Tourism Transportation

The Transportation Sector

• Rapid development and technological innovations in transportation enable tourists to reach destinations worldwide
• Transportation is an integral part of the tourism and hospitality industry

Transportation and Travel Evolution

• Transportation and travel have evolved through different eras

Pre-Industrial Travel System Era

• This was before widespread industrialization in Europe and North America
• Few common carriers and almost no regularly scheduled transportation services existed
• Travelers arranged transport with several suppliers
• Only a few people had the money and reason to travel

Early-Industrial Travel System Era

• Road improvements such as railways, canals, and steamship services resulted from innovation and transportation technology advances
• Travel increased as more people could afford it
• Common carriers emerged, offering regularly scheduled transportation services

Mature-Railway System Era

• Thomas Cook began his company in the United Kingdom in 1840
• More people traveled, and railways aggressively marketed their services
• Railways expanded operations by running hotels and providing travel-related services

Express-Travel System Era

• Trains and other transport only stopped at major stations or terminals
• This increased travel speed and encouraged more travel

Automobile-Based Travel System Era

• Privately-owned automobiles became more influential in North America and Europe from the 1920s
• Motorways, interstate highways, and other trunk highways were developed from 1920 to 1974
• Automobiles were the predominant travel mode from 1920 to 1945

Modern-Tourism Travel System Era

• This was from 1945 to 1974
• Car ownership continued to increase while long-distance rail travel declined
• Mass air travel emerged after WWII
• Wide-bodied jets in 1970 greatly increased air travel
• Mass tourism philosophy and marketing approaches arose in the 1950s and 1960s

Post-Mobility Adjustment Era

• Began in 1973/1974 due to the oil embargo by OPEC and increased fuel prices
• The energy crisis changed travel patterns, leading travelers to seek alternative, group-oriented transport

Selection of Transportation Mode

• Transportation enriches travel depending on the mode and frequency of use
• Transportation can become a tourist attraction like cruises, orient express trains, and boat trips

Air Transportation

• Air travel is one of the most important transportation modes in tourism
• Air travel has changed perceptions of time and distance
• Airlines invest billions in technological innovations to meet air transport demand
• The air travel industry rapidly developed with an unparalleled role in long-distance travel
• Air transport includes airplanes, helicopters, hot air balloons, and gliders

Automobile Transportation

• In short distances, automobile transport (cars, vans, buses) is important
• Automobile transport facilitates experiencing local cultures and offers flexibility
• Tourists use this mode due to lower prices

Railway Transportation

• Railways are the oldest type of transport, frequently used in the 19th century
• Trains transport heavy loads in many countries, but tourists prefer air or automobile transport
• Modern fast trains compete with air and automobiles
• Examples are high-speed, regional, rapid transit, and freight trains

Sea Transportation

• Includes cruise, boat, yachting, and ferry travel
• Cruise ships provide travel opportunities
• Tourists can visit several countries on a cruise
• Other sea transport includes maritime vessels and cargo carriers

Meaning of Recreation and Leisure

• Recreation involves visiting places for relaxing or diverting activities like parks, museums and theaters
• Recreation is the pursuit of leisure activities in spare time
• Leisure can be productive, creative, or contemplative use of free time

Varied Views of Recreation and Leisure

• Recreation can be public agencies providing facilities like parks and swimming pools
• Recreation may be found in senior or treatment canters
• Environmentalists focus on the impact of outdoor recreation on natural surroundings

Recreational Participation

• Recreation includes a broad range of leisure activities like travel, cultural entertainment, arts, hobbies
• It can be enjoyed with many people or alone, be strenuous or mental
• It may be a lifetime interest or a single experience

Attractions

• Attractions can be classified in several ways

Natural Attractions

• These are the "mainsprings" that drive many people to travel
• Examples include national parks, forests, botanical parks, and zoological parks

Purpose Built Attractions

• These are specifically developed for tourism
• Examples include theme parks, zoos, and art galleries

Heritage Attractions

• These appeal to those interested in contemporary and long-vanished civilizations
• Examples are the Great Wall of China and the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras

Recreation Attractions

• These maintain indoor and outdoor facilities for sports and recreational activities
• Activities include bowling, camping, fishing, and golfing

Commercial Attractions

• Retail operations selling gifts, handcrafted goods, arts, and souvenirs that attract tourists
• Examples include shopping centers and boutiques

Industrial Attractions

• Factory tours are becoming more popular
• Manufacturers develop facilities to handle tourists
• Wineries and breweries are examples

Challenges Faced by the Recreation and Leisure Service Field in the 21st Century

• Serving a diverse society (race, age, gender)
• Emphasizing key social purposes in recreation for youth, persons with disabilities and community development
• Achieve a public understanding of the value of recreation and parks
• Upgrade programs and facilities, particularly in inner cities
• Adopt benefits-based management approach
• Promote recreation as a health-related field
• Develop partnerships with environmental organizations
• Expand and improve family-centered programs and facilities
• Promote higher values in youth sports
• Strive for mainstreaming of persons with disabilities
• Plan for the long-term role of recreation in a job-scarce economy
• Develop higher levels of professionalism through accreditation and continuing education
• Unify separate recreation and leisure service fields

Definitions of Gaming Entertainment

• The gaming industry includes casinos, card games, charitable games, lottery-operated games, and betting on greyhound and horse races
• Gaming entertainment refers to the casino gaming business and all its aspects
• The casino industry offers games of risk as part of entertainment and leisure activities
• Serves "social gamblers" who combine gambling with other activities during their stay

Games and Facilities Found Inside the Casino

• Table Games involve wagering between the casino and customers like dice games and roulette
• Card Games involve players gambling against each other with the casino providing the games like blackjack
• Slot Machine/Video Games feature spinning reels activated by a handle or button push
• Pay-offs are based on a computerized random number generator
• Video games include video poker, keno, bingo, or lottery terminals
• Keno and Bingo are based on a random number
• Race and Sports Books involve wagering on horse track betting and professional sporting events
• Casino Cage handles financial customer transactions and accounting for monies on the casino floor
• Surveillance maintains watch on gaming activities through high-tech cameras and video recording devices
• Ancillary Departments include restaurant operations, bars, entertainment centers and lodging facilities

Reasons for Visiting Casinos

• The Lure of Gambling - Many people want to gamble, wager, or enter games of chance or skill
• Recreation and Entertainment - The casino's environment is an exciting form of entertainment and mental escape
• Social - Casinos offer social interaction for senior citizens and retirees
• Economic - Some casinos offer low room rates to attract gamblers
• Curiosity - Mega resorts with must-see facilities motivate curiosity
• Amenity Offerings - Hotels/casinos offer health spas, hair salons, and amusement centers