MGBBT1TEN Tourism Environment and Industry Assignment Sample
Module code and Title: MGBBT1TEN Tourism Environment and Industry Assignment Sample
Introduction
Sustainable tourism has been playing an essential role in different countries as an integral part of attracting an increasing number of tourists and visitors. Hence, the present essay has paid attention to consider the context of the UK as a tourism destination country in order to understand its respective tourism environment as well as stakeholders. The essay will therefore portray the tourism industry of the United Kingdom from different perspectives. In the following paragraph, definition of sustainable tourism and its basic concept will be stated with respect to UNWTO. Other than this, the importance of following sustainable tourism by the decision makers will also be highlighted.
Furthermore, stakeholders’ roles related to the decision-making process of having a sustainable tourism development within the UK will be defined. Moving forward the essay will talk about the macro factors that tend to be influencing the sustainable tourism development of the UK. Apart from the macro factors, micro factors will be discussed to understand how these are playing a vital role in influencing the overall sustainable development process of the UK’s tourism industry. At the end of the essay conclusion will be drawn based on the findings and recommendations will be made based on the loopholes identified.
Definition of sustainable tourism and its principles for sustainable tourism development of UK
In accordance with UNWTO (2022), tourism which is accountable for the present as well as future socio-cultural, environmental and economic influences and meets the basic requirements or wants of the tourists, host communities, environment and the industry is considered as sustainable tourism. Thus, the idea behind the aspect of sustainable tourism is a particular aspect that focuses on the practices, which are being implemented within or by the tourism industry (Della Corte et al. 2019).
It focuses on covering each and every aspect of the tourism experience, which might include economic, environmental and social issues. Therefore, it focuses on improving the overall experience of each and every tourist as well as focusing on addressing the issues or problems that are being faced by the host community in the tourist sector (Streimikiene et al. 2021). Indeed, sustainable tourism is focused on taking full account of the current and future economic as well as environmental outcomes.
In regards to these specific factors, the UK’s tourism industry mainly focuses on improving the overall sustainable standards, which might improve the overall experience of tourists visiting the UK. Based on the principles of UK sustainable tourism factors, the tourism officials focus on protecting the environment, natural resources and tourist places (Jones, 2022).
Thus, it results in benefiting the local community individuals that live in tourist destinations in the parts of the UK. Even the official individuals available so focused on maintaining sustainable tourism standards while conserving the cultural heritage and creating authentic tourism experiences.
The UK government has been working quite vigorously to overcome the climate change issue which is affecting the overall industry as the environment is depleting over the period. Hence, destinations like Eden Project in Bodelva, Dartington Trust in the Dartington Hall and The Lake District are among the three most prominent examples of sustainable tourism (Mills, 2021). These destinations not only support the environment from further negative impact but it also has economic and social value.
In the case of the Eden Project, it has contributed immensely to the economy of the UK. Since 2001, when it has been launched, The Eden Project has attracted more than 18 million tourists around the globe thus, making a local economic contribution of more than £1.7 billion (Eden Project, 2022). On the other hand, environmentally, such projects support nature with fresh air, water, rich soil, and a stable climate.
Stakeholders and their role in the decision-making process for developing UK’s sustainable tourism
Public sector
The officials of the UK’s tourism department are considered to be focused on the developmental factors associated with the overall UK’s tourism industry (Séraphin et al. 2018). The officials in the UK’s tourism department are considered to have a significant role in the decision-making process as they are capable of enhancing the overall situation and standards of the UK’s tourism industry. For example, the government officials of the tourism department in the UK have estimated that the UK will become one of the most accessible tourist destinations in Europe by the end of 2025 (GOV.UK, 2019).
Private sector
Hotels in the UK are considered to play an important role in improving the overall tourism sector. They primarily focus on improving investment strategies, improving promotional aspects, and marketing efforts, which provide them with the ability to attract tourists from different parts of the globe (Dašić and Dašić, 2021). The role of local businesses in the decision-making procedure of sustainable tourism development is considered to be an important aspect of the UK.
Local businesses focus on improving the overall standards of local food, local culture, and festivals, which helps the overall tourism industry to attract tourists from different parts of the globe (Wondirad et al. 2021). The revenue of local shops has significantly increased over the last 10 years by 30%, which results in an estimated value of 3 billion British Pounds in the year 2020 (Statista, 2022).
The accommodation services consider playing a major role, as it enables enhancing the overall demand of tourists, which helps in improving the overall revenue of the local shops operating in different markets of the UK. Within the last 10 years, local shopping in the UK has gone up to 30%, which has resulted in local shops in the UK witnessing 2.33 billion British Pounds in revenue in the year 2020 (Statista, 2022).
Host community
Local residents and businesses are primarily focused on raising quality standards and diversifying their clientele, which helps them get more clients in the UK market. In this context, the consequences of cultural tourism support can be highlighted in the UK. This has been extremely helpful in terms of developing both economic and social benefits under the lights of cultural tourism.
Macro factors that influences the development process of sustainable tourism within UK
Technological innovation trends
The UK government has been working quite efficiently on The 5G Smart Tourism project where they are trying to provide tourists with real-time experience through the use of Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR) (GOV.UK, 2022). This particular facility has been aimed at the major tourist attractions in Bristol and Bath that includes Millennium Square and Roman Bath respectively (GOV.UK, 2022).
The prime aim of this particular Smart-Tourism factor is to enhance opportunity for the tourism industry by increasing visitors and creating new revenue streams. Even, the deployment of sensors by several hotels has given them a footing in the IoT industry. In fact, according to a PwC report from 2019, 70% of hotel executives were working on IoT initiatives (Hospitality Insights, 2021). As a consequence, while offering top-notch amenities, it would draw travellers from all over the world.
Environmental trends
The government officials of the UK have focused on implementing the target of law for UK greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 (Gov, 2022). The government of the UK took active participation in the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference that aims to regulate climate change from tourism specifically to cut down CO2 emission from transport and reduce emission by 50% by the end of 2030 (UNWTO, 2022). Along with an investment of £80 million to be made on the Green Recovery Challenge Fund to restore the environment and tackle the rapid climate change consequences (GOV.UK, 2022).
Economic trends
In terms of economic standards, the gross domestic product (GDP) of the UK is estimated to be falling by 0.6% by September 2022 (Gov, 2022). Hence, it may result in impacting the local residents that are considered to be potential stakeholders of the tourism sector in the UK. The per capita rate of the UK was considered to be 47,334.4, which was estimated to be improving after the overall COVID-19 pandemic situation around the globe (World Bank, 2022) (Refer to appendix 1).
The potential growth rate of per capita income can be considered a positive aspect of the tourism industry of the UK. Thus, to regain their position in the tourism industry the UK’s government has come up with a Tourism Recovery Plan and included an investment of £10 million on National Lottery Days Out scheme to boost tourism domestically and internationally (GOV.UK, 2022).
Micro factors that influences the demand for UK’s tourism industry
Internal factors of motivation
Different intrinsic factors can be highlighted that have been empowering the prospects of the UK tourism sector. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs can be highlighted in this regard which highlights five different levels (Cui et al. 2021). Among these levels, the concept of self-actualisation can be considered to highlight the intrinsic motivational factors. This aspect highlights the potential of an individual with the aspects of self-fulfilment and peak experiences.
With regards to the UK tourism sector, different travel destinations can be reflected that are also an integral part of sustainable tourism. The topmost concern, in this case, highlights the enjoyable ride on the London Eye that has been among one of the most popular travelling destinations in the UK (London eye, 2022). Apart from that, the Isle of Skye can also be highlighted that has been materialising the social needs of the visitors to ensure intangible rewards through fun and assurance.
Intrinsic factor
Potential tourists have obtained great perceptions regarding the tourism destinations situated throughout the UK. In this case, the alignment of historical and cultural heritage play an important role. For example, four out of five travellers in the UK considered culture as the main reason for visiting and travelling (Gov, 2022). Cultural tourists usually spend around 7.3 billion Pounds per year (Gov, 2022). This aspect reflects the tourist perceptions regarding the choice of travelling destinations.
Intrinsic factor for personality and travel destination choice
Allocentric tourists rapidly look for emerging destinations and experiences, whereas psychocentric tourists reflect a careful and passive personality by preparing familiar tourism destinations (Otoo et al. 2021). Both the concepts can be interlinked with the UK tourism sector. For example, psychocentric tourists usually choose destinations like the Houses of the Parliament, the Roman Bath and others. On the other hand, the allocentric tourists consider places such as Arthur’s Seat, King’s cross and others.
External factors of motivation
The demographic attributes of the UK travellers and visitors are considered to be a significant element associated with their tourism choice and behaviour. In this concern, greater focus has been kept upon the social class as well as income level that decide the selection of tourism destinations for the travellers (Pan et al. 2021). Due to this reason, the traveller’s age, social class and others are also recognised as extrinsic factors of motivation concerning the selection of travelling destinations.
Conclusion
Based on the overall analysis, the most attractive principle of sustainable tourism has been highlighted with regards to protecting the environment, natural resources and tourist places. The stakeholders such as hotels and accommodation service providers, government bodies are identified in this essay as they are providing positive influence to enhance tourism throughout the country. Extended economic growth with distinctive preferences of technology advancement have been extremely supportive for enhancing the accountability of UK sustainable tourism development.
Moreover, different motivating factors like historical and cultural heritage sites are also helping to attract an increasing number of tourists in the UK. However, the UK’s tourism sector can be recommended to enhance their concern for sustainability through net zero carbon emission and rapid growth of digitisation. Although the government of the country is taking recognisable steps towards climate stability still the country needs to support more towards the establishment of sustainable projects like that of the Eden Project. Investing in such things will not only secure the environment but it will also help them to improve their economic consideration as a whole.
Reference list
Cui, L., Wang, Y., Chen, W., Wen, W. and Han, M.S., (2021). Predicting determinants of consumers’ purchase motivation for electric vehicles: An application of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs model. Energy Policy, 151, p.112167.
Dašić, D. and Dašić, B., (2021), June. BRANDING OF STATES AND NATIONS IN (POST) COVID 19 ERA. In Tourism International Scientific Conference Vrnjačka Banja-TISC (Vol. 6, No. 1, pp. 162-179).
Della Corte, V., Del Gaudio, G., Sepe, F. and Sciarelli, F., (2019). Sustainable tourism in the open innovation realm: A bibliometric analysis. Sustainability, 11(21), p.6114.
Eden Project, (2022). Our Funding. [Online]. Available at: <https://www.edenproject.com/about-us/our-funding#:~:text=Since%20opening%20to%20the%20public,billion%20to%20the%20local%20economy.> [Accessed on 22 November 2022]
Gov, (2022). Cultural tourism vision for London [Online]. Available at: <https://www.london.gov.uk/programmes-strategies/arts-and-culture/cultural-places-and-creative-spaces/cultural-tourism-vision-london [Accessed 21 November 2022]
GOV.UK, (2019). Tourism Sector Deal. [Online]. Available at: <https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/tourism-sector-deal/tourism-sector-deal#:~:text=The%20government%20and%20industry%20will%20work%20together%20to%20make%20the,from%20the%20International%20Passenger%20Survey.> [Accessed on 22 November 2022]
GOV.UK, (2022). 5G Smart Tourism. [Online]. Available at: <https://www.gov.uk/government/case-studies/5g-smart-tourism> [Accessed on 22 November 2022]
GOV.UK, (2022). Gross Domestic Product (GDP). [Online]. Available at: <https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/grossdomesticproductgdp#:~:text=Gross%20domestic%20product%20(GDP)%20is,fall%20in%20the%20services%20sector.> [Accessed on 22 November 2022]
GOV.UK, (2022). Net zero can be achieved by emission reduction and removal. [Online]. Available at: <https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/environmentalaccounts/articles/netzeroandthedifferentofficialmeasuresoftheuksgreenhousegasemissions/2019-07-24> [Accessed on 22 November 2022]
GOV.UK, (2022). New plan to drive rapid recovery of tourism sector. [Online]. Available at: <https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-plan-to-drive-rapid-recovery-of-tourism-sector> [Accessed on 22 November 2022]
GOV.UK, (2022). The Tourism Recovery Plan. [Online]. Available at: <https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/992974/Tourism_Recovery_Plan__Web_Accessible_.pdf> [Accessed on 22 November 2022]
Hospitality Insights, (2021). IoT in hotels goes mainstream. [Online]. Available at: <https://www.hospitalityinsights.com/content/iot-hotels-goes-mainstream> [Accessed on 22 November 2022]
Jones, P., (2022). A review of the UK’s tourism recovery plans post COVID-19. Athens Journal of Tourism, 9(1), pp.9-18.
London Eye, (2022). The London Eye. [Online]. Available at: <https://www.londoneye.com/> [Accessed 21 November 2022]
Mills, R., (2021). UK’s top eco attractions and activities. [Online]. Available at: <https://www.roughguides.com/articles/uks-top-eco-attractions-and-activities/> [Accessed on 22 November 2022]
Otoo, F.E., Kim, S., Agrusa, J. and Lema, J., (2021). Classification of senior tourists according to personality traits. Asia Pacific Journal of Tourism Research, 26(5), pp.539-556.
Pan, X., Rasouli, S. and Timmermans, H., (20210. Investigating tourist destination choice: Effect of destination image from social network members. Tourism Management, 83, p.104217.
Séraphin, H., Platania, M., Spencer, P. and Modica, G., (2018). Events and tourism development within a local community: The case of winchester (UK). Sustainability, 10(10), p.3728.
Statista, (2022). Sales revenue of local shops in the UK in 2010 and 2020. [Online]. Available at: <https://www.statista.com/statistics/1285701/sales-revenue-of-local-uk-shops/> [Accessed on 22 November 2022]
Streimikiene, D., Svagzdiene, B., Jasinskas, E. and Simanavicius, A., (2021). Sustainable tourism development and competitiveness: The systematic literature review. Sustainable development, 29(1), pp.259-271.
UNWTO, (2021). EU GUIDEBOOK ON SUSTAINABLE TOURISM FOR DEVELOPMENT. [Online]. Available at: <https://www.unwto.org/EU-guidebook-on-sustainable-tourism-for-development> [Accessed on 22 November 2022]
UNWTO, (2022). Transforming Tourism for Climate Action. [Online]. Available at: <https://www.unwto.org/sustainable-development/climate-action> [Accessed on 22 November 2022]
Wondirad, A., Kebete, Y. and Li, Y., (2021). Culinary tourism as a driver of regional economic development and socio-cultural revitalization: Evidence from Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia. Journal of Destination Marketing & Management, 19, p.100482.
World Bank, (2022). GDP per capita (current US$) – United Kingdom. [Online]. Available at: <https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.PCAP.CD?locations=GB> [Accessed on 22 November 2022]
Know more about UniqueSubmission’s other writing services:
