Tourism is one of the most rapidly growing industries in the world, but what makes it unique? There are several characteristics that define tourism and make it stand out from other industries. In this article, we will explore some of the key characteristics of tourism.
1. Intangibility
One of the most unique aspects of tourism is that it is an intangible product. Unlike other industries where you can touch, feel or taste the product, in tourism, you are selling an experience. This experience can include anything from visiting a historical monument to going on a safari or enjoying a beach vacation.
2. Perishability
Another characteristic of tourism is its perishability. Tourism products cannot be stored for future use like other products. Once a hotel room goes unsold or a flight takes off with empty seats, that opportunity to generate revenue is lost forever.
3. Seasonality
Seasonality is another important characteristic of tourism. Demand for tourist destinations can vary greatly depending on the season and weather conditions. For example, beach destinations may be popular during summer months while ski resorts may be popular during winter months.
4. Inseparability
Tourism involves a high level of interaction between tourists and service providers such as hotel staff, tour guides, and restaurant employees. This interaction cannot be separated from the overall experience of tourism and plays an important role in shaping tourists’ perceptions.
5. Variability
Tourism experiences can vary widely depending on factors such as location, culture, language barriers and personal preferences among others.
6. Accessibility
Accessibility refers to how easy it is for tourists to reach their intended destination or attraction. Factors such as transportation infrastructure and visa requirements can greatly impact accessibility.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several key characteristics that define tourism. These include intangibility, perishability, seasonality, inseparability, variability and accessibility. Understanding these characteristics is important for both tourists and service providers in order to create and sell quality tourism experiences.