Chapter 6: Tourism and Culture PDF

## CHAPTER 6: TOURISM AND CULTURE ### The Effects Of Culture On Travel CULTURE can be defined as a "set of beliefs, values, attitudes, habits, and forms of behavior that are shared by a society and are transmitted from generation to generation." A knowledge of the culture of a country is important...

## CHAPTER 6: TOURISM AND CULTURE ### The Effects Of Culture On Travel CULTURE can be defined as a "set of beliefs, values, attitudes, habits, and forms of behavior that are shared by a society and are transmitted from generation to generation." A knowledge of the culture of a country is important in order to understand how individuals within that country will behave. Lack of understanding might result in a culture shock for the tourist. **BALOT** (cooked duck egg with embryo) and the **BAGOONG** (preserved salted fish) or may feel exasperated by the Filipinos' lack of punctuality or time concept, the use of euphemism and circumlocution in contrast to American frankness. ### CULTURE PATTERNS CULTURE PATTERNS are changed by internal forces. Within a group, there are people who are more willing than others to try new things. Since these innovators are better educated, have high income, and are more achievement-oriented than others, they tend to be opinion leaders and to be highly sought after by marketing people. “Mass follow class” suggests that a destination first attracts a small number of high-status individuals whose actions are eventually copied by a large number of persons with lower social status. CULTURE PATTERNS are also changed by external forces. Travel may also stimulate the sale of products in the destination visited. ### The Importance of Cultural Tourism **CULTURAL TOURISM** includes all aspects of travel in which people learn about each other's way of life. Thus, tourism is an important means of promoting cultural relations and international cooperation. Louis D Amore, the past president of the Canadian Travel Research Association, once said "These millions of daily person-to-person encounters are potentially a powerful force for improved relations among the people and nations of the world, relations which emphasize a sharing and appreciation of cultures rather than the lack of trust bred by isolation." ### Cultural Factors with Tourist Appeal In tourism, there are cultural factors that appeal greatly to tourists. These are art, music and dance; handicraft, industry, and business, agriculture, education, literature and language, science, government, religion, food and drink, and history. ### A. Art Generally, the arts include performing arts and fine arts. The **former** refers to live theater, music, and dance and the **latter** includes painting, sculpture, graphic arts, and architecture. #### Performing Arts: - Pangkat Kawayan (bamboo orchestra) rondalla group. - Amorsolo's and Francisco's paintings - sculptural works of Michelangelo are examples of fine arts. ### B. Music and Dance In several countries, **MUSIC** is a major source of enjoyment and satisfaction to tourists. The Philippines, Hawaii, Spain, the United States, and the Balkan States are examples. **Resort**, can visitors many opportunities to enjoy the best local music. Evening entertainment programs concerts, recordings, and sound reproduction systems are greatly appreciated by tourists. Records and tape recordings which the guest can buy to use in his home provide another effective means of keeping **Ethnic** dance of Bukidnon in touch with the culture of a particular country and a reminder of the country's music. An example of music in promoting tourism is that of Hawaii with its musical presentation, “Hawaii Calls.” **DANCING**, in its native or ethnic forms, is one of the most appealing aspects of country's culture and can be presented as a tourist attraction. The color, costumes, music, setting, and skill of form and execution add to the attraction. Almost all countries have native dancing or ethnic dancing. **Ethnic** music and dancing are a part of the culture and should be used to entertain tourists. The best place for such entertainment are the resort hotels. Local shows, nightclubs, and community programs present added opportunities. Examples of the dance as a cultural expression are: - the Bayanihan Dance Troupe of the Philippines, - the Ballet Folklorico of Mexico, - the Russian Bolshoi Ballet, - folk dances of European countries, - the African dances, - Thai dancing, - Kabuki dancers of Japan. ### C. Handicraft To satisfy tourists, gifts, and souvenirs for sale should be manufactured in the country where the purchase is made Usually, a tourist is dissatisfied when he buys a particular souvenir and then discovers later that the article he bought was made in another country A visit to shops where **handicrafts** are actually being made by the craftsman is an effective form of tourist entertainment. Examples are the **shell craft**, handcrafted jewelry of Bulacan, the **Baguio** and **Ilocos** hand loom wearers, and the traditional crafts of Thailand, Africa, Cyprus, and Tunisia. ### D. Industry and Business Most travelers, particularly international travelers are usually curious about the country's industry, commerce, manufactured products, and its economic situation **Industry** tours are a very effective way of developing an interest in the culture of a country, as well as providing a potential market for the product being made. Tourist organizations should encourage tours to factories or processing plants. **Group** tours can be organized for manufacturers of a specific product who visit another country to see how the manufacture of a similar product is accomplished. Such tours are mutually profitable because the representatives of the different countries learn from each other. Business groups often conduct tours to become familiar with markets and processors in other countries in order to develop more interest in their products and to increase sales in several market areas. **Business establishments**, specifically retail stores, are important to visitors. The best examples are shopping centers near destination areas where tourists can easily find the product or service they want. Shopping is one of the most important elements in tourism. The success of a shopping area depends on its cleanliness, attractiveness, variety of products, as well as the courtesy and efficiency of the personnel. **Hong Kong** and **Singapore** are the best examples of tourist business. ### E. Agriculture The **AGRICULTURE** of a country may be interesting to a large segment of tourists. Dairy undertakings, fresh fruits and vegetables, crops, and poultry and livestock are types of farming, which are important elements of culture. An important aspect of tourist services in rural areas is the farmers' market in which local agricultural products are sold to the travelers. Examples of this are the roadside stands selling fresh fruits, vegetables, and products from nearby farms, which are enjoyed by travelers. **LOCAL TOURS** should include agricultural developments and services so that tourists can see the agricultural products in the country and perhaps try some of them. An example of this is a tour to Oahu, Hawaii, or the Del Monte farm in Bukidnon, Philippines where visitors have a chance to taste fresh pineapples grown in the pineapple plantations in the area. ### F. Education The inhabitants of one country are usually anxious to know the **EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM** of another country. The campuses of colleges and universities of a country are particularly appealing to tourists. Many of them have beautiful landscapes and are ideally situated for an enjoyable and enlightening visit. Famous universities such as Oxford or Cambridge in England, Harvard in the U.S., and the **University of Sto. Tomas in the Philippines** are tourist attractions. Several universities conduct adult education programs within the university's continuing education service. These educational opportunities attract students from many countries around the world. Thus, students are motivated to travel. International conferences of business and industrial associations, as well as scientific and educational organizations are often held on the campuses of colleges, universities, and other educational institutions. The best examples are the adult education centers similar to the **East-West Center at the University of Hawaii**. These centers attract thousands of adults every year from continuing education courses, conferences, and meetings, which are educational in nature. ### G. Literature and Language The **LITERARY ACHIEVEMENTS** of a country form an important part of travel motivation. Books, magazines, newspapers, booklets, pamphlets, and other printed literary works are significant expressions of the culture of a country. **Libraries** are favorite cultural institutions for the tourists. Many have very good reading lounges, and comfortable, attractive surroundings where visitors can enjoy reading about the history, culture, arts, and folkways of their host country. Frequently, entertainment programs include the reading of poetry or the discussion of various books or other literary works as a cultural enrichment for guests. A highly educated person is likely to speak or at least have studied more than one language. Interest in the language of another country is an incentive for travel. This is true for students who travel to a particular country to practice the language or to become more familiar with its colloquial use. Most travelers like to learn the language of the country they visit. They usually start learning the common expressions used in ordering food in a restaurant or in talking with hotel or other tourism employees. Language classes should therefore be included in the activities program of a tourist area. ### H. Science Tourists are interested to know the scientific activities of a country, especially those in technical industries, education, or scientific research. Tourist promotion organizations would be rendering a great service to the scientific community by providing facilities for the exchange of scientific information, organization of scientific installations, and other activities, which scientific information to visitors. The most popular scientific attractions are museums of science and industry, planetariums, and visits to unusual scientific installations such as atomic power plants and space exploration centers. Zoos and aquariums are likewise popular Notable examples are the **Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas** and the **John F. Kennedy Space Center in Florida**. These scientific installations provide scientific knowledge to large numbers of visitors each year. ### I. Government Countries differ in their systems of government. Visits to centers of government, such as capitals, are very motivating to individuals interested in political science and government. When a person visits another country, he becomes aware of the type of government in operation and compares it with the government in his own country. Lawmakers often visit another country to observe the lawmaking process. A visit to **Washington D.C.** can shows visitors the process of making laws in the **House of Representatives** and in the **Senate**. Hearings on different proposed regulations or statutes are usually open to visitors. ### J. Religion The **religious pilgrimage** is another motivation for travel. The most popular among the Muslims is the pilgrimage to Mecca.Many people go to the different headquarters of their church organizations and to places that are well-known in their religious literature. These people usually travel in groups. Examples are the religious pilgrimages to the **Vatican in Rome**, **Lourdes in France**, **Fatima in Portugal**, **Jerusalem in Israel**, and **Med-jugojre in Yugoslavia**. Visits to famous churches are also an incentive for travel. The best examples are **St. Peter's in Rome**, **St. Paul's Cathedral in London**, **San Agustin Church in Manila**, the **Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris**, and the **Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino in Cebu**. ### K. Food and Drink The **food and drink** of a country is an important part of the culture of a country. Tourists usually enjoy native foods especially those which are local or ethnic in nature. Restaurants and hotels can make a good impression in the tourists if they serve local dishes and explain the menu—what the dish consists of and how it is prepared. The type of restaurants where the atmosphere is conducive to the types of food being served is particularly appealing to visitors. Very good examples are the seafood restaurants at the **Fisher-man's Wharf in San Francisco** and **Los Angeles, California**, **Kamayan Restaurant** and **Barrio Fiesta Restaurant in the Philippines** ### L. History The **historical resources** of a country reveal its cultural heritage. The preservation of history and the quality and management of museums are very important for the success of tourism. To be familiar with the history and archeology of an area is a very important travel motivation. One of the weaknesses observed in historical museums is that the explanations of the exhibits are given in only one language. Examples of museums are the **British Museum in London**, the **National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City**, the **Smithsonian Museum in Washington**, and the **D.C. Ayala Museum** and **San Agustin Museum in the Philippines**. ## CHAPTER 7: THE TOURISM NETWORK AND SUPPLY COMPONENTS ### Tourism Components The travel industry is a tourism network, which includes both the public and private sectors. Gee, Choy, and Makens define the travel industry as “the composite of organizations, both private and public, that are involved in the development, production, and marketing of products, and services to serve the needs of the travelers.” This definition is illustrated in Figure 4 which clearly identifies both the direct and indirect components of the travel industry. Businesses and corporations are regarded as components of the travel industry classified as direct providers, support services, and developmental organizations. The first category, **DIRECT PROVIDERS**, includes businesses that are associated with travel, such as airlines, hotels, restaurants, ground transportation, travel agencies, and retail shops. The second category, **SUPPORT SERVICES**, lends support to direct providers. It includes specialized services such as tour organizers, travel and trade publications, hotel management firms, and travel research firms. It also includes basic supplies and services, such as contract laundry and contract food services. **Support services** provide goods and services for both the traveler and for organizations that sell goods and services directly but not exclusively to tourists. The third category, **DEVELOPMENTAL ORGANIZATION**, is different from the first two, since it includes planners, government agencies, financial institutions, real estate developers, and educational and vocational training institutions. These organizations deal with tourism development, which tend to be more complex and broader in scope than the production of daily travel services. The decisions and results of tourism development are more long-term in nature than the first two categories, which deal more with operations. **Category I** - Travel Agent - Hotel - Retail Shops - Restaurants - Airlines - Ground Transportation **Category II** - Contract Food Services - Contract Laundry - Food Suppliers - Tour Organizers - Travel Publications **Category III** - Planners - Government Agencies - Financial Institutions - Real Estate Developers Educational - Vocational Training Institutions ### TOURISM SUPPLY COMPONENTS TOURISM SUPPLY COMPONENTS are classified into five main categories: 1. **NATURAL RESOURCES -** include elements in an area for the use and enjoyment of visitors such as climate, landforms, terrain, flora, fauna, bodies of water, beaches, natural beauty and water supply for drinking, sanitation, and similar uses; 2. **INFRASTRUCTURE -** consists of all underground and surface developmental construction such as water supply system seawage disposal systems, gas lines, electrical and communications systems, drainage systems, and other constructed facilities such as highways, airports, railroads, roads, drives, parking lots, parks, night lighting, marinas and dock facilities, bus and train station facilities, and similar tourist service installations; 3. **SUPERSTRUCTURE -** is the above ground facility services such as airport buildings, passenger traffic terminals, hotels, motels, resorts, restaurants, shopping centers, places of entertainment, museums, stores, and similar structures; 4. **TRANSPORTATION AND TRANSPORTATION EQUIPMENT -** include items such as ships, airplanes, trains, buses, limousines, taxis, auto- mobiles, cog railways, aerial tramway, and similar passenger transportation facilities; and 5. **HOSPITALITY RESOURCES -** include the cultural wealth of an area, which makes possible the successful hosting of tourists. Examples are the welcoming spirit of tourist business employees, attitudes of the residents toward visitors, courtesy, friendliness, sincere interest, willingness to serve and to get better acquainted with visitors, and other manifestations of warmth and friendliness. Also included are the cultural resources of an area such as fine arts, literature, history, music, dramatic art, dancing, and shopping. ### Natural Resources The **NATURAL RESOURCES** of a destination area provide an excellent asset to sell to tourists. The physical characteristics of an area can be generalized as natural scenery, climate, and environment. The **NATURAL SCENERY** is a combination of the general topography, flora and fauna, proximity to lakes, rivers, seas, islands and islets, hot and mineral water springs, caverns, waterfalls, and the like. The greater the variety and uniqueness of the scenery, the more appealing it is. The appeal can be increased if the area has a "comfortable" climate. A **comfortable cold climate** is determined by the wind-chill factor – a term used to express how temperature feels to the exposed skin. A **comfortable warm climate** is determined by the combination of humidity, temperature, and wind. A notable example is the Caribbean because, although many of its islands are in the tropical zone, the wind currents make it more comfortable than the temperature and humidity would show. Water plays an important role in forming an attractive landscape. The sea, lakes, and rivers not only add to the visual beauty of the region, but also offer the possibility of swimming, sailing, canoeing, and fishing. Thus, large bodies of water have become popular such as **Taal Lake in the Philippines**, and **Lake Geneva in Switzerland**. Specific **NATURAL PHENOMENA** such as volcanoes, waterfalls, cave, and canyons also attract tourists. Examples are the **Pagsanjan Falls in the Philippines**, **Grand Canyon in the U.S.** , **Niagara Falls in the U.S. and Canada,** and the **Great Barrier Reef of Australia**. The **FAUNA OR FLORA** of a region often draws tourists. **Kenya** and other countries of **Southern Africa,** and their wildlife safaris are increasing in popularity, the camera being substituted for the gun. The **Amazon,** with its exotic rainforest vegetation and its wildlife is attracting several tourists. The same is true with the tulip fields of **Holland** and the cherry blossoms of **Japan**. ### Infrastructure **INFRASTRUCTURE** consists of all the underground and surface developmental construction of a region, which is made up of water systems, communication networks, health care facilities, transportation terminals, power sources, sewage/drainage areas, streets/highways, and security systems. **WATER**. Sufficient quantity of pure water is essential. A typical resort requires 350 to 400 gallons of water per room per day. An 18- hole golf course will require 600,000 to 1 million gallons of water per day, depending on the region on which it is located. **POWER**. The important things to consider are that adequate supply of **power** be available to meet peak load requirements, that continuity of service be assumed, and that the type of power supplied be compatible with that used by the target markets of the destination. **COMMUNICATION**. It is necessary that the telephone and/or telegraph service be available. **SEWAGE/DRAINAGE**. Sewer demand 9o percent of domestic water demand. Although water storage reservoir and sewage treatment plants can be designed on the basis of maximum average demand, transmission lines must be designed on the basis of maximum peak demand. The type of **HEALTH CARE** facilities provided will depend on the number of visitors expected, their ages, the type of activities in which they will engage, and local geographical factors. **STREET/HIGHWAYS**. The availability of first-class roads adds greatly to the accessibility of a region. The following are certain ways to make the use of highways more interesting to tourists: 1. provide close-up range view of local scenes; **Mactan Bridge (Superstructure)** 2. change the elevation; 3. develop viewpoints and overlooks; 4. independently align dual-lane highways to fit into the land contour; and 5. selectively thin trees to reveal views. Design a dual system of higher speed lanes flanked by roads for low-speed local traffic. Roads should be engineered for safety, taking appropriate measures designed to safeguard the highway user. ### TRANSPORTATION TERMINALS The following are the problems in terminal facilities and ground transportation: 1. **GENERAL**. There is an almost complete lack of coordination among the three modes of air, rail, and bus. There is also a noticeable lack of consistency in standards and procedures within each mode. Directional and informational signs are not uniform throughout the system; public address announcements are often unintelligible. 2. **AIR**. Long walks are required in many terminals. 3. **RAIL. PARKING** is inconvenient and inadequate near larger terminals; use of facilities by local transients and inadequate cleaning procedures lead to crowded and unsanitary waiting rooms and restrooms; security to prevent thefts is lacking; information and directional maps are not provided in most rail terminals; special transportation to and from rail terminals is not provided; urban transit and taxi service are often inadequate. 4. **BUS** Terminals are dirty and crowded due to use by unauthorized people and to inadequate cleaning procedures; boarding gates lack a system of orderly procedures resulting in crowding when passengers are boarding; inadequate protection is afforded to passengers against traffic. ### Hospitality Resources **HOSPITALITY RESOURCES** refer to the general feeling of welcome that the visitors receive while visiting a destination area. It is the way that tourist services are delivered by service providers, as well as the general feeling of warmth from the local population. Tourists will have a more enjoyable vacation if they feel welcomed by the host population and will certainly feel awkward and unhappy if they feel resented. Hospitality resources can be improved by training tourism personnel to be hospitable and encouraging positive feelings toward tourism and tourists by the general public. ### Hospitality Training **HOSPITALITY TRAINING** aims to motivate service providers to Hospitality resources and training be hospitable in dealing with tourists. It is assumed that providing more hospitable services will result in a more satisfied tourist who will be inclined to return and advertise to other potential tourists through word of mouth. To enable service providers to render hospitable services, it is necessary to change their present behavior. This change of behavior is brought about by a change in attitude and an increase in the level of knowledge. The three aspects of attitudes are toward self, toward others, and toward the tourism industry. ### A. Attitude Toward Self If an individual's **SELF-ESTEEM OR ATTITUDE TOWARD SELF** is low, that individual will tend to behave in such a way that the feedback from others will confirm the low opinion of himself. Hence, it is necessary to change the individual's perception of self to improve his behavior. If service providers can be made to believe that they and their work are important, their work and their actions toward tourist will reflect this feeling. If service providers can be viewed as hosts and hostesses rather than “just” employees, their self-image may be raised. The fact that dealing with and serving people is a very difficult task should be stressed. Although it is relatively easy to deal with a satisfied guest, it is very challenging to deal with visitors who are dissatisfied or are very demanding. The ability to satisfy guests is a very demanding task. People who can do this have skills that should be highly regarded by themselves and by others. ### B. Attitude Toward Others The second aspect of attitude is the **ATTITUDE TOWARD OTHERS**. Service providers should be assisted in developing positive feelings toward fellow employees and tourists that will result in positive behavior toward the tourists. **Role-playing** can be used for this purpose. ### C. Attitude Toward the Tourism Industry The third aspect of attitude is the **ATTITUDE TOWARD TOURISM**. A positive attitude of service providers toward tourists can be brought about only when employees are made aware of how important tourism is to their country, city, and community. By being aware of the amount of revenue, jobs, taxes generated, and the dispersion of the tourist dollar throughout the community, employees may become convinced of the economic and social significance of the industry of which they are a part. To facilitate a change in attitude, it is necessary to raise the level of knowledge of the individual. This may be done in group sessions or through a variety of audiovisual means. To be able to give advice or directions to tourists, employees can familiarize themselves with the surrounding attractions and services through familiarization tours. Employees should be instructed in group sessions with regard to verbal and nonverbal behavior since many of them are unaware of the negative messages their facial expressions or posture give to tourists. By means of this joint approach—attempting to change attitudes about the self, others, and tourism through increasing the level of knowledge and teaching hospitable behavior it is hoped that the hospitality behavior level of service providers will be raised. ### D. Community Awareness Programs Although the tourists are most directly affected by the degree of hospitality shown by service providers, the overall feeling of welcome within a community will also enhance or detract from the vacation experience. Residents of a destination area cannot be trained to act in a hospitable manner toward tourists, but a community awareness program can help develop a more positive attitude toward the tourists. The aims of the program are to build acceptance of tourism and to build an understanding of the tourist. An acceptance of tourism cannot be built unless the benefits of tourism are made clear to the members of the community. The benefits of tourism are many, yet many people do not realize that they are positively affected by it. It is necessary to convince the local citizens of the importance and relevance of tourism to them. An understanding of who the tourist is can bring about a greater acceptance of the visitor. Knowing why people visit the area might result in a stronger civic pride. There are various ways to communicate with the local community. Public meetings can be held to discuss particular problems. A speaker's bureau composed of tourism community leaders who will talk to community groups can be organized. Information sheets and newsletters can be distributed throughout the destination area. Whatever methods are used, the main objective is to create a feeling of welcome for the tourists within the community. ## Transportation **TRANSPORTATION** is of paramount importance in developing tourism. Tourists need easy access to various forms of transportation, such as road, rail, air, and water. Thus, the amount of time from major population centers via each mode of transportation is important. It is important to have convenient access and quality service. The cost of reaching the destination and staying there must also be considered. This should include special needs, such as road tolls, gasoline stations, repairs, parking, car rentals, and charter, and scheduled bus services. ### A. Land Travel 1. **Taxi and Limousine Service** Adequate taxi and limousine services is important in a tourist area. **Taxis** should have removable and washable seat covers so that they will present a clean appearance. **Taxi** to the passenger. The **taxi driver** should always be courteous and helpful. He should open the door for the passenger and assist him in getting the baggage from the trunk. Taxi drivers should be trained in foreign languages. If the drivers are generally weak in foreign language ability, hotels can cooperate by providing written directions for the tourists to give to the taxi driver regarding his destination and another written direction for the tourist to give to the taxi driver to return to the hotel at the end of the trip. 2. **Bus Service** Tour buses should have large windows, comfortable seats, air-conditioning unit, and restroom facilities. Springs and other suspension systems in the tour buses should be carefully designed to prevent joggling of passengers. **Multilingual** services or **multilingual tape-recording** facilities with ear-phones for each passenger are desirable to tour areas where an interpretation of the points of interest is necessary. Tour bus. Persons assigned to the buses should be selected for their appropriate temperament, courtesy, and hospitality. **Tour guides** and interpreters should be properly trained and educated for their job to avoid the faulty interpretation of the tourist attractions. A program of certification for tour guides should be conducted by a special school or provided in the curriculum of an institution of higher learning. In such a program, competent instructors should be hired to educate future guides in the history, culture, political, and economic system of the tourist areas. Adequate knowledge of difficult languages is also an important qualification. 3. **Rail Service** The majority of seasoned travelers prefer to travel by train because of its safety record and the convenience and satisfaction of viewing the scenery from a comfortable air-conditioned car. The appeal of rail travel has been further enhanced by the recent introduction of high-speed trains. Adequate **taxi**, **limousine**, or **bus services** from the railroad station to the hotels are very important. These services must be frequent enough to avoid fear on the part of the traveler that he will not reach his hotel at once. Such services should also be available to transport him from the hotel to the railroad station to make connections with his train. ### B. Air Travel Porter service is important at air terminals. The porters' helpful behavior and attitude are essential and their training and Airplane supervision should be adequate. Although airport facilities differ from place to place, the comfort of travelers should always be kept in mind. In a hot climate, the airport must be completely air-conditioned and in a cold climate, adequate heat should be provided. Large airports provide comfortable and attractive waiting areas, as well as information regarding flight times and similar information. ### C. Sea Travel Sea travel is a major factor in tourism. Examples of these are **Manila Bay Sunset Cruise in the Philippines**, the **Miami Cruise in Cruise ship Florida**, the **Rhine River Cruise in Germany**, and the **Canal Cruise in Holland**. Cruise ships have developed into “floating resorts” or “floatels.” Because of this idea, the demand for sea travel has increased and cruises have become popular in recent years. This way of life will have a large market, as soon as wealth and leisure time increases. ## Superstructure ### A. Accommodation While away from home, the tourist needs to eat and sleep. Sleeping accommodations range from hotels of international standards and condominiums to campgrounds and the home of relatives and friends. For a tourist region to succeed, a sufficient quantity of accommodations of the right quality should be provided for the needs of the tourists. The demand for accommodations varies according to the price the guests are willing to pay, services required, and similar considerations. The type of accommodation provided is also partly determined by what competitors are providing. **Expensive hotel accommodations** may be demanded by those who want the best and are willing and able to pay accordingly. On the other hand, tourists who are unable or unwilling to pay for expensive accommodations should have cheap facilities available. In planning accommodations, the nature of the environment, the destination, the expected markets, the mode of transportation, the type of activities engaged in at the destination, and other related factors determine the type of accommodations which will be made available. ### B. Types of Accommodations Tourist accommodations may be classified into the following categories: 1. **HOTELS -** provide accommodation, meals and refreshments for those who may reserve their accommodations in advance but need not do so. In broad terms, they provide facilities that meet the needs of the modern traveler. They portray an image of efficiency, service, and amenities; 2. **CONDOMINIUM -** is an apartment or individual dwelling unit, owned by an individual but the management and services such as maintenance and security are handled by an independent company. The company often contracts to rent the condominium when it is not being used by the owner. Each owner can sell his or her unit independently of the other owners; 3. **MOTELS OR MOTOR HOTELS -** provide bedroom, bath, and parking to motorists; rooms are usually accessible from the parking lot. They are usually near the highways; 4. **INNS -** are lodging establishments catering to transients which do not meet the minimum requirement of an economy hotel; 5. **APARTMENTS -** are hotel (apartel), buildings, or edifices containing several independent and furnished or semi- furnished apartments, regularly leased to tourists and travelers for dwelling, on a more or less long-term basis and offering basic services to its tenants similar to hotels; 6. **PARADORES -** are old convents, monasteries, castles, fortresses converted into hotels by the government and operated by a national tourism office. First-class paradores are found in Spain and Ireland. They are generally priced reasonably with full meal plans. They appeal to tourists who would like to experience the romance and ambience of the past in a fifteenth century Agustinian monastery or a nineteenth-century mansion; 7. **PENSIONS -** are private or family-operated tourist accommodations similar to boarding houses or guest houses. They offer food and lodging to tourists and are well known for their informal family atmosphere; 8. **BED -** and -breakfast accommodations - provide a room, bath, and a hearty breakfast to tourists and/or travelers. They are known as B&Bs and are popular in Britain, Ireland, and the United States; 9. **HOSTELS -** provide minimal amenities such as a bunk bed and a commonly shared toilet and bathroom. The traveler provides his or her own bedding. They appeal mostly to young travelers; 10. **CAMP GROUNDS -** appeal mostly to families who travel in recreational vehicles (RVs); 11. **HEALTH SPUS -** are hotels and resorts, which cater to individuals who go to spas or mineral springs for weight reduction or medical treatment; and 12. **PRIONTE HOMES -** provide lodging to tourists when accommodations are not available during peak periods. ### C. HOTEL CLASSIFICATIONS There are different ways of classifying hotels. One way is by location, such as center city, suburban, airport, highway, and resort. Another way is by type of guest, such as commercial, convention, and resort. A more meaningful classification is one based on price such as economy or budget, standard or midscale, first-class, or de luxe. A star rating system is often used to classify hotels in Europe and other parts of the world outside the United States. Stars are assigned according to the quality of restaurants, rooms, amenities, and service. The highest is the five-star hotel and the lowest is the one-star hotel. Other classifications are de luxe, first- class, standard, and economy. ### D. FOOD AND BEVERAGE More of the tourist dollars is spent on **FOOD AND BEVERAGE** than on any other service. Countries which are highest in per capita eating place and sales are also top tourist countries. The type of food service provided will be related to the needs of the tourists. Many destination areas have successfully developed menus which are indigenous to the area to promote local economy food. ### E. Restaurants Besides hotels, motels, and other types of accommodations, **RESTAURANTS** are also classified as superstructure. Restaurants are establishments offering refreshments and/or meals to the public. Some of the basic standard requirements for restaurants are the following: 1. The facade and architectural features of the building shall Restaurant be appropriately designed. It shall be provided with proper entrance and exit. There shall be an adequate and secured parking space provided free to customers. A **receptionist** shall be available to usher in the guests. A waiting lounge with a telephone shall also be provided; 2. The **dining room** shall be adequate in size, with sufficient and well-maintained furniture; 3. There shall be cuisine of good quality and presentation and served with distinction. There shall be a menu book or card which shall be presentable, clean, and easy to read with the menu items listed in logical sequence. All tables shall have clean table cloth and cloth napkins of good quality. No piece of crockery, cutlery, and tableware in use shall be chipped, cracked, or grazed. The silverware shall be kept polished and clean at all times; and 4. Adequate number of well-trained, experienced, efficient, and courteous staff shall be employed. The bar shall be well-stocked at all times. The kitchen, pantry, and cold storage shall be in good operating condition at all times and shall be well-equipped and hygienic. All comfort rooms shall be of good quality fixtures and fittings and provided with running water. Tissue paper, soap, paper towels, and/or hand drier shall be provided. All main dining or function rooms shall be fully air-conditioned and/or well-ventilated. ## CHAPTER 8: TOURISM ORGANIZATIONS ### Tourism Organizations Since tourism is a diverse industry made up of many different segments, there is a need to interrelate and share information. This has led to the establishment of several public and private organizations at the international, national, regional, state, and local levels. ### International Organizations ### A. WORLD TOURISM ORGANIZATION (WTO) - The WTO is the chief organization in tourism. - It is an intergovernmental technical body, which deals with all aspects of tourism. It began existence on January 2, 1975. - born of the International Union of Official Travel Organization (IUOTO), a nongovernmental technical body first set up at the Hague, Netherlands in 1925 to promote tourism for the economic, social, and cultural advancement of all nations. - was interrupted by the Second World War and in 1946, the organization was reestablished in London. Its headquarters were later transferred to Madrid by the decision of the first General Assembly of WTO. The value of the work of the IUOTO was recognized in 1963 when the United Nations Conference on International Travel and Tourism recommended that the United Nations should consider the IUOTO as the main instrument for the promotion of tourism. - is the only organization whose activities cover all sectors of tourism on a world-wide basis. - provides an international forum where tourism officials, whether in the government or not, can discuss problems and exchange ideas. - works in cooperation with all international organizations, particularly the United Nations, as well as with commercial and noncommercial bodies involved in tourism. ### Membership There are three classes of members: 1. full member; 2. associate members; and 3. affiliate members. **FULL MEMBERS** are sovereign states. **ASSOCIATE MEMBERS** are territories or groups of territories not responsible for their external relations. **AFFILIATE MEMBERS** are international bodies, both governmental and nongovernmental concerned WTO has created a number of regional commissions such as the **Regional Commission for Tourism in Europe**, the **Regional Travel Commission for the Americas**, **African Travel Commission**, and others. - has the same legal character as the United Nations and its specialized agencies. It has three important legally functioning bodies. - primary aim of the WTO is to promote and develop tourism, to contribute to the economic development, International understanding, peace, prosperity, and universal respect for human rights, and fundamental freedoms for *all*. - establishes and maintains effective collaboration with the United Nations and its specialized agencies. It participates in the activities of the United Nations Development Program. **TECHNICAL COMMISSIONS** deal with specific problems, such as travel barriers and travel development.: the **General Assembly**, the **Executive Council**, and the **Secretariat** directed by a secretary-general. The **GENERAL ASSEMBLY**, which meets once every two years, is the supreme organ of the WTO. It is composed of representatives from all member states. Each member has the right to vote in the decision-making process. However, the Assembly resolutions are not binding on the member states. The **Executive Council** which meets at least twice a year, is composed of **members elected by the Assembly** for a four-year term based on a fair and equitable