Tourism Planning- Basic Concepts,

Approaches and Techniques

Learning Objectives
At the end of this chapter, you expected to:
1. Define planning
2. Understand the need for tourism planning
3. Describe the tourism planning approaches and techniques
4. Explain the different levels of tourism planning
5. Be acquainted with the types of tourism planning
6. Explain the major elements in planning a tourist destination
7. Describe the stages of tourism development
Meaning of Planning
• Planning is the process of setting goals, selecting
alternative courses of action to achieve those
goals, implementing the chosen alternative and
evaluating the choices to find out if it is
successful. Planning is the key to success of any
activity.
The need for tourism planning
• In tourism, is neither guaranteed nor
permanent. Many areas have experienced
tourism cycles which start with few rich visitors,
proceeds through a series of expansion
programs, attain saturation then go into decline.
If an eventual decline is to be avoided,
responsible planning and management are
essential.
The need for tourism planning

Disneyland in California Disney World in Florida

The need for tourism planning
• Tourism plan and development program can provide guidelines for
areas in which the government and the private sectors have little or
no experience on how to develop these areas.
• Since tourism is a complex, multisectoral activity, a tourism plan is
necessary to coordinate the different sectors to better service the
needs of tourism and the general public.
• Through an integrated tourism plan, the various direct and indirect
economic benefits can be achieved.
• A responsible tourism plan is a means to attain environmental
conservation objectives and produced through the development of
tourist attractions, facilities and infrastructure.
• A careful tourism plan is a means to achieved cultural conservation
objectives and produce sociocultural benefits
The need for tourism planning
• A good tourism plans means in which the
natural and cultural resources for tourism are
maintained, not destroyed, in the development
process.
• Careful planning is necessary to develop
specialized training facilities for the education
and training for particular manpower skills and
abilities.
Tourism planning approaches and
techniques
• Systems approach- requires that adequate information about the
system is available to understand and analyze it. Computer
technology is needed to collect and analyze this data.
• Comprehensive approach- all aspects of tourism development
are analyzed and planned on abroad scope.
• Integrated approach- tourism is planned and developed as
integrated system within itself and integrated into the overall plan
and development pattern of the area.
• Environmental and sustainable approach- tourism is
planned and developed and mange in such a way that the natural
and cultural resources are not used up so that they are available for
continuous and permanent use in the future.
Tourism planning approaches and
techniques
• Community approach- planning is for the residents of the area.
The local residents should be given the opportunity to participate in
the planning of their community’s future development and express
their opinion on the type of community they want to live in.
• Implementable approach- tourism plan, policies and
recommendations are expressed in a practical and achievable
manner.
• Systematic approach- tourism planning is based on an orderly
arrangement of activities.
Levels of Tourism Planning
• International planning- this level of tourism planning involves international
transportation services, the movement and scheduling of the tours and tourist
attractions among different countries, the development af major tourist attractions
and facilities in neighboring countries as well as the working strategies and
promotional programs of many countries. Planning at the international level usually
takes place through
• World Tourism Organization (WTO)
• International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
• Pacific Asia travel association (PATA)
• Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO)
• International Air Transport Association (IATA)
• Sub-committee On Tourism (SCOT)
• Tourism Council of the South Pacific (TCSP)
• Tourism Coordination Unit(TCU)
National planning
Is concerned with ff. components
• Tourism policy
• Infrastructure facilities
• A physical structure plan which includes important tourist attractions,
selected tourism development regions, international entry points, facilities
and services
• The amount, kinds and quality accommodation and other required tourist
facilities and services
• The important tour routes in the country and their regional connections
• Tourism organization entities, laws and investment policies.
• Tourism marketing strategies and promotion
• Educational and training programs
Regional Planning
The regional level of tourism planning is for one region of a country, usually a state or province or an island. Regional
planning emphasizes the following elements.
1. Regional policy
2. Regional entry points
3. Kinds of tourist attractions and their locations
4. The amount, kinds and location of tourist accommodation and other tourist facilities and services.
5. Location of tourist development areas including resorts areas
6. Socio-cultural, environmental, economic and impact analysis
7. Education and training programs on the regional level
8. Marketing techniques and promotion
9. Organizational establishments, laws, regulations and investment policies
10. Implementations methods which include project plans and regional zoning regulations

The Regional level of tourism planning is more specific than the national planning level
Subregional planning
• There is a need for subregional planning in some countries or regions. This level of planning is more specific than
regional level/ the elements of subregional plan usually include:
1. Tourist attractions
2. Location of accommodation and other tourist facilities and services
3. Entry points to the subregion
4. Transportation facilities
5. And infrastructure
Types of tourism planning
• Land use planning
• Facility site planning
• Facility design
• Special studies

Process for tourism planning

If a tourism development project is to succeed, a structural process should be established to provide

for controls over expenses and protection for the people, customs, funds land and other resources
involved.
10 step project structure for tourism planning and development is suggested.
These are:

1. Acquire understanding- the first step in tourism planning is education

2. Preliminary position statement-the responsible group should develop a formal statement of interest
3. Commitment for tourism study- there should be an intensive study which establishes feasibility and serves as
basis for actual development.
4. Market and resources analysis- this activity gathers correlates data on the overall size of the destination or
prospective market and the share that market is expected to gain. This activity also determines what percentage of
the total market any destination will attract such as:
 Cultural
 Environmental
 Recreational
 Guest facilities
 Transportations
 Support industries
 Land availability
 Capital
 Government attitudes
10 step project structure for tourism planning and development is suggested. These
are:

5. Conceptual planning includes definite statements of objectives and policies for the proposed tourism project.
These deal separately with following facts:
 The theme or character of the tourism project
 The major resources to be developed
 Environmental, social and cultural aims and restrictions
 Economic targets and results
Conceptual planning gives general estimates of benefits and costs which will be the basis for a major decision on
whether to proceed the project
6. Plan approval- this is a recognition of the necessity of the plan.
7. Master planning- master planning involves expenses of time and money which are 5 to 10 times more expensive
than the previous activities.
Areas which are detailed in a master plan are:
• Performing in- depth marketing study
• Designation extent of land uses for tourism
• Planning infrastructure facilities including roads, airports, walkways, drainage, water, power and other facilities
10 step project structure for tourism planning and development is suggested. These
are:

8. Final commitment- must be closely coordinated, failure to secure commitment within any sector
will result in failure.
9. Stage implementation program- implementation activities fill the gap between accepted
development and the creation of an operational , integrated tourism industry.
10. Evaluation and direction- established operations must be monitored to assure continuing
quality of services and operating success.
Major elements in planning a tourism destination are:

1. Market analysis- market analysis requires a through study of past and present trends, traveler
profiles, traveler performances and habits, market position and destination images
2. Assessment of available resources
 Visitor attractions
 Culture
 Manpower
 Infrastructure and superstructure
 Transportation
 Support services
 Accommodation
3. Marketing
4. Economic and financial analysis
5. Environment social impact
Stages of destination development
Visitor arrival

Rejuvenation

Maturity
Decline
Growth

Inception

Time
Stages of Destination Development
I. Inception – Discovery
II. Growth – local response and initiative
III. Maturity – institutionalization
IV. Decline - Saturation
Inception- Discovery
• During this stage of development, a few
adventurous tourist visit the area.
During this stage, tourists are generally
welcomed by the residents.
Growth- Local Response and Initiative
• In stage II, the number of tourists increases. The
area has developed a good reputation by word of
mouth. Although the tourism is growing, the
facilities and services are owned and controlled
by the residents.
Maturity – institutionalization

• Maturity is characterized by the increase in the

number of tourists, many Hotels, Airlines and
other facilities.
Decline- Saturation and alienation
In the final stage, has become saturated.
Goals of Tourism Development
• Provide a framework for raising the standard of living of the people through economic
benefits of tourism.
• Develop the infrastructure and provide recreation facilities for tourist and local
residents.
• Establish types of development within the tourist centers and resorts that are suitable
to the purposes of these areas.
• Provide a development program that is in accordance with cultural, social and
economic philosophy of the government and the people of the host country or
destination.
Hindrances to the development of supply
• First obstacle-lack of transportation and
access routes
• Second obstacle- lack of accommodation
• Third obstacle- is inadequate financing of
infrastructure such as water supply, sanitation,
power supply
• Forth obstacle- lack of sufficient number of
trained personnel
Internal Hindrances
Internal obstacles- is a price fluctuation in
tourist supply in particular. The increasing price
of tourism has the same effect as the decrease in
the income of the potential tourist.
Political Aspects of Tourism Development
• Land Use(Zoning)
• Construction and maintenance of infrastructure
• Promotional program
Political Aspects of Tourism Development
Zoning ordinances specify the legal types of land use.

Infrastructure is provided by the government agencies, private developer or both

Maintenance policies- are significant factor in successful tourism development. Ex
quality of water sewage system.

Promotional programs- income multipliers, additional investment

5 functions which are the responsibility of the government in assisting
tourism development

1. Basic market research into future tourism

demand
2. The publicity promoting the country
3. The regulation and control
4. The economic and social implications of
tourism development
5. Making arrangements that are necessary for
tourism promotion
Government financial incentives
1. Subsidies- it is the most attractive incentive from the investor’s point of view.
2. Credits- the governments encourage s tourism investment by providing special credits for
investment in areas declared to be of national tourist interest.
• Guaranteed Credits- through normal banking arrangements
• Technical advice- technical assistance is necessary in the preparation of worthwhile projects by
helping to evaluate them.
3. Preferential rates of interest- the government offer capital for investment at lower than market
rates of interest.
4. Special Facilities for land purchase- this is a strong incentive to tourist development especially
in a new tourist area.
5. Fiscal Aids- these includes reduced customs duties
6. Relief on operating costs- these include tax relief which aim to facilitate the renewal of
equipment.
7. Recruiting and training employees- a very important function of government is to help
recruiting employees.
 Cohen’s Classification
Tourism combines
curiosity to seek out new experiences
with the need for
security of familiar reminders of home

Curiosity Security
seek out new experience familiar reminder of home

Drifter Explorer Individual Organized

mass tourist mass tourist
 Cohen’s Classification
Non-Institutionalized Institutionalized Tourists
Tourists
are dealt with in a routine way by
are loosely attached to the tourist the tourist establishment
establishment
e.g. travel agencies, hotel chain
expose to host community

Individual Organized
Explorer Drifter Mass Mass
Tourist Tourist
Cohen’s Classification p.3
Organized Mass Tourist
• least adventurous
• spend most of their time in their comfortable
“environmental bubble” throughout their trip
• the itinerary is decided in advance
• attractions are guided and well fixed
• tourists have no decision on their trip
Cohen’s Classification
Individual Mass Tourist
• similar to the organized mass tourist
• the tour is not entirely fixed
• have certain control over their time and itinerary
• but all the major arrangements are still made
through travel agencies
Cohen’s Classification
Explorer
• arrange their trips alone
• go somewhere unusual
• look for comfortable accommodation and
reliable transportation
• retain some of the basic routines and comforts
of their native way of life
• try to mix with local people and speak their
language
• dare to leave their “environmental bubble”
Cohen’s Classification
Drifter
• go further away from the “environmental bubble”
• keep away from the accustomed ways of life in
home countries
• no fixed itinerary
• plan trips wholly on their own
• live with local people
• often take odd-jobs to keep themselves going
Plog’s Classification p.5
Allocentric Type
• seek new experiences and
adventure
• outgoing and self-confident
• enjoy meeting ppl from different
cultures
• explore an area
• make own travel arrangements
• choose activities and tourist
attractions
Plog’s Classification
Psychocentric Type
• conservative, inhibited and unadventurous
• return to familiar destinations
• want to relax
• expect the type of food and activity
• prefer heavily structured itinerary
• safety and security are important
Plog’s Classification
Mid-centric Type
• between allocentric and psychocentric
• not particularly adventurous
• receptive to new experience
Plog’s Classification p.4
Euphoria Visitors are welcome and there is little planning

Apathy Visitors are taken for granted and contacts become formal

Annoyance Saturation is approached and the local people have misgivings

Antagonism Open expression of irritation and planning is remedial

DOXEY’S IRRITATION INDEX