Tourism Components and Supply - Tourism: Principles, Practices, Philosophies - page 273

Rail allows travelers the opportunity to view scenery as they travel in a comfortable atmosphere.
Copyright # 2001Amtrak.PhotoprovidedasacourtesybyAmtrak.

SPIRIT OF HOSPITALITY
AND CULTURAL RESOURCES

The development of is perhaps the most important factor in tourism. The nest

physical facilities will be worthless if the tourist feels unwelcome. For example, we suggest having a
welcoming sign and a special reception area for visitors at airports and other entry points. A favorable
attitude toward the visitor can be created through programs of public information and propaganda
and initial welcoming (often by local volunteers). In this regard, public relations and publicity designed
to convince local citizens of the importance of tourism are helpful. Courses at tourist hospitality
schools for all persons who have direct contact with visitors are useful. In these schools, store clerks,
gasoline station attendants, hotel clerks, and other persons who are directly in contact with the visitor
are given indoctrination on the importance of tourism to their community and are taught the location
of important points of interest. Other parts of the program include the importance of appearance and
good grooming, greeting of visitors, providing information, and being helpful, gracious, friendly, and
cooperative.
Cultural programs such as

hospitality resources

(home visitation arrangements) help greatly in this
respect. Adequate training of personnel by tourist hospitality businesses can also create the desired
hospitable attitude.

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