Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts the anti-social potential of Disneyland and Las Vegas in reference to theories of postmodernism, hyper-reality, simulation, aesthetic values, commercialism and mediatization. The pro-social potential is also examined in a critical sense, focusing primarily on issues relating to escapism and gratification as the primary driving forces behind our need for simulation. This paper argues that simulated environments such as Las Vegas and Disneyland are caught up in the use of the facade and masking in an antisocial manner of spectacle.

From the Paper
"According to Baudrillard, we are living in an era of simulation; an age in which reality no longer exists, and where "the very definition of the real has become: that of which it is possible to give an equivalent reproduction." (Simulations, 1983) Baudrillard theorizes that through the mirroring of reality, we lose sight of reality. However, as is reflected by our tastes in popular culture, we still yearn for the real, except that we want to be entertained at the same time. Thus the result is that we mimic reality, distort it for entertainment value, and then provide a manifestation of it for public consumption. Nowhere is this conjecture more relevant than in the grandeur of Las Vegas and the opulence of Disneyland."

Tags:baudrillard, disney, disneyland, las, modernism, post, spectacle, vegas, world

Abstract
A brief discussion about why Disneyland appeals to adults and children alike. It also addresses business opportunities within Disneyland and why one would like to work in and visit a place like it.

From the Paper
"The one place for all. Old and young alike, holding tremendous excitement and thrill in its essence. I for one feel that Disneyland has been the most popular business ever since. Cartoon characters created by Disney are known all over the world. With tourist rate more than any other park around the world, Disneyland provides amusement and festivity beyond expectations. Disneyland have higher attendance than their competitors thus proving to be one of the biggest American achievements."

Tags:imagination, adventure, entertainment

Abstract
Currently, "Six Flags" is operating in almost all major metropolitan areas of the United States and is trying to increase its presence in the international market. The focus of this paper is on the current operations of "Six Flags" and the threats faced by the company from its existing direct as well as indirect competitors, new entrants in the market and an increase in power of suppliers and customers because of increased competition.

From the Paper
'With the growth in the entertainment industry and increased demand for entertainment services, companies like Six Flags have benefited to a considerable level and have rapidly expanded their operations worldwide. However, with the growth in industry the level of competition has also increased. Entrance of new players in the market and availability of numerous substitutes has made it difficult for the company to remain profitable and effectively compete in the market. Although, the direct competitors of the company are only theme or water park operating companies but several other indirect competitors are also competing with Six Flags, as they are serving the same generic need of the customer i.e. the need for pleasure and entertainment.'

Tags:entertainment, services, Walt, Disney, technology, recreation

Abstract
This paper examines the history of San Francisco as presented in "Imperial San Francisco: Urban Power, Earthly Ruin" by Gran Brechin. It reviews how Brechin discusses the impact the California Gold Rush, San Francisco's elite and powerful, the control of water sources and the shipbuilding industry had on the development of San Francisco.

From the Paper
"Brechin's book, "Imperial San Francisco" is a compelling history of the "City by the Bay," which pulls no punches in San Francisco's rise from sleepy bayside community to one of the most powerful cities in the world. From the preface, where he compares the imperial cities of old and their contados, areas surrounding the city that the city dominates and contribute to the city's well-being and growth, to the last chapter, where he illustrates modern power development in the Bay Area through her educational facilities, Brechin paints a complete and convincing picture of San Francisco's roots and development."

Tags:city, bay, bayside, community, william, randolph, hearst, john, hays, hammond, william, ralston

Abstract
The paper begins by introducing the product to be marketed - a handheld unit which provides the benefits of a digital camera, translator and tour guide all in one. It looks at the current international situation and then examines the rational of and commitment to international expansion. The paper then explores the reasons behind expanding the business to three expanding markets - Greece, Mexico and Egypt. It provides a statistical summary of the economic foundations of all three nations by way of a graph before focusing on an analysis of Greece's political and economic situation.

From the Paper
"Greece is of high interest because of the impending Olympic Games which will be held in the country. The primary source of income for many local vendors within the country is tourism, the same is true of Mexico (CIA, 2003). The pyramids in Egypt prove equally compelling as a tourist attraction. Most individuals visiting these countries are lured by the amazing historical structures to see. Mexico and Greece, like Egypt are home to many famous ruins. The ease of use and inexpensive cost of the travel companion could provide tourists with guided daily tours of the many sights within these countries. Most visitors, upon entering countries such as Greece, Egypt and Mexico, seek out the aid of a tour guide and translator. The use of this product will eliminate the need to do so. The product is most likely to be successful in Greece during the Olympics, as high volumes of visitors form many different countries will be entering the country, and the majority are not likely to be familiar with the local language and sights. Many will also be seeking out digital camera or similar capabilities, which this product will provide".

Tags:GDP, European, Union, PRM

Abstract
This paper focuses on whether language is a barrier in the hospitality industry when there are many employees from diverse cultures. The writer asserts that maintaining a certain level of customer service is essential in the hospitality industry and could be directly affected by the language barrier problem. This paper examines the advantages and disadvantages of language barriers in this industry, reviews current literature on the subject, and offers a proposed hypothesis for study and a methodology.

From the Paper
"In such a competitive environment as the hospitality industry, this subject matter is of great interest. Companies are vying for clients and this issue can be a contributing factor to a hotel's success or could be part of the reason it may fail. Communication is a key factor in achieving customer satisfaction and should not impede the ability to serve guests."

Tags:guest, hotel, communication

Abstract
This paper defines operations management as the design, operation, and improvement of the systems that create and deliver the firm's primary products and services; the tourism or hospitality industry utilizes operations management techniques to increase efficiency. The author points out that operations management has become important in the hospitality industry because organizations in this sector are largely dependent on per-unit cost incurred and the resultant profit margins. The paper states that operations strategies may include reengineering processes, integration of better equipments, installation of electronic means of operations, enterprise resource plans, or simply revising the organizational operations strategy, such as supply chain management.

From the Paper
"A survey of the work environment at the different hotels indicate that operations constitute of management of occupancy; assessment of profitability based on current client traffic as well as from future traffic; it is about the management of the inventory through controlled monitoring; but most importantly it is about the management of the staffs who make the whole service process possible. Thus operations management in the hospitality industry put more emphasis on the relationship of the staff with the management and the clients. The correlation between is high as they are the variable that ultimately lead them to the achievement of organizational objectives."

Tags:marriot, allocation, margins, unit-cost, resources

Abstract
This paper discusses the impact of globalization on the international tourism industry in the U.S. and abroad.

From the Paper
"The globalization of the developing world by the industrialized, developed world is a large concern for these new progressing nations. This effect has been brought to light as a result of the resurrected focus on opening up these markets to free trade and tourism opportunities. Several of these nations have been caught up in a practice of isolationism, or separatism from the developed world. This has depressed their economies significantly and limited their opportunities for growth in the new age globalization. This limited horizon has recently taken a huge turn for the better in several of these countries and spurred much development and growth for these areas."

Tags:accounting, business, conglomerate, entertainment, exports, globalization, imports, multinationals, trade

Abstract
This paper discusses Rosenbluth International, an international travel management company based in Philadelphia. The paper examines the process of quality management and quality assurance that the company has undertaken in order to remain competitive and to continue to keep a leading position by providing high quality service to its travel customers. The paper explains that the process has been introduced in stages and has achieved some momentum, first by developing a training program that taught the rudiments of quality assurance to all employees, and then set out to implement a board of quality advisors to act as facilitators for quality teams formed at each business unit. The paper explores the issue of how to keep the momentum going and to develop even more means of assuring quality and of promoting it throughout the organization, especially as the organization now wants to implement the program internationally to increase the international clientele.

From the Paper
"The travel business has been changing in recent years, creating first anew business model for the field and then altering the traditional competitive environment. The advent of the Internet and the wide use of the personal computer and other computer systems opened the way for a new form of control for the hospitality and travel industries. In the 1990s, the computer constituted the technology with the greatest effect on travel and hospitality around the world. The travel business has been changing with the development and widespread use of advanced computer programs and with increased access to different computer networks. These changes have included the introduction of new services which travelers can access themselves without the need of agents. One of the reasons for this shift is the belief on the part of the consumer that he or she has been paying too much for travel and that there is some hidden expense in the use of a travel agent that can now be avoided. The customer may also desire to become master of his or her own fate to a much greater degree, using self-service machines and computers to shape individual travel plans. As this form of do-it-yourself-travel grew, the question emerged as to whether the mass of travelers really wanted this sort of system and wanted to do the job themselves rather than leaving it to a travel agent. This idea has been examined and has now been tested."

Tags:holidays, flights, bookings, hotels

Abstract
This paper examines the troubles confronting New Orleans tourist industry as it digs its way out of the rubble left behind by Hurricane Katrina. The paper briefly outlines the significance of the tourist industry to the community and also looks at the pros and cons of reconstituting the old New Orleans. Finally the paper briefly delineates a few things that the city can do to not only revive its tourist industry in the wake of a terrible tragedy but to also secure the return and or retention of middle class professionals.

From the Paper
"Hurricane Katrina had a profound impact upon the city of New Orleans. Leaving aside momentarily the terrible loss of life and property, the natural disaster also greatly affected New Orleans' tourist industry, changing perhaps forever how many outsiders see the Louisiana metropolis. The following paper will examine New Orleans tourism before the tragedy and examine also the pros and cons of returning the city to its original state - at least from a tourist perspective. Finally, the paper will conclude with some recommendations for what New Orleans can do and should do if it wishes tourists to still frequent the city in the years to come."

Tags:hurricane, katrina, tourism