Place of Tourism

Tourism includes all economic activities which are organised to fulfill the needs of such travelers. Any travel for holidaying, business or professional trips becomes a part of tourism if it is temporary, is undertaken voluntarily and does not aim at earning any livelihood.

According to Ziffer (1989), “Tourism involves travelling to relatively undisturbed or uncontaminated natural areas with the specific object of studying, admiring and enjoying the scenery and its wild plants and animals, as well as any existing cultural aspects (both past and present) found in these areas”.

Tourism for some provides entertainment, for others it serves as a holiday and for yet others it is a means of understanding other peoples’ ways of life, cultures and traditions. According to a Chinese proverb, “Travelling a mile imparts more knowledge than reading a mile of written words.”

In today’s world, tourism is an important socio-economic activity. Tourism is now recognised as an industry generating a number of social and economic benefits. It promotes national integration and international understanding, helps in improving infrastructure, creates employment opportunities and augments foreign exchange earnings. Tourism is as much a part of socio-economic development as any other related activity.

The advanced economies of the west and the emerging economies of south-east Asia underline the linkage between tourism and growth. In any area where a place of tourist attraction is located, there exists a tourist economy besides the domestic area economy. It also lends a helping hand to local handicrafts and cultural activities.