Many economies depend heavily on tourism.
Tourism development and marketing involves marketing a place or attraction. It also falls under the category of experiential marketing. That is, an experience is being marketed. Most major cities and many countries devote significant resources to tourism marketing. This also includes improving their product (which could be their city.)
History
Tourism development and marketing has existed for as long as people have traveled. The industry has grown as methods of transportation have advanced. Before the invention of the steamship, tourism was limited to travel on land (without a motorcar). The invention of the airplane and its adoption to civilian travel created a massive growth for tourism. Today transportation methods are fairly advanced and so are marketing methods. Tourism marketers have access to markets like never before. For example, a resort in Tahiti could easily target a marketing campaign to Scandinavian tourists.
Significance
Tourism development and marketing has been a significant influence on the world's economy. Las Vegas is a perfect example of tourism development and marketing. Las Vegas is a city dependent on tourism. The city would not exist as it is today without tourism. Tourism development and marketing has also fostered many popular festivals and parades that promote culture and bring in tourist revenue. For example, the Caribana festival in Toronto, which celebrates Caribbean culture, brings in 1.3 million visitors to the city and $400 million into Ontario's economy.
Types
Tourism marketing uses a variety of methods. Tourism is marketed through traditional means such as print, TV/radio and web. It is also developed via attractions and festivals. Events such as the Puerto Rican Day parade in NYC attract millions of tourists to the city of New York. The relationship between events and cities are symbiotic--they both depend on each other for success. Event organizers depend on permits and city infrastructure to ensure a successful event. Cities depend on the revenue brought in via visitors to the events.
Geography
Geography plays an important role in developing tourism. Entire marketing campaigns are designed around the geography of a location. For example, Costa Rica has branded tourism around the concept of "ecotourism." Costa Rica hosts rain forests, beaches and a variety of natural wonders. Without these elements provided by the natural geography of the country the tourism industry in Costa Rica would not be the same.
Benefits
The most obvious benefit from tourism development and marketing is the tourist revenue. Countries, cities and the businesses in those countries and cities improve their financial position through the influx of tourist dollars. Tourism also promotes the location internationally. The more popular a location is the more it will be featured in the international spotlight. This can result in more tourism, an increase in new businesses in that location and international respect.
Tags: development marketing, Tourism development, Costa Rica, Tourism development marketing, methods Tourism