SPECIALIZED TOURISM

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CROSS-CULTURAL MISUNDERSTANDINGS

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Key Difference – Mass Tourism vs Alternative or Niche Tourism
Tourism can be categorized into two main groups known as mass tourism and alternative/Niche
tourism. These two types of tourism are very different from each other. Mass tourism is an
organized movement of large numbers of people to specialized locations. Alternative/Niche
tourism involves small groups of people or individuals traveling to places that are not popular
tourist destinations.

https://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-mass-tourism-and-vs-alternative-tourism/
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What is Alternative/Niche Tourism?
Alternative/Niche tourism is a combination of tourist products or individual tourist services. In simple words,
it can be described as people touring places and things other than usual tourist attractions. Thus, it involves
uncrowded locations and non-peak holiday seasons. It is characterized by individual activities and tourists’
desire to experience local culture and environment.

Alternative/Niche tourism can be categorized into three groups known as cultural tourism, nature-based
tourism, and adventure tourism; these three groups can also interconnect. Adventure tours, eco-tours and
thematic tours and other small-scale tourist activities are examples of alternative tourism.

Since alternative/Niche tourism is an individual experience, you can plan and create your experience
according to your own preference, in contrast to mass tourism, where your tour is typically planned by
someone else. Moreover, alternative/Niche tourism supports rural communities and facilitate the development
of infrastructure in these areas. This can also be seen as nature-friendly tourism since a limited number of
people means a limited amount of garbage and damage.
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What is Mass Tourism?
Mass tourism can be defined as an organized movement of large numbers of people to specialized locations.
In other words, this involves masses of people going to popular tourist destinations, often during the peak
holiday season. This is the most popular form of tourism since it is often the most inexpensive way to go on a
holiday. Mass tourism often involves holiday package deals. A package deal is an arrangement where all
tourist needs such as flights, activities, food, etc. are catered for by one company. Mass tourism is often the
opposite of alternative tourism or sustainable tourism.

Mass tourism may involve locations such as whole resort towns, theme parks, tourism business districts,
etc., which are very crowded. However, these over-crowded places can also give more room to garbage and
damage. Some activities in mass tourism include sunbathing on a popular beach, visiting a theme park
(Disney World), taking a cruise, skiing in the mountains, etc. Mass tourism can generate a lot of income for
local areas. Hong Kong, Singapore, London, Bangkok, Paris, Macau, New York and Istanbul are some of the
most popular tourist destinations in the world. These can be described as mass tourism destinations.
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Definition:

Mass Tourism: This involves masses of people going to popular tourist destinations, often during the peak holiday season.

Alternative Tourism: This involves small groups of people or individuals traveling to places that are not popular tourist
destinations.

Packages:
Mass Tourism: Mass Tourism often includes package deals.

Alternative Tourism: Alternative Tourism includes plans and options which are decided by the tourists

Program:
Mass Tourism: The tourists often have a fixed program.

Alternative Tourism: The tourists can make spontaneous decisions.

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Time:
Mass Tourism: Tourists only spend a little time on each site.

Alternative Tourism: Tourists have more time since they can change their plans.

Pollution:
Mass tourism: Masses of people visiting a place can result in a lot of garbage and damages.

Alternative tourism: Alternative tourism is relatively nature-friendly.

Activities:
Mass Tourism: Actives include sunbathing on popular beaches, visiting theme parks, visiting famous locations such
as Eiffel tour, Big Ben, etc.

Alternative Tourism: This consists of individualized activities such as hiking, water rafting, visiting local events, etc.
 CROSS-CULTURAL MISUNDERSTANDINGS
What is cross-cultural misunderstandings?
Cross-cultural conflict may occur when a person directs inappropriate verbal/non-verbal behaviour towards
another. Conflicts can occur not only between a client and staff but also between staff as well as between
clients.

So, here are some of the most common cultural misunderstandings one may have to face.
1 – Hand Gestures: It is always advised to mind your body language when in an unknown company
especially if you in a foreign country.

2 – Embracing:

3 – Mind your feet:

4 – No Shoes:

5 – Using Words Carefully

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How to Manage Cross-Cultural Misunderstandings
If you’ve ever traveled to another country, you’ve likely experienced some disorientation. And perhaps a
few surprises. We tend to expect a bit of the unexpected when we travel far and immerse ourselves in a
vastly different culture.

“an individual from one culture finds himself or herself in a different, strange or uncomfortable situation
when interacting with persons of a different culture”

It also helps to remember that old habits die hard. Everyone’s habits. Try to be gentle with your students
[guests], and with yourself.

https://www.globalcognition.org/cross-cultural-misunderstandings/
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How do you overcome the potential problems of cross-cultural communication?
Here are 5 ways to overcome cultural barriers and embrace cultural difference:
1. Ensure clear and polite communication.
2. Learn about different cultures.
3. Work towards accommodating cultural difference.
4. Share knowledge.
5. Employ diversity training.
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How do you overcome language differences in communication?
Overcoming Language Barriers
1. Use plain language.
2. Find a reliable translation service.
3. Enlist interpreters.
4. Provide classes for your employees.
5. Use visual methods of communication.
6. Use repetition.
7. Be respectful.
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CROSS-CULTURAL MISUNDERSTANDINGS