Outline the reasons for the increase in global tourism. Discuss the Essay

Outline the reasons for the increase in global tourism. Discuss the long-term effects of tourism on an emerging economy - Essay Example 1). It is worth noting that global tourism is on the increase and has resulted in many economic benefits to the countries involved. This paper is therefore going to look at the increase in global tourism and the long-term effects of tourism on an emerging economy. Reasons for the increase in global tourism There are several reasons that have led to the massive increase in global tourism over the past few years, and Barnes (2008) has pointed out some of the reasons which we are going to look at. 1. Cheap air travel and package tours. Air travel being made cheap by several airline companies has encouraged many people to travel as tourists to the destinations of their choice. This is mainly because they can now afford to pay for their airfares, and this is contrary to what was happening in the past when air travel was mainly for the very rich in the society. Further encouraging the growth of global tourism is the introduction of very attractive package tours. For example, things such as discounts for certain periods of stay or in certain seasons have seen people take advantage of them. Similarly, countries which offer tourist destinations have lowered charges to a reasonable level, and this has had the effect of encouraging tourists to visit those destinations. Just like any other product or service with a lowered price attracts buyers in plenty, tourism also increases when the cost of travel, accommodation, and gate charges at various destinations are reduced. 2. Rising income Increasing income of the people in several places in the world has led to the growth in global tourism because these people can now afford the travel and other expenses related to tourism. Rising income is a factor that is attributed to the economic growth, and it means that people have money to spend, and may choose to spend it by touring places of their choice. People whose income has increased have extra money that they may use in leisure activities, with tourism being a leisure activity for those who can afford it. 3. Advent of internet Computers, the Internet and its associated technologies have made a lot of things easier including tourism. Efficiency, cost and time saving are some of the advantages brought about by this kind of technology, and this has had a tremendous impact on tourism. Booking flight is now done online by many people and has proved to be a very quick and effective method of booking. This is because it saves time and money and enables one to avoid the inconvenience involved in getting to a booking office. All is done at the comfort of the home. Also one can make hotel bookings in the destination country via the Internet, which bring costs and inconveniences down. For example, one makes an online booking in order to be guaranteed accommodation once he/she lands in the destination country. Via online bookings, one can also hire a travel car, do research on a particular country of destination to know about its offers and a whole lot of things, an d this is done while seated at home or in the office. 4. Easy visa access According to World Tourism Council (WTC) and World Travel Tourism Council (WTTC) (2012), minimal steps towards visa facilitation can lead to huge economic benefits as a result of increased tourism demand and spending. When countries relax restrictions on visa issuance, then the effect is that people travel a lot and this takes place, and it