This paper discuses the genre of travelogues by comparing Caryl Phillips' "The European Tribe" and Karen Connolly's "Touch the Dragon - a Thai Journal".
Abstract This paper states that Caryl Phillips' "The European Tribe" and Karen Connolly's "Touch the Dragon - a Thai Journal" are two very different types of 20th century travelogues. The author points out that Caryl Phillips' book is definitely superior in its attention to history and context because the author kept searching, reflecting and reporting on what he noticed in his travels in Europe. The paper concludes that Connolly's work is immature, has little to report of Thailand as a greater phenomenon but has much to account about the teenage, feminist impressions of Karen Connolly herself. The paper relates that "Touch the Dragon" does serve a growing market for travelogues produced by young people for youths who typically wish to travel as a guaranteed source of self development.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Caryl Phillips and "The European Tribe"
Karen Connolly, "Touch the Dragon - a Thai Journal"
Travel as Source of Identity
Concluding Remarks
From the Paper "She is gradually introduced to Thai etiquette, which she confesses to sometimes resenting, as in the need for great politeness or just not pointing with one's foot. The reader does wonder how some Thai people with whom she came in contact thought of their visitor. Again, there is the sense of a book not written by the best caliber of Canadian, but by a person of a certain age used to self-promotion to think that her impressions should be taken seriously or as significant, as a very unattractive feature of this book."
Abstract This paper looks at the all-inclusive vacation as something other than tourism, or travel as it was once known. It shows how these vacations can tell a good deal about what the buyer expects in a culture of consumerism and what capitalists have learned the consumer wants. The paper makes use of critical theory in order to analyze the sociological phenomena that are evident with all-inclusive vacations. The paper maintains that there are things quite wrong with this phenomenon that are explained with the help of critical theory.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Race and Class
Selling Fantasy
Power
Concluding Remarks
From the Paper "As mentioned, an all-inclusive vacation should protect the consumer from anything to upset previous notions of a place or what a vacation should be about. The all-inclusive vacation keeps consumers within one kind of consciousness that is the one known at home. There is little to promote interest in the place or places to which they travel. The vacationer is a transplanted person able to afford the location and activities that are laid on. Perhaps there will be a comment on what was served for sinner, a sun burn, or a comment on whether or not it is 'safe' to venture away from a resort of other institution in which the all-inclusive package has placed them."
An analysis of the advantages, costs and services offered by the Westin Peachtree Plaza, Atlanta (WPPA) as a location for the 7th Annual Sales Conference for Coca Cola.
Abstract This paper reviews the Westin Peachtree Plaza, Atlanta (WPPA) as a location for the 7th Annual Sales Conference for Coca Cola. It analyzes all the advantages of choosing this location. It then provides a competitive analysis that discusses the available options, cost, location, and service offered by WPPA in order to understand why it was the logical choice of venue.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Background
Proposal: Recommendation of Westin Peachtree Plaza, Atlanta
Why Choose Atlanta, Georgia?
Strategic Advantages of Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel: A Critical Review
From the Paper "WPPA has the best overall physical capacity for the conference. It has the largest available square footage, and was available on the date of the conference. Similarly, there are adequate accommodations for guests that will need to stay overnight, and or other individuals who prefer to stay at the hotel for the duration of the conference. The facilities are exquisite and offer a particular ambiance that is relevant to the overall Coca Cola image. The conference room at WPPA is also connected to the Hotel (in some cases, like the Sheraton, the executive suites were across the street); the hotel is close to the airport and the Coca Cola headquarter offices, so there are no access issues that are overwhelming or bothersome."
Abstract This paper discusses the 21st century ecotourism bubble and tourist enclaves. The paper discusses the reasons for these phenomenons around the world and how they are affecting tourism worldwide. The paper also looks at some of the fallacies of ecotourism and explains why ecotourism does not really provide what it says it provides.. The paper includes examples of tourist enclaves and ecotourism bubbles to explain its points.
From the Paper "Many will consciously avoid known tourist enclaves, aware that their interest in a visited place should be 'deeper' or less hedonistic than simply enjoying themselves in an attractive and affordable locality. On the other hand, one does come to know of other conventions that seem quite similar to the ecotourism criticized just now. For instance, when speaking with students have 'volunteered' in Commonwealth Caribbean countries or graduate students to have embarked on 'fieldwork' one learns that their efforts have very much been organized to form another kind of package-experience. If researching a subject of Barbados, for instance, a safe way has been found to be "in" the local society and observe - always, a certain voyeurism, at hand - and little sense of adventure displayed. If 'studying' poverty or social conditions for the poor, for instance, it seems unimaginable for researchers to stay with the people studied. In dozens of developing and developed countries, anthropologists engage in what seems another variety of tourism in that there can be much attention to reducing risk, not mixing with unsavory elements, not trying to see that they come to fully understand phenomena - not as presented to them by educated counterparts in the society they visit, but by people as opposed to 'subjects'."
This report characterizes the market for the ski resort industry and related products/services and assesses the attractiveness of this market to potential producers/marketers.
Abstract This paper explains that, although skiing is one of Americans' favorite sports and leisure activities, ski areas throughout North America are facing many problems. The author points out that fewer people visit U.S. ski areas now than ten or twenty years ago. The paper also relates that the high seasonality of demand, the potential negative effects of climate change and issues surrounding environmentally sustainable management practices present major challenges to the ski industry. The author underscores that the barriers to market entry include large amounts of initial capital, high maintenance costs, dependability on weather and human resources management. The paper reports that successful resorts respond to these challenges through continued diversification and effective customer relationship management programs. The author concludes that the ski resort industry is not an attractive candidate for potential market entrants.
Table of Contents:
List of Figures
Executive Summary
Purposes of the Report
Sources and Methods of Data Collection
Interpretations and Conclusions
Introduction
Industry Assessment
Industry Landscape
Market Demand
Seasonality of Demand
Factors Influencing Future Demand
Climate Change
Environmentally Sustainable Management
Barriers to Entry
Staying Ahead of the Competition
Summary
From the Paper "Seasonality of demand in the ski resort industry refers to the fluctuations in demand during different months of the year. Statistics reflecting the number of visits or the frequency of ski resort visitations per season is not readily available, making it difficult to quantify seasonality of demand. However, one can draw a parallel between the seasonality of demand in the ski resort industry and the seasonality of demand for skis and related equipment. According to AuctionBytes.com (2007), the independent trade publication for online merchants, demand for snow skis seems to concentrate around Christmas holidays."
Tags: seasonality decline start-up diversification, human resources management
Abstract The paper proposes solutions that will generate revenue and expand operations at the New York City Arboretum. The paper discusses donation fees for admission and parking, fees for the tram transportation service, attracting more visitors by employing additional scientists and staff and aggressive advertising. The paper relates that the Arboretum has to change its scope and mission by expanding botanical research and providing sufficient up-to-date research for college students.
Outline:
Alternative Solutions
Pros and Cons of the Alternative Solution
Overall Recommendations for the New York City Arboretum
From the Paper "The New York Arboretum was founded in the mid 1800s and situated across a 250-acre strip of land. The Arboretum was "founded by two French Huguenot brothers named Lorillard" (Soderstrom, 2001, p. 87), it displays botanical and educational research and has the largest botanical library in North America. In the upcoming years, the Arboretum delved into some key issues that needed to be changed in order to keep up its operations. The Arboretum needed to generate additional revenue, find greater initiatives to attract more visitors and employees and change its scope and mission."
Abstract This paper examines how one of the fastest growing divisions of the tourism industry is a type of tourism that is nature-oriented and how the term "ecotourism" refers to tourism that involves travel to areas of natural interest for the purpose of observing wildlife and learning about the natural environment. The paper also discusses how environmental organizations as well as park agencies have supported the travel industry in endorsing nature travel as the trendiest environmental activity available that does not alter or harm the natural resources. The paper then argues, however, that ecotourism is far from being environmentally sound, and in fact does irreparable damage to the ecosystem.
From the Paper "Along with the increasing number of tourists that the system ecotourism draws to destinations, comes a high level of noise pollution. The tourists must get to the vacation area by either air travel or car transportation, both of which contribute greatly to noise pollution, especially in formerly desolate areas (Evans 229). Tourist areas also have an increased crime rate, as well as a high rate of drug use and prostitution (Evans 229). Local communities have the most to gain and the most to lose. Ecotourism can provide opportunities for communities to materially profit from their accommodations, food and guide services that they provide for the tourists, but the natives must protect their local environment. "
Abstract This paper is concerned with the subject of travelling for direct and indirect health benefits and examines the conditions in Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, which have taken a lead in developing this sector. The author highlights the approaches towards healthcare tourism by the three countries being considered and compared, and illustrates insights into commercial opportunities and management challenges. He concludes that there are some wider concerns that need to be addressed relating to selling healthcare to tourists.
Outline:
Healthcare Tourism in Malaysia
Healthcare Tourism in Singapore
Healthcare Tourism in Thailand
Summary and Differences between the Three Countries
Arguments
Conclusion
From the Paper "Tourism and health share a close relationship in which their interactions can be both negative and positive. Attention has been given to hazards confronting international tourists (May, 1989; Petty, 1989) and the World Health Organization (WHO, 2002) cites risks they may encounter. Dawood (1989) concludes that the health of as many as 50% is likely to be adversely affected by the experience of travel overseas. Sexually transmitted diseases are another anxiety connected to the spread of HIV/AIDS (Porter, Lea, & Carroll, 1996). The most appropriate ways of educating tourists about the dangers they might encounter is a subject for debate (Lawton & Page, 1997), and some commentators have suggested that the industry is reluctant to accept its responsibilities and deliver appropriate warnings due to fears about alarming customers and losing business, although perceptions of risk are personal and frequently socially constructed. It must also be acknowledged that tourism can disturb the lives of residents with implications for their health as well as that of visitors (Rodriguez-Garcia, 2001)."
Discusses the feelings of the people of Mexico regarding tourism during the holiday, Day of the Dead, based on Lucero Morales Cano and Avis Mysyk's article "Cultural tourism, the State, and the Day of the Dead".
Abstract The paper is a review of an article entitled "Cultural tourism, the State, and the Day of the Dead", which the writer find particularly relevant to him because of his plans to observe Day of the Dead celebrations during an upcoming visit to Mexico. The paper then relates the emotions of the writer prior to an intended visit to Mexico during the "Day of the Dead " celebrations, noting that there is a conflict between the authorities who welcome tourism on this holiday and the civilians who see tourism as intrusion into a sacred historical ritual and oppose it being promoted as a tourist attraction. The paper also explains that the community is divided on the subject, as many recognize the economic importance of tourism.
From the Paper "These dynamics are evident in Mexico, particularly concerning how to mediate the conflict between the state and local residents over the tourist attraction that Day of the Dead festivities have become because of globalization. Cano and Mysyk have studied the problems which have arisen in the village of Huaquechula since 1988, when the one road leading into the village was paved for the benefit of tourists and the village became a part of the tourism circuit. In the process of studying the impact of these developments, Mysyk surveyed the villagers regarding their appreciation of the presence of tourists, their behavior, their feelings about tourists photographing or videotaping altars, and related issues."
Abstract Using the case study "Episode 8: 'We Don't Want any Troublemakers in Our Hotel'" as primary example, this paper sets forth eight questions that present many of the challenges that hotel employees face when confronted by unruly guests. The paper relates that the concept of the workplace as a theatrical stage can enable service employees to be creative in handling difficult situations. The author concludes that there are also situations when a more formal functional script should be implemented.
From the Paper "The delivery of excellent and sincere customer service does not require unnecessary servility and acquiescence on the part of employees. While hospitality service employees must of course be especially attentive to the needs and demands of guests and customers, this attentiveness does not and should not be at the expense of basic human dignity because such servility actually encourages the behavior of guests such as Mr. Patel."
Abstract The paper discusses how the city of Toronto is cosmopolitan, relatively safe, has an under-rated theatre and arts community, offers an attractive waterfront vista and is remarkably affordable for tourists eager to buy souvenirs. The paper then discusses the lingering fears about SARS, the city's unknown arts community and the frigid winter weather. The paper also relates that the general sense that Toronto is "nice" but not dynamic in the same way that New York, London, Paris or Rome are, is keeping Canada's largest urban center from being the tourist magnet it could be.
From the Paper "Toronto's tourist industry is at a cross-roads. Since 2000, the total number of US tourists has declined by 15 percent. Among same-day travelers from America, the numbers have, quite literally, fallen through the floor. At the same time, the number of overnight travelers has also dropped, through much more modestly. Happily, emerging tourist markets from overseas and domestic tourism has propped up the tourist sector in the absence of US visitors: in 2006, visitor spending was up 7 percent from the previous year, and it seems overseas travelers are the major reason why this was so (Tourism Toronto, 2006). Without question, the trend is ineluctably moving towards a non-American tourist market in which Canada's largest city will have to find a way to accommodate, more and more, people who are non-white and interested in the cosmopolitan aspects of the metropolis - like Toronto's thriving Chinese or Indian (or Caribbean) communities."
Abstract The paper relates Ernesto "Che" Guevara's views of travel, that everyone should have the right to not only travel freely, but immerse oneself in the very essence of the culture and situations of the native inhabitants. The paper discusses how Che's view of travel as a freeing and learning experience is completely contrary to the American view of travel in the post September 11th era. The paper describes how Americans perceive travelers as suspicious individuals that need to be consistently monitored and constrained. The paper argues that America needs to change its views and reduce restrictions, since by limiting what travelers can actually see and treating them with hostility and suspicion, America is actively losing supporters on the international stage.
From the Paper "Che's understanding of travel is to that it not only allows for one to have reckless fun, but more importantly it opens up your eyes to the all of the multitudes of manners in which people live their lives. Throughout his journey, he did not only try to receive a surface level understanding of the places that he went to, but rather delved deeply into every aspect of life. In Chile, he goes and visits a woman dying of tuberculosis, and is appalled to find the failings of the public health system that prevents the woman from receiving adequate treatment. He receives a tour of a copper mine and finds out the stark reality of deaths that occurred to make it possible. He even goes as far as to visit a leper colony and live among their inhabitants. Che's view of travel is that everyone should have the right to not only travel freely, but immerse oneself in the very essence of the culture and situations of the native inhabitants."
Abstract The paper describes the reasons for the attraction of young British people to Amsterdam where sex and drugs are freely available.The paper concludes that it is undoubtedly apparent that the underlying factor that appears to provoke young British tourists visiting Amsterdam are directly related to the flourishing array of sex and drugs found throughout the city. The paper includes several different graphs, charts, and tables.
Outline:
Introduction
Amsterdam; Characteristics Set Apart
Drug Use
Drug-Use Deaths in Amsterdam
Sex, British and Amsterdam
Perceptions toward British Tourists
Questionnaires
Argument
Research Methods
Data Analysis
Charts and Graphs
Results
Conclusions
From the Paper "Be it true that the lure of sex and drugs is what entices the young individuals of British descent to visit Amsterdam; concern may lay heavy in the dangers exposed to those who are predominantly young and engage in these common practices throughout the Dutch city. In any instance of drug use or sexual behavior, there are indefinite susceptibilities to the transmission of diseases. As HIV and AIDS are among the most dangerous for anyone to contract, the spreading of such diseases must be considered as highly potential threats to these tourists."
Tags: sex, drugs, red-light', district, sex-tourism, industry
Abstract This paper explains that, although most employees desire increased leisure time, present day economic and social conditions make this difficult. The paper points out that the fierce competition on the international market, combined with globalization and the constant search for improvement have forced managers to demand more work time. The result is increased pressure on the workers to work longer hours, hiring based on potential performance rather than the lure of job benefits, and the introduction of late retirement programs. The paper then discusses the food and beverage industry and the tourism industry and relates that significantly reduced leisure time for employees has created a demand for 24/7 availability in both industries.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Subtopic 1 - Increased Pressure on the Employee
Subtopic 2 - Hiring Based on Performance Instead of Job Benefits
Subtopic 3 - Late Retirement
Implication Area 1 - Food and Beverages
Implication Area 2 - Tourism
Conclusions
From the Paper "A more and more common feature of decreased leisure time is revealed in the form of late retirements. This generally occurs due to insufficient personnel and insufficiently trained new employees. As a result of these, managers prefer to hold on to their old and trustworthy employees. The late retirement program is generally carried on in collaboration between employee and employer in the form of a part time job agreement, but it can also take the form of a full time job contract."
Tags: globalization, retirement, performance, availability, international
Abstract This research paper assesses whether hotel companies should offer customers a discount by way of compensation for service failure. The study assesses whether offering customers a discount is an effective strategy to ensure their repeat business in spite of having suffered poor service. The study also assesses whether it is in the financial interests of the company to offer such compensation. This is done by evaluating whether the company is able to generate the cost of the discount back from the customer through their repeated business.
Outline:
Introduction
Background
Purpose of the Study
Importance of the Study
Hypothesis
Outline Methodology
Sources of Information
Reliability and Validity of Data
Limitations of the Study
Summary of Research Questions
Literature Review
Methodology
Results
Discussion
From the Paper "The study is important in determining the strategy which the hotel industry should pursue in regards to offering discounts to customers. The practice of offering compensation as a means of service recovery is currently routine in many hotels. There has however been little analysis conducted as to whether the strategy is actually beneficial to the hotel. In the current market the conditions under which the strategy was devised do not necessarily hold, so there is no guarantee that the strategy remains as effective as when first introduced. It is important that the effectiveness of the strategy is assessed in order to ensure that the hotel can maintain their profitability and competitive market share."
