SADEKE SMITH TOURISM IMPACTS ON JAMAICA COLBOURNE

Transcript:SADEKE SMITH TOURISM IMPACTS ON JAMAICA COLBOURNE:
SADEKE SMITH TOURISM IMPACTS ON JAMAICA COLBOURNE COLLEGE In the last 30 years travel and tourism has become one of world's largest industries - 11.5 % of Gross World Product (GWP). Growth seems set to continue: by 2010 T&T will contribute 12.5% of (an expanded) GWP (WTTC 1998). Already the main source of foreign currency for 38% of countries. Among the top five sources of foreign currency for 83% of countries. 699 million international tourist arrivals in 2000, 29% in developing countries (4% in Africa). Travel and tourism: global picture Tourism based on natural or social features (such as sunshine, beaches, mountains, forests, or a colourful, interesting culture), offers a way to use these resources without necessarily degrading or depleting them. Countries that have been endowed by nature or history with a good range of such features therefore have a genuine comparative advantage. This has allowed the tourism industry in some countries to grow to become the dominant sector in the national economy. The role of tourism in development The industry employs nearly 74 million people directly (equivalent to the entire population of the ten countries that have just joined the EU), but also supports the jobs of over 140 million more, giving a total of nearly 215 million people (about 3.4% of the population of the planet) who are directly or indirectly engaged in the industry, and whose livelihoods therefore now depend - directly or indirectly - on the long-term future of the travel and tourism industries. Employment contribution (2004) The industry is currently forecast to show relatively rapid growth over the next decade, so that by 2014 the industry will be contributing about US$2.4 trillion in GDP directly, and about US$6.9 trillion in direct and indirect contributions. It will by then employ some 87.4 million people directly, who will form part of the larger global total of just under 260 million people who will by then be directly or indirectly engaged in or supported by the industry. Growth projections New demand from the emerging economies. Increased demand from expanding segments (such as affluent retired people). Higher consumer expectations; the range of tourism options is expanding to include e.g. eco-tourism and adventure tourism. The tourism industry is maturing, which encourages product differentiation to maintain competitive edge and profits. Competition has kept prices low, which has increased demand. Globalisation necessitates more business travel as companies spread operations over different countries.