Lesson 3: Components of Tourism

At the end of the lesson, the student should be able to

1. Identify the different components of tourism and tourism management.
2. Illustrate the different models used in understanding the components of tourism.

THE GEOGRAPHICAL ELEMENTS OF TOURISM

The basic whole tourism system of Leiper (1990) is one of the models describing the
complex phenomenon of tourism.

Traveler Transit Tourist

Generating Destination
Routes
Regions Regions
Figure 1. Geographical Element of Tourism (Source: Weaver and Opermann, 2000)

Leiper consider the phenomenon tourism as a system, which is functioning under

various environments (e.g. Human, Socio, Cultural, Economical, Technological,
Physical, Political & Legal Environment.)

THE WHOLE TOURISM SYSTEM (WTS)

The tourism system is a group of interrelated, interdependent and interacting

elements that together form a single structure. The system, in its simplest form, has
five interdependent core elements, namely:
a. at least one tourist
b. at least one tourist-generating region
c. at least one transit route region
d. at least one tourist destination
e. a travel and tourism industry

a. Tourist – The tourist is the actor in this system. Tourism is a very human
experience enjoyed, anticipated and remembered by many as one of the most
important times of their lives.

b. Traveler-generating region
 o It is the generating market for tourism
o It provides the “push” to stimulate and motivate travel. This is where
the tourist searches for information, books a trip and departs.

c. Tourist destination region

o It is the “sharp end” of tourism.
o This is where the full impact of tourism is felt, and planning and
management strategies are implemented.
o It is considered the “pull” to visit destinations, energizing the whole
tourism system and creating demand for travel in the generating
region.

d. Transit route region – represents the short period of travel to reach the destination
and also the intermediate places visited en route

e. Tourism industry – it is described as the range of businesses and organizations

involved in delivering the tourism product.

Traveler Departing
Transit
Tourists Tourist
Travelers Arriving
Generating And
Destination
Returning Routes
Regions Travelers
Staying Regions

The Broader Perspetive: physical,cultural

Economic, political, technological

Figure 2. Tourism System (Source: Weaver and Opermann, 2000)

THE TRIPS MODEL

A slightly different way of presenting the elements of tourism system using the
acronym TRIPS can also be use. TRIPS stand for:
• Tourists traveling within and outside their home countries
• Residents of the place(s) visited
• Industry or the business entities that provide and distribute travel products
• Place or destination
• Supervision of the government and other entities that oversee the development
of tourism in the destination
 RESIDENTS INDUSTRY

TOURISTS

PLACE (COMMUNITY) SUPERVISION (GOVERNMENT)

Figure 3. TRIPS Model. Source: Cruz, Reil (2009). Principles of Travel and Tourism: Introduction to
Tourism Theory
In this
rough model of the tourism system, the tourists are the central actors. The tourists
affect and are affected by the interlocking elements of the system.

THE A’S OF TOURISM (Cruz, RG, 2009)

The components of tourism can be explained by the concepts that begin with the letter
A, thus called as the ‘A’s of tourism’. The tourists and residents are the primary actors
in the tourism system. (Cruz, R.G., 2009)

As far as the industry is concerned the most important components are:

Access. Entities that provide transportation services to and from, as well as
within the destination (e.g. jeepney, buses, tricycles, etc.)
Accommodation. Establishments that provide places to stay (e.g. Fort
Ilocandia, homestay in Pagudpud, etc.)
Activities. Enterprises that let tourists have something to do while in the
destination (e.g., kayaking, wind-surfing, weaving, etc.)
The place or destination has a strong chance of becoming successful if it has:
Attractions. Whether man-made or natural, that draw tourists to the area (e.g.
Kapurpurawan Rock Formation; Bangui Windfarm)
Amenities. Facilities that contribute to the comfort and convenience of the
visitors (e.g. restrooms, gasoline station, etc.)
Atmosphere. The general impression made by the destination, such as in terms
of feeling safe and being welcome (e.g., presence of police tourists in different
destinations).
Attitude. The readiness of the residents of the destination to accept tourists in
their midst.
Supervision involves carrying out programs that are related to:
Administration. Management of tourism in the destination.
Assistance. Helping out tourists and supporting the tourism industry.
Awareness-building. Tourism promotion activities done by the government.
COMPONENTS OF TOURISM AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT

Figure 4. Components of Tourism and Tourism Management. Source: Goeldner & Ritchie (2009). Tourism
Principles, Practices, Philosophies. 11th ed.

Tourism is a complex phenomenon, one that is extremely difficult to describe

succinctly. Any “model” of tourism must “capture” the composition- or components-
of the tourism system, as well as the key processes and outcomes that occur within
the tourism. These processes and outcomes include the very essence of tourism, the
travel experience and the supporting means by which tourism is made possible.

The tourist
The very heart of the tourism phenomenon model is clearly the tourist, and the travel
experiences that he or she seeks when visiting a tourism destination.

Natural Resources and Environment

A fundamental dimension of the model-indeed, the very basis of much tourism-is the
Natural Resources and Environment component. Any given destination is primarily
and unchangeably characterized by its Physiography, Climate & People

The Built Environment

Another dimension of tourism phenomenon that has been created by humans.
1. Culture. Reflects many dimensions of its past development and its current way
of life.
2. Infrastructure. Is another dimension of tourism has not been put in place mainly
to serve tourism. Such basic things as road, sewage systems, communication
networks and many commercial facilities (supermarkets, retail stores) have
been put in place to meet the needs of local residents.
3. Tourism Superstructure. Include those facilities that have been developed
especially to respond to the demand of the visitors.
4. Technology. Is one the most recent, and still increasingly influential, dimensions
of the built environment that is shaping the nature of both tourism
products/services and travel services.
5. Information. The success of a destination is determined by its ability to
assemble, interpret and utilize information in an effective manner.
6. Governance. Often receives inadequate attention within which the tourism
system functions. The system of governance surrounding tourism (legal,
political and fiscal systems regulating its functioning) has profound impact on
the ability of a destination to compete in the international marketplace and
plays a major role in determining the profitability of individual firms.

Operating Sectors of the Tourism Industry

The operating sectors of the tourism industry represent what many of the general
public perceive as “tourism”.
1. Transportation Sector. Comprising of airlines, bus companies, and so on, tends
to typify the movement of people and travel.
2. Accommodation Sector. Comprised of many well-known “brands” such Hilton,
Marriot, Best Western, and others that are highly visible to the public.
3. Food Services Sector. Contains a broad spectrum of brands and logos that have
become part of everyday life in many communities. Examples include world
famous fast food chains and gourmet restaurants.
4. Attractions Sector. Contains many well-known icons in the tourism industry,
such as Disneyland, Louvre Museum in Paris, France; Niagara Fall in Canada,
and others.
 5. Events Sector. Closely related to attractions. It include icons such as Oktoberfest
in Munich, Germany; Mardi Gras of New Orleans, Pamulinawen of Ilocos Norte.
6. Adventure and Outdoor Recreation Sector. Is one of the most rapidly growing
components of modern tourism. Changes in demographics, values and lifestyles
are creating increasing demand for activities such as golfing, skiing,
snowboarding, white-water rafting, mountaineering and others.
7. Entertainment. Certain destinations such as Las Vegas, Nashville, Branson and
Missouri have grown up on a heavy diet of world-famous entertainers.
8. Travel Trade Sector and Tourism Services. Less glamorous but still essential to
the success and well-being of the tourism industry. Is composed of the retail
travel agent and wholesale tour operator.

Spirit of Hospitality
As discussed, the operating sectors of tourism are responsible for delivering high-
quality, memorable experiences. Care must be taken, however, to wrap these
experiences in a warm spirit of hospitality. Quite simply, it is not enough to deliver all
the attributes of an experience in a cold or detached manner. Each individual visitor
must feel that he or she is more than a source of cold cash revenue for the business
or destination. Rather, visitors have a natural human desire for warm acceptance as
they seek to enjoy the range of experiences the destination has to offer. As such, the
challenge facing destinations is to deliver their experiences in a way that enables the
visitors to believe they are welcome , that they are truly are guests.

Planning, Development, Promotion, and Catalyst Organizations

There is another hidden component of tourism that is equally important in
determining the success of a tourism destination. It is known by the unwieldy name
of planning, development, promotion and catalyst organizations (PDPCO). It is the
visionaries, policy makers, strategic planners and individuals and groups who “make
the right things happen” that are increasingly a determinant of successful tourism. In
effect, it is critical that we “do the right things” as that we “do things right.”

The Importance of Integrated/Collaborative Planning and Development

The “wavy line” that forms the interface between the public and private sector convey
the importance of integrated or collaborative planning and development efforts.
Failure to acknowledge the importance of this reality leads only to antagonism, strife
and disjointed strategic planning and development.

The Process, Activities, and Outcomes of Tourism

The nature of the processes and activities that both surrounds and occurs within the
tourism system and that in the end create the outcomes that are the essence of the
phenomenon we call tourism. Result of organizational efforts is the creation of a
Destination Management Organization (DMO) with the collaboration with all
stakeholders. Wherein, they must define the tourism philosophy of the destination
and formulate a supportive policy, vision and strategy. These, in turn, provide
direction and guidance for the detailed planning and development initiatives that will
ultimately determine the nature and quality of the experiences the destinations is
capable of offerings.
Careers in Tourism
The people in the tourism industry, who provide these experiences, as in any industry,
must perform a vast number of organizational functions. The tourism industry is often
characterized by the large number of front-line service jobs that must be performed
for tourism to function effectively. For example, the accommodation sector requires
bell staff, front desk staff, and room maintenance staff. The food services sector
requires cooks, waitstaff, bartenders and kitchen maintenance staff. The attractions
sector requires facilitation and equipment operators, as do the entertainment, event,
and transportation sectors. The adventure and outdoor recreation sector needs guides
and group leaders. Travel trade and tourism services sectors must have the personnel
to assist travelers as they plan their trips and then to meet their many needs for
information and assistance throughout their travel experiences. As can be surmised,
the performance of the many tasks identified to perform each specialized task in an
effective and friendly manner.

Job Titles for Graduates in Tourism and Hospitality (CMO 62, s. 2017)

Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management

Sectors Areas Career Opportunities
Travel Air, Cruise Ships, Rail Coach, - Reservation Agents
Automobile Marketing - Sales Representatives
Communications/ Documentation - Research Analyst
Information Bureau/ Center - Ground Handling Personnel
Tour and Travel Operations - Flight Attendant
- Training Staff
- Customer Service Representative
- Marketing Analyst
- Customer Analyst
- Financial Analyst
- Merchandising Analyst
- Commercial account specialist
- Domestic travel counsellor
- File clerks
- Tour planner
- Tour guide
- Reservationist
- Group coordinator
- Operations employee
- Administrative assistant
- Advertising specialist
- Travel representative
- Economic development specialist
- Travel promotions staff
- Public information officer
- Public relations officer
- Marketing coordinator
- Communication specialist
- Travel editor
- Media liaison
- Media specialist
- Travel photographer
- Administrative assistant
- Information specialist
- Media coordinator
 - Travel writer
- Marketing coordinator
- Package tour coordinator
- Manager of travel literature
- Chief of News and information
- Research director
- Advertising manager
- Trainee group consultant
- Ticketing manager
- Area Supervisor
- Airline Purser
- Airline Manager
- Country Manager
- Reservations Manager
- Sales and Marketing Manager
- Area Manager
- Ticketing Manager
- Product Development Manager
- Management Personnel
- Senior Manager of Strategy and Marketing
- Director for Customer Care
- Customer Service Quality Director
- Manager of Travel Literature
- Chief of News and Information
- Tourism Center Director
Lodging Front Office, HR, Sales and Marketing - Sales Representative
- Management Trainees
- HR Staff
- Reservations Clerk
- Front Office Staff
- Director of Personnel Manager
Assembly and Meetings, Conventions, Expositions - Information Specialist
Event - Public Relations Staff
Management - Sales Representative
- Meeting/Event Personnel
Recreation Attractions, Gaming, Parks, - Park Guide
Recreations - Museum Guide
- Handicapped Program Planner
- Concert Promoter
- Recreation Specialists
- Camp Counsellors
- Activity Director
- Camping Director
- Recreation Director
- Events Coordinator
- Amusement/Theme Park Guide
- Planner
- Promotions Staff
- Reception Staff
- Activity Director
- Manager
- Administrator

Bachelor of Science in hospitality Management

Sectors Areas Career Opportunities
Restaurants and Fine Dining, Quick Service, Casual Dining Room Positions:
Food Service Restaurants, Managed Services, - Cashier
Catering, Beevrages - Bartender
- Mixologist
- Oenologist
- Restaurant Steward
- Bar Supervisor
- Waiter/Food Attendant
- Room Service Waiter
- Sommelier
- Barista
- Head waiter
- Captain waiter
- Bar accountant
- Restaurant supervisor
- Assistant restaurant manager
- Shift leader
- Team leader
- Room service maager
- Maitred hotel
- F&B Director
- F&B Outlet Manager
- Restaurant Manager
- Outlet Manager
Managed Services Kitchen Positions:
- Receiving clerk
- Stock clerk
- Commis pastry
- Baker
- Butcher
- Commis, 1, 2, 3
- Line cooks
- Demi chef
- Commis chef
- Chef de partie
- Pantry chef
- Pastry chef
- Head coo
- Saute chef
- Grill cook
- Fry cook
- Sous chef
- Head chef
- Executive chef
- Sanitation officer
Lodging Hotel, Integrated Resort, Inn, Serviced Housekeeping Positions:
Residences, Apartelle/Condotel, Bed & - Shift leader
Breakfast, Lodging House - Checker
- Room attendant
- Room assistant
- Cabin steward
- Housekeeping attendant
- Room steward
- Floow supervisor
- Chief housekeeper
- Bell captain
- Room inspector
- Laundry supervisor
- Executive housekeeper
- Housekeeping manager
 - Laundry manager
Front Office Positions:
- Receptionists
- Lobby Greeter
- Fornt office attendant
- Switchboard operator
- Airport representatives
- Reservation clerk
- Bell service porter/attendant
- Concierge/CRM
- Front office supervisor
- Front office cashier
- Night auditor
- Duty supervisor
- Front office manager
- Rooms division manager
- Reservation manager
- Unit manager
Convention, Entertainment Positions:
- Sales representative
- Convention sales personnel
- Event and entertainment staff
- Organizer/planners
- Information specialist
- Public relations staff
- Sales representative
- Assistant manager
- Research directorate
- Marketing manager
- Events planner
- Exhibit planner
- Convention and event manager
Public Relations Positions:
- Public relations personnel
- Photographer
- Writer
- Telemarketing Staff
- PR Director
- PR Manager
Sales and Marketing Positions
- Sales and Marketing Personnel
- Sales and Marketing Account Executives
- Sales and Marketing Supervisor
- Director
- Manager
Recreation and Special Events Sports, Leisure and Recreation Center
- Spa Manager
- Activity Director
- Recreation Director
- Events Coordinator
- Leisure Manager
Figure 5. Disciplinary Inputs to the Tourism Field. Source: Goeldner & Ritchie (2009). Tourism Principles, Practices,
Philosophies. 11th ed
 Self-Check

I. Write TRUE if the statement is correct, otherwise write FALSE.

__________1. Hong Kong Disneyland is an example of a natural attraction.
__________2. Atmosphere refers to the readiness of the residents to accept tourists
__________3. Traveler generating region provides the push to stimulate travel
__________4. Tourist experiences spirit of hospitality from tourism staff & personnel
__________5. Understanding hotel operations and management is institutional approach to
the study of tourism

Answer to Self-Assessment Questions: (please proceed to appendix A)

If you got…
5 CONGRATULATIONS! THAT WAS AN AWESOME JOB!
4-3 Satisfactory
2 and below Please read the module again