For a destination to be viable to tourists, there must be some way to get to the country,
the region, and the various attractions. This does not mean that there has to be first class
or
mass transportation available to everything, but it does mean that access must be made
possible.
Access relates to transport but it can simply refer to a walking trail or a cycling track.
Accommodation: If tourists are to be more than just one-day visitors, they must have
somewhere to stay. It is important for tourist destinations to offer a wide array of
accommodation facilities, in terms of different price ranges. Sometimes, the accommodation
is
virtually part of the attraction of the destination, especially if it overlooks a spectacular
scenery
or landmark.
Attractions: Tourists rarely travel to a destination simply for the sake to stay in particular
accommodation establishments. They usually travel to see what the destination has to
offer
them in terms of what they can see, do and experience. The features that attract a person to a
particular destination are known as attractions. Attractions can be natural wonders, man-made
attractions, special events, cultural or historic sites, arts and crafts, sport, music or
dance,
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unusual or unique flora and fauna, night life (et cetera). Attractions are many and
diverse.
Therefore, the wider the variety of a destination’s attractions would possibly appeal to a large
number of tourists.
Activities: Tourists may enjoy doing certain activities whilst at their destinations.
These
activities include; shopping, eating out, using sports facilities and engaging in outdoor
recreational journeys (among other activities).
Amenities: The destinations’ amenities include the provision of electricity and water, sanitary
facilities, safe drinking water, roads, police and emergency services, postal and
communication
facilities, media, et cetera. Crucially, these structures ensure that the tourists stay safe
and
sound during their stay in a destination. Tourists need to have access to basic facilities to feel
comfortable and secure.
1
1.9.2 Different Types of Destinations
Destinations possess tangible characteristics and consist of a number of physical
attributes,
including; attractions, amenities, buildings, landscapes and so on. However, the
tourists’
perceptions are less tangible, such as; the hospitality of the locals (for example,
Gemutlichkeit),
the atmosphere generated by being in particular event, the sense of awe, alienation, or other
emotions that could be generated by specific destinations (Murphy, Pritchard & Smith, 2000;
Moutinho, 1987). Destinations have different appeals to different markets. Some individuals
love crowds, others love isolation and find crowded places unbearable. The appeal of
the
destinations is varied as they offer immense opportunities for tourism to be developed in
almost
any country, and in any region; provided that they are targeted at the appropriate market
(Hall,
2008).
Most of the destinations are managed to some extent, whether they are natural or constructed.
The national parks are usually left in their natural state of beauty as far as possible.
Nevertheless, they have to be managed through the provision of access, parking,
facilities,
accommodation (such as caravans and campsites), litter bins and so on. Broadly, we
can
categorise destinations by delineating them according to their offerings, as suggested in Table
1.2: Moreover, holiday destinations depend on their image and tourist perceptions (Beerli &
Martin, 2004; Echtner & Ritchie, 1993). Very often, the destinations’ image is often frozen in
time and could no longer represent a true picture of the place. For as long as the
tourists’
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perceptions remain positive, promotional bodies will seek to support these images in
their
advertising and promotion. Most well-known tourist destinations, like cities and beach
resorts,
may usually rely on the stereotypes which have been built over the years.