International tourism forecasts

In 2001, according to the World Tourism Organization (WTO), international tourist arrivals worldwide fell by 0.5% in 2001, attributed in large part to an 11% slump in the final four months of the year after the terrorist attacks on the US on 11 September. Prospects for the travel industry have been portrayed as bleak ever since, but the publication of this report comes at a time of genuine recovery across the board. However it is to be hoped that this is not another false dawn, as represented by the result in 2002 when the 700 million arrivals mark was surpassed for the first time thanks to a 2.7% growth worldwide. In 2002, all regions, the Americas excepted, posted year-on-year increases, but recovery was brought to a halt in 2003 when a combination of SARS, conflict in Iraq and economic depression produced a decline of 1.2%. The slumps in 2001 and 2003 were not simply involuntary responses to terrorism and conflict. The desire to travel is such that if this was the case, then security fears would merely divert travel flows elsewhere to unaffected destinations. The fact that an actual decline occurred serves to emphasise the role of economics, and specifically recession, in this shortfall. A 'cooling period' in growth from the major outbound markets of Germany, Japan and the US had already been detected during the first eight months of 2001. The result was that worldwide, a growth rate of 4.3% in terms of tourist arrivals generated in the first eight months of 2000 had already retracted to 3% in 2001. Besides economics, a number of other factors had inhibited growth in the pre-September period that year. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict deterred Western travel to the Middle East, the outbreak of foot and mouth disease did likewise for the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands and the strength of the US dollar contributed to a shortfall in international arrivals to the US.

 

Speak about – travel and tourism development in Russia.

15. Explain why:

1. There was a temporary setback in tourism after the September 11, 2001 attack.

2. Receptive tourism is now growing in many developing countries very fast.

3. Tourism industry was severely hampered in Asia at the end of 2004.

4. Europe will remain the most popular destination for tourists in the next 10-15 years.

5. The number of space tourists will be low until technological improvements make it cheaper and more accessible.

 

16. Write an essay on the topic "Trends and Recent Developments of the Travel Industry in Russia".

17. Write an essay on the topic "Business travel in..." (choose and city or country).

PROJECT WORK

Work out a week-long business travel program for a group of businessmen working in... (choose any industry). Include meetings, visiting exhibitions, conferences or congresses and-sightseeing. Work out the itinerary comprised of one or several cities or countries. Make all necessary travel arrangements including visas, tickets, transfers and accommodations. Present your program to your clients.

Unit 12.

 

 

Jobs and careers at tourism and hospitality industries

 

TEXT 1. CAREERS IN TRAVEL AND TOURISM

 

Read and translate the text.

Globalization is not a buzzword solely associated with international business. It has translated into a booming new career possibility: expanded services in the travel and tourism industry. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the industry "already is responsible for more than 10 percent of global employment." Dr. Brian White, director of the WTTC's Human Resources Center in British Columbia, says the field is incredibly diverse and comprised of seven major areas:

– Airlines / transport;

– Conferences and conventions;

– Arts and culture;

– Hotels, food and beverage;

– Ecotourism;

– Outdoor recreation;

– Ancillary services associated with tourism.

Industry Trends

With all this opportunity, where should you concentrate your efforts? Focusing on the market's demands may lead to more job openings. On the corporate side, according to a piece on the industry trends online, the travel and tourism industry is "in consolidation mode." This means that smaller companies are merging or being acquired by the big players like American Express, Marriott and Carlson Wagonlit. So it might make sense to begin your career with one of the larger corporations, where you can gain exposure to many facets of the business while having relative job security. An obvious trend is the increase in Internet service. The Web has created new and different career options for those interested in travel careers. Individuals can work for sites like CheapTickets.com, Orbitz and Travelocity.com. Additionally, journalists may see more travel writing opportunities available in the traditional magazines like Conde Nast Traveller and National Geographic Traveller, as well as online publications.

Characteristics for Success

You must have patience, flexibility and excellent interpersonal skills. This is a service industry, first and foremost. Cultural sensitivity and awareness are critical, as tourism professionals deal with different countries and cultures. Senior level executives generally have MBAs and develop skills and competencies that can be transferred across sectors. Mid-level professionals need a mix of practical experience and academic credentials, according to Dr. White, who also teaches in the field. For example, individuals might work full-time in the travel sector while going-part-time for an advanced certificate in travel and tourism.

Pros and Cons

One obvious benefit of working in the travel and tourism industry is the opportunity to actually hop on a plane and see many locales at low prices, or even gratis. Another benefit for many is the fact that it is an international field that changes along with global trends. One of the downsides to the business, especially the hotel and restaurant side, is the long hours. Management must often work evenings and weekends. Individuals are often asked to move to a new location without much notice.

Ethics and Tourism

Dr. White reminds us there is a strong set of ethics required in the field of tourism, noting the industry has profound economic implications for a country's economy and people. It is important for individuals to consider their responsibilities, says Dr. White. Tourism is about more than making a profit; it involves benefiting local communities, creating jobs that provide fair wages and not exploiting the environment.

By Nina Segal

TEXT WORK