IGCSE Drama 0411

Topic: Tourism Policy, Planning and Management

Objective: Policy Development: Aims, Objectives, Government Involvement

This section explores the development of tourism policies, focusing on the aims, objectives, and the role of government in shaping these policies. Understanding policy development is crucial for drama students as it provides context for potential storylines and character motivations within a tourism-related narrative.

What are Tourism Policies?

Tourism policies are sets of rules, regulations, and strategies created by governments and other organizations to manage and promote tourism. They aim to maximize the benefits of tourism while minimizing its negative impacts.

Aims of Tourism Policies

Tourism policies typically have several overarching aims:

• Economic Growth: To stimulate economic activity through tourism revenue, job creation, and investment.
• Sustainable Development: To ensure tourism benefits the environment and local communities in the long term.
• Social Well-being: To enhance the quality of life for residents and preserve cultural heritage.
• Infrastructure Development: To improve infrastructure (transport, accommodation, etc.) to support tourism.
• Image Enhancement: To promote a positive image of the destination to potential tourists.

Objectives of Tourism Policies

To achieve the aims, tourism policies often set specific objectives. These can include:

• Increase Tourist Arrivals: Setting targets for the number of visitors.
• Extend Tourist Season: Encouraging tourism throughout the year, not just peak seasons.
• Diversify Tourism Products: Developing a range of tourism offerings (e.g., cultural, adventure, eco-tourism).
• Improve Tourist Satisfaction: Ensuring visitors have a positive experience.
• Manage Tourist Flows: Preventing overcrowding in popular areas.
• Promote Responsible Tourism: Encouraging tourists to behave respectfully and minimize their environmental impact.

Government Involvement in Policy Development

Governments play a central role in tourism policy development. Their involvement can take various forms:

• Legislation: Enacting laws and regulations related to tourism (e.g., planning laws, environmental protection laws).
• Funding: Allocating financial resources for tourism promotion, infrastructure development, and marketing campaigns.
• Strategic Planning: Developing national tourism strategies and action plans.
• Partnerships: Collaborating with tourism businesses, local authorities, and other stakeholders.
• Marketing and Promotion: Overseeing national tourism marketing campaigns.
• Quality Assurance: Establishing standards and accreditation schemes for tourism businesses.

Examples of Government Policy Initiatives

Governments often implement specific initiatives to achieve their policy objectives. Examples include:

Policy Initiative	Aim	Objective
National Tourism Marketing Campaigns	Economic Growth, Image Enhancement	Increase tourist arrivals, extend tourist season
Investment in Infrastructure (e.g., airports, roads)	Economic Growth, Infrastructure Development	Improve accessibility, enhance visitor experience
Development of Sustainable Tourism Initiatives	Sustainable Development, Social Well-being	Manage tourist flows, promote responsible tourism
Support for Local Tourism Businesses	Economic Growth, Job Creation	Diversify tourism products, improve quality of service

Challenges in Tourism Policy Development

Developing effective tourism policies can be challenging. Some common challenges include:

• Balancing Economic Benefits with Environmental Protection.
• Managing the impact of mass tourism on local communities.
• Adapting to changing tourist preferences and global trends.
• Ensuring effective coordination between different government agencies.
• Addressing the impacts of climate change on tourism destinations.

Understanding the aims, objectives, and government involvement in tourism policy development provides a valuable framework for analyzing tourism-related scenarios and developing creative drama work.