Evolution of travel and transportation systems

• Transportation and technological innovations enable tourists to reach destinations and are integral to tourism and hospitality

Transportation and Travel Evolution

• Transportation and travel evolution is marked by different eras

• Pre-Industrial Travel System Era characteristics:

  • Before widespread industrialization in Europe and North America
  • Few common carriers and almost no regularly scheduled transportation services
  • Travelers made arrangements with suppliers; limited travel due to money and reasons

• Early-Industrial Travel System Era involved road improvements (railways, canals, steamship services) due to innovation

  • Travel increased, leading to common carriers and scheduled services

• Mature-Railway System Era:

  • Thomas Cook pioneered travel in the UK in 1840
  • Increased rail travel led railways to market services aggressively and the formation of travel agencies and tour companies
  • Expanded operations included running hotels and providing travel-related services

• Express-Travel System Era:

  • Trains and transportation stopped only at major stations/terminals
  • Increased travel speed encouraged more travel

• Automobile-Based Travel System Era:

  • Private automobiles gained influence in North America and Europe from the 1920s
  • Development of motorways and highways occurred from 1920 to 1974
  • Automobiles were dominant from 1920 to 1945

• Modern-Tourism Travel System Era (1945-1974):

  • Car ownership increased
  • Mass air travel emerged post-World War II
  • Introduction of wide-bodied jets in 1970 boosted air travel
  • Mass tourism philosophy and marketing arose in the 1950s-1960s

• Post-Mobility Adjustment Era started in 1973-1974 due to the OPEC oil embargo and rising fuel prices

  • The energy crisis changed travel patterns
  • Travelers sought alternative, group-oriented transportation modes

Transportation Mode Selection

• Transportation enriches travel based on mode and frequency

• Transportation can become a tourist attraction (cruises, trains, boat trips)

• Air travel significantly changed perceptions of time and distance

• Airlines invest billions in tech innovations to meet demand

• Air travel rapidly developed as key for long-distance travel

  • Air transport includes airplanes, helicopters, hot air balloons, and gliders

• Automobile transportation is suited for short distances

  • Provides flexibility and access to local cultures
  • Offers lower prices than other modes

• Railway transportation is the oldest mode

  • Used to transport loads
  • Fast trains compete with air and automobile travel
  • Includes high-speed, regional, rapid transit, and freight trains

• Sea Transportation:

  • Includes cruise, boat, yachting, and ferry travel
  • Cruise ships provide travel
  • Maritime vessels transport cargo

Recreations and Attractions

• Recreation involves activities that are relaxing or diverting

• Leisure is productive, creative, or contemplative use of free time

• Recreation can be:

  • Public agencies providing facilities like parks and pools
  • Senior and rehabilitation centers
  • Impact of outdoor recreation on natural environments

• Recreational participation encompasses travel and tourism, cultural activities, hobbies and social groups

  • Can involve many participants or be solitary
  • Can act as a short or long experience

• Natural attractions drive travel (national parks and forests)

• Purpose-built attractions include theme parks, zoos, and galleries

• Heritage attractions: historical sites

• Recreation attractions involved indoor and outdoor sports facilities

• Commercial attractions are retail locations (shopping centers and boutiques)

• Industrial attractions: factories and breweries

Challenges Faced by Recreation and Leisure Services

• Recreational professionals should:
  • Serve diverse populations
  • Emphasize social purposes (youth programs, disability services, community)
  • Promote public understanding of recreation and leisure
  • Upgrade programs in inner cities
  • Adopt benefits-based management approaches
  • Promote recreation for health
  • Partner with environmental groups
  • Improve family programs
  • Promote ethics in youth sports
  • Mainstream persons with disabilities
  • Plan for recreation in job-scarce economies
  • Develop professionalism through standards
  • Unify recreation and leisure service fields

Gaming Entertainment

• Gaming industry includes casinos, card games, charitable games, and betting

• Gaming entertainment is the casino gaming sector, with hotel operations, entertainment, retail, and other activities

• Casinos offer games of risk combined with entertainment

• Serve "social gamblers" who combine gambling with other activities

• Table games: wagering or betting with the casino

• Card games: players gamble against each other, casino provides games

• Slot machines: spinning reels activated by handle

  • Pay-offs are based on a random number
  • Includes video poker, keno, bingo, or lottery terminals

• Keno and bingo: based on random numbers

• Race and sports books: wagering on horse/sports events

• Casino cage: financial transactions and accounting

• Surveillance: monitoring gaming via high-tech cameras

• Ancillary departments: support departments such as restaurant operations, bars, and entertainment centers

• People visit casinos for:

  • Gambling opportunities
  • Entertainment
  • Social interaction
  • Economic incentives (low rates)
  • Curiosity (mega-resorts)
  • Amenities (spas, salons, amusement centers)