Introductio to Tourism | Tourism Form Five

Tourism involves people travelling away from their usual surroundings for leisure, business, education, or medical purposes.

The industry plays important roles, especially in boosting economies through job creation, income generation, and cultural exchange.

Tourism is composed of three fundamental elements:

The visitor, who possesses demands, expectations, motivations, and behaviour;

The destination, where the tourist experience takes place and where the benefits and costs of tourism development are experienced;

and the travel and tourism industry, which is comprised of numerous businesses and organisations that collectively support the needs of tourists.

Therefore, according to the international organisation responsible for tourism, the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO):

Tourism is defined as the activities of persons travelling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business, and other purposes not related to the exercise of an activity remunerated from within the place visited.

The definition of tourism is associated with specific ideas such as:

(a) Tourism arises from the movement of people to and their stay in various destinations.

(b) The journey and the stay take place outside the normal place of residence and work, so tourism gives rise to activities that are distinct from those undertaken by the residents and working populations of the places through which tourists travel and in which they stay.

(c) The movement to destinations is of a temporary, short-term character, intending to return within a few days, weeks or months.

(d) Destinations are visited for purposes other than the taking up of permanent residence or employment remunerated from within the places visited.

Tourism-Related Terminologies

In exploring the introduction to tourism, one may come across the following terminologies:

Visitor/Tourist

A visitor/tourist is any person travelling to a place other than that of his/her usual residence for less than 12 months and whose main purpose of the visit should not involve engaging in activities remunerated within the place visited.

Traveller

A traveller refers to any person on a trip between two or more localities within or outside his/her country of usual residence, irrespective of the purpose of travel and means of transport used, and even on foot.

The fundamental criterion that appears sufficient to distinguish visitors from other travellers is the main purpose of the visit. Tourist visits should not involve engaging in activities remunerated within the place visited.

Leisure is an activity apart from the obligations of work, family, and society to which the individual turns at will, for either relaxation, diversion, or broadening his knowledge and his spontaneous social participation, the free exercise of his creative capacity. For example, travel and exploration activities may include sightseeing and road trips.

Destination is a specific place with attractions, services, and infrastructure that attracts visitors for different purposes such as leisure, business, culture and nature exploration.

These include tourist attractions such as natural landscapes, cultural heritage sites, or recreational facilities that draw interest; accessibility, which involves convenient transportation and connectivity; amenities like accommodation, restaurants, and shops that support visitor needs; ancillary services such as guides, tour operators, and information centres that enhance the travel experience; and a distinct image or identity.

For example, Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain and one among the top tourist destinations in Tanzania, attracts many tourists from different parts of the world.

Overnight visitor refers to tourist who stay at least one night in a collective or private accommodation in the place visited.

Same-day visitor also known as “day-tripper and excursionist” refers to tourist who does not spend the night in a collective or private accommodation in the place visited.

He/she engages in leisure, cultural, or recreational activities during the visit but returns to his/her point of origin within the same day.

Recreation is an act or experience, selected by the individual during his/her leisure time, to meet a personal want or desire, primarily for his/her satisfaction.

Examples of these activities are running, swimming, bird watching, playing cards, painting, and visiting museums.

Activity

Use reliable, online resources and maps to explore:

The concept of tourism and related terminologies.

The attractions in each tourism circuit and zones in Tanzania.

Then, write a brief report on your findings.

Exercise

1. “Not all travellers are tourists”. Explain.

2. List ten tourist destinations you know and explain why tourists visit them.

3. Describe five common leisure activities and explain their benefits to tourists.

Evolution of tourism

Tourism is not a recent phenomenon. Ancient times, individuals travelled primarily for practical reasons such as trade, conquest, or religious pilgrimages.

For instance, as early as 1500 BC, Egyptians travelled for religious purposes and during the Roman Republic, affluent Romans visited spas and coast resorts for leisure.

Modern tourism began in the 17th century with the “Grand Tour”.

This educational journey was undertaken by European aristocrats, particularly from Western and Northern Europe, who travelled across the continent, often through France, Germany, Italy, and Greece, to engage themselves in art, culture, and history.

The 19th-century Industrial Revolution further transformed tourism.

Increased industrialisation during this era led to the emergence of a middle class with disposable income and leisure time.

Innovations in transportation, such as railways and steamships, made tourist destinations more accessible.

Pioneers like Thomas Cook capitalised on these advancements by organising structured tours, making leisure travel attainable for a broader segment of the population.

Today, tourism encompasses a wide range of activities and purposes, including leisure, culture, business, and health.

It has become a global phenomenon, significantly impacting economies, societies, and environments worldwide.

Tourism trends and patterns

Tourism trends and patterns refer to changes in tourism activities over time, since tourism is not a recent phenomenon, it can be traced back to the origins of civilisation.

Tourism has continued to be an important process and influential in the leisure lifestyles of many social classes.

Some of the factors making tourism one of the most dynamic, ever-changing industries include: 

The role of innovations that has generated new products, new experiences, and destinations.

It also involves advancements in technology like the introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Other factors are such as consumer behaviour, sustainability concerns, and global events.

The rise in consumer spending and associated factors has triggered continuous changes in supply and demand in the tourism industry as follows:

(a) Changes in demand for domestic and international travel, particularly business travel, new markets in Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) (for example, reunions among migrant groups) and the pursuit of new travel experiences.

(b) Transportation improvements, especially the introduction of jet aircraft, the wide-bodied jet such as the Boeing 747 jumbo jet, and the proliferation of high-speed trains and larger aircraft such as the Airbus and Boeing Dreamliner.

(c) The development of new forms of holiday accommodation such as the change from the holiday camp to timeshare, self-catering and second homes, and more recently Airbnb.

(d) Innovations by tour operators, including the rise of the holiday brochure, new forms of retailing such as direct selling, buying via the internet, more competitive pricing and the evolution of one-stop shop retailing like the package, insurance, holiday currency, airport transfers and pre-flight accommodation and car parking.

(e) Greater availability of information on destinations to visit from the media, brochures, guidebooks, the internet and travel programmes.

(f) Increased promotion of destinations by governments, growing consumer protection to ensure greater regulation and resort promotion in the media and via the internet.

Exercise

1. How has technology influenced modern tourism patterns?

2. What are the emerging travel preferences among tourists, and how do they impact the tourism industry?

Forms of tourism in relation to a given country

(a) Domestic tourism: This involves residents of a given country travelling only within the country. For example, a trip from Dar es Salaam to Mikumi National Park by Tanzanian residents.

(b) Inbound tourism: This involves non-residents travelling in a given country. For example, the trips between Tanzania and Kenya illustrate this phenomenon: when Kenyans travel to Tanzania for tourism purposes, it represents inbound tourism for Tanzania.

(c) Outbound tourism: This involves residents of one country visiting another country for tourism purposes. For instance, if Tanzania is considered the starting point, a tourism trip taken by Tanzanian residents to Kenya counts as Tanzania's outbound tourism.

Activity

Use a library and reliable online resources to study different forms of tourism and write a brief report.

visitors should be classified as:

(a) International visitor: This refers to any person who travels to a country other than that in which he/she has his or her usual residence for tourism purposes. For example, a tourist from the United States of America to Tanzania.

(b) Domestic visitor: This describes any person residing in a country, who travels to a place within the country for tourism purposes. For example, if someone living in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, visits attractions at the national park in Arusha for a holiday that exemplifies domestic tourism.

Exercise

1. Describe how Tanzania can enhance domestic tourism.

2. What are the reasons which may lead to the decline in international tourist arrivals?

Components of tourism 

The components of tourism are the key elements that make up the tourism industry.

These components work together to provide a complete travel experience.

They are often referred to as the Five A's of tourism.

These components are explained as follows:

Attractions

Attractions are at the heart of the tourism industry; they are motivators that make people want to take a trip in the first place.

They are part of the appeal, ambience and the overall experience that visitors seek to consume in areas they visit.

Examples of tourism attractions are archaeological sites, cultural landmarks, historical buildings, scenic views like beaches, flora, and fauna, resorts, wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, and zoological parks.

There are two categories of tourism attractions:

(a) Natural attractions: These refer to geographical and environmental features that attract visitors due to their inherent beauty, uniqueness, or ecological significance.

Natural processes typically form these attractions, which often remain untouched or minimally altered by human intervention.

Tourists are drawn to natural attractions for purposes of relaxation, adventure, sightseeing, and connection with nature. For example: Waterfalls and Beach.

(b) Man-made attractions: These are places, events, or activities that reflect the traditions, history, and lifestyle of a specific community or nation.

These attractions are mostly cultural and showcase customs, historical landmarks, or artistic expressions. For example, The Old Fort of Zanzibar and Maasai traditional dance.

Accessibility

Accessibility also means transport: Travelling and tourism are synonymous.

Tourism is about travelling to, visiting and experiencing other places and, therefore, travelling is an indispensable element of the tourism system, carrying tourists between the generating region and the destination region.

Moreover, an important relationship exists between transportation and the destination.

Travel involves transportation.

There are different modes of transport available to tourists, the choice of which depends upon a variety of factors, including: safety, time/speed, convenience, flexibility, cost, comfort, reliability and availability. These modes include land, air and water.

Accommodation

This refers to the places where travellers stay during their journeys. It is a crucial aspect of tourism as it offers visitors shelter, comfort, and necessary services while they discover a destination.

Factors like budget, travel purpose, and personal preferences influence the choice of accommodation. Accommodation options in Tanzania include hotels, lodges, guesthouses, Bed and Breakfast (B&Bs), resorts, hostels, motels, bandas and camps.

Hotels offer budget-friendly to luxury options, while lodges cater to wildlife tourism.

Guesthouses and B&Bs provide home-like accommodations, while resorts offer extensive amenities.

Hostels and guesthouse offer shared lodging for budget travellers. Campsites and tented camps offer immersive nature experiences within national parks and reserves.

Amenities

These are essential services for tourists to enhance their travel experience, including infrastructure such as roads, sewage systems, power grids, and phone lines, as well as services such as police stations, Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), currency exchange booths, hospitals, and assistance with visas, flight tickets, and train tickets.

Tourist destinations invest in providing high-quality facilities to meet travellers' expectations, ensuring they are satisfied and enjoyable.

Activities

These are enjoyable experiences and recreational pursuits that tourists engage in while visiting a destination, enhancing enjoyment, promoting learning, and facilitating interaction with nature, culture, and adventure.

They are crucial to tourism as they define the visitor's experience and add value to a destination.

Exercise

Gather information on one of the tourist attractions in Tanzania and compose a brief paragraph elucidating the following aspects:

The classification of the attraction (whether it is natural or cultural).

The tourism activities for visitors to enjoy at the site.

The accessibility of the attraction and accommodation options available nearby.

Types of tourism 

Tourism can be classified into different categories based on its purpose and nature as follows:

Wildlife tourism 

Wildlife tourism is a type of tourism where people visit natural habitats to observe and interact with wild mammals, birds, plants, and marine life (aquatic and terrestrial) in their natural habitats.

Its goal is to view wildlife without causing disturbance while also educating visitors about conservation efforts.

Examples include trips to Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area for game drives to experience the big-five animals.

Cultural tourism 

This set of activities satisfies the cultural curiosity of tourists and involves visits to ancient monuments, places of historic and religious importance.

This can involve exploring historical sites, participating in festivals, enjoying music and arts, engaging in local customs, visiting museums and ancient ruins, touring historically rich cities, or witnessing traditional ceremonies.

It offers tourists valuable insights into a location's history, art, cuisine, and lifestyle.

Gastronomy tourism

This is a type of tourism activity which is characterised by the visitor's experience linked with mainly local food and related products and activities while travelling.

Along with authentic, traditional, and/or innovative culinary experiences, gastronomy tourism may also involve other related activities such as visiting the local producers, participating in food festivals and attending cooking classes.

Adventure tourism

It is exploration or travel to remote or exotic areas where the traveller seeks unpredictable and challenging experiences.

Adventure travel may be any tourist activity associated with high activity levels by the participant and most of its activities are outdoors.

A tourist expects to experience various levels of risk, excitement, and hostility and be personally tested.

Activities included are skydiving, kayaking, trekking, scuba diving, sea surfing, ballooning, bush walking and rock climbing.

Agrotourism 

Agrotourism involves visiting to a working agricultural setting for leisure, recreation, or educational purposes.

Agrotourism serves to bridge tourism and agriculture, allowing individuals to immerse themselves in nature while gaining insights into sustainable farming techniques.

For example, tourists visit coffee plantations in areas like Arusha, Kilimanjaro, and Mbeya to learn about the coffee-growing process, from planting to roasting, and participate in coffee-tasting sessions.

MICE tourism

The term MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) represent a sector of tourism which includes business events and activities and are in fact business travellers.

These business travellers are connected to different sectors of the tourism and hospitality industry through their MICE activities.

For example, business travellers who travel to a city to attend an exhibition will need food, drinks, shopping, entertainment, transport, accommodation and more.

Arusha and Dar es salaam are the best examples of destinations that offers MICE tourism through its facility, such as Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC), Julius Nyerere conventional centre, Mlimani city conference centre and Sabasaba exhibition centre.

Astro tourism 

Astro tourism is a type of tourism that focuses on observing astronomical phenomena, stargazing, and exploring the universe.

It is often referred to as a window to the universe. It entails travelling to locations that provide excellent views of the night sky, such as rural areas free of light pollution, observatories, or even space tourism.

Astro tourism incorporates activities such as night sky gazing, outreach, and leisure activities related to astronomy.

Religion tourism 

Religion tourism, also known as faith tourism, is travel for religious or spiritual reasons.

Religiously motivated travel, like pilgrimage, is one of the oldest forms of tourism. It includes pilgrimages, visiting religious sites example Mecca for the Muslim and Jordan river for the Christian.

Activity

Use reliable online resources and libraries; search for other types of tourism. For each type, write a brief description based on meaning, activities offered, and popular destinations for such type. Write a brief report on it.

Motivational factors to travel

For tourist to travel, there have to be some factors that make them travel. These factors can be grouped into two main categories: push and pull factors. They are explained as follows:

Push factors

These are internal factors which motivate an individual to make a travel decision. The desires differ from one person to another. These may include:

Need for relaxation

Daily routines are tiresome, so many people travel to break away from their routines, responsibilities, and stressful environments. Some may choose to escape work pressures, personal struggles, or urban congestion and seek relaxation in destinations such as beaches, resorts, or countryside destinations.

Cultural and heritage exploration

Tourists are motivated to travel to experience different cultures, traditions, and historical landmarks. Cultural tourism includes visiting museums and historical sites and participating in local traditional events.

Adventure exploration 

Many travellers seek to experience adventure tourism, such as mountain climbing, scuba diving, or jungle trekking. Adventure tourism is driven by the desire for excitement, challenge and trying out new things.

Visiting friends and relatives

People travel to spend quality time with family and friends, celebrate special occasions, or reunite with their loved ones. This is especially done during the holiday seasons, for example, in Tanzania most people travel to spend time with their families during Christmas time. Family vacations, and group tours fall into this category.

Business

Many individuals travel for business meetings, conferences, and corporate events. Business tourism includes MICE travel, which is also becoming popular nowadays. For example, several people are travelling to India and China for business purposes.

Pull factors

These are external factors, particularly from destinations, that attract individuals to travel. The factors depend on a destination's unique offerings, such as natural beauty, cultural heritage, or recreational activities. These factors are explained as follows:

Natural beauty

Destinations with beautiful attractions such as beaches, mountains, waterfalls, forest, lakes, and national parks attract nature lovers and adventure seekers. These tourists intentionally plan to travel to a particular destination. For example, the Ngorongoro crater attracts several tourists to experience nature and wildlife safaris.

Cultural and historical attractions 

Destinations rich with the history of the past, such as landmarks, arts, and traditions, encourage individuals to travel to that particular place. For example, tourists are attracted to explore the Old Fort, Kaole ruins, and the Catholic Museum in Bagamoyo.

Availability of transportation facilities

Destinations with well-developed infrastructure, direct flights, airports, good public transport, and car rental services influence the decision to choose that destination. For example, the availability of Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) attracts more tourists who visit attractions in Kilimanjaro and Arusha regions.

Climate and weather

Climate and weather at the destination offers a basis for the tourist's motivation, choice, and decision process. Many travellers seek destinations with favourable weather conditions. For example, people from colder regions travel to tropical destinations during winter. Therefore, good climatic condition has a significant influence on tourists' decision to visit a particular destination.

Safety

security and political stability Destinations which are politically stable, safe, secure and have low crime rates attract many tourists compared to those with wars and terrorism. For example, Tanzania receives a large number of tourists because it is safe and politically stable.

Exercise

1. How do personal interests, such as adventure, culture, or relaxation, influence a person's choice of travel destination?

2. In what ways do social and peer influences shape a person's decision to travel to certain destinations or engage in specific types of tourism?

3. How do external factors, such as economic conditions or global events, impact people's motivation to travel and their travel preferences?

Characteristics of tourism products and services

Characteristics refer to distinct features or qualities that distinguish something from others.

In tourism, these characteristics clarify the unique nature of tourism products and services, highlighting their differences from tangible goods.

Recognising these characteristics is vital for tourism businesses and destinations aiming to offer the best services and increase visitor satisfaction.

The following are the characteristics of tourism products and services:

Intangibility:

Refers to the quality of being unable to touch or physically measure. Before purchasing, one cannot touch, store, or test tourism services.

Unlike physical products, such as clothing, tourism experiences revolve around activities like visiting a national park, staying at a hotel, or taking a guided tour.

For example, visitors planning a trip to Serengeti National Park cannot physically engage with or preview the experience ahead of time; they rely on brochures, websites, and videos to imagine their safari adventure.

Perishability:

Refers to the state of being subject to decay, spoilage, or loss of value over time.

Tourism services cannot be saved for future use. If a hotel room, airline seat, or tour is not sold for a particular day, the revenue opportunity for that day is permanently lost.

This differs from products like mobile phones that can be sold later if not purchased today.

Perishability signifies that the product has a limited lifespan, and once that time frame expires, it cannot be sold.

For instance, if a lodge does not have guests on a specific night, the room remains empty, resulting in a permanent loss of potential income.

Seasonality:

Refers to the periodic fluctuations in supply and demand resulting from changes in weather, consumer behaviour, and other external factors that change over time.

The demand for tourism varies throughout the year across different seasons, including high season, low season, and off-season.

Certain locations attract many visitors during high seasons, but experience declines during low seasons.

Factors influencing this fluctuation include weather conditions, holidays, and scheduled events. For instance, Tanzania as a tourist destination attracts visitors from May to October when the weather is dry and enjoyable.

In contrast, the rainy season from March to May sees a drop in visitors, leading to reduced hotel bookings.

Heterogeneity:

Refers to the diversity or variance in characteristics, features, or attributes among individuals, groups, or objects within a given population or system. Tourism creates different experiences among customers due to interactions with people and surrounding conditions.

The quality of tourism experiences is not uniform. Factors such as the tour guide, hotel staff, weather, and tourist numbers in a destination can impact service quality.

For example, two tourists visiting Mount Kilimanjaro may have different experiences.

One may have a friendly guide and clear weather, while another may have a different guide and bad weather, affecting their overall experience.

Inseparability:

Means services are produced and consumed at the same time and cannot be separated from the service provider.

Tourism services are created and experienced at the same time. In contrast, many tangible goods are produced in one location and consumed in another, often at different times.

However, most travel-related services are both delivered and enjoyed simultaneously at the same location.

This indicates that production and consumption occur together, highlighting a degree of interdependence between service providers and consumers.

For example, to truly enjoy a Maasai cultural dance performance in Arusha, one has to attend in person.

Exercise

1. Mention three ways to reduce perishability in tourism services.

2. A group of students wants to visit Mount Kilimanjaro, but they are not sure whether they will enjoy the experience. Since tourism is intangible, what sources of information could help them make a decision?

3. A local community in Tanzania depends on tourists for income, but the number of visitors decreases during the rainy season. How can businesses in this community reduce the negative effects of seasonality?

Impacts of tourism

This refers to positive and negative effects that tourism activities have on the economy, society, culture, and the environment of a destination.

(a) Economic impacts of tourism

The economic impacts of tourism refer to the financial effects that tourism has on a local, national or regional economy. These impacts can be both positive and negative and they are explained as follows:

Positive economic impacts of tourism

This refers to the positive financial effects that tourism brings to a destination.

Job creation

The growth and development of the tourism industry generate employment opportunities that can be categorised as direct and indirect, explained as follows:

(i) Direct employment: These are employment generated by enterprises that provide services directly to tourists. They are categorised under tourism-related employment.

Examples of sectors that generate employment opportunities are accommodation and catering services, such as hotels and food services, tourist attractions, business facilities such as exhibition and convention centres, and tourism promotion and information services, including travel agencies and tourist boards.

(ii) Indirect employment: This refers to the roles of individuals who cater to both residents and tourists, as well as those who create products and offer services enjoyed by businesses and organisations serving the tourism sector directly. Example of indirect employment includes carpenters for hotel furniture.

Increased income

Tourism generates additional revenue due to the influx of tourists and the spending associated with their visits to a destination. In their spending, tourists pay taxes that contribute to the government’s revenues. The tax generated from tourism is categorised in three ways, which are direct, indirect and expenditure tax, that can be further explained as follows:

(i) Direct taxes include income taxes on individual earnings and corporate tax on company profits. Higher tourist spending enhances the income of those working in tourism as it increases tourism profit, resulting in greater tax revenue for the government.

(ii) Indirect taxes are fees paid based on what is consumed. There are two modes: sales tax and Value-Added Tax (VAT). The government charges sales tax on goods and services that go straight to the consumers. VAT is different; it’s an indirect tax on those goods and services.

(iii) Expenditure tax is a luxury tax applied to specific types of consumption. One might recognise these as excise duties on things like alcohol, tobacco, and petrol. To encourage international tourism, some countries have special rules, often offering duty-free shopping for tourists at major shopping malls and airline terminals.

Enhancing the balance of payments

The balance of payments records the flow of goods, services, and capital in and out of a country over a specific period and can be, typically, a year.

When a country spends or commits to pay out more money than it receives, it encounters a deficit in its balance of payments. Conversely, if it receives more funds than it spends, it enjoys a surplus in its balance of payments.

Nations generally prefer to have a surplus balance of payments instead of a deficit. A healthy tourism sector, especially one focused on inbound tourism, can significantly enhance the balance of payments by generating considerable foreign exchange.

Inbound tourism serves as a country’s invisible export, generating foreign exchange through the services provided to international visitors.

Outbound tourism, on the other hand, acts as an invisible import since local travellers tend to spend money abroad. When spending by inbound tourists exceeds that of outbound tourists, the result is a net surplus, contributing positively to the balance of payments.

Create multiplier effect

The multiplier effect is about how tourism opens up business opportunities for suppliers across various sectors. Tourism encompasses the income flows from the wages earned by those directly or indirectly involved in the sector.

For instance, when a hotel receptionist saves up to buy a car or a television, it benefits manufacturing industries and shops. Similarly, when a tour bus driver takes his/her family members to dinner, it boosts business for local restaurants.

Tourism activities increase the multiplier effect when they attract a larger number of tourists with higher spending power who tend to stay longer. This increases tourism spending in the destination, and money gets recirculated by those who initially received it, creating an ongoing cycle of economic benefits.

The tourism industry is flourishing and continues to be a major source of foreign exchange for the country. The tourism sector has generally performed well, except in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic struck.

According to National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in 2023, Tanzania Mainland welcomed a record 1,808,205 international visitors, marking a 24.3 per cent increase from the 1,454,920 visitors in 2022. Likewise, international tourism revenues rose up to USD 3.37 bilion in 2023, from USD 2.5 billion the previous year.

In Zanzibar, the accommodations and food services sector, as part of tourism, contributes 29.2% to the island’s economy. This sector also generates an average of over 80% of foreign exchange earnings and 50% of total employment is in the tourism sector.

Negative economic impacts of tourism

Refers to the adverse financial consequences that tourism can have, these impacts are explained as follows:

Over-dependence on tourism: Tourism is heavily influenced by external demand factors. A significant portion of international tourism spending comes from a limited number of developed countries. Changes in the economic situation of these countries can substantially impact the number of tourists visiting various destinations. Additionally, tourists' preferences can be quite unpredictable; a destination that was once favoured may quickly lose appeal. It is important to avoid a high dependence on tourism, which occurs when a region relies too much on this sector. A decline in tourist arrivals can severely impact the local economy.

Inflation: Refers to the general increase in the prices of goods and services that are directly or indirectly related to the tourism industry.

The growth of the tourism sector may result in pressure on resource use for tourists and local people. Resources such as food and transportation may be at high prices due to the demand of the tourism industry.

Also, services such as electricity, water, and land could be highly demanded for construction and service tourism facilities and the community. Therefore, the rising demand for these resources and services can lead to inflation, which might adversely affect residents.

Economic leakage: Refers to any factor that causes tourism-related profits to exit the local economy.

Factors contributing to the economic leakage include spending on imported goods and services needed by tourists and tourism businesses, money sent abroad by foreign workers in the tourism sector, and profits from tourist facilities owned by foreign companies that are sent overseas.

(b) Socio-cultural impacts of tourism

The socio-cultural impacts of tourism refer to the effects that tourism has on the social structures, cultural heritage, traditions, and lifestyles of local communities.

These impacts can be both positive and negative, depending on how tourism is managed and integrated into the society. These impacts are as follows:

Positive socio-cultural impacts of tourism

Social interaction: Tourism entails people travelling from one location to another. During this journey, tourists share their customs and cultures with the host countries, and in turn, they learn about and take back the traditions of the hosts, through exchanges and interactions with visitors and local communities.

Encourage cultural exchange: Travelling connects individuals, and through the educational aspect of tourism, it can promote mutual understanding among diverse people and cultures, facilitating cultural exchanges between hosts and guests. This interaction creates opportunities for people to discover and learn about each other's customs, traditions and values, and help cultivate respect, appreciation, and understanding of different cultures.

Cultural conservation: Tourism can help preserve artistic and cultural treasures. It does not only support the conservation and passing down of rich cultural and historical traditions but also contributes to the sustainable management and safeguarding of local heritage. It can spark a beautiful revival of indigenous cultures and unique arts and crafts.

Negative socio-cultural impacts of tourism

Shortage of resources: When tourists use the facilities and resources in a destination, it can significantly affect the daily lives of the local community in various ways. For instance, tourism can lead to water shortages, as the overall demand for water often exceeds the available supply. This issue may be even more pronounced due to demographic changes among tourists and the host communities.

Congestion: Congestion tends to happen when a quick pace of development or distinct seasonal patterns meet a large influx of tourists compared to the local population. Additional, friction can rise between visitors and residents over the shared use of local recreational facilities.

Health problems: Tourism can also bring about health challenges in many ways. Firstly, as people travel around the globe, during an outbreak of communicable diseases, they may unintentionally spread diseases like AIDS, COVID-19, cholera, and other pandemics. Also, the high influx of tourists and staff in the tourism sector can lead to the discharge of waste, which may pose health risks if left untreated.

Moral issues: In tourism, people feel free to explore new experiences. With this sense of freedom attached to disposable income, individuals may be more motivated to conduct immoral activities. These conditions can support the growth of prostitution. While tourism can provide job opportunities for women, often enhancing their economic status, it might also lead them towards prostitution as a means to maintain or improve their financial standing.

Commodification of culture: This refers to the process of transforming cultural elements, traditions, or heritage into products or experiences that can be bought, sold, or marketed to tourists.

This can include traditional dances, rituals, handicrafts, or festivals being adapted or modified to attract tourists and generate economic benefits.

In the process, these cultural practices may lose their original meaning.

Moreover, this phenomenon can contribute to the disappearance of traditional artistic designs, art forms, and craftsmanship, especially those deeply rooted in religious and mythical traditions.

Exercise

Read the following story about Sarah's journey to the Maasai community, then answer the questions that follow:

Sarah, a tourist from Canada, arrives in Tanzania with excitement bubbling inside her, ready to dive into the vibrant culture of this beautiful country. She eagerly made a reservation for a cultural tour to a welcoming Maasai village near the stunning Serengeti. Traditional Maasai songs and dances start out as soon as she arrives, creating a truly memorable experience.

Her friendly guide, Lemayian, shares the fascinating way of life of the Maasai, highlighting their clothing, customs, and language that have flourished for centuries. Sarah is captivated by their profound connection to nature and delights in learning about their time-honoured cattle-herding practices.

Throughout her visit, she joyfully participates in:

(a) Traditional beadwork where Maasai women teach their art of creating beautiful, colourful jewellery perfect for souvenirs.

(b) Warrior jumping dance, where she eagerly watches young Maasai men showcase their impressive high-jumping skills in a lively competition.

(c) Storytelling around the fire is a heart-warming time where the elders share cherished legends and the rich wisdom of the Maasai.

As her visit comes to end, Sarah takes a moment to reflect on how the Maasai cultural tourism not only provides valuable opportunities for the community but also helps to preserve their cherished traditions for future generations. She realises that the rich tapestry of the Maasai culture is essential to the unique appeal of Tanzania's tourism.

With a heartfelt wave goodbye, she promises to share her incredible experiences with others, highlighting the importance of cultural tourism alongside wildlife adventures in Tanzania.

Questions

1. Describe three key cultural activities mentioned in the story.

2. Explain benefits for both the community and the visitors when experiencing cultural tourism, as experienced by Sarah.

3. Think about cultural traditions and identify some cultural elements that tourists might engage in and experience as tourism products.

(c) Environmental impacts of tourism

Positive environmental impacts of tourism

Preservation, protection and conservation of the environment: Tourism can be perceived as a viable alternative for environmental preservation, as it generates essential resources and funding for preserving archaeological treasures and ancient monuments while conserving natural resources for the ongoing enjoyment of tourists and residents. Wildlife and forest reserves have been established, and scenic landscapes have been partly preserved due to their capacity to attract tourists. For instance, Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Nyerere National Park not only protect wildlife but they drive tourists in Tanzania.

Promoting environmental awareness and education

Tourism promotes local awareness of the importance of conserving the natural environment and facilitates the implementation of administrative controls and planning measures, such as the establishment of strict anti-pollution regulations and improved land use zoning, to preserve the quality of the environment.

Negative environmental impacts of tourism

Environmental pollution

Environmental pollution is a major adverse effect of tourism that occurs in various forms, such as air, water, and soil contamination. The following are some ways that tourism causes environmental pollution:

Air pollution: Transportation methods used by tourists, particularly planes, cars, and buses, release significant amounts of greenhouse gases and pollutants into the atmosphere. Airports, as key travel hubs, play a substantial role in air pollution, particularly in popular destinations.

Water pollution: Water pollution, tourists frequently participate in activities such as swimming, boating, and other water sports, which can lead to the pollution of lakes, rivers, and oceans. Moreover, improper waste disposal by tourists such as littering and dumping chemicals such as sunscreen, harms aquatic ecosystems. The higher demand for water in tourist-heavy locales can also result in local water shortages and contamination.

Waste generation: Tourism leads to a substantial increase in waste production, including plastics, packaging, and food scraps. Many tourist hotspots face challenges in waste management, leading to littering and waste accumulation in natural settings. This issue is especially problematic in remote or ecologically sensitive regions lacking proper waste disposal systems.

Soil and land degradation: Increased foot traffic, particularly in highly visited natural attractions, can cause soil erosion and damage to vegetation. Activities such as off-road driving and the construction of tourist facilities, hotels and roads can lead to habitat destruction and depletion of natural resources.

Noise pollution: Noise pollution, a high influx of tourists, especially in crowded areas, can generate excessive noise, disturbing wildlife and altering natural habitats. In certain areas, noise from transport and large groups can adversely affect ecosystems, causing long-term harm.

Ecological disruption

Tourism also significantly impacts the environment by causing ecological disruptions. This encompasses the disturbance or alteration of ecosystems, wildlife habitats, and natural processes due to human activities associated with tourism. The following are some ways that tourism causes ecological disruption:

Habitat destruction: Natural areas are frequently developed to cater to tourism, resulting in the construction of hotels, roads, and resorts. This development destroys habitats for plants and animals, leading to deforestation, wetland drainage, and the transformation of farmland into tourist infrastructure, thereby threatening biodiversity and causing irreversible environmental changes.

Wildlife disturbance: Tourists in natural settings can disrupt wildlife, often forcing animals to leave their habitats or change their behaviours. For instance, noise from tourists' activities can disturb nesting birds, and human presence may induce fear or aggression in animals. Sometimes, tourists might even feed or interact with wildlife, further disrupting their natural behaviours or diets.

Exercise

1. How does tourism impact the pricing of goods and services in local communities?

2. Explain both positive and negative impacts of tourism on cultural exchange and mutual understanding between tourists and local communities.

3. What are the effects of rapid tourism development on urban planning and public services?

Internal and external factors affecting tourism development

Tourism is a dynamic industry influenced by various factors that determine its growth, sustainability, and overall success. These factors can be classified into internal and external ones. Understanding both internal and external factors is essential for developing effective strategies to promote sustainable tourism growth while overcoming challenges. These factors are explained as follows:

Internal factors

Refer to elements within a destination or tourism business that directly impact its operations such as infrastructure and facilities, service quality and hospitality, marketing and promotion, government policies and regulations, and pricing and affordability. They are explained as follows:

Infrastructure and facilities: Tourism relies on quality infrastructure, including transportation and communication such as airports, roads, railways and telecommunication; accommodation, such as hotels and resorts; and services such as water and internet access. Destinations with connected airports and modern hotels attract more visitors than those with limited transportation.

Quality service and hospitality: Travelers expect quality service at hotels, dining establishments, and attractions. Skilled staff fosters a friendly environment, promoting return visits and favourable feedback. Unsatisfactory service can damage a destination’s image.

Marketing and promotion: Effective advertising and digital marketing initiatives enhance a destination’s visibility. Key elements such as social media influencers, travel agencies, and attractive promotional offers significantly contribute to drawing visitors.

Government policies: Typically highlight various strategies to develop the tourism industry. For instance, the Tanzania Tourism Policy of 1999 has pointed out various strategies like product development, product diversification, marketing, service quality, and strengthening cooperation among stakeholders. Government interventions such as the simplification of visa processes or the provision of tax incentives for tourism enterprises have the potential to attract an increased number of visitors.

Pricing and affordability: Travel costs including flights, accommodation, meals and activities play a significant role in a destination’s appeal. Budget travellers often seek out affordable options that make their journeys enjoyable, while luxury tourists are on the lookout for unique and exclusive experiences that create lasting memories.

External factors

Refer to influences that lie beyond the control of tourism businesses and destinations.

These include economic conditions, political instability, climate change, pandemics, and technological advancements.

Since these factors originate from the broader environment, tourism industry should adapt to their effects to remain competitive and resilient.

These factors are explained as follows:

Socio-cultural: Factors such as societal changes, cultural trends, and demographic shifts significantly influence how travellers behave, what they prefer, and their travel patterns.

Changes in demographics, such as the age of the population, varying income levels, educational backgrounds, and family structures, greatly impact travel choices.

An aging population, for instance, is likely to prefer an increased interest in wellness tourism and destinations that offer more relaxed experiences.

Political instability: Factors such as terrorism, and conflicts can discourage tourists who prioritise their safety. Nations with stable governments tend to attract more visitors. In contrast, political instability can lead to decreased tourism demand.

Economic condition: A healthy economy provides individuals with more disposable income for travel, whereas economic downturns result in decreased spending on tourism. For instance, during the 2008 global financial crisis, many people limited their travel due to job losses and economic uncertainty.

Natural disasters and climate change: Natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and hurricanes can disrupt tourism. Additionally, climate change impacts destinations through rising sea levels, severe temperatures, and reduced biodiversity.

Technology: Innovation and technology significantly impact the tourism industry. Technology enhances tourists’ overall experiences through platforms such as streamlined travel bookings, Google Maps, and online booking services, making travel planning more straightforward and enriching visitor engagement. A low adoption of technology may lead to fewer tourists visiting a particular destination.

Health and pandemic situations: Global health emergencies, including pandemics, hinder international travel because of health threats, restrictions, and quarantine protocols. The availability of healthcare at travel locations also affects travellers’ choices. For instance, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in worldwide travel bans, drastically affecting tourism from 2020 to 2021.

Exercise

Imagine you are a tourism adviser hired by the government of Tropica, a stunning country known for its national parks, beautiful beaches, rich culture, and adventure tourism. Despite its appeal, Tropica is facing several challenges that hinder tourist visits.

You have received the following information about Tropica’s tourism scenario:

Challenges facing Tropica:

(a) A decline in flights to the island due to inadequate airport facilities.

(b) Tourists report dissatisfaction with customer service at hotels and restaurants.

(c) Severe weather events, like hurricanes and storms, sometimes disrupt tourism activities.

(d) Recent negative social media reviews highlight beach pollution issues.

(e) Increased visa fees by the local government have made travel more costly.

(f) A new eco-tourism initiative has been launched, yet it remains largely unknown to potential visitors.

Answer the following questions

1. Classify the six challenges into internal (related to the tourism sector) and external (broader environmental) factors.

2. Briefly describe the negative impact of each factor on tourism in Tanzania.

3. Suggest three practical solutions to enhance Tanzania's tourism sector. Present your findings in a brief report format.

Organisations Responsible for Tourism Development

For the development and smooth operation within the tourism industry, some organisations play a crucial role in shaping the industry.

The organisations responsible for tourism development are grouped into two groups, which are:

- international organisations

- national organisations

These organisations differ in their functions, but they share common goal of promoting, managing, and sustaining tourism activities within specific regions.

SN	National organisations responsible for tourism development	Functions
1.	Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB)	Promotes and develops all aspects of the tourist industry in Tanzania.
2.	Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA)	Manages the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage site, balancing the conservation of natural resources with the needs of local communities and tourists.
3.	Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA)	Established under the Tanganyika National Parks Ordinance of 1959, TANAPA manages and oversees Tanzania's national parks, ensuring conservation and sustainable tourism.
4.	Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA)	Oversees the management of wildlife resources outside national parks and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, focusing on sustainable utilisation and conservation.
5.	Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS)	Manages national forest reserves and bee reserves, promoting sustainable forest management and conservation.
6.	Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO)	Unites, promotes and equips local and international tour operators to position Tanzania as the premier nature-based tourist destination globally.
7.	Tanzania Confederation of Tourism (TCT)	Serves as an umbrella organisation representing private tourism associations in Tanzania, advocating for a conducive business environment.
8.	Hotel Association of Tanzania (HAT)	Represents the interests of hotels and lodging establishments, promoting standards and advocating for the hospitality sector.
9.	Tanzania Tour Guides Association (TTGA)	Focuses on the professional development and welfare of tour guides in Tanzania.
10.	Zanzibar Commission for Tourism (ZCT)	Regulates and promotes tourism activities in Zanzibar, ensuring sustainable tourism development.
11.	Zanzibar Association of Tourism Investors (ZATI)	Represents tourism investors in Zanzibar, advocating for favourable investment conditions and sustainable tourism practices.

 

12.	Tanzania Cultural Tourism Organisation (TACTO)	Promotes cultural tourism initiatives, allowing visitors to experience Tanzania’s rich cultural heritage.
13.	Zanzibar Association for Tour Operators (ZATO)	Unites and promotes local and international tour operators to advertise and sell Zanzibar as a coastal and cultural tourist destination globally.
14.	Hotel Association of Zanzibar (HAZ)	Represents the interests of hotels and lodging establishments in Zanzibar, and it ensures quality standards within the industry to a globally competitive standard.

International organisations responsible for tourism development and their functions

SN	International organisations responsible for tourism development	Functions
1.	United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO)	Promotes responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism, serving as a global forum for tourism policy.
2.	International Air Transport Association (IATA)	A trade association for the world’s airlines, IATA develops global standards for airline safety, security, and efficiency.
3.	World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)	Represents the global travel and tourism private sector, conducting research on the economic impact of tourism and advocating for sustainable growth.
4.	International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)	A specialised UN agency that sets global standards for civil aviation, ensuring safe, secure, and efficient air transport systems worldwide.
5.	Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)	Establishes global standards for sustainability in travel and tourism. There are four sets: Destination Criteria for public policy-makers and destination managers; Industry Criteria for hotels and tour operators; MICE Criteria for Venues, Event Organisers, and Events & Exhibitions and Attraction Criteria for tourist attractions such as theme parks, museums, and national parks.

Activity

Visit a nearby tourism organisation or search on the internet about the success of the national organisation responsible for tourism development. Write a brief report on your findings.

Exercise

1. Explain the relationship between national and international organisations responsible for tourism.

2. What are the functions and importance of the Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) and Zanzibar Commission for Tourism (ZCT) for the country’s tourism industry?

3. The Serengeti National Park is one of Tanzania’s remarkable tourist attractions. How does TANAPA ensure that the park remains protected while still allowing visitors to the park?

4. Explain why it is important for Tanzania to work with international organisations such as UNWTO and IATA for the growth of tourism industry.

Revision exercise

1. What do you understand by the term tourism, and how has it evolved?

2. How did tourism patterns change due to the COVID-19 pandemic?

3. Identify the main attractions and types of tourism activities associated with each of the following tourism circuits in Tanzania: Northern, Southern, Western, Coastal, and Eastern.

4. Explain the forms of tourism and relate it with Tanzania as tourism destination.

5. Describe the main components of the tourism industry and briefly explain each.

6. Should Tanzania invest more in wildlife safaris or cultural and heritage tourism? Provide arguments for your answers.

7. Explain the negative environmental impacts of tourism using examples from Tanzania.

8. Discuss how tourism can contribute to Tanzania’s economy in terms of employment and foreign exchange earnings. What challenges does the industry face in sustaining economic growth?

9. Explain the role of national and international tourism organisations in managing the tourism industry.