Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
quickly as possible, perhaps to catch an onward
fl ight or make an important business engagement.
Other travellers may be quite happy to choose a
route that is less direct and may even be cheaper,
for example gap year travellers and families on a
budget;
the Himalayas and the Victoria Falls, are magnets for
millions of tourists every year. Coastline, seas, rivers
and oceans also play an important part in attracting
people to long-haul destinations, e.g. Australia's Gold
Coast, the clear waters of the Caribbean and the Pacifi c
Ocean. The great rivers that run through many of the
world's capital cities are also important attractions for
tourists.
•
Cost - everybody looks for value for money when
they are choosing their travel arrangements,
whether it is a trip to Mexico with a charter airline
or an expensive cruise across the Atlantic on the
Queen Mary 2 cruise liner. Cost is not always such
an important consideration for business travellers,
who often have to travel at short notice and on
premium services, although many companies try
to economise on business travel costs whenever
possible. Travellers with limited means will often
use the internet to get the best possible deals on
their travel arrangements;
As well as the appeal of nature, some attractions are
built specifi cally to attract tourists and are commercial
ventures, for example Walt Disney World Resort and
Universal Studios in Florida. Other attractions may not
have been built specifi cally for tourism, but nonetheless
attract millions of tourists every year, for example the Taj
Mahal, the Great Wall of China and the Sydney Opera
House. Events can play an important part in attracting
tourists to destinations, particularly sporting, music
and cultural events, for example the Olympic Games,
Rio Carnival, Rugby World Cup and World Athletics
Championships. Shopping in local markets and famous
stores can also contribute to the appeal of many long-
haul destinations around the world.
•
Suitability for the traveller - people with specifi c
needs, for example access to business facilities,
mobility issues or particular food and drink
requirements, may choose services with this factor
in mind. Travellers looking for extra luxury may pay
higher prices for premium services on a fl ight or
cruise, such as fi rst class travel, express check-in or
an upgraded cabin;
•
Convenience - travellers look for the most convenient
travel options within their budget. This could mean
a family hiring a mini-cab to take them to their
departure airport rather than driving themselves. It
may also mean using a local airport for their long-
haul trip rather than travelling a long distance to one
of the UK's main international airports. Direct fl ights
to a destination also tend to be more convenient as
they reduce overall travel time.
New Orleans Mardis Gras
As people become more sophisticated and better
educated, many tourists are looking beyond 'sun, sea
and sand' long-haul destinations for a more rewarding
cultural experience, perhaps by learning more about
the history of an area or the traditions and way of life of
its people. There is a growing trend for tourists to want
to experience a 'sense of place' when in a destination,
by taking part in local festivals and events, viewing
religious traditions, eating and drinking local produce,
and taking time to meet local people. Specialist tour
operators cater well for this niche market.
Attractions
The earth's natural features play a crucial role in the
appeal of destination areas around the world. An area's
topography, i.e. the type and variety of natural features
that go to make up the appearance of the landscape,
is often the main motivator for travel to an area. For
centuries, tourists have long been drawn to the beauty
of the natural attractions found in long-haul travel
destinations. Attractions such as the Grand Canyon,
