Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
occurs, in theory, as a result of both tourist expenditures in destination areas
and also of investment by the richer, tourist generating countries in tourism
facilities. In the latter case, developed countries are, in principle, supporting
the economic growth and development of less developed countries by invest-
ing in tourism. However, it has long been recognised that the net retention
of tourist expenditures varies considerably from one destination to another,
while overseas investment in tourism facilities more often than not may lead
to exploitation and dependency (see Chapters 2 and 10).
No trade barriers to tourism
Unlike many other forms of international trade, tourism does not nor-
mally suffer from the imposition of trade barriers, such as quotas or tariffs.
In other words, whereas many countries or trading blocks, such as the EU,
place restrictions on imports to protect their internal markets, major tourism
generating countries generally do not normally impose limitations on the
rights of their citizens to travel overseas, on where they go and on how much
they spend. One notable exception is the 'ban' on American citizens flying
directly from the USA to Cuba unless they have a licence, whilst currency
restrictions may limit international travel from certain less developed coun-
tries. For the most part, however, destination countries have free and equal
access to the international tourism market, constituting 'an export opportu-
nity free of the usual trade limitations' (Jenkins, 1991: 84). This position has
been strengthened by the inclusion of tourism in the General Agreement on
Trade in Services (GATS), which became operational in January 1995. The
requirement of visas for some travellers to certain countries is, however, one
form of a barrier.
In theory, then, destinations can attract as many tourists as they wish
from where they wish, although the lack of trade barriers does not, of course,
remove international competition. At the same time, the structure and con-
trol of the international travel and tourism industry also limits the ability of
destinations to take advantage of this free market.
Tourism utilises natural, 'free' infrastructure
The attraction to tourists of many countries or regions lies in the natural
resources - the sea, beaches, climate, mountains, and so on. This suggests
that the development of tourism (and its subsequent economic contribution)
is based upon natural resources that are free or 'of the country', inasmuch as
they do not have to be built or created, and that 'economic value can be
derived from resources which may have limited or no alternative use'
(Jenkins, 1991: 86). Similarly, historic sites and attractions that have been
handed down by previous generations may also be considered to be free,
although costs are, of course, incurred in the protection, upkeep and manage-
ment of all tourist attractions and resources, whether natural or man-made.
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