Tourism and Transportation

• Transportation is vital for the tourism industry, especially for long-distance travel, and connects international boundaries
• The module will cover the relationship between tourism and transportation, effects of transportation on tourism, transportation management, and modes of transport

Three Critical Aspects of Transport/Tourism Relationship

• Tourists travel to and from destinations
• Understanding supply/demand is key for transport infrastructure planning
• Transport's dynamic nature can significantly impact tourism (political, natural, or business disruptions)

Effects of Transportation on Tourism Development

• Tourists spend 30-40% of holiday expenses on transportation
• Transportation connects tourists to attractions
• It also affects tourist mobility, demand, and motivation
• Transport networks are key for developing new tourist spots. The ability of a destination to attract tourists hinges on efficient transport
• Transportation promotes growth in tourist destinations, but can lead to pollution, harming wildlife and habitats

Principles of Transportation Management and Operations

• The two fundamental principles are economy of scale and economy of distance

Economy of Scale

• Transportation cost per unit of weight decreases as shipment size increases
• Larger transport vehicle capacity reduces the cost per unit
• Rail or water transport is cheaper for bulk than smaller vehicles like motor or air

Economy of Distance

• Transportation cost per unit decreases as distance increases, known as the tapering principle
• Longer distances spread fixed expenses, lowering per-mile charge

Advantages of Mass Transportation

• Mass transit is more environmentally friendly, with private vehicles emitting twice the carbon monoxide
• Mass transit reduces the number of cars and pollution
• Mass transit enhances social integrity by allowing travel regardless of status, eliminates the need for a license, benefiting those who cannot drive
• Mass transit improves public transit and business
• It also offers savings in labor, materials, and energy
• Mass transit enables higher loads to be transported in reasonable time, offering fuel savings
• Reduces congestion by carrying more passengers and reducing the number of vehicles

Disadvantages of Mass Transportation

• Mass transit is only economically feasible in high population areas
• Efficiency decreases with fewer inhabitants per square mile
• Mass transit systems are expensive to build and operate and disrupt existing structures
• Consumers pay a larger cost share due to limited government assistance
• Systems can be crowded, uncomfortable, dirty, and unreliable
• Maintenance and schedules suffer from budget constraints
• Mass transit is not as convenient as personal vehicles

Modes of Transport

• The modes of transport are air, land, and water transport

Air Transport

• Air transport is the fastest and has made long-distance travel simpler and more affordable
• Air transport development occurred after WWI and WWII, and commercial airlines were created
• Air transport saves time, is luxurious, and is hassle-free

Land Transport

• Land transport includes all land-based systems for moving people and goods, is vital for connecting communities, and is key in urban planning
• Land transport includes rail and road

Road Transport

• Horses were used for travel until the 17th century
• Better roads developed into trade routes, like the Silk Route from China to Persia
• Automobiles are popular today, offering views and freedom
• Tourist coaches/buses suit large groups, while hired cars offer comfort and privacy
• Car rental is advanced internationally, allowing bookings in advance

Rail Transport

• Railways are economical, convenient, and popular, especially for long distances
• The railroad was invented in Germany in the 17th century with wooden tracks with steel rail developed in the USA in the early 1800s
• Railways revolutionized transportation and mass movement in the 19th and 20th centuries

Water Transport

• Humans have traveled by water since ancient times
• Boats evolved from simple rafts around 6000 BC
• Cruise lines are popular today, booked in advance for tropical/sub-tropical waters
• Water transport today is used for ferrying and cruising

Factors to Consider When Choosing Transport

Cost of Service

• Rail is cheaper for heavy, bulky, long-distance traffic
• Motor transport suits small, short-distance traffic
• Water transport is cheapest for heavy, bulky, long-distance goods
• Air transport is costliest, suited for perishable, light, valuable goods

Speed of Transport

• Air is the quickest, then motor for short distances and rail for long distances
• Water transport is the slowest

Flexibility

• Rail, water, and air are inflexible, operating on fixed routes/schedules
• Motor transport is most flexible, not tied to routes/schedules

Regularity of Service

• Railway service is more certain, uniform, and regular
• Motor, ocean and air transport are affected by weather

Safety

• Safety/security influence transport choice
• Motor transport is preferred to rail due to fewer losses
• Sea transport exposes goods to perils

Nature of Commodity

• Rail is suitable for cheap, bulk, heavy goods
• Motor or air transport suits perishable goods needing quick delivery