming centres of consumption (Page 1995). For historic towns faced with limited financial opportunities, cultural tourism is seen as a significant economic alternative and the attached commercial value is turning the past into a product of the present. Today, historic towns and quarters are competing to attract tourism, and previously unknown locations are appearing on the heritage market (Orba?l?, 2000 p. 38)."
Abstract This paper explains that the travel and tourism industry, one of the largest global industries, has experienced continuing growth in spite of terrorism which has hammered the aviation industry but not the travel and tourism industry. The author points out that that the factors associated with the emergence and promotion of travel and tourism are based on increased productivity, the psychological mobility typically associated with broadened horizons, and improvements in transportation and communications facilities. The paper stresses that the gap theories, such as dissonance and importance-performance that seek to explain how tourists first experience certain expectations concerning their travels and then relate these expectations to the reality of their experiences, may provide researchers with the most valuable insights into how and why people will seek out a destination in the first place and why they will either return there or not.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Review and Analysis
Background and Overview
Expectancy Disconfirmation Paradigm (EDP)
Comparison Theory
Value-Precept Theory
Importance-Performance
Equity Theory
The Dissonance Theory
Contrast Theory
Conclusion
From the Paper "The reasons people travel are as limitless as the number of people involved, but there is a sufficient amount of commonality in their behaviors and rationale to develop some generalities concerning recreation behaviors. The explosive growth of tourism after World War II has clearly been dramatic; this growth has been largely the result of higher discretionary incomes, smaller family size, changing demographics, lower transportation costs, improved public health standards, infrastructure development, and until recently, more hospitable environments for tourists in many destinations, especially long-distance travel and tourism. There is also a clear "build it and they will come" quality to travel and tourism; before the advent of modern transportation systems, only the truly hearty and fearless might seek to explore new horizons in foreign countries. Today, though, things are much different, of course, and virtually any destination in the world in only a few hours away by air."
Abstract This paper presents a report of Hawaii as a popular tourist destination. The paper outlines the natural resources of Hawaii, one of the most unique places on earth. It briefly examines the island's rich culture that is rooted in ancient traditions, claiming that it provides an exciting destination for any traveler. The paper provides a concise overview of all the towns and tourist developments in Hawaii.
From the Paper "Although all towns and tourist developments in Hawaii have excellent choices of restaurants and bars, the best places for nightlife and dining out is Old Lahanina Town on Maui and Waikiki on Oahu (Restaurants pp). Visitors should not miss the opportunity to experience the traditional Luau, a delectable feast of traditional foods such as fish, pork and rootcrops that are cooked in an underground oven and garnished with coconut cream (Restaurants pp). Luau evenings can be found at most major centers, either at the large hotels or on secluded beaches and usually includes a traditional hula and dance show (Restaurants pp). "
Abstract This paper explains that the monopoly of the top five tourism destinations of France, Spain, the United States, Italy and China is being challenged by over thirty other countries located in Asia such as Malaysia, Africa such as Mauritius, the Middle East such as the United Arab Emirates, South America such as Cuba and the newly independent countries in Europe such as Azerbaijan, Croatia, and Uzbekistan. The author points out that the most significant macro-economic trend, which began in the 1990s, is globalization. The paper stresses that rapid and unplanned tourism development is resulting in destroying the beauty and ecological balance of many a natural habitat, which means that the tourism industry is rather irresponsibly destroying one of its own key capital assets.
Table of Contents
Competitive Trends
Macroeconomic Trends
Environmental Issues
Leveraging Strengths to Overcome Key Threats to Global Tourism
From the Paper "The World Tourism Organization estimates that there were 694 million international tourist arrivals in 2003, and that international tourism receipts totaled $514 billion in 2003. These figures indicate the importance of tourism to the global economy and more important, the efforts that are being made to encourage its growth. In fact, the investment of money, time, and effort in tourism is not surprising considering that tourism represents approximately 7 percent of worldwide exports of goods and services, occupying the fourth position after exports of chemicals, automotive products and fuels."
Abstract This paper provides a quick look at basic Chinese culture for a traveller or businessman. It explains that Chinese customs are rooted in thousands of years of tradition. Therefore, etiquette is socially ingrained and in many instances, immutable. The writer points out that a foreigner who stays in China for any length of time or who hopes to do business with China should be respectful and observant of Chinese manners.
From the Paper "Chinese thinking styles have been found to be different from Western style of thinking. A study of Chinese corporate executives by Francesco Sofo and Ting Wang showed that the Chinese subjects showed a "high" style of thinking, characterized by analysis and critique: Chinese people will not immediately agree to an issue before thinking about it carefully and questioning all possibilities. Blind faith is not common. Similarly, Chinese executives enjoy implementing plans and creating rules, as long as their social position requires it. Because Chinese culture is hierarchical, it is important for people to be aware of and respectful of different roles and levels of power. Moreover, Chinese culture is less individualistic than American culture; personal progress is never placed above the progress of the organization. Chinese people generally frown upon open displays of anger or any other strong emotion and are indirect in their modes of communication. Directly insulting a person is one of the strongest taboos; "losing face" is an insult to a person's honor and integrity."
Abstract Although one is in the middle of the desert and the other on an island in the middle of the sea, Las Vegas and Waikiki draw visitors and new residents year-round. This paper explains that in spite of their diverse geographical locations, both are American cities with a rich ethnic diversity and a strong tourism industry. Both American cities share similar appeals: Waikiki, which is a district of Hawaii's capital Honolulu, has year-round mild and sunny weather, although Las Vegas, Nevada gets much colder in the winter than Honolulu does.
From the Paper "Tourists are drawn to these cities for fun as well as sun, for both areas boast a number of world-class four and five-star resorts as well as lively nighttime entertainment. Las Vegas draws people for its gambling casinos, and Waikiki for its beaches, but both cities are famously fun. People and families that are considering relocation would take into account more than just nightlife, however. Weather, cost of living, and other factors impact the selection of a new home. Las Vegas and Honolulu have similar median household incomes. However, Honolulu is one of the most expensive cities in America in which to live, with a cost of living index that ranks fourth in the nation. Las Vegas has a lower cost of living in general. Both cities have a relatively low rate of unemployment, but Las Vegas also has a better job growth rate than Honolulu. In spite of some differences in cost of living and local economies, Honolulu and its world famous beach Waikiki shares much in common with Las Vegas and its world famous casinos. Both Waikiki and Las Vegas make excellent vacation spots, and although Las Vegas might be a cheaper place to which to move or start up a business, the desert city lacks the beach culture, lush flora and fauna, and unique ethnic makeup of Hawaii.'
Abstract Japan is an island-chain nation located in Eastern Asia, between the North Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan, east of the Korean Peninsula. The climate is varied from tropical in the south to cool temperate in the north and resembles that of Eastern North America. This paper discusses the physical and cultural geography of this nation through four of the nine regions (or districts) that Japan is divided into: Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Chubu, Kinki, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu, and Okinawa. The paper also discusses the supply and demand factors (such as major attractions, transportation, infrastructure), and other attributes to the tourism world (issues and impacts, such as natural disasters).
From the Paper "These attractions are obviously not targeted to mass tourist activity. I would call them a combination of nature-based tourism, alternative and special interest tourism attractions, except for the Winter Olympics of course. The Olympics definitely had a positive impact on the region's market share - providing special interest activities to a mass of tourists will increase profit and open up new possibilities for the deferred demand without negatively impacting the region's character in the long run."
Abstract This paper presents an overview of health care and health scare problems that have, or could occur at any of the destinations that the staff of a travel agency book for their clients. The paper examines the plans they have now in place to handle any and all problems, whether health-related, stress-related or due to some unfortunate occurrence. The procedure for shortening or cancelling a cruise, voyage or other tour is discussed.
Outline
General Overview
Reports of the Center for Disease Control (CDC)
Handling Health Emergencies at Hotels, Recreational Areas, Cruise Ships, Aircraft
Priority Action When Problems Arise for Our Clients
A Suggested One-Page Form for all Our Travel Clients- Domestic or International
Our Professionalism is Always at Stake
From the Paper "While there are more travel opportunities- and people who can afford travel now- and while science and health are priorities at nearly every part of the world, still there are unforeseen health problems that have arisen, and will continue to arise that can cause problems to the innocent traveler. Therefore, as those responsible for setting up itineraries and tours, we must be ready to implement any and all emergency plans related to health problems. "2o Million Americans travel internationally every year...At my business we organize and lead 120 tours a year every year for the last twenty...and we've dealt with the understandable concerns of loved ones..." Much of the concern may be about possible acts of terrorism, especially in crowded areas as well as some of the less-traveled hinterlands of overseas nations. To really bring the health problem current, as this memo is written (Feb. 21, 2000) an Associated Press report in newspapers mentions a new "Mad Cow" disease outbreak in France. This is "the seventh since the beginning of the year...Authorities have said that new cases of mad cow disease will break out in France until 2001, five years after stringent prevention measures were taken, which has an average incubation period of five years.""
This paper discusses, switching from logging and fishing to eco-tourism, the economy of two towns, Ucluelet and Tofino, located between the Pacific Rim National Park on the western Vancouver Island, Canada.
Abstract This paper explains that Tofino has already switched to an economy based on eco-tourism and is now overwhelmed with tourists and environmental activists; Ucluelet is still debating ecotourism and is facing major economic problems. The author points out that people working in tourist-based businesses are optimistic that the community will be well-served by an influx of eco-tourists; however, loggers and fishermen, who would be displaced, feel that tourism is low-paying, seasonal at best and unpredictable. The paper relates that the Ucluelet Chamber of Commerce and the Ucluelet Economic Development Corporation have developed a Smart Growth policy outlining a sustainable economy, which includes positions such as (1) undertaking development in a compact fashion, (2) supporting mixed use development, (3) protecting sensitive environmental areas and (4) integrating open space into daily living.
From the Paper "In both towns, the supply and affordability of housing is now a problem for those who are seasonally employed--many of whom live in the area all year--and for those who are employed year round, but have middle or lower incomes. Seasonal visitors will pay premium rates for rental units. The result in Tofino has been a lack of affordable year-round housing. In Ucluelet such pressures have not yet become as critical, but as it also grows, it may face housing problems similar to those experienced in Tofino. Affordable housing is seen in both communities as an important part of sustaining the community."
Abstract This paper explains that the emergence of the global consumer or Euro-consumer can be attributed to the marketing activities of large multi-national organizations, rather than changes in consumer behavior; however, at the same time, more and more businesses have begun to market internationally because of the emergence of the global and Euro-consumer. The paper stresses that the major issues in designing international marketing campaigns are price, including the cost of transportation, tariffs, importer, wholesaler and retailer margins in addition to the factory price and the promotional process in which the main issue is communication adaptation. The paper states that the international hospitality industry has responded to and created global trends by solving consumer demands, such as easy purchase, last-minute bookings and non-conventional tourism, by using the internet for books, providing in-room guest portal services and eco-tourism.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Global or Euro-consumer
International Marketing Planning
International Marketing Techniques
Has the International Hospitality Industry Responded to or Created Global Trends?
Conclusion
From the Paper "Ultimately, the world is undergoing unprecedented social and cultural changes as global trade in consumer goods begins a new phase of expansion. Global communications media and cheap air travel have reduced the costs of cross-cultural connections of all kinds, increasing trade, tourism, and consumerism to new levels -- and bringing about the emergence of the global and Euro-consumers. At the same time, following the collapse of the Eastern Bloc communist countries, capitalism has become more omnipresent, less nationally-limited, and more influential all over the globe. All of these occurrences have contributed (along with mass marketing campaigns) to the development and emergence of the global and Euro-consumers. Now that the global and Euro-consumer has emerged, multinational organizations direct their marketing accordingly to meet the changes in consumer behavior."
Tags: euro-consumer, behavior, price, promotion, internet
Abstract This paper explains that, although the gathering, collating, reviewing and study of statistics, usually freely available from governmental agencies, are vital to any industry; Canada comes up woefully short of information applicable to the hospitality industry in comparison with the quality of the information available from United States agencies. The author points out that the information or data presented by the Canadian Tourism Commission, the Canadian Tourism Research Institute and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Division is highly suspect, is totally incomplete and generally pertains to tourism within Canada thus giving little recognition to international travel, tourism and hospitality industries. The paper demonstrates the use of U.S. government highway development information by the hospitality industry to expand hotels and other leisure attractions in Nashville and Memphis as an example of the use of statistics to create high-yield investments.
Table of Contents
Thesis Statement
The Canadian Viewpoint
The American Resources
A Widely Used Planning Strategy Seldom Mentioned
The Overall Benefits to Tennessee from Hospitality Statistics
From the Paper "In the Knoxville area, Interstate 75 - a north to south major artery - and Interstate 40 - a coast to coast east to west artery - intersect are right now in the midst of a half-billion dollar downtown re-development program to enhance their economy. As with most cities of its size in the south and elsewhere, the downtown section was in fast rate of decline because of urban sprawl. By the use of strategic data from TDOT, the city fathers decided that they could bring the downtown area back to life and add tremendously to the tax-base by means of the re-development plan. It was found that travelers from east to west that normally drive through can be attracted to spend the night in the "new downtown," by redeveloping the waterfront and making it an attractive tourist destination. The anchor businesses, of course, are reasonably priced, yet luxurious hotel/motel type accommodations."
Abstract This paper contains research into the island of Bali while examining in-depth the indigenous Balinese population. The author of this paper discusses the rich history of the Indonesian island, discovered by the Dutch navigator Cornelius de Houtman in 1597 while delving into Bali's diverse rituals, arts and culture. This paper also explores the vital role religion plays in Bali's society and explains why Bali is no longer a tourist paradise but also a society seeking its own identity.
From the Paper "As for the language spoken in Bali, the variations are actually part of the various dramas, since the majority of Balinese speak a language equal to their caste. Yes, like India, Bali has a caste system, as well, but there are no Untouchables, and today's Balinese system bears little resemblance to the "traditional" Indian system. The highest caste is that of the priests, known as Brahmana. Then there is Kasatria, the noble caste, and Wesia, the warrior caste."
Tags: indonesia, culture, population, geography, religion