Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Activities Tourists Enjoy Most
One of the most important functions of a tourism promotion organization is to ascertain what
activities visitors would enjoy while in their destination. When substantial data are accumulated, the
findings should be reported to those who accommodate and entertain. Thus, they are guided into
more successful methods and programs. Table 12.1 shows some of tourists
favorite things.
The best method of obtaining this information is by interviewing both the visitors and their hosts
using scienti
c sampling methods. Careful recording and thorough analysis of these data will result in
findings of real value. When those responsible for attracting and hosting visitors provide the requested
entertainment activities, the community will likely be a preferred destination area. There is no better
advertising than a satis
ed visitor (see Chapter 18 on research).
'
Shopping
Shopping
is an important tourist activity and thus an essential element in tourism supply because it
affects the success of the tourist destination area. The most important single element in shopping is
TABLE 12.1 Tourists' Favorite Things: What European-
Bound Travelers Plan to Do
Activity
Percent Citing It
Dining at restaurants
86.2
Shopping
76.9
Visiting a historical site
67.5
Visiting a small town
53.6
Sightseeing in a city
51.8
Touring the countryside
47.0
Visiting an art gallery/museum
40.1
Visiting a cultural heritage site
38.3
Visiting a nightclub/dancing
21.4
Taking a guided tour
21.0
Attending a concert/play
20.2
Visiting an ethnic heritage site
13.3
Participating in water sports/sunbathing
10.7
Visiting an amusement park
8.1
Visiting a national park
6.7
Taking a cruise
6.4
Camping/hiking
4.9
Playing golf/tennis
4.9
Visiting a casino
4.8
Attending a sports event
3.8
Skiing
2.9
Participating in an ecological excursion
2.5
Hunting/
shing
1.4
Source: Travel Weekly, European Travel Commission, and Tourism Industries, U.S.
Department of Commerce.
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