Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
As Figure 7.7 indicates, Butler suggests that tourist
destinations fi rst go through an exploration stage, when
small numbers of visitors are attracted by the unspoilt
nature of an area. This is followed by an involvement
stage, during which local businesses begin to provide
tourist facilities for visitors. During the third development
stage, large numbers of tourists visit the destination
and, as revenues grow, larger companies from outside
the destination area begin to take control. The fourth
stage, consolidation, sees the rate of increase in visitor
numbers declining followed by a period of stagnation,
at which peak tourist numbers have been reached.
There then follows a period of decline, during which
the authorities responsible for tourism may decide to
rejuvenate the destination by investing further in tourist
facilities or may allow it to 'wither on the vine' with no
further investment.
of package holidays to Mediterranean destinations.
Stagnation set in during the late 1980s and early
1990s, when tourists began to visit destinations
elsewhere in Europe that promoted their new facilities
and higher quality accommodation. Re-investment by
the Majorcan tourist authorities has halted the decline
in tourist numbers, which in recent years have been
growing again - this is the rejuvenation stage of Butler's
TALC concept.
Activity 7.14
Write a 500-word news article justifying how two
current factors could impact on the European travel
market in the near future, relating your analysis to
potential developing and declining destinations.
Majorca is a good example of the TALC concept. The
island experienced rapid growth in tourist numbers in
the 1970s and early 1980s, the result of the expansion
This activity is designed to provide evidence for M3.
Majorca has invested heavily in facilities for tourists
