Introduction
Tourism is an asset that is useful in increasing the revenue of an economy. It refers to the activities which individuals engage in for the purposes of traveling and staying in places that are considered their unusual environment for recreation, business, and other reasons. It is also portrayed as an activity that maintains sustainable development for future generations while also acting as a tool for instilling coexistence (Lemos Baptista et al., 2019). Its significance can be seen in the promotion of indirect growth of other aspects of the society, such as economic, regional, and patrimonial areas. It is illustrated as a process of change and continuous development of regions, although it is limited by the supposition and use of complex tools (Lemos Baptista et al., 2019). Most nations consider it a primary industry for the growth of their economy since it contributes to the financial output, and therefore, is regarded as the most significant employer of the population. This paper addresses the imperative aspects of tourism, especially the concepts and theories associated with its public policies.
Models and Principles of Public Policy for Tourism
Public policies for the vacation industries are enacted for the benefit of the masses. From an economic standpoint, government involvement in this sector is vital because it addresses market failures (Lemos Baptista et al., 2019). The traversing segment is often subjected to various public programs oriented towards a common gain and satisfaction of the needs of society (Lemos Baptista et al., 2019). The intervention of the state imperative is justified as a strategy of facilitating the growth of exploration which results in autonomous development. This tenet is associated with the amplification of specific procedures for the vacation industry (Lemos Baptista et al., 2019). Therefore, the authorities are responsible for developing the essential infrastructure to assist the community in initiating tourism projects.
Tourism has been subject to various models which have attempted to study the behaviors and motivation of visitors. For example, the push and pull model is a concept that is used to explain the actions of tourists. The push element is based on the internal motives or factors which compel visitors to seek initiatives that minimize their needs, whereas the pull component is site factors and characteristics which cause the tourist to visit a specific scenery destination (Dredge & Jenkins, 2007). Generally, most factors that push the tourist to visit a particular place are usually inherent motivators such as relaxation, recreation, fitness, and prestige. In contrast, the pull element arises from the destination’s pleasant appearance, such as the beaches and cultural sites (Dredge & Jenkins, 2007). This theory has been useful in history because it enables tourism planners to understand psychology beyond the visitors’ inclinations.
Another significant theory used to explain the factors which motivate tourists is Plog’s model. It is based on tourists’ altruism and psychometrics, and it attempts to explain why various destinations appeal to different visitors (Dredge & Jenkins, 2007). This model was pioneered by Stanley Plog, an American scholar who formulated it to elaborate on the attractiveness of multiple visitor sites and associated with explorers’ intrinsic personalities. The concept of altruism is described as the desire to have new encounters (Dredge & Jenkins, 2007). Such individuals seek places that are new and with different cultural and ecological surroundings. In contrast, psychometric ideas describe people who explore areas they are accustomed to since they do not prefer experimenting with new food, entertainment, and experiences.
Various Approaches to Tourism Policy
Since the government is involved in managing tourism policies, it has various ways of administering these guidelines. For example, planning is the process of formulating a set of choices for future reasons aimed at accomplishing objectives by achievable means (Lemos Baptista et al., 2019). Therefore, government involvement in tourism occurs over several scales besides numerous forms such as economic, ecological, urban, regional, marketing, and labor (Lemos Baptista et al., 2019). However, the most vital planning undertakings which influence tourism to happen outside of government agencies since they occur within culture and heritage, national parks, and the environment.
Government regulation is one of the most significant aspects of a regime as an autonomous institution in its jurisdictive capacity. The involvement of authorities in tourism is essential for the well-being of both the tourists and the citizens. However, a significant percentage of enacted laws associated with traversing are not tourism-oriented (Lemos Baptista et al., 2019). Therefore, policy initiatives undertaken in other program rules, such as economic and conservation legal codes, may have considerable implications for the efficiency of policy resolutions undertaken in globetrotting (Lemos Baptista et al., 2019). For example, supervisory practices such as monitoring the industry, ecological fortification, and taxation programs will extensively influence the growth of the vacation industry (Lemos Baptista et al., 2019). Therefore, the legislative role of regimes in this sector is vital for the welfare of tourists.
Another approach to tourism policy is when the government assumes the position of entrepreneurial initiatives. Apart from the basic infrastructure such as roads and communication networks, governments also manage tourist ventures such as hotels, travel agencies, and airlines (Lemos Baptista et al., 2019). However, the influence of regimes in this leisure activity has broadened to incorporate the provision of event and sports facilities in addition to financing modern redevelopment schemes (Lemos Baptista et al., 2019). On a national scale, the function of the authorities involves ownership of airline companies, railways, and hotel chains; however, this role has diminished, resulting in the privatization of public assets (Lemos Baptista et al., 2019). Therefore, while the government participates in promoting tourism, its entrepreneurial goal is also vital.
History of Tourism Policy
Antiquity does not indicate a time when the foundation for the development of tourism policy was established. Unfortunately, in regard to prehistory, it is hard to think of how humans managed to keep an account of their travel records (Lemos Baptista et al., 2019). Through the ages, significant civilizations have contributed to the area of travel. For example, the Sumerians were regarded as early traders, bringing commodities to the Fertile Crescent about 4000 BC (Lemos Baptista et al., 2019). The Phoenicians contributed to the understanding of shipping canals and shorelines all through the Mediterranean sea with their remarkable water vessels and plotting of trade itineraries (Lemos Baptista et al., 2019). Moreover, the Greeks are regarded as the first people to understand and record tourism (Lemos Baptista et al., 2019). Therefore, the origin and foundation of this industry date back centuries ago.
In the contemporary world, the development of tourism policy can be traced in the United States since it came after the economic conditions of the Second World War. During this time, one of the US interests was to help Europe rebuild its financial system from the economic damages emanating from the obliteration caused by warfare (Lemos Baptista et al., 2019). Therefore, American efforts to reinvigorate the European economy were primarily based on using tourism for economic development (Lemos Baptista et al., 2019). In essence, America’s development of an ad hoc global tourism policy was primarily targeted toward Europe’s reinvigoration (Lemos Baptista et al., 2019). However, in 1940, the American administration approved the US Domestic Travel Act, which was regarded as an insignificant legal code intended to enable the US National Park Service to promote travel to the parks (Lemos Baptista et al., 2019). Therefore, throughout history, Americans have contributed to the development of this industry as a whole.
President Eisenhower’s left a legacy due to his emphasis on the evolution of the tourism segment. His momentous impact on tourism emanated from his desire to develop the American system of regional roads (Lemos Baptista et al., 2019). His fascination originated from his military background, which led to the establishment of US infrastructure (Lemos Baptista et al., 2019). In June 1956, he endorsed the Federal-Aid Highway Act, which funded the construction of regional highways throughout the USA (Lemos Baptista et al., 2019). Today, tourism is regarded as a significant economic tool for driving the growth of a country. In recent years since the 9/11 attacks, American administrations have been struggling in their comprehension of tourism exertion in regard to monetary, ecological, and social policies (Lemos Baptista et al., 2019). Therefore, President Eisenhower is regarded as a significant figure who laid the foundation for the development of tourism policies in present-day America.
Nature of Contemporary Tourism Policy
In the 21st century, tourism is portrayed as a vessel for satisfying an individual’s desire for longevity. Today’s vacation industry’s policies entail regulation and public programs, information technologies, financial organizations, and other companies associated with tourists as customers of travel (Lemos Baptista et al., 2019). Generally, various regimes coordinate with private sectors and other social organizations to promote tourism. Governments take a significant coordination role to bring various stakeholders for common objectives.
Tourism Policy Instruments
In the vacation industry, there is a wide range of policy instruments, which are used to facilitate sustainable tourism management. They are divided into three significant categories, such as economic, regulatory, and institutional instruments. Financial tools encompass environmental levies, user charges, and market licenses. Moreover, regulatory tools include quotas and zoning, whereas institutional means refer to eco-labels and changes in property rights (Lemos Baptista et al., 2019). Therefore, integrating the policy tools above might be more effective than using one at a time.
Tourist Environmental Charges
When a vacationer visits a foreign country, the government takes the responsibility of imposing charges for ecological reasons. Different discussions have analyzed the repercussions of charging such fees on tourism by focusing on its impact on the number of vacationists. During high and low seasons, various rates of tax may enable a more balanced dispersal of the number of visitors and subsequently minimize impacts on the ecosystem and bolster the consistency of incomes (Lemos Baptista et al., 2019). While there are multiple ways in which the ecological tax can be collected, the authorities which accommodate numerous visitors can either do it at tourist arrival, departure, or during the time spent at a destination.
User Fees and Financial Incentives
Regulatory bodies often impose touring fees to benefit from vacationers’ access to a specific ecological resource. Examples of such charges are entrance payments to sites such as museums and other recreational centers. Monetary incentives are used by administrative units to either increase or reduce the prices of specific products and services (Lemos Baptista et al., 2019). They can also be applied to lessen the detrimental tourism impacts (Lemos Baptista et al., 2019). Regimes can foster the incorporation of sustainable tools by reducing charges and import tariffs.
Problems Associated with Implementing Tourism Policy
Executing a tourism policy may come with numerous challenges limiting its practicality. For example, political power clashes have augmented the adversities of incorporating green policies. Moreover, the problem is majorly based on economic preference over social and ecological concerns. This complexity is associated with political ascendency’s short-term emphasis, and numerous other challenges arise out of this (Lemos Baptista et al., 2019). Additionally, incorporating a tourism policy may also be undermined by the concept of communitarianism. The latter refers to a viewpoint that focuses on the union between an individual and the community (Lemos Baptista et al., 2019). Therefore, it may come with several drawbacks, as there is a disagreement between traditional economic development and a green path. In some circumstances, such as public transportation initiatives, primary social values emerge as more resistant to change than expected.
Another impediment to the incorporation of these policies is the wasteful use of resources. In most cases, governing bodies in charge of managing tourism spend more money and resources on advertising than on promoting sustainability. Therefore, a significant number of potential vacationists travel to their preferred destinations without having the proper knowledge of sustainable practices. In addition, ambiguity may impede the implementation process due to the absence of a well-defined structure for roles and responsibilities (Lemos Baptista et al., 2019). This fact implies that the team in charge will not proceed with the process due to the lack of clear definitions. Coordination bureaucracy is an obstacle that thwarts the completion of a traversing policy for several reasons. For example, the power clash and unclear communication between departments may prevent a successful enactment of a policy into practice (Lemos Baptista et al., 2019). Therefore, while the process of implementation is subjected to several barriers, governments should consider ways of facilitating the procedure.
The Implementation of Tourism Policies
The process of implementing a policy involves a series of steps. For example, conducting a tourism resource audit is essential in determining the attractiveness of a destination (Lemos Baptista et al., 2019). The function of this inspection is to determine the significant assets to analyze the strengths and limitations of the tourist site. Another vital aspect of the implementation process is to conduct an infrastructure analysis. This step is followed to study the existing accommodation and also identify facility constraints such as poor quality of hotels.
Theories and Concepts of Tourism Planning
Researchers have adopted several models in their preparation of a tourism template. These concepts are essential for planning because they enable planners to understand the behaviors of the explorers. For example, Doxey’s theory was formulated in 1975, and it argues that individuals’ approaches to tourism may undergo several stages such as euphoria, indifference, frustration, and resentment as apparent costs surpass the anticipated benefits (Dredge & Jenkins, 2007). The introductory phase, also known as euphoria, is where the explorer is comfortable, and there is no planning. The apathy stage makes the visitor feel as if they are ignored, and contact becomes formal (Dredge & Jenkins, 2007). Moreover, at the frustration level, tourism planners attempt to regulate by improving infrastructure instead of constraining growth (Dredge & Jenkins, 2007). Finally, the last phase is where resentment emerges since a manifestation of irritation renders the entire planning process remedial, yet marketing is increased to counterbalance the destination’s diminishing status.
Another influential model which has aided tourism planning is Cohen’s theory. It was developed in 1972 and classified the actions of visitors into four significant groups. For example, organized mass tourists are an assembly of individuals who travel together, and they also purchase a packaged excursion prepared in advance by travel agents (Dredge & Jenkins, 2007). The second group is the individual mass tourists, where each person has control over their tourism decisions. In contrast, the third group is the explorers who organize their trips. They interact with residents and attempt to speak their native language. However, they do not fully embrace their lifestyle (Dredge & Jenkins, 2007). Finally, drifters are an assembly of excursionists who avoid contact with other visitors. They stay with the natives and share their lifestyles. Therefore, the models explained above are significant in the planning process of tourism.
Approaches to Tourism Planning
Tourism planning involves setting various strategies to achieve the desired outcome in the future. Therefore, this process is associated with several methods which can help planners to complete their pre-determined objectives. Boosterism is a way of planning which refers to the attitude that tourism development is innately good and will be of importance to the destination (Lemos Baptista et al., 2019). The physical means has its foundation in the work of city and regional developers, geographers, and ecological researchers who promote a method of planning vacation destinations based on the regeneration of natural resources and three-dimensional interactions (Lemos Baptista et al., 2019). These processes play a vital role in facilitating government planning for tourism.
Another approach to planning is eco-tourism, and it involves the incorporation of green strategies for the management of tourist destinations. The primary role of this method is to provide a long-lasting and steady source of revenue that reduce resource exhaustion, ecological pollution, cultural disturbance, and social instability (Lemos Baptista et al., 2019). In contrast, a community-based approach appeared in the 1970s due to two reasons. First, an increased acknowledgment that tourism development was not benevolent and had adverse socio-cultural, monetary, and ecological consequences on some residents of tourism destinations (Lemos Baptista et al., 2019). Second, an understanding of modern and regional planning that community stakeholders should be involved in the process of decision-making if planning interpolations were to be fruitful (Lemos Baptista et al., 2019). Nonetheless, both these approaches play a considerable role in the scope of tourism as a global segment.
Influences on Tourism Planning
There are several factors that influence the entire process of planning for tourism. For example, the destination’s environment is considered paramount in the preparation of a tourism plan. Unfavorable changes in such surroundings including floods, drought, or extreme climate, may develop adverse consequences (Lemos Baptista et al., 2019). Moreover, when a nation is experiencing unemployment, the process of planning is undermined (Lemos Baptista et al., 2019). In contrast, when the economy is thriving, and the residents have more disposable income, then the process of preparation is facilitated. Besides, the advent of technology has revolutionized all spheres of life. Tourism is not an exception because the internet has transformed the planning process.
Additionally, the process of tourism planning may be influenced by other factors. For example, the high cost of formulating and implementing a tourism strategy is a significant barrier that deters the entire process. Time constraint is also a vital element that should be considered because it may hinder different regimes from promoting a tourism plan (Lemos Baptista et al., 2019). Therefore, local authorities may decide to overlook the proposal and refrain from incorporating it in the development initiatives. Another factor influencing the planning process is inadequate skills and proficiency in the tourism marketing campaign. Various studies have indicated that the lack of competent personnel in addressing traversing activities emanated from less empowerment and approval regarding the tourism administration (Lemos Baptista et al., 2019). Finally, the lack of awareness between individuals who develop a tourism plan may deter this entire process. When stakeholders promote teamwork and engagement, such barriers are addressed, which leads to a smooth process of planning (Lemos Baptista et al., 2019). The factors indicated above a regarded as key areas which influence the process of preparing a tourism strategy.
Implementation of Tourism Plans
The application of a tourism plan in a real-life scenario involves a series of steps. The first stage is associated with defining the system by identifying the objectives of the traversing plan. At this point, they should be understandable and specific and have a deadline. The second phase is associated with collecting data for the preparation of the plan. Examples of data collection are infrastructure review and examining existing facilities (Lemos Baptista et al., 2019). At the third level, analyzing and interpreting the data is significant for developing conclusions and recommendations. The fourth step necessitates the preparation of a preliminary plan. At this point, scale models are constructed to explain land use schemes while financial proposals are outlined.
In the fifth stage, stakeholders review the maps, drawings, scale models, approximations of costs, and projections of profits. This point is where the template is either approved or rejected. In the next step, the final outline is drafted, and it includes a blueprint of infrastructure facilities such as walkways, roads, airports, and many others (Lemos Baptista et al., 2019). It also incorporates zoning and other land-use parameters accompanied by financial programming and economic and market examination (Lemos Baptista et al., 2019). Finally, the implementation of the plan involves the creation of functional tourism development. Having satisfied the stipulations in each stage, the tourism plan can now be applied to any tourist destination.
Conclusion
This paper has explored the significant aspects of tourism management with an emphasis on public policies and the government’s involvement in the vacation industry. This sector is regarded as imperative because it contributes to the growth of a country’s financial system and output. It is also responsible for creating several employment opportunities, which contribute to building the economy. Various regimes play a vital role in enacting policies that facilitate the growth of the leisure sector. Therefore, the origin of tourism policies can be traced back to the times of ancient civilizations such as the Sumerians. In the modern world, President Eisenhower is remembered as a pioneer who enacted several legal codes and contributed to the development of infrastructure in the United States. Moreover, the paper has discovered that there are several impediments to the incorporation of tourism policies. For example, power struggles have acted as obstacles to the implementation of sustainable policies.
References
Lemos Baptista, J. M., Pocinho, M., & Nechita, F. (2019). Tourism and public policy. Bulletin of the Transylvania University of Brasov. Economic Sciences, 12(61), 77–86.
Dredge, D., & Jenkins, J. M. (2007). Tourism planning and policy. Wiley