The Tourism Host

Chapter Three Snapshots

The Host’s Attitude

There are two ways that a host can react to tourists and tourism:

1. Positive and open

2. Negative and closed

Why would someone be negative and closed to tourism?

This can happen because of TOURISM ILLITERACY- this is an educational deficiency about tourism.

People can be illiterate in tourism in the sense that they

do not plan for tourism do not see tourism as a benefit to the

community do not understand how to use the

tourist dollar for community improvements feel that tourists should not intrude on

their way of life

These issues are hard to overcome as they probably stem from a bad experience.

What may prevent acceptance of tourists?

1. Crime and unwanted behaviour that comes with tourism.

2. Air, water, land, and noise pollution.3. Over crowded roads, parks, shopping,

restaurants, etc.4. Resentment of tourists who do not follow local

rules, or cultural/social norms5. Inflation during high season6. Unemployment after tourism season ends7. Increase in cost of services such as police8. Leakage

What would the host think of Mr. Bean?

Benefits of Tourism for the Host

1. Diversified full-time and part-time jobs2. Better choices in entertainment, shopping, and

food service3. Better roads, airports, and public transportation4. Area beautification is kept up for tourism5. Tourist dollars helps to bring down our taxes6. Recreational and educational facilities built7. Modernization 8. A favorable world image

What do people “get from” their vacations? What do they get for

their money?A: m_ _ _ _ _ _ s

Whether good or bad, this is what tourists take back from their vacation.

Handout: “Open Water: The True Story”

The Professional Tourism HostTo address issues with tourism illiteracy the government identified 10

critical human resource (the people who work in hospitality and tourism) issues:

1. Tourism viewed as not a true profession by society2. Shortage of trained workers3. Poor training practices4. Poor attitudes and self image5. High turnover6. Poorly trained managers7. Lack of recognition for education and training8. Shrinking labour pool or workers under 359. Language barriers10. Declining profits/increasing competition

Part of a host’s responsibility is to promote and market their product!

Let’s have a look at a few different hospitality and tourism hosts and the job they do.

As you watch write down how each promotes and markets their product.

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