Author: Andre Coleman

Introduction

In my report to CEO I am going to explain the importance of operational management and how environmental factors affect the operations management then various operational strategies. Explaining the layout of the Alton towers and what the strategic importance of operational management are further more capacity planning, inventory planning and quality control planning.

1.1. Operations management

Operations constitutes an essence role in all case by business enterprise, covering a broad chain of actions, not entirely making up, merely whole steps in the general supply/value chains. This let in procurement, stocktaking’s, adeptness’s, logistics, and statistical distribution. Operations management constitutes the management of the resourcefulness’s, techniques, and systems of rules accustomed translate input signal into end product to produce vendee rate. These courses of study concentrates on trading operations rules and methods utilized through systems contending globally although besides allowing a strong ecumenical masterminding direction ground.

1.2. Main focus of this leisure business

As it is obvious from the case study the main focus of the business is to provide there customer the magnificent surrounding, historic legacy, fun and flight of the imagination which suits all ages and tastes. It is clear from this statement is that there main focus of operation is the customer satisfaction and by doing this achieve the Alton tower strategic goals and objective of profit maximization and become market leader in theme park business.

To attract the visitor Alton tower new attractions like Oblivion, the Nemesis, Ugland and Energizer. Beside the ride and physical leisure for its customers it contain eating places like restaurants, shops where visitors can buy there desired product of the choice. Instead of shopping and eating Alton tower do organize and conduct exhibition and festival to attract more visitors. Alton tower do succeed in achieving there desired target as shown above in the case study there were over three million visitor in 1998 beside of attraction how Alton tower can gain this in providing their customer quality of services in lower price as Alton tower was charging Nineteen pound of the entrance which is not just entrance fee like other theme park do but this price include use of all rides for unlimited times. They do provide special discounts discount to elder or aged customers and organized parties.

For the purpose of offering the high quality of services to its customers Alton tower maintain team of 1800 staff who are performing their duties like operating rides caterers, cleaning and shop supervisors and security purposes.

Security department are one and only by the life-sustaining servicing in business sector alike these, Alton Towers could advance itself for a safe park to travel to along concentrating on it is safe record all over the yrs, and whatsoever safe certifications they have received. They could build safe a primary feature for whatever future rides, and promote these information.

Alton tower has spent 20 million on these new rides in order maintain attraction of the park between peoples which is part of its ten year development program me. Due to size of the park as it is on 800 acres it is not possible for the visitor to visit the whole park in one attempt therefore they take step to construct the hotel in the park in which they provide comfort services to the visitor where they can stay at night by pay the attractive price which is another step of achieving its strategic objective. Alton vary its fee accordingly in peak, off peak, week days and week ends times in which there was rush of visitors.

Alton tower can asses that how well they focus on their operations effectively by providing questionnaires to visitor and examine the level of their satisfaction and there opinions regarding how it can improve its services.

1.3. Environmental Factor Effecting Operations Management

The type of environment within which, the operation functions. The key environmental variables for operations managers are:

*Volume-refers to the number of times that an operation has to deliver a service or product.

The combination of specialization, standardization and high volume and high volume also usually opens up the possibility of using technology to perform the task

*Variation-describe the pattern of the volume demands. If there are many peaks and troughs in demand the situation is said to be one of high variation

*Variety-is the term applied to the number of different types of service or product demanded. High variety environment s require different services or products on a frequent basis, whereas low variety demands look for the same output for most of the time

There are several environmental factors that affect the business operation in an economy. They are classified into internal and external factors. The internal factors are those which relates to organization internal environment that can be under the control of the organization like its culture leadership and manufacturing processes. On the other side the external factors includes social environment, political, rivals, government bodies, rules and regulation issued by the regulating authorities like accountancy standard board etc.

Environmental issues in the case

The 1st issue that create environmental issue arise in 1924 when its operation was bought by Alton tower after that it was under the hold of army during the period of war. War destruction totally destroy the park as we are aware of the during and after war side effect on the local environment it was in poor condition when it handed over to Alton tower again for refurbishment it cause major effect to environment. As there is no way to mitigate the affect of such event as it arise such event are out of control of organisation, as its obvious during war period its impossible to protect any area and property. Therefore the one action is to control such events is in hands of government and their relation with other countries.

2nd impact was made by the technological era as the installation of new rides in park beside of customer and visitor attraction does have environmental issue as well like sound pollution, cutting trees and machinery waste pollution to environment. It can be mitigated by trying to preserve my natural resources like by instead of destroying they can be move them to alternative places which will overcome the overall impact to least level. Using such technology which was closer to sound reduction and produce minimum waste.

Finally, as Alton tower has invested potential amount of money for new ride. Mostly rides was indoor and few which are outside is due to its limitation to cover them as this will cost the Alton tower major cost on the other hand it will destroy the natural things as well. It would have social issue as well as the visitor came there to entertain themselves with naturalistic environment. Another weather issue as the park is closed between November and February. This factor is also out off control of Alton tower as it is weather that prevent the visitor to come there one way it to create as much indoor facilities that protect the visitor from the tightness of weather as this step will cause massive investment as well agree the visitor to come which will happen only by huge marketing policy and attractive packages like reduction in price which I think is not cost benefit strategy for Alton tower as this will increase its cost but reduction in profitability. But most indoor concerts can be organised there to attract the visitor to come and entertain themselves from it.

Task 2
2.1. Various operation strategies

At the mind of operations is the idea of transformation (output). Inputs are acquired, and the operations process converts them into outputs. Operations strategies in bare:

Operation implies driving matters finished. Operation management comprises significant because it’s causative dealing administration resourcefulness. Operations are an day-after-day action. Strategy constitutes course to accomplish organisation long-run targets. Operation strategies are referred on correcting of aims for operations by whole procedure. There’s accented relationship betwixt operations and functions.

There are all of the time hazards of dispute ‘tween operations and functions. Because commercializing objectives to fulfill clients demands and expect operations to offer diversity, intensity, speed and higher quality service. This will direct to lower effective servicing till an contingent operation strategy is designed to conciliate and associated on additional roles by administration. All procedure experiences it is strategically target also equally operational objectives. E.g. Commercializing functions strategically target aspirant selecting cost, advancement etc and operational side implies daily tactics inward providing service. Operations strategies let in administration set up strategy, localization strategy, man resource strategy, marketing strategy, hence all functions of organization has operations responsibility in addition to equally long-run.

2.2. Evaluate and analyse the operation strategies adopted by the business.

I am going to evaluate the operational strategies of Alton tower under following headings.

Product and services

Process and technology

Capacity and facility

Human resource

Quality

Product and services

Under this operation strategy I believe that Alto tower are offering the design there services according to need and understanding of the taste of the Visitor so they are fully fulfil the need of the users of those services. Alton tower has installed new rides in park like Oblivion, The Nemesis, Runway mine train and haunted house etc. These are the products that meet the international standards and provide its user adventure and thrill they are willing to obtain from it. Alton tower has invested 20 million which is part of ten year program in which they are planning to launch new products and services for their users. There are few age and height restriction for the visitor which on one hand is in best interest of the user but if we see it from the user point of view some of them was not satisfied with this discrimination. Not only ride if we look at other services like shops amusement parks, live entertainment and exhibitions these are all fall in the services that Alton Tower are offering to its Visitors to entertain them and meet the expectations. Therefore I think Alton tower are fully active in its product and services operational strategy.

Process and technology

Alton tower was offering there customer Professional services in each section like ride operators, caterers, cleaner, shop assistant, supervisors and security personnel’s. Professional and trained operator was handling the rides which include the speed and safety measures for the visitors. Therefore visitors consider themselves to be safe when they using the ride as the feel they are under safe hands. Services like catering and shop supervision providing to elderly visitor who was unable to take ride can entertain them selves from the services that meet the highest level of quality their priority was customised to visitor need. In each process Alton tower are using the latest technology in offering these services.

Capacity and facility

In 1998 Alton tower entertained over three million of the visitors and they are planning to increase this annual volume of visitor per year for this purpose they installed new rides as described before to attract more visitors toward Alton tower. As explained in case study during east bank holiday the visitor reaches to 40000 and through out summer this limit sustain to 30000. Alton tower has so much area which is left as for exploring that can be utilise for further activities. There fore Alton tower do pass this operation management strategy of capacity and facility in order to hold the capacity it has develop market and shop exhibition hall where they can facilitate the visitors.

Human resource

In order to fulfil this strategy objective Alton tower recurit1800 staff members and more as needed during the peak time. As their is limited explanations of human resource policy in case study however Alton tower need to provide training for operating new ride installed in the park before its opening and they need to have policy to treat each member of staff equally and paid standard for like paying them on hourly basis or monthly basis. Teams should be maintain to support each different areas of theme park and task should be assign to them and proper supervision held on them so that they are performing their tasks accordingly. Bonus and post employment benefit schemes should be launched so that employees consider there future safe and offer highest level of quality in their work.

Quality

In this business the quality is extremely important as ride need regular maintenance because it raise health and safety issues. It is Obvious from the case that Alton tower in maintaining quality in each business services.

2.3. Strategic importance of operations management

Each and every decision and strategy implementation was imposed from strategic level in every business. Therefore it is vital at strategic level to know whether there strategy was successful at operational level and it is the operation management responsibility to strictly implement instruction to achieve the desired targets. Operation management deal the day to day activities of the business therefore report on regular bases to strategic level the stage of completion on there strategy and if there are any problem arise at operational level that need careful consideration.

Task 3:
3.1. Factors affecting the design of product and services and benefit gained from good design

Operations managers have to consider factors like the nature of demand, the degree of vertical integration, flexibility, degree of automation, and quality level and degree of customer contact while making process design

Nature of Demand:

Organization need to produce products or design the services according the expectation of the customers. Schedule need to be made in order to produce product and services on time by take in to consideration the seasonality, growth in trend and demand of customers.

Influence of demand patterns –

The demand pattern of the product and services are varying due to following factors influence like seasonal factors. For example demand for ice cream rise during summer season and air conditioning etc.

Influence of price level –

Mostly customers demand more products at cheaper price, as they are price sensitive this will affect on the design of product and services.

Degree of vertical integration:

Vertical integration is degree in which determine the degree of product and services can produced internally. There are two types of integration:

Forward integration is expansion of organization product to different chains and different markets.

Backward integration organization tries to expand backward to source of supply.

Flexibility:

Organizations have to be flexible in order to increase or maintain their market share. In order to meet the flex demand of the customer’s organization need to be flexible in its operations. Flexibility can be broadly classified into: Product/service Flexibility and Volume Flexibility etc.

Degree of automation:

Despite the cost factor of implementing the automation operation management should focus on the automation for their production processes. This will reduce the labor cost and speed up the process of production. How ever the level of quality demand by the customers also impact upon the cost factors.

Benefit of good design

Below are 5 points to remember in order to assess the usefulness and potential success of a design. It can be adapted to specific design professions, even projects and used as a checklist.

Benefit of good design includes:

It should meet the desired objectives.

It meets the desired quality standards.

Customer is satisfied with the quality of service.

Automation increase the processing time and reduce the labor cost.

Customer is satisfied with the price of the product and services.

3.2. Discuss layout of Alton tower:
Facilities Available at Alton Towers Resort:

Through out the park 8 cash machines are installed which can be used by the customers for withdrawals of cash.

Gift Shops.

Push chair hire at Guest Services.

Wheelchairs take into service for disabled guests, available from Guest Services.

Lockers at Guest Services.

First Aid is between the Towers Restaurant and Sky ride Station.

Toilets are expediently situated in a multiplicity of spaces all the way through the park.

Restaurants, bars and cafes are as well situated right through the park.

3.3. Work measurement

Work measurement is concerned with the relationship between units of output and resource time. It provides the factor that converts units to time and vice versa.

According to Jack Greene view in the time study and work measurement.

Work measurement is the place to start, for any organization where people or machines contribute to output, customer service, or cost.

Work measurement also provides tools to manage your business better

• calculate actual capacity the operation can produce

• develop standard cost models for products and services

• justify equipment and automation acquisition

• meet the Sarbanes Oxley Act for financial understanding of costs

• adjudicate disagreements about workload, assignments

• analyze variance to find problems

• estimate potential benefit from changes beforehand

According to Institute of management services:

Work measurement is the process of establishing the time that a given task would take when performed by a qualified worker working at a defined level of performance.

There are a variety of ways in which work may be measured and a variety of techniques have been recognized. The essential practice, irrespective of the particular measurement technique being used, consists of three stages;

an analysis phase in which the job is separated into suitable, separate components, normally known as elements;

a measurement phase in which the exact measurement technique is used to establish the time required to complete each element of work;

a synthesis phase in which the different elemental times are added, together with appropriate allowances to construct the standard time for the complete job.

Task 4:
4.1. Capacity planning

In the case after the three million visitors in 1998 Alton tower took plan too increased this capacity for this purpose it had invested 20 million for extension of park, for this reason it installed new ride to attract the new visitors and in order to cope with the increased volume of visitor it constructed magical hotel where visitor can stay day and night during there visit and increased the number of shops and recruit additional staff to serve the visitor in efficient way.

For capacity planning demand need to be forecasted ahead in order to analyse that demand meet the capacity of the company product and services. Demand can be converted into capacity by inserting time requirement. Or following method of capacity planning can be used to support the demand. Level capacity plan: in which capacity remains same it will not alter with the change in demand. Chase demand plan: in this expand the capacity with the increase in volume of demand through increase the shift and no of staff to cope with this. Manage demand: demand will be managed to deal with the capacity.

In Alton tower case they have adopted chase demand plan for capacity planning as the increase the number of rides and shops and to handle the volume of demand they recruit the addition staff to fulfill the demand or volume of visitor.

4.2. Inventory planning Method
Economic order Quantity (EOQ)

The economic order quantity is the number of units that a company should order in an order to reduce the cost of inventory. Costs include cost of storage, cost of holding and cost of shortage. Benefit of EOQ is ongoing review of the inventory system it help to calculate the reorder level which help the business to determine what to order and how many time and who often to reorder to minimize the cost of inventory.

Just in Time (JIT)

Just in time is producing goods in required demand, in necessary quantity and in necessary Quality require by the customer. By doing this many business improve there return on assets. Cost includes Provide regular training to staff and establishing the policy so that they become flexible. Benefit of using JIT it reduce the operating cost, greater performance through put, higher quality, improved delivery and increase in flexibility.

Enterprise resource planning (ERP)

ERP provides business the control and visibility in operation to maximize the profitability and to fulfill the customer demand. ERP provides the business to manage there operation with dynamic forecast using formula based production. Benefits totally based on forecasting and inventory planning, easy to use, system is flexible, easy to understand, quick and reduce cost of operation.

4.3. Approaches for project management and quality control
The traditional Approach

In traditional approach it identifies the step that is going to be completed. It has five steps:

Initial stage

Planning and design stage

Production stage

Monitoring stage

Completion stage

Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM)

It is the method of planning that mainly focuses on resources like physical and human need to continue the project. Once the resources is final than project are plane and managed to ensure that resources that had planned are ready when critical chain starts and subordination other resources in the critical chain.

PRINCE 2

It is information that describes the justification for setting up and continuing a prince2 project. It provides the reason for the project. An outline business case should be in the project. PRINCE2 provide a method for organization project within a plainly clear frame. PRINCE2 describe actions to direct people and activities in a project, how to design and supervise the project, and what to do if the project has to be adjusted if it does not develop as planned.

Quality Control Approaches
Total quality management

This method is beyond the quality assurance under this approach business is concerned by creating the quality culture in the organization in which each employee is aware of quality demand to satisfied their customer. In this method every employee set out to satisfy the customer placing him at the heart of production process.

Quality circles

These are groups of employees who work on similar task or area of responsibility and sort out solutions for the problems to improve the quality of work. This team was head by the manager and supervisors which also improve the employee morale.

Benchmarking

In this method organization find out the leading competitor in the market who are performing at optimum level in there production and service areas, in order to benchmark its operation so that to stay level with the competitor.

5.1. Just in time:

The first most suitable strategy of Toyota is just in time inventory. It means manufacture automobiles simply when you get the order from client at real time. Toyota Company establishes just in time inventory idea and gives benefit to its respected clients by providing excellence automobiles. The main advantage of just in time is help to run the Toyota company’s manufacturing operations most easily and without wasting the raw material by estimating that what is required, when is required and how much amount is required in order to finish the given project. Basically, the main attitude behind just in time scheme of Toyota is removing wastes; decrease waste material and unreasonable requirements resulting in improved output.

Kanban System:

The Toyota Kanban system is one of the controlled developed inside the Toyota production system (the way we make things). The Toyota production system is exclusive and unmatched. The thinking after it and way of execution has been perfected after long years of test and mistakes. In a nutshell it is also a structure of construction based on the attitude of whole removal of waste that asks for highest in rationality in the way we create equipments. And it can be named as Toyota style production scheme or Toyota production structure. Only when the Toyota production system in its totality is acceptably conducted, can there be an efficient deployment of Kanban structure.

Jidoka system:

The word Jidoka appears under total production system of Toyota and it can be talked about as an individual aptitude and automation with a human stroke. The word Jidoka captivating its roots forms Sakichi Toyoda the creator of Toyota Group. The major advantage of Jidoka that excellence must be fabricated in the manufacturing procedure. And major purpose of Jidoka technology in Toyota manufacturing procedure is that device is automatically end when the construction is finished. It also has a purpose that device excellence or equipment problem happens, the device automatically discovers the difficulty at its own and stops, and it stops imperfect products from produced. And due to this simply those products are transported to next procedure which is fulfilling the criteria to transfer into next procedure and excellence of building products of Toyota enlarges with the passage of time without damaging the material.

What are manufacturing operations?

A manufacturer is an individual, an enterprise, or a body that produces something. Consequently, a produces process is a company or a plant where goods and commodities are prepared. Raw materials are used to produce these goods and are then twisted into complete goods prepared to be sold. A manufacture is an extremely significant factor in the selling procedure because without them, the products we require, utilize and enjoy would not be present.

What are service operations?

Service Industries comprise those industries that do not generate goods, but offer convinced services. The peculiarity of these industries is that frequently the utilization of the service takes place while it is in the generation. Typically, this segment comprises hospitality, publicity, banking, insurance, consultancy, logistics, etc.

Compare and Contrast the Manufacturing industry with Service industry:

Manufacturing and service business is frequently altering. Basically, in manufacturing business one can determine the presentation of the product. The presentation could be calculate by building efficient utilization of the product physically, and on the other hand in service industry its bit tough to determine the performance of one’s service, because one matter is that it is intangible and it cannot be calculated, but once possible view to measure the performance of service business by captivating the feedback by company’s reliable consumers. Productivity is more simply measured in manufacturing as compared to service. Services operations concerned more and through contact with customers rather than in manufacturing operations. Quality standards are simple to create in manufacturing whereas in service industry once quality is not easy to evaluate. Manufacturing operations can increase or decrease the finished goods record levels in respond to alter consumer demand pattern while service operations cannot increase or decrease the customer demand models. Services can also comprise support operations which are also shaped and stocker rather than developing operations. Online actions are finished in services operations which fits to consumer rather than in manufacturing operations.

Conclusion:

The goal of this report satisfy importance of operations management and I have experienced the role of operational management in vital in any organization operational management is responsible for implementing the strategic orders and their implementations. I build up the understanding the key factors affecting the product design and strategic importance of operation management. I build my understanding of different planning techniques for capacity, inventory and quality control. It has enabled me to set goals and take the actions that will lead to best and desired destination.

Introduction

What is Hospitality? People serving you popcorn when you entered a cinema, concierge in a five – star hotel and the museum tour guide have the common? They are all work in servicing which is under the house of hospitality industry. Do you know that hospitality industry is the largest industry throughout the world? It is the main source of income for majority countries. Hospitality is not just about a simple servicing, but it involves in showing respect for one’s guests, provide for their needs and wants, and treating each other as equals. Hospitality industry involved hotels, casinos, and resorts which provide comfort and a sort of guidance to guests. The term hospital, hospice and hostel are deriving from ‘hospitality’ and these establishments protect more of the connotation of personal care. It refers to a types of establishment where provide shelter and foods for people which is in needed or away from their home. Hospitality was founded by Bob Luitweiler in year 1949 and this establishment are responsible in setting up a building, provide secure, pleasant place for a temporary stay, cleaning and maintaining premises. Now days, customers expectation is high. Quality is perhaps the most variable feature in hospitality industry.

Answer for Question 1

Hospitality, a contemporaneous human exchange, which is voluntary entered into, and designed to intensify the mutual well being of the parties’ concerned through the provision of accommodation, and / or food, and / or drink.

Hospitality industry had a wide scope. According to the historians, the development of hospitality industry had been traced in a thousand of years and many cultures. A professional hospitality industry must always keep updating according to the needs and wants of the societies. Success in the hotel industry are always relies on catering to the needs of the targeted clientele. Besides, providing a wide variety of services and pleasantness desirable atmosphere will always drive the hospitality industry into a large, multi – faceted and diverse industry. The main component in hospitality industry is all about dealing with customers and lead to the satisfaction of the customers in every service provided since the yore days.

Hospitality industry has begun since 3000 B.C ago. The field of hospitality encompassing travel, tourism, restaurants, and recreation. There are some advantages and disadvantages for every business and staff. This happen same to hospitality industry. For your knowledge, hospitality industry is a very wide scope; it mainly concentrated in two largest establishments throughout the world. Example for these two establishments is stated in the figure belowaˆ¦

Lodging

What is lodging? It means the lodging segment of the hospitality industry example like hotels, inns, motels, resorts, chalet, and others more. In summary, lodging means any establishment which provides ‘a bed for a fee’ or embrace of rent and a reasonable allowance for utilities and use appliances and furniture. Basically a lodging establishment always included elements of entertainment, personal services, recreation and food service for wayfarer. Majority of lodging facilities in the world extend from tiny bed and breakfasts meal to the latest development, megaresorts. Niches between these ultimate include commercial hotels, city center hotels, resort hotels, suburban hotels, highways hotels/motels, airport hotels, economy properties, conference centers, all suite hotels, and casino hotels.

Essence of a successful set of business operations means the successful in exchange products or services for value. In a set of business, it’s a chain of supply with demand. Luxury hotels are selling their suite and other kind of facilities in the hotel to the guests which provide their demand. Supply and demand is the point where profits earn in a business. Product and services in a service industry like lodging, is a holistic concept. It consist of tangibles like hotel type and physical amenities and intangibilities like services provided by the lodging staff. Customer wants and needs are always changing and varied. As customer are becoming increasingly demanding, hotels must be designed and created to be more responsive and effective in order to achieve different travelers needs and wants.

Advantages

In 21st century, people have a necessity in staying at some city or town for an extended period of time. When a people are away from home, lodging is the only accommodation for them to have a stay. Many people are worried about how much they are going to spend for the accommodation. As a matter of fact, staying in a hotel got a couple of benefits. Privilege of day services such like room cleaning and laundry really put away the stress of the guests in doing the laundry them self after a tiring working day. Leisure places like gymnastic room or swimming pool are other attractions for customer to choosing in staying in a hotel. Since price is the first priority to the customer, hotel must be always updated to the latest promotions and events from the competitors.

Furthermore, localization played an important role in advantages in lodging. There are two types of location of a hotel which is more preferred by peoples. First of all is conference hotel which is located in a city or a conference area of a country. These hotels normally targeted more on businessman. The location of the hotel enables them to travel to the work place or meeting center easily. Secondly are vocational locations. Hotels which is located near a beautiful view example like beach resort or a hotel located in a tourism area are mostly targeted on family. These hotels are free from the peak working hour in a busy city, free from noise and air pollution is always the selection of a family vacation. Environment is another factor of advantages in lodging. Example like a hotel located on a beautiful waterfront enable the guest to enjoy the mesmerizing views from their room. It is an indeed to stay at one of these hotels for stressful or a busy businessman. Do you know that other than the view of a lodging, customers demand for quality entertainment too? Good entertainment example like a luxury pub, sea diving or even a luxury swimming pool will attracts more guests with stress release and entertainment seeker demand.

Disadvantages

Large hotels with thousands of rooms, modern leisure facilities and wide choice of dining options are always the advantages in lodging. But, this also causes disadvantages to the lodging. A waiting line in reception area always can be seen in large lodging. A large hotel requires good management. A failure management will just slow down the running process in a hotel daily. We can’t predict whether the guest will have a late check out and this causes the incoming guest to have a wait before they can check into their room.

Secondly, a large hotel sometimes will face the problem of insufficient staffs. In a luxury dining, due to the staff are insufficient, they are always run off their feet by the number of guests. Unfortunately, guests will be kept waiting when they need something while the staffs are busying in handling another guest. Example like you ask for a menu, you might be able to be waiting for the menus to be brought to you until your stomach start rumbling.

Food service

Food service is a large industry which deals with all the preparations of food outside the home. Example like establishing a restaurant, catering a wedding party, and running a cafeteria are all forms of food service. Normally these restaurants lay institutional food service in business, colleges, hospitals and remedial faculties.

A bunches amount of goods and services fall under the coverage of food service, example like establishment which transport food and equipment related to kitchen, silverware and so forth. Job opportunities had been wider up due to human energy is needed in this set of industry. Restaurateurs, waiters, dietitians and chefs are some example of worker needed in food service industry. Some people in this industry are sent for training so that they are qualified to work in this industry. High class luxury dining needs talent and qualified people to work in it. Colleges now days are offering hospitality courses.

In year 2008, there were 546,300 privately owned food service and drinking places around the United Sates. 47 percent of these establishment primarily serve patrons who order and pay before eating while 39 percent of establishment offer full – service restaurant; being served well and after consume their delicious cuisine only make a payment. Another 9 percent had been comprised by drinking places and special food service like caterers had comprised about 5 percent of all establishments in this industry. Food service can be defined as world’s most widespread and familiar industry.

Advantages

In food service industry, human energy is needed in a big amount. From the chef, assistant chef until waiter got quite a many positions. Here is where the job opportunities once again wider up. The requirements for these positions example like a cleaner in a dining or waiters do not need high education levels. People with a diploma or degree on hand can hold the position of a manager in a department. As there is getting more and more lodging and dining is developing, it is quite an opportunities for younger’s out there to get a bright future for themselves through hardworking.

Besides, food industry targeted people which are looking for foods when they are starving. This is why choosing a correct location will be the final judges on how well the set of business will go. A restaurant which located in a down town of course will grab some customers from the busy working life in the city. First it’s easy to find, save up the customer time, and even some time rusher people can just have a take away meal near a restaurant near his / her company.

In this highly competitive hospitality industry, a well and professional trained staff is essential to the key of success of any food service establishment. Besides, technology influences the food services industry in many ways by enhancing efficiency and productivity. Order are being taken down by electronic devices, patron seating are all contributing in an efficient fast serving

Disadvantages

Yes it is an advantage when the job opportunities are getting wider and a student which is just graduated will be easier to get a job in hospitality industry. But, a new staff with just a piece of diploma or degree and without any working experience will eventually affect the efficiency of service in any establishment. Some time in on – the – job training will be needed again before these new employees are able to handle the tasks and responsibilities in a restaurant.

Besides, location of a restaurant in down town is a good starting point in successful service industry. But, do you know it is very expensive for the rental for the shop which is located in down town? Shop lots in down town got limited quantities too, and competitors are many out there.

Another factor which leads to disadvantages in food service industry is about the working hour. Works in the food industry are always grueling and demanding. Working hours are often long and irregular and dealing with varied and complex situation. Besides, people also must highly attune to the need of customer satisfaction. However, wages are heavily based on the tips from customers, and employees may have a limited access to the benefits and protections from the government such as minimum wage laws.

Conclusion

In hospitality industry, good service is the top priority and is the primary focus in order to achieve customer satisfaction. Working in hospitality industry must always keep this in mind, ‘Customers do not buy service delivery but they buy experiences; they do not buy service quality but they buy memories; they do not buy foods and drinks but the buy meal experiences; they do not buy event or functions but they buy occasions. In hospitality industry, ‘we are the dreamers of dreams’. We are required to make the guest to feel that the host being hospitable through feelings of generosity which is a desire to please and a genuine regard for the guest as an individual. Remember, hospitality industries are always an honorable profession and we are the industry which mostly deals with customers’ needs and wants.

Question 2

Find out the factors that affecting travel and tourism. Explain in detail

Introduction

Travel and tourism is mainly for recreation, leisure or business purposes. Tourism is very important to the hospitality industry as it is the main support of the revenue in lodging. Tourism refers to the activities of persons travelling to and staying in a place outside for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purpose. Therefore, these people are considered to be tourists; on a visit that is temporary and short term. These organizations include restaurants, hotels, motels and resorts. There are two types of tourism which is domestic tourism and outbound tourism. Domestic tourism refers to people which take holidays or a few days trip in their own country. Example like a family is visit to another part of the country. Outbound tourism refers to people which travel away from home and visit to another country for leisure or business purpose. However, no matter what type of travel it is, these people will always ended up in staying in lodging. This is where the revenue of the hospitality industry started.

Answer for Question 2

Travel and tourism has become a popular global leisure activity. Tourists are generally classified in statistics according to the duration and purpose of their journey. Day trippers refers to tourists which is away from home just for a day and don’t need any accommodation. Visitors which need an accommodation can be classified by their length of stay, such as one night or more. These visitors may be classified as to whether they are touring for business or leisure purposes. People travel for leisure is because they are living in a hectic life style, they are seeking for a relaxation which is away from a busying life, and they need a rest and prestige. There are a few factors which affecting travel and tourism.

Growing Leisure

Leisure can be defined as the opposite meaning of idleness. People now days are busying in working, keeping themselves in a busy and hectic life style. But, as the world is neither changing, nor the policies in any organization is changing too. Most of the companies out there had been generous in providing their employees paid holidays and even some large organization are providing a three – day weekends. A more flexible arrangements has been added into people’s leisure time, and eventually, these liberal company policies had enable the employees to go for a vacation or travel to give themselves a break.

Income

In the 21st century, most of the women are working in order to maintain their family income. What does it mean by maintain the family income? It is more on referring if one spouse loses a job, that won’t causes elimination of all the family income. Besides, due to the education which is though is school or college, women had more motives in working outside. They seek for challenges, they seek for work which is professional and excitement and another reason why women choose to work after marriage is they want to give a more comfortable and satisfying life to her family. Everyone works in maintaining a comfortable life style. Of course, when you are busy in working, especially for a marriage person, after a tiring working day, they might still need to take care of their children at home in the night and some house works still need to be done. Eventually, leisure time for our own will be immolated. So, if there is a time for them to get away from this hectic life style, it is not surprising when they spend their money on the goods and services they demanded. Time will be a bounty for them. They won’t bother about the price for their travel, because it is not easy for them to get a rest in such pressure and hectic life style, good and quality travelling will always be their wise choice.

Push and Pull Factors

The travelling motives for people tend to categorize as escaping from and / or escaping to a particular destination. Push factor brings up the meaning of a person who travel to a place due to his / her response in what is missing. Pull factors brings up the meaning of attractiveness of a places and attract the people to visit to it. Push and pull factor can be classifies into nine motives to travel which seven of those are socio – psychological or known as push motives; the other two are defined as cultural or pull motives. Push motives are escapism, relaxation, retrogression, social inter – action, self – exploration and prestige while pull motives are innovation and education. There is also two main type of push and pull factors which is personal and interpersonal. Interpersonal is a result of social interaction. Personal rewards are self – determination, sense of competence or challenge.

Technology change

Technological changes within tourism included several different factors from medical advances to the innovative tourism. Better communication, transport like cruise ships and safety have emboldened new customers which demand easier, quicker and cheaper service, this demand can only be fulfill by the help of technology. Besides, new transportation also got an advance in time management. Shorter and efficient time period is just needed for a person to travel from a country to another side of the planet. Furthermore, through technological advances, online booking has been one of the biggest factors in affecting travel and tourism. Users are enabling to check for travelling packages from tour agencies websites and direct purchase it by just a few clicks at home without need to go to the agencies. With the association and sponsored from different tour agencies and organizations, ‘MATTA FAIR’ had been organized. ‘MATTA FAIR’ is an open public fair which offer supreme packages which can be afford by economical income family. Development in technology had leads more and more people are getting to travelling around the world rather than remain at their own country and stick in the hectic daily schedule.

Demographic

The topic ‘middle – aging of America’ which is a significant demographic change had proved that middle age generally indicated to higher income and a greater propensity to travel. The group of people with age around 35 to 44 is most likely to stay in accommodations or a longer outstation trip, whether is for leisure or business purpose.

Another significant demographic development for tourism is about the growing of the mature market which mean group of people with age over 55. This group of people got their mortgages paid and a large proportion of them have a ‘nest egg’ of savings and retirement benefits to withdrawn. This had enabled these groups of people to travel around the world and enjoy for the rest for their life. This people with age 55 – 65 years old as the first baby boomers which move into their mature years will be very excited and active in seeking a whole new experience which is deal with the travel and leisure moment in their life after being retired. And this is the reason they are able to have a long period vacation. Another group of aging people which is over the age of 85 normally suggest an expansion in assisted – living facilities.

Safety & Security

Safety and security have been identified as one of the global forces that would drive the tourism industry in a new millennium. Things that tourisms worried when they are staying in a hotel at any destination are all about the same which is:

Assault
Raping
Larceny
Robbery
Fire within premises

Protecting the lives of guests and workers, property and assets of the business from criminal actions includes security checks on existing design and technology. Lighting of the public and external areas, building access, key control, security of guestroom doors, and guarding of the property must be always keep updated and check by the maintenance department. All the employees should be trained to know about all the appropriate security procedures when there is an emergency happened example like a fire situation.

If the safety and security in a lodging establishment is good and well management, eventually guests which stay at the first time will get good impression from it and eventually will recognize it to their friends when they back to their country.

Conclusion

Travel and tourism is important to the hospitality industry. The most common reason why people go for travel is leisure, and sometimes followed by business. An attractive environment appeals to tourists, whether is natural or built, and the development of the industry in a locality will relate to the surrounding area. People are travelling by car more than any other means. Travel by air had been increase over the last 10 years. But, the fares begin to rise and this causes people taught that travelling is expensive. This is why some people just ignore travelling and keep themselves in busy working. Communications between air lines and tourism industry should make an agreement in order to bring up the tourism industry. Rising of fares will never give any help in bringing the tourism industry to a new millennium.

Europe is a continent which is bordered by the Arctic ocean to the north, to the west lies the Atlantic Ocean, the Caucasus mountains and the Caspian sea and Black sea forms the southeast boarders,the Ural mountains and the Ural River is positioned in east of Europe and to the south lies the Mediterranean Sea. Europe stands as the world’s second smallest continent in relation to its size .Population wise Europe is the second biggest continent after Asia. European history is very vast which begins from the Bronze Age with enormous cultural and economic achievements. Ancient Greeks marks the origin of western culture and the Roman Empire spanned the entire continent for several centuries. With the decline of the Roman Empire Europe entered a long period of stasis known as the Dark Ages, which came to end with the rise of Renaissance and New Monarchs, which began the period of exploration, discovery and increase in the scientific knowledge. A large colonial empire was built by the European nation at the 15th century, particularly France, Britain, Spain and Portugal with enormous holding in Asia, Africa and the Americas. With the rise of the Industrial Revolution in Europe at the 18th century, created greater general prosperity and equivalent increase in the population. With the end of World war two and till the end of cold war two major political and economical blocks divided the Europe which was the Capitalistic countries in the Western Europe and the Communist nations in the Eastern Europe. Presently geographic Europe comprises 45 countries.

The European climate remains temperate and mild, with cool summers and cold winters. Generally, if we compare different places on the same latitude with places on the same latitude in Europe, we would notice that places in Europe have a more favorable climate than places elsewhere in America, Asia or Africa. If we compare the average January temperatures of Berlin, Calgary and Irkutusk- lying in the Asian region of Russia, we would notice that the temperature in Berlin is about 8 and 22 degrees Celsius higher than temperatures in Calgary and Irkutusk respectively. The main reason for this climate winds from the Atlantic Ocean. Warm winds sweep the whole continent and keep the continent mildly warm. Ocean currents carrying warm waters from the Gulf of Mexico have a major role in this natural phenomenon. Since there is not mountain barrier in Europe, which is large enough to stop these winds from sweeping across the continent, and since most of the continent is within the range of 300 miles from the Atlantic Ocean, these currents affect the climatic conditions of the whole continent. Therefore, Europe climate is quite the same throughout the continent. Northern Europe climate, naturally, has longer and cooler winters compared to the southern part of the continent. Winters are colder and longer in the East as compared to the west. Summers are shorter, but hotter in the East as we move towards the west.

As far as rainfall is concerned, most parts of Europe receive an annual rainfall of 20-60 inches, with the maximum of it happening towards the West of the mountains (around 80 inches in general). The areas receiving lighter rainfall include the Southern part of Spain, Kazakhstan and northern part of Scandinavia.

It is for a reason that Europe fetches the maximum number of tourists in a year- its warm people and great natural beauty, coupled with aesthetic modernity. It is a well known fact that almost each and every country that comes under the European region has major tourist hubs, which attract customers from all over the world. Not only people from other continents, but people from within Europe also travel to the various tourist destinations in Europe.

The tourism industry also plays a major role in the economic stability of the European nations, and this is the sole reason as to why the governments have spent a massive amount of time and money in keeping various tourist places in Europe clean and updated. The climatic conditions and the exceptionally well connected airline services make traveling in Europe, a piece of cake. The ancient medieval history, coupled with some great historic monuments, palaces, churches and alleys have made tourist places in Europe a hot favorite among tourists of all age groups, backgrounds and nationalities.

France attracts most of the tourist influx in Europe. From the Louvre’ and the Eiffel tower to the Notre dam Cathedral and the Champs ET Lysee, almost every tourist spot in France, especially in Paris, has become a symbolic of the most visited places of the world. The Arc of Triumph, the Garnier Opera and the Gallo-Roman amphitheatre are some of the other places that can be termed as some of the best tourist places in Europe.

Germany and Rome follow France closely when it comes to some of the most visited tourist places in Europe. Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich and Dusseldorf attract tourists from all over the world. Business travelers and educational tourists also frequent these places. The Colloseum and the Palazzo Barberini are two of the most famous tourist places in Europe, belonging to Rome.

Apart from historic tourist places in Europe, great natural places are also hot favorites among tourists. Regions around the Alps, the Mediterranean Sea and the Pacific top the list of such places. Be it the open landscapes of Hungary, the great mountains in Switzerland or the beautiful beaches of Spain- Europe has everything to sooth a lover of nature.

Apart from some great tourist places, the people, food, culture and the festival of Europe beckon one and all to this land, offering a perfect mix of traditions and rebellion.

Europe has a great diversity of food reflecting its linguistic-cultural mosaic. In this age of globalisation we are brought to eat food from more and more countries.

A yacht cruise offers the same experience of cruising in style and luxury and so much more. Most first-time and seasoned travelers however, think that the only way to explore the world’s oceans and seas is through a cruise ship. While this may be the most common way to travel around the world by water, cruising with a yacht is just as desirable.

Although both vessels are on the water, it’s the pampering and personal VIP treatment that sets yacht cruising apart from ship cruising. Luxury yachts are smaller and lighter than cruise liners, with lengths ranging from about 20 feet to lengths of over 200feet. Due to its size, luxury yachts take lesser people onboard. It is even possible to charter a yacht for a private cruising with family and friends. Whether it’s a mega yacht or a private yacht charter, travelers can be sure of a personalized service from the crew.

Luxury Amenities and Accommodations

Depending on its size, yachts could have accommodations for 2 or for 130 guests. Cabins are typically smaller than regular hotel rooms, but they are comfortable and well-furnished. Baths and showers, closets, tables, and telephone-passengers will find all the needed amenities to make their cabins their home on the sea.

Five-star gourmet and good food await passengers with their dining in a yacht cruise. Expect an onboard chef to prepare all the delectable cuisine that passengers will feast on during their trip. Private charters can have the extra special privilege of having the menu planned according to their liking.

After dinner, passengers can have drinks in the lounge and enjoy the entertainment prepared for them with their traveling companions. This is an excellent time to mingle and get to know the other passengers, especially when traveling with a larger group. By the time the trip is over, most passengers in a yacht cruise would have known each other by their names because of the number of guests and frequency of interaction, in contrast to ship liners.

When not anticipating a port stop or when not touring onshore, passengers can enjoy the luxurious amenities that the yacht has onboard. Survey the azure sea while enjoying a drink on the sundeck; take a dip in the jacuzzi or swimming pool; run a few kilometers on the treadmill or lift some weights in the gym; and have a relaxing time in the spa.

Attire Onboard

Casual and comfortable clothing, bathing suits, hats, and sunglasses are the rule in yacht cruises. Evening wear is optional for those who would want to dress up for dinner or when planning to have dinner in an excellent dinner on shore.

Destinations

A yacht cruise can take passengers to ports rarely visited by large cruise ships and virtually any destination accessible by water. The Mediterranean, Caribbean, Bahamas, North and Central America, Northern Europe, Africa, Arabia, and Asia are just a few of the beautiful countries and landscapes passengers can explore and enjoy through a yacht cruise.

On Shore Activities

Passengers have the freedom to do what they want when in port. Some of the passengers’ favorite activities include water-skiing, wave running, snorkeling, scuba diving, sunbathing and lounging on the beach, fishing, kayaking, windsurfing, sailing, and touring. Passengers can take the tours arranged by the yacht cruises or take their own tours. Most port attractions are located within short distances from the harbor, making it easy for cruise passengers to enjoy the scenes in security and comfort.

Affordability

While private chartered luxury yachts often sail the rich and famous, there is always a yacht cruise fit for everybody. The prices are basically scaled on the amenities-the rates increase as the size and amenities increase.

Even so, yacht cruises are the best vacation value. Travelers will know how much the

vacation will cost all in all even before they leave as the fare includes the state rooms, all meals, onboard activities and entertainment, and the transportation from port to port. Travelers would only have extra expenses on optional shore excursions, shopping, and personal services such as a massage.

It is said that a yacht cruise is like no vacation on earth. With the constantly changing landscape, VIP services, and the liberating feeling of being out in the sea, it seems that this adage is most certainly true.

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The Spring Break Cruise Experience

Winter is over, the snow has melted, and spring is coming. Goodbye to long dark weather and hello to warm sunny days! For students, this means a break from classes, exams, term papers, and homework. It’s spring break! What better way to spend this week-long holiday than to take a spring break cruise and party on multiple beaches, see new places, and meet other young cruise travelers.

Most students would think that cruises are just for the elderly, honeymooners, and families with young kids. Whilst many cruises are particularly designed for these groups, many ship companies also offer cruise vacations that are tailor-fitted for young adults and students looking to have a vacation away from schoolwork with fun parties and lots of sun.

The Ease of a Cruise

Most students would pick the usual spring break hot spots to visit like Daytona Beach, South Beach, Panama City Beach, or Cancun in Mexico. All these cities have lively nightlives, long stretch of beaches, and sunny weather, but they are often overdone and overcrowded with other spring break vacationers. A spring break cruise provides all of these and a whole lot more.

Cruises are the best vacation value. Every expense in a trip are paid in a single installment before the passengers leave the dock. This includes the cabins, lunches and dinners, onboard entertainment and activities, and of course, transportation from port to port. Passengers would only have additional expenses on shopping, personal services like a massage, and optional tours.

Taking a spring break cruise also saves time in planning for the itinerary, booking for hotels, and scheduling for flights. Everything is well provided for, even the transportation in shore excursions. All passengers have to do is show up for a totally carefree getaway.

Cruising is also a great way to experience and learn about different cultures without the research. Even though students are there to enjoy the cultural flare of different countries, they take home with them pieces of history, geography, or even ideals that could contribute in their view of the world.

Cruise Policies

There are certain rules and policies that have to be considered before going on a spring break cruise. Most cruise lines have strict policies governing the age requirement for sailing without a chaperone, for drinking, and for gambling onboard. Students should check on individual cruise lines for their updated policies and other details before making a reservation.

Most cruise lines have strict policies regarding age eligibility for cruising, ranging from Carnival’s requirement that all passengers in a cabin must be 21 or older, Celebrity’s rule that at least one passenger in a cabin should be 21 or older, and Disney’s more relaxed policy of allowing a passenger below 18 to stay in a room with someone 21 or older.

Most exceptions are made for underage married couples. They would be allowed to travel alone for as long they are both 18 and they have proof of their marriage. Young couples should check with the cruise liner regarding this policy before boarding.

The legal drinking age for all alcoholic beverages on all ships is 21. An exception may be ships that cater spring break cruises to international seas. For instance, Costa Cruises’ minimum drinking age is 21 for any cruise leaving from the US, but the drinking age is 18 on any ship leaving from a non-US port.

Policies for onboard gambling vary from ship to ship. Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Holland America, and NCL have set their age restriction from 18 and up, while Princess and Celebrity allow gaming for passengers aged 21. Students should take time to read their ship’s policies on gambling because prizes and winnings may not be awarded to underage guests.

Spring Break Destinations

The best spring break cruise destinations are those that are close to the US Port to allow less travel time to reach. In addition, there are destinations that are best known for their liberal culture and exotic nightlife that appeals to young cruise travelers. These areas include The Bahamas, Aruba, Key West, Cozumel, Barbados, Jamaica, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Onboard Activities

Students don’t have to wait to be in port to start enjoying their vacation. Cruise ships, particularly the newest and largest ships afloat, offer myriad onboard activities. Some of these ships offer exciting amenities, such as mini golf courses, rock climbing walls, surf simulators, shopping malls, and sports facilities for basketball, volleyball, and other sports. Multiple dining options, bars and lounges, fitness centers, and spas are also part of onboard entertainment.

Affordability

A short weekend cruise would typically cost as little as $150 per passenger. However, a longer and a more elaborate cruise might cost as much as $2000. Students should carefully investigate their spring break cruise options in order to find the best that fits their budget.

Spring breaks are meant to be fun, liberating, and exciting-and the open seas offer just that. Step into a spring break cruise and sail away the stress of school and return fresh and rejuvenated, ready for the work ahead.

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The Gay Cruise Experience

A vacation is supposed to be a time for relaxation and a chance to get away from the stresses of reality. For couples, there is the added bonus of getting to know more about each other and be especially close to one another. However, for gay and lesbian couples, these affectionate gestures may not be as easy, particularly for those who prefer not to be under the prying eyes of other people. A gay cruise may just be the best vacation option for gay and lesbian couples yet.

Going Away on a Gay Cruise

Everybody goes away on vacation to relax, have a good time, indulge, and escape the realities of everyday life. A gay cruise attends to these desires with the same elements as vacations for straight people-first-rate accommodations, beautiful beaches, and exotic destinations. However, there’s a whole lot more than the vacation itself that attracts gay single and couples to embark on a gay cruise.

The most compelling of these reasons is the camaraderie that is easily formed and felt in gay cruises. There is an almost mystical experience in being around hundreds of other gay people that shares the same spirit, feelings, and aspirations. It is an indescribable feeling that is incomparable with any straight or mainstreamed vacation.

Many gay people also join gay cruises for the customized entertainment and activities featured in a gay cruise. Activities like pool games, dancing, cabaret entertainment, costume parties, and even bingo all have their certain flair unique to gay-specific activities.

Joining a gay cruise is also an excellent way to make new friends and meet new people. Choosing a gay vacation guarantees that everybody has at least one thing in common. It is not even unusual for some people to find a romantic partner in a gay cruise.

A gay cruise can also provide gay people the liberation that they could not ordinarily feel in their straight environment. Vacationing in a place surrounded by hundreds of like-minded people can be a liberating and amiable experience.

Types of Gay Cruise

Gay cruises are one of the most popular and most visible gay vacations, which cover a wide range of travel opportunities. Whether a traveler wants to play just a bit gay or all out gay, there’s a variety of gay cruise options to choose from.

For people who prefer to party and be around the company of an all-gay crowd, then they will find that the gay environment cruise will fit them to a tee. In a gay environment cruise, a tour company charters an entire cruise ship to create an exclusive all-gay/lesbian environment. These types of cruises have customized entertainment such as cabaret performances and activities like dancing and masquerade parties.

An organized gay group on a mainstreamed cruise may be ideal for gay singles or couples who don’t mind being afloat with other straight passengers. These types of cruises may set out a part of the ship for their own dining area, their own host, entertainment, and programming.

Gay singles and couples also have the option of going onboard a mainstream cruise where they have the chance of meeting like-minded people onboard. The majority of large mainstream cruises feature special parties for their gay and lesbian guests, often referred to as “Friends Of Dorothy” meet-and-greets.

There is also a cruise specially organized for gay families. R Family Vacations, the company that pioneered these gay family-oriented cruises, join children, single parents, gay parents, grandparents, and friends in mainstream cruises in groups of 300 or 400. The activities are designed for family bonding. The evening entertainment like Broadway shows however is mainly for the adults.

What to Expect in a Gay Cruise

Some people would describe their first gay cruise much like their first experience in a gay parade or their first time in a gay bar-the sheer pleasure and comfort of escaping a heterosexual environment is absolutely liberating.

Gay travelers can expect giddy, silly, and extroverted aspects in the cruise, such as costume parties and bingo with a gay twist, as well as relaxed, refined and some serious aspects of the gay cruise, such as financial planning seminars, lounging by the pool, and romantic dinners for two. Guests can participate in all of the activities or simply enjoy the trip by the pool or on the beach.

Onboard Attire

Casual clothes, swimsuit, hat, and sun glasses are the norm when dressing up for a cruise. Although of course, there are a couple of wardrobe opportunities, such as theme nights and parties guests would want to prepare for.

More than the luxury and the comfort, many gay singles and couples choose to embark on a gay cruise for the comfort and freedom it affords. For most of them, a gay cruise is a magical experience where even for just a few nights, the entire world turns into gay and they are fully free to be themselves, not caring about the pressures of the straight world.

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Traveling for Cheap: 4 Budget Cruise Options

Travelling cheap is the practical way to see and experience the world without compromising comfort and convenience. There are a number of budget cruise options to make your cruise vacation a memorable and enjoyable one.

Here are some helpful ways to go on a budget cruise:

Consider your interests

There are good selections of cruises to suit your interest. The Mediterranean is the best place for art and history enthusiasts. Meanwhile, fine sand and endless sunshine awaits you in Caribbean cruises. For the explorer in you, the Arctic or the Antarctic is the best place to be and for a more exotic locale, there are Asian and African cruises available. It is essential to consider your interests and preferences from sightseeing to food to match your budget, itinerary and preferences for your cruise vacation.

Familiarize yourself with cruising

When deciding to go onboard your cruise vacation, it is important to familiarize yourself with the variety of cruise vacations and destinations available. Have those fingers clicking the Internet to search and find all about cruise holidays. A number of information pertaining to the cruise lines are readily available, like:

Location and itinerary of each cruise which can range from a 7-day Caribbean cruise or a 14 or 21 day Arctic or Antarctic exploration or a Hawaiian cruise or a river cruise along the historic riverbanks of Europe.

Cruise lines vary with its clientele. The Cunard cruise line, for example, is geared towards the classic cruise experience, while the Disney cruise line is ideal for families.

Pricing, discounts and promotional fares

Inclusion of shore excursions, airport and port transfers

Cruise’s onboard activities and menus

Diligently researching on these matters will enable you to make the right decision in planning your cruise.

Research for the best cruise fares

Going on a cruise with a limited budget is not as complicated as it appears to be. Given your budgetary constraint, it is equally important to research cruise fares and the inclusion of other fees in your cruise vacation. The Internet is the convenient place to search the following:

Pricing, promotional fares and rates, group and family discounts. Most cruise lines and travel agents offer packages and discounts to cruise ship passengers depending on the season of the planned vacation. Oftentimes, discounts are given to pre-booking reservations.

Inquire about the additional shore excursions and other travel arrangements which may include airfare and shuttles. It is best to get a good deal for these to avoid any hassle. Ask if the fare is inclusive of these to make sure that the money you pay for the cruise is money well spent.

Plan in Advance

Planning your cruise in advance saves you time and money. Planning your stress free cruise means being particular from cruise line bookings and travel itinerary to packing the right clothes, to first aid kits, and having your proper documents like IDs and passports. These avoid further inconvenience on your part.

A well-planned cruise vacation leaves you stress free and all you have to do is relax and enjoy the scenery and the company you’re with.

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8 Perks of a Disney Cruise

Cruise ship vacation aboard the Disney Cruise is ideal for family. A Disney Cruise is always fun, fascinating and nostalgic. It is the perfect time for family bonding, activities and it brings back many happy childhood memories to the parents especially with Mickey, Donald, Goofy, Cinderella and Snow White onboard.

Here are some perks of a Disney Cruise:

Quality family time

Disney is always synonymous to family. Aboard the Disney Cruise, parents and children will spend days of quality family time with the cruise’s line up of fun-filled activities. Spending time with the family is probably the most rewarding perks of the cruise. It gives the family the chance to get to know each other better and at the same time there are also opportunities for the children to meet other children onboard.

It bridges the generation gap

Taking a Disney cruise vacation bridges the generation gap between parents and their children. The common denominator is the loveable Disney characters where both parents and children can relate to.

World class entertainment

Disney is renowned for its magnificent productions and captivating stories. The following are sure to win the hearts of travelers:

The ala Broadway production of the well love Disney tales, complete with everybody’s favorite song and dance numbers, set amidst the elegantly furnished Disney Theater.

The cozy theater also hosts movie screenings of the beloved Disney movies throughout the years.

Meet and greet Disney characters at designated times during the cruise. This is the chance for everybody to hug, take pictures and even ask for an autograph of your favorite Disney character.

Family parties

The cruise also offers deck parties for the whole family to enjoy. Everybody can sing and dance to the themed parties. After the show, there is a spectacular display of fireworks which will leave you and the kids awestruck.

Activities for children

At Disney Cruise, children aboard the ship are classified according to their age groups and have their own set of facilities and activities under the help of the Disney counselors. This will also help the parents to enjoy the cruise’s for adult only facilities like: salon, lounges and nightclubs.

Delicious dining

Every member of the family is sure to be delighted with the hearty meals served in the ship. Dining options vary from the traditional Main dining to the alfresco dining at the designated deck. Adults can enjoy a romantic dinner in the ship’s adult exclusive dining. Cruise ship passengers are sure to enjoy the cruise’s Rotational Dining experience. This allows the guests to literally and figuratively rotate through the ship’s 3 varied restaurants coupled with personalized servers to help you with each meal.

Spacious Staterooms

The ship’s staterooms are custom made for families. It is spacious to accommodate the whole family and their luggage. Aside from these, the rooms offer breathtaking views and are fully equipped with the amenities of a hotel.

Amazing Adventures

Disney cruise has amazing adventures which will surely delight adults and kids. Its offshore excursion includes a fun-filled day at Disney’s exclusive Castaway Cay. The picturesque paradise is available to Bahamian and Caribbean cruises. There are a number of activities to be enjoyed ranging from water sports in the beach to nature hikes to glass bottom boat tours. The adults’ only beach has massages, yoga class and a bar. There is an open air barbeque dining and a wonderful gift shop for your souvenir.

These perks of a Disney Cruise is truly an enticing one, which will make you book for its next cruise and create more happy moments with your family.

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In this project I would like to take a look at the relationship between tourism and the people living in popular tourist locations; specifically the deep impact tourism has on local culture. This topic interests me as although I have never visited the global south myself, many of my friends and acquaintances travel there frequently for vacations. Tourism is sure to have many effects on these ‘destination’ type communities. I know that many of these destinations are in poorer areas of the world. Some significant effects that tourism has on these areas manifest themselves economically, socially and culturally. Though tourism may create jobs and stimulate the local economy there are some downsides to tourism and aspects of the influx of visitors that may be harmful to local cultures. In my research paper I will analyze the benefits that tourism has on local economies in relation to the social and cultural impact on the community. I hope to evaluate just how beneficial potentially short-term economic stimulus is in the face of potential harm to the economy in the long term, local people and local culture. I will discuss this topic globally but with a focus on Southeast Asia and specifically India. My paper will emphasize the important question: is vacationing in a ‘third world’ country potentially unethical? Or does the stimulus to a developing country’s economy justify the social and cultural implications of tourism and the development that tourism brings in the area. Looking at the ethical issues surrounding this will also be an important factor in determining whether the cultural impacts of tourism is acceptable or justifiable by the economic benefits. In my opinion, although tourism does support economic growth in many communities there is deep and irreversible cultural impact.

In ‘Tourism in Destination Communities’ Shalini Singh looks at an idea by Jafar Jafari the author of “Encyclopedia of Tourism”. Jafari created the consolidated platforms of tourism. One of Jafari’s four platforms is advocacy- that is to say that tourism is capable of economic good. Another platform, the cautionary platform, emphasizes the importance of noting the complex interactions at the local level. The other two platforms are “Adaptancy” (which is described as ‘pro community tourism’) and Knowledge based – which is a holistic treatment for community-based tourism (Jafari cited in Singh 2003). Singh and S.W. Boyd (26-30) discuss relationships between tourism and destination communities in terms of ‘win-win,’ ‘win-lose,’ ‘lose-win’ or ‘lose-lose’ paradigms (Carter and Lowman, 1944; Nepal, 2000). Examples of ‘win-win’ situations do exist and this indicates that tourism can indeed be economically beneficial to a destination community. The example given by Boyd and Singh is that of Ayers rock (Uluru) which is one of Australia’s most famous tourist attractions. Although Australia is not a country typically considered to be part of the global south I believe this example is relevant as the aboriginal communities in the area could easily be marginalized and exploited by tourism. The community however takes an active role by defining their relationship with tourism as having control and choice. (Mercer cited in S.W. Boyd and S. Singh: 1994:37). The community participates by providing educational services, which allows them to convey that the religious and cultural significance of Uluru is something to be respected. (Wells, cited in S.W. Boyd and S. Singh 1996:37). The local businesses in the area benefit and are owned by the people of the aboriginal community. This example is congruent to Jafari’s platforms of Advocacy and Adaptancy and it shows tourism in this scenario as ‘pro community’ and capable of economic good. As this situation is economically beneficial to this area, without compromising or de-valuing the local culture, it is an excellent means of development. Another example where the local community benefits is the ‘win-lose’ situation, a very salient example being Cuba. The community benefits economically, although mass tourism does not. This is achieved through policies and marketing that emphasizes quality tourism by restricting the number and type of tourists (high spenders, low numbers). The tourism is marketed for exclusivity and affluence and this is done through selective marketing and catering the services towards wealthier people. Cuba’s tourism industry’s markets strategically to target Canadian ‘snowbirds’ who also take long-term vacations in Florida (Peters 2002:4). Their vacationing for long periods of time in a US location and their ability to spend US currency indicates their affluence. Another strategy is the development of golf courses in the area. Miguel Figueras, a tourism ministry economist and advisor in Cuba, says that golf is a feature that can attract higher spending tourists (Peters 2002:5). Strategic tourism planning allows a country to tap into the wealth of the global north’s wealthiest tourists allowing maximum economic benefit without mass sharing of what they have to offer.

However there are many situations in which local economies lose. This is especially common in coastal-resort based tourism along the Mediterranean coast. These developments only offer short term economic gain and result in long term loss in terms of the community as well as the environment. Although tourism does create many jobs, including direct employment (jobs in hotels and restaurants), indirect employment (jobs not a result of direct tourist spending- such as laundries and banking), and induced employment (jobs created in the community as a result of increased income of members in the community) the majority of jobs are seasonal and part time (D. Ioannides 2003). In addition often much of the money spent by tourists leaves the country. The majority of the money spent by tourists on their vacations goes towards their travel costs and their accommodations. This means the money leaves the country and goes to airlines and transnational corporations who run hotel chains. This can result in a good portion of local people sharing their surroundings with tourists without ever actually seeing or experiencing any economic benefits themselves (Krotz 1996:215). Although tourist spending may add an influx of foreign currency to an economy, as well as create a bigger market in terms of demands for goods, which in theory can lower prices, it is important to consider that ‘while tourism receipts rise, agriculture’ output declines’ (James Mack, Tourism and the Economy). This is a result of fewer people working in the agricultural sector. In that case the net profit of tourism is actually less than it initially seems, once the loss from agriculture is taken into account.

Although some economic benefits resulting from tourism are apparent, there are definite burdens placed upon the destination community. A very prominent challenge is the resident’s view of visitors and their relationship with them, as outlined by M. Fagence (Tourism and Local Society and Culture). Residents have a negative attitude towards tourists if they do not see immediate and clear economic benefits of their presence, especially in the form of jobs and income. Contrary to James Mack’s theory that the tourists create a larger market for goods, thus lowering the prices, residents blame tourists for a rise in the price of goods. In a qualitative study by Neha Kala (2008) findings show that tourists are also seen as the cause of increased criminal activity and reduced moral standards by the host community. This is where we have to consider tourism beyond the impacts to the economy. In communities with rich traditional backgrounds some residents see the influence of visiting tourists as compromising to traditional values, as the affluent lifestyles of visitors can be appealing and seductive to the younger generations in the area. The influx of visitors brings the possibility of sometimes unwelcome social or cultural change. In Rajasthan traditional elders often scold children for speaking to tourists. (Joseph 2007:204). Locals see tourism as an exporter of Western lifestyle. (Kala: 2008) Across India, Western dress is popular amongst young males who wear jeans, shirts and baseball caps. (Joseph 2007:211). This is the result of many youth trying to emulate Western tourists (Kala: 2008). Some facets of Western lifestyle however not only replace traditional culture, but also are directly contradictory to them. A priest in Pushkar was quoted in India Today saying “The youth here find the openness in foreign girls too tempting”. (Joseph 2007:211) This problem is amplified if the host community does not recognize that the behaviour of most tourists are atypical to how they normally behave and that the behaviours displayed by tourists are reserved for times of recreation, and are not the tourist’s usual behaviour or even their usual moral standards.

Most concerning of M. Fagence’s findings are that residents blame tourists for reducing the significance of local culture by trivializing and making a commodity of it. In an article by Rosaleen Duffy this idea of culture as a commodity is expanded on. Duffy outlines how tourists are often looking for an ‘authentic cultural experience’; however what is considered authentic is nearly always defined by the tourist, resulting in the tourist not really looking for cultural understanding but to serve some other self-serving purpose. Tourists conceptualize their travel stories in a way that assists them in narrating their self-identity. Tourists travel as a means to escape, to broaden the mind, or for ‘self discovery’. An illustration of Duffy’s view that our society uses travel for self-defining and self-narrating purposes, as well as a means to ‘understand culture’ and for ‘self discovery’ is the popular movie Eat Pray Love, starring Julia Roberts. In the movie, ‘Liz’ sets outs after her divorce to experience the culture in Italy, India and then Bali. The trailer includes many consecutive images of Liz eating ‘authentic Italian pizza’, praying in an old stony temple, touching a painted elephant, brightly coloured flowers being thrown at an Indian wedding, and biking through farmland past villagers carrying baskets on their heads. Liz in the movie is desperate to “marvel at something” and this is the very notion that Duffy presents in her research as motives that are ‘a felt need for respite from the exigencies of modern life, and/or as ‘authentic’ projects of self-discovery’. In her article, Duffy cites Urry (1994:236-238) who argues that tourism can be reduced to the consumption of signs, images and texts. Evidence that tourism is the consumption of pre-conceived images is in Hillary Brenhouse’s article (July 22nd, 2010- prior to the release of the movie) where she describes recent vacation packages marketed by luxury hotels and spas to recreate the transformative ‘Eat Pray Love’ journey. By defining an entire culture into consumable signs and images, tourists participate in the further manifestation of orientalism created by the tourism industry ‘reinforcing images that create a sense of “placelessness” and even timelessness’ (Dann, 1996b: 125, cited in Duffy).

A demonstration of tourists being consumers of discourses of placelessness and timelessness is the popular tourist destination Rajasthan, in India. The two most marketed marquees of Rajasthan are “Royal” and “Colourful”. (Henderson 2007:72). These are the two main features the tourists are looking to ‘consume’ when they visit. These discourses are prominent in the ‘naming’ of different locations of the province by tourists and tourism industry. Jaipur is referred to as the ‘Pink City’ and Jodhpur is known as the ‘Blue City’. Royalty links Rajasthan back to the past. Medieval India is romanticized and guests will experience an encounter with a royal past. In this way the ‘ Authentic Rajasthan experience’ is reduced to a few signs and symbols. The most prominent example of a marketing of ‘placelessness and timelessness’ is the “Chokhi Dhani” Resort. Located throughout the province of Rajasthan with a few locations elsewhere in western India, this resort is chaired by a NRI (Non-Resident Indian) stationed in Dubai. The Government of India heralds the chain of “Chokhi Dhanis” as “India’s most innovative Tourism Project” (official website). The resort is described as a ‘Five-star village resort” and includes fifty-five ‘Royal cottages’ and eight ‘Haveli suites’, Havelis being the traditional residences of local royalty. This ethnic village includes conference rooms, spa, fitness, and accepts all major credit cards. What we can conclude from this is that the desire of foreign tourists to experience a sense of ‘timelessness and placelessness’ is understood and capitalized on. Although this may be trivializing of local culture and history it is important to consider here that many locals are directly participating- and in a way heritage tourism gives them a type of ownership. The foreigner’s desire to see something that they preconceive as ‘authentic’ is understood and cashed in on. Most respondents of Kala’s study agreed that tourism encourages the mass production of ‘pseudo-traditional’ arts and that many non-traditional artisans are attracted to this work. This propagates tourists’ misconceptions because these ‘traditional arts’ often bought as souvenirs allow the tourist to physically carry the discourse home with them. In some ways however this type of activity increases a community’s sense of pride. The revitalization of some traditional arts such as dance and the propagation of traditional fairs are deemed to be a positive effect of tourism. An example of this is festival of Teej; tourist’s interest in the festival ensures that every year it continues to be extravagant. Tourists also have a positive effect on the up keeping of historical and religious heritage sites as a result of tourist interest in them. (Kala: 2008) A preserved site is the Ghats in Pushkar, a Hindu pilgrimage site. An increase in popularity of eastern spirituality in the Western world brings many tourists here. Although this creates some inconvenience for Hindu devotees, ownership is taken through religious rhetoric aimed at tourists. Many signs around the Ghats include instructions about how tourists should and should not behave in this place of religious significance. The local priests, similar to the aboriginal’s at Ulurru, define the significance of this site. However concerned the priests are for the sanctity of the area they are still willing to ‘commodify’ the religious experience and often perform simplified prayer service or ‘puja’ for western tourists at four times the price of a native pilgrim. (Joseph: 2007) Although this active role is taken by the locals, religious devotees, and the government, the culture and tradition here is still made available to a consumer for a price. The government protecting the area for the economic benefit can also be seen as the ultimate commodification. This puts a sticker price on the country’s religion, culture and history. Nothing indicates ownership more than putting a price on one’s belonging. Although many of these destinations are places of escape for tourists, and tourism may introduce some economic benefits to the local area. I believe that the degradation and trivialization of the local culture that ensues is not worth the price. It is however important to remember that as residents of the global north we are poor judges of what is truly beneficial to these regions.

INTRODUCTION

This paper will consider some of the key issues and challenges surrounding escort services provision. Where possible the arguments and discussions presented seek to generate a broader, more international view in order to encourage open debate around this socially, culturally and legally sensitive topic (Laskowski, 2002).

In examining this area, the initial difficulty is in capturing a single, shared understanding of what escort services are (Scoular & O’Neill, 2007). Most societal expectations automatically generate an assumption that the individual providing escort services is a sex worker, although the range of activities involved can include more benign requirements such as social companionship (Burghart, 2017). Many escort agencies operate within legal national frameworks by openly offering such companionship or more accepted services (e.g. massages). The personal nature of those activities then creates the environment within which subsequent informal and less open negotiations around what sexual services (if any) can be provided by the escort (UK National Escorts Association, 2018).

It therefore follows that escort services involve the provision of personal, intimate and tailored engagement to a client for remuneration, which may or may not include the provision of sexual services (Agustin, 2009).

ASSUMPTIONS AND EXCLUSIONS

This paper focusses on the provision of female escort services, offered directly or through an agency –male escort provision is not reviewed (Argento, Taylor, Jollimore, Taylor, Jennex, Krusi & Shannon, 2016). No examination of the nature of these services is conducted, although a distinction is drawn between those activities deemed to be legal and illegal (Jeffreys, 2010). In taking a broader, more international perspective it is important to recognise that different national approaches will exist which means that in some cases the provision of sexual services is considered legal (Outshoorn, 2004). However, legal recognition does not necessarily translate into social and cultural acceptance for either the client or the escort worker(s) concerned (Agustin, 2009).

The demand for escort services, be they legal or illegal and with or without a sexual element is well established (Burghart, 2017). This paper therefore does not consider the perspective of clients but instead focusses on the issues shaping the actions and decisions of those women acting as escorts (Matthews, 2007).

THE EMPOWERMENT CASE

For women that choose to work as escorts, arguments have been presented which suggest that doing so provides them with a position of power and authority over their clients (Weitzer, 2007). They work in a sector that puts a particular value on their skills, abilities and attributes and the woman is able to direct and control to what extent she places herself ‘on the market’ e.g. whether to engage in sexual activity or not and if so, what those acts will be (Cho, Dreher & Neumeyer, 2013). Whilst many services are engaged through a broker (the Escort Agency) which will take a fee for their involvement, charges for any additional activities are often arranged on a direct basis between the escort and the client (Laskowski, 2002).

However, such empowerment arguments assume that the woman concerned is operating within the realms of an established business framework which she can adapt to her own requirements (Sanders, O’Neill & Pitcher, 2017). They also imply that the women has exercised free will and choice in becoming an escort and that no coercion has been applied, such as that seen in many cases of people trafficking (O’Connor, 2017). Even where no overt coercion has been applied, women may feel that working as an escort is the only viable option given issues such as social/economic deprivation, personal addiction issues and unstable family backgrounds (Scoular & O’Neill, 2007).

Consequently, any empowerment arguments presented must clearly consider the foundations underlying any perceptions of informed choice (Jeffreys, 2010). Even where such factors are not an issue (such as those women from A or B socio-economic groups with high net-worth clients), the social and cultural stigma around escort services can limit the extent to which women are truly empowered (Szirmai, 2015).

THE SOCIAL PERSPECTIVE

Many women working as escorts see themselves as offering an essential social service to their communities, supporting clients through periods of disruption and turbulence (Sanders, O’Neill & Pitcher, 2017). Examples cited include widowers seeking company (or even sexual services) without wishing to enter into another emotional relationship and those coping with the breakdown of a long-term relationship seeking guidance on how to re-engage effectively with women (Sanders, O’Neill & Pitcher, 2017). Whilst engaging vulnerable clients seeking emotional rather than physical support could be considered exploitative, competition within the sector could ensure that clients favour those women best able to meet the needs presented (Koken, 2010).

Legislative and social constraints do limit the effectiveness of such support given the stigma often associated with engaging escorts, even if no sexual content is involved (Koken, 2010). It could also be argued that the dominant focus on meeting physical/sexual requirements in the sector creates longer-term social problems, as the clients concerned are often unable to form stable, emotionally sound long-term relationships as a result (Weitzer, 2007). Those clients that regularly use escort services to meet both their physical and emotional needs may end up seeking to apply the same transactional thinking to external relationships, inadvertently undermining the status of women in that community (Sanders, O’Neill & Pitcher, 2017).

Where female workers are genuinely empowered, then social benefits can accrue. For example, the working hours involved and the income levels that can be sustained may allow them to remain both employed and effective, accessible parents when they may otherwise be relying on state support (Brooks-Gordon, 2006). However, the hidden and illegal nature of much of the escort sector economy limits social benefit potential (e.g. undeclared incomes and welfare concerns for the children of sex workers) (Sanders, O’Neill & Pitcher, 2017).

THE ECONOMIC RATIONALE

Many escort agencies operate as legitimate business interests, generating tax revenues and providing either paid employment or self-employment frameworks for the women concerned (UK National Escorts Association, 2018). The value proposition is on the provision of a booking service for time and companionship with women (UK National Escorts Association, 2018). It is the subsequent transactions between clients and those women which may or may not be legal and which may not necessarily form part of any transparent business activity which raise concerns (Matthews, 2007). Whilst the nature of business registration in the UK makes it difficult to identify tax revenues specifically attributed to escort agencies (which often register as entertainment services), it is estimated that prostitution (i.e. unregulated and untaxed activity) in that country sustains a spend of around ?770M each year (BBC, 2001; UK National Escorts Association, 2018).

Women working in the sector may therefore have the ability to generate and sustain incomes that their educational and social backgrounds would deny them in terms of more traditional employment routes (Weitzer, 2007). As such, depending on the legal and regulatory frameworks in place, they may be net financial contributors to society rather than a drain on national resources (Laskowski, 2007). However, such arguments are predicated on the concept of choice and empowerment as those women working in the sector to sustain addiction problems will still place greater demands on health and social welfare services (Rani, Jain & Saxena, 2017). Also, the exploitation that exists in the sector through organised criminal activities (arguably fuelled by legislative and societal constraints around sex workers) means that significant escort revenues remain invisible to the national exchequers concerned (Sweeney & Fitzgerald, 2017). Also, these hidden revenues can fund activities which create significant economic and social costs for the countries concerned (e.g. the drugs trade, money laundering and criminal violence) (O’Connor, 2017).

POLITICAL ISSUES

Political attitudes surrounding escort services are shaped by national/regional cultures, societal expectations and the legislative frameworks that result (Outshoorn, 2004). As a consequence, in many societies the political leadership prefer to maintain a discrete distance from the sector, rather than engage in open debate about the role of women as escorts (Brooks-Gordon, 2006). Whilst more enlightened attitudes are emerging, such as the operating of licenced establishments with Government health monitoring programmes and social support, anything outside of non-sexual escort activity is still considered illegal in many areas (Agustin, 2009). This limits the political support for women in the sector to focussing on applying criminal sanctions to clients rather than workers and/or the development of social programmes to encourage them to explore alternative employment options (Cho, Dreher & Neumeyer, 2013).

As a consequence, many women working as escorts (employed and self-employed) are denied a legitimate political voice within their societies (Outshoorn, 2004). This again calls into question the concept of empowerment, as it is difficult for the women concerned to influence decision-makers about their working conditions, rates of pay and employment rights (Bartlett & Kennedy, 2018). This lack of power and influence has led to these women becoming even more isolated from (and controlled by) mainstream society as their roles and life choices are debated and regulated by others (Outshoorn, 2004).

THE IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY

The advent of modern technology solutions, particularly social networking platforms has provided women with a means to directly access the market for escort services (Heymann-Reder, 2012). The ease with which websites can be created and the willingness of consumers to provide (anonymous) feedback in relation to the services received can negate the need to use agency resources to source, screen and support clients (Tuten & Solomon, 2014). This also extends to payment services which further supports women working in the sector in establishing a viable, self-managed business model (Henry, 2011). Such approaches mirror the growth in self-employment opportunities for women in the service sector, where on-line demand for associated skills such as massage and male grooming services can provide a conduit for the marketing of escort activities (Cader & Al Tenaiji, 2013).

However, technology developments also expose workers to greater risk (Sanders, O’Neill & Pitcher, 2017). The absence of any third-party, escort agency involvement means that women may find themselves alone when coping with an aggressive client or one unwilling to pay for the services received (Jeffreys, 2010). It also introduces a new skills requirement as those pursuing such technology solutions will need to effectively manage and deploy the technology in order to build a sustainable business (Heymann-Reder, 2012).

LEGAL CONCERNS

Whilst those operating escort services as a legitimate business model are afforded the same legal protections as the wider society concerned, often the provision of sexual services falls outside of such frameworks (Cho, Dreher & Neumeyer, 2013). Consequently, the women involved are committing criminal acts even though they are meeting a demand that society is aware of and which addresses a clear social need (Jeffreys, 2010). This means that when such women require the full protection of law – for example, if assaulted by a client – the very nature of their profession often means that they are denied that support (Bartlett & Kennedy, 2018). The level of violence and associated criminal activity in the sector is therefore well known, but chronically under-reported by those that experience it (O’Connor, 2017). This lack of visibility also undermines efforts to extend legal protection to escorts and the ability of enforcement officials to prosecute offenders (Scoular & O’Neill, 2007).

For those women who have fallen into escort work due to social, health and addiction issues limiting the employment choices available to them, the more sympathetic application of legal sanctions in some countries is beginning to provide them with the support required (Agustin, 2009). Viewing such women as being vulnerable and exploited ensures that they are seen in a different light by state institutions, helping them to move out of escort work if their continued involvement undermines their self-worth, health and social status (Reitmeijer, 2017).

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

Basic economic theory dictates that women will continue to provide escort services for the foreseeable future. There is a constant (potentially expanding) demand, technology advances make it easier for consumers to express that demand clearly and for suppliers to efficiently tailor their services to the requirements of distinct customer communities (Henry, 2011; Burghart, 2017). Consequently, a dynamic and competitive market exists (and has always existed) irrespective of the behavioural and cultural norms outlined by the societies concerned.

If this proposition is accepted, then it is argued that current attitudes, reflected in the legal frameworks of many nations are discriminatory and punitive to women (Bartlett & Kennedy, 2018). They limit the protection that can be offered and expose women to greater risks (including sexual health concerns). Critically, making female sex work an illegal and unregistered activity allows criminal entities to control their access to the market (O’Connor, 2017). Such control disempowers women when they should be shaping their operating environment to meet their own requirements and aspirations (Koken, 2010). Criminal exploitation and the legal frameworks that unintentionally support it also create opportunities to force women to work unwillingly as escorts (Sweeney & Fitzgerald, 2017).

Technology advances are giving those women that choose to work as escorts the opportunity to exert greater control. However, this needs to be matched by a more realistic and progressive attitude within societies around issues such as regulation, health screening and support services if women escorts are to be truly protected and empowered.Page Break

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Harar is an ancient and historical town of Ethiopia, which is located in the eastern part of the country and about 525 away from the capital city, Addis Ababa. According to the current regional Administration set up it is the capital of Harari National Regional State.

In 2008, Harari Region had a total population of 188,173 of which 94,688 were males (51.6%) and 93,485 were females (48.4%) Currently the population of Harar city is estimated to be 199,321. The area of town is about 1720 hectares (17. 29 Kms). The city has two distinct sections, the new and the old parts of the city. The old city comprises the walled part, popularly known as Jegole is far more densely populated than others areas of the city. The town has got five gates namely Erer Ber, Buda Ber, Senga Ber Felana Ber, and Shewa Ber. At present, the town has six Kebele Administrations (KAs) and nineteen sub Kebeles.

Harar has been and remains the major trade center in the eastern part of Ethiopia. Its commercial orientation dates back to the older times, when it had contacts and strong trade links with India, Greece, Turkey, Italy Yemen, Egyptian and other Arab Nations. The Jegol with its five main gates represents a unique historical and religions place for residents and an attraction for tourists. The “hyena show” is a unique phenomenon in the country and perhaps in the whole world. The cultural heritages including the Mosques, Shrines, Harari National House, traditional handicrafts and tools make Harar one of the most important places and centers of attraction in the country. Recently the UNESCO had included the city in its list of world heritages.

In such a place SWM gains importance as people from all walks of life from all over the world pay visits to know more about the city. Hence, this project is quite relevant to make the city cleaner and the population healthy and productive.

Moreover, the migration adds woe to SMW in Harar city. It adds number to the existing population and contributes to the rapid increase in garbage accumulation which negatively influences MSWM in the city. Migration is one of the components of population dynamics that can affect the population size of an area when its volume is significant. People move towards areas which are believed to be desirable for either economic or non economic reasons through interplay of push factors at the place of origin and pull factors at the place of destination. The following are major push factors that face people to leave rural areas in the region and come into Harar city.

Scarcity of agricultural land in rural area,

Poverty of rural people due to various socio-economic crises, and

Existence of trade in Harar town especially, large scale contraband trade, illegal smuggling of cattle and chat from the region to neighboring counties

As population increases all over Sub-Saharan Africa, the quantum of garbage accumulated on each passing day also increases multifold. Many countries in African Continent are in the stage of development and the problems they face in all spears of life are numerous. Among them collection of garbage accumulated, mange the collected garbage and its disposal are of paramount importance as it affects the day to day life of almost every household with respect to Sanitation, Health, Economy, Livelihood and Socio-Cultural Phenomenon. Ethiopia is not an exception in this regard. There exists a system of garbage collection and disposal in the capital city Addis Ababa. Although it might be as efficient as it should be, the public gets some support and help from the municipal administration to live in a related clean environment. Moreover, there are mechanisms and devices in place in Addis Ababa metropolis to handle and manage of solid wastes accumulated. On the other hand, elsewhere in the country including the Historical city of Harar, one can find no established system exists with regard to garbage collection and disposal in general and solid waste management in particular. Hence, this study had looked into the factors that affect the solid waste management of the Harar municipality form different angles.

On one hand Garbage management in general is a huge task to a developing country while its population and social participations is increasing rapidly. On the other hand, solid waste management in particular poses a great threat to its population challenging the health, economic, educational and socio-cultural fronts.

Further, in the modern times occupational migration takes places, especially in developing countries, at a faster rate than ever before. This brings along with it economic strains, environmental population and various diseases. This is quite true to Harar city in Ethiopia as urban migration is in full swing as the city develops fast.

There are umpteen numbers of constraints with regard to solid waste management. It varies from financial to sc social constraints. Some of them are geographically influenced while others are caused by negligence of personal and environmental hygiene. Hence , this project aims at bring to the notice of the policy makers of the country in general and to the Harar municipal administration in particular to take necessary actions and prepare interventions so that the solid waste management in Harar city soon becomes effective and this Historical City becomes a green and beautiful city. Moreover, this project may forward some input as the inclusion of direct water supply and sanitation targets are directly included in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) of the nation.

It was basically hypothesized in this project that demographic, institutional and socio-economic factors of the household were playing key roles with regard to SWM of Harar city. However, these factors were greatly influenced by the following broad based phenomena with respect to municipal SWM system.

In any given country solid waste management system displays several problems, including low collection coverage by concerned authorities besides, poor collection methods. The garbage collected is not properly stored and eventually disposed. Consequently, disease spreading micro-organisms spread at alarming rate and speed. Several factors are responsible for this situation. They can broadly be grouped as institutional, social, financial, technical, economic, and constraints as explained below.

Technical Constraints
Lack of Human Resource

This is a major problem in developing word. On one hand, people do not want to be sanitation workers as they believe that are looked down by the society; the compensation for such workers is indeed very low, on the other. Consequently, there is enough manpower to so the job. Therefore, the development of human resources is essential

Ineffective Planning

Another important aspect is planning with regard to SWM. In the absence required resources even an effective plan fails more often than not. Moreover, experts in SWM planning are few. Even those very few experts available in this filed are not given any skill upgrading training. This results in inefficiency as they could not plan as per the demand of the situation. It is fact in many countries in Africa that SWM planning is always linked with general planning.

Lack of Research Activities

Almost all countries in Africa lack funds for all- round development in general and SWM in particular. In the absence of required funds, research activities can not be initiated. In the absence of research, any development in this filed is impractical. Hence, more research activities are to be carried out in this regard. The current project is a step forward in this regard.

(b) Financial Constraints
Funds Provided by Central / State Governments

MSWM is not given priority in many parts of the world, especially in several developing nations. The annual budget allotted for MSWM could not meet even 6 months need. Lack of funds is indeed a great barrier in MSWM.

Willingness to Pay by the Users/Households

The problem is indeed great at the local government level in many developing countries. People in many countries in the developing world believe that MSWM is the total responsibility entrusted with the central, regional and local authorities and the individual citizen has nothing to do with it. Hence, the willingness to pay by the citizens is very low and it gets worse as the income of majority of the people in the developing world is bare enough to make both the ends in their day-to-life leave alone their willingness to pay for MSWM.

Lack of Industrial Development

It is needless to say that industrial development in the developing world is slow and it faces several continuous constraints. The governments, hence, are forced to import spare parts and machines from abroad using their hard earned foreign currencies. This has a negative impact in the development of the nations concerned. The lack of industry is responsible for several bottlenecks in MSWM as the municipalities could not get needed implements and machinery to collect, store and dispose the garbage safely. Moreover, due to lack of industries, the solid wastes could not be recycled and reused.

(c) Institutional Constraints
Lack of Coordination between Institutions

Communication between and among institutions that have stakes in MSWM is matter of concern. There exists lack of coordination among them and this creates hindrances in effective MSWM. The sanitation workers may not receive timely instructions form the MSWM controlling body and the MSWM controlling body itself may not receive any communications or instructions from health institutions, hospitals, industries and the like on the nature and amount of SW available for collection and disposal.

Difficulties in Enforcing SWM Laws

No laws were enacted in many countries in the developing world with regard to MSWM. There are several social and tradition al constraints in enacting any law in MSWM. Although a few countries enacted laws in this regard, they could not effectively enforce them due to financial constrains, lack of manpower and public cooperation. Moreover, there is lack of clear legal authorization to local governments from the federal level with regard to MSWM.

(d) Social Constraints
Households’ Attitude towards SWM Personnel

Even in the current 21st century, some people still believe that a sanitation worker is doing an inferior job such as collecting industrial and human waste. This taboo prevents many from joining the sanitation team paid or unpaid.

Absence of Social and Economic Incentives

It is a fact that the educational level of the people is far below in the developing world in comparison with industrialized countries. Hence, social attitude towards MSWM is not encouraging. People do not come forward to participate in any cleaning activities proposed by local administration or Non Governmental Originations or Environmental Activists. Although some people may come forward to participate in such activities, they may not get required devices to perform the job such as a broom-stick, a fork and a garbage collection container. Moreover, scavenging from waste disposal is a livelihood strategy to many people. They collect materials from the garbage that they could sell in the market or individual and earn money. Large number of people involved in this activity. They have no training for change of profession and to become creative citizens.

Thus, this project looked into the factors mentioned above aggregately focusing on the demographic, institutional and socio-cultural realities related to the households in the selected study areas of Harar city with regard to SWM.

Statement of the Problem

We discussed above several factors that have direct relationship with and influence on SWM in Harar city. Any onlooker in the main streets of the city can easily say that the current SWM system in the city is quite wanting. One could see garbage is spilled on the road sides, corners and in front of dwelling premises. There is municipal overseeing in the city with regard to garbage collection and distribution. Yet, there are several factors that make the SWM of the city poor and inefficient. The following illustrations illuminate the problems of SWM system of Harar city.

The following snapshot clearly shows that SWM is not in a desired level. Rubbish and refuse are thrown indiscriminately all over the place in the city. Although there are garbage containers placed at different locations in the city, there is no controlling mechanism to see that they are properly maintained. People and animal alike live together in the place very close to garbage collection containers. To make matters worse materials for human consumption such as vegetables are kept for sales in close proximity of garbage containers that may result in environmental pollution and health havoc.

Photo 1 Proximity of Public-Business- Animal to Waste Containers

Source: Own Photography, 2010

Another snap shot taken a few days ago at the study area depicts the awful situation

in which human and mammal make day-to-day living along with the garbage as if nothing unusual is happening. It is evident from the picture that the garbage container is very much in place; nevertheless, the hazardous garbage is spilled all over the place where human and animal walk on that. This may eventually result in epidemics and environmental degradation. It is evident from the picture above and the one below that garbage collection is erratic and the socio economic condition of household living in the vicinity plays its own role towards this environmental condition that prevails in the study area.

Photo 2 Animal – Human- Business – Garbage Together: a Health Hazard

Source: Own Photography, 2010

From the picture below one can get a horrible sight adjacent to the city limits. People who make their living from collecting materials that they can sell from the rubbish are doing their job in a condition that might infect them and eventually make them unproductive citizens. Here also man and mammal are close to each other. The pickers do not wear any protective gears- not even gloves. This is due to the fact that the collected refuse is not stored properly and the disposal system is indeed alarming. The rubbish may decay in very short time due to humidity and spill into waterways and water points nearby. The wind plays its part in bringing the garbage back into the city. Neither sanitary workers nor municipal guards are seen anywhere near the dump.

Photo 3 Waste Pickers- Young and Old with Animal- A Risky Survival

Source: Own Photography, 2010

In the following illustration we could see that the municipal sanitary worker collects the garbage into a small mobile container. Although the container is already filled to its capacity, the worker is on the process of filling it with more garbage only to make it fall on the road reroute. The mobile container is small that it may not suffice the need in comparison with that the total amount of garbage collected in the area that is thickly populated. A single sanitary worker is in action in a place where hundreds of kilos of rubbish generated in a single day. Moreover, the sanitary worker uses a broom stick made of local grass and has no spatula nor other devises that are needed to handle the rubbish.

Photo 4 Ill-equipped Sanitation Worker

Source: Own Photography, 2010

We shall now look at the final destination of the garbage collected from the city. They are brought to a place just outside the main settlement area of the city and dumped in an open field without any protection or fence. The garbage is piled over and over and eventually they fall into the waterway underneath and reach the households nearby. They are highly contaminated and for sure put the members of the households in risk that come into contact with the rubbish. More importantly, this dump is the breeding ground for flies and mosquitoes that spread diseases of different kinds. The vegetation near the dump site dwindles due to the toxic soil caused by the chemical reaction of the rubbish stored for unlimited number of days and months. Above all the dump site is certainly not an attraction to any visitor to this historical and UNESCO preserved city.

It is evident from the description and illustration above that the SWM system is not upto the desired level at Harar city. There are several factors that make SWM not effective elsewhere in the country in general and in Harar city in particular. The current SWM system in the city puts the households at the risk of getting exposed to health hazardous and socio-economic debacles. Moreover, neither any survey researches nor project works were carried out in the city on this thematic area although some reports were submitted by appointed consultants to the local government on SWM in Harar city. The researcher, thus, feels there is gap in this regard and he believes this project can fill to a given extent.

Project Purpose

Solid waste is generated more and more at the end of each day throughout the world. Therefore, the space needed to store it and its handling techniques decrease fast. Yet, there are people who are really concerned on this issue. Our households and industries create waste; hence, it our duty to device a mechanism to solve this problem. We have to reduce the refuse, reuse the remaining, and recycle the rest. It is obvious that it is easier said than done as many people live in cities of “REFUSE”. To make matters worse, the wealthier nations are bargaining with the needy nations to accept their waste, both civil and nuclear.

However, the problems and short comings in SWM may not be similar in all countries although it is indeed a challenge to the world in general and developing countries like Ethiopia in particular. It is even worse in place like Harar- a historical city in Ethiopia due to the combination of several problems.

Therefore, the purpose of this study is to look into some factors that the researcher believes contribute towards the poor and weak SWM in the city.

1.4 Objectives of the Project

The general objective of this study is to look into factors that negatively affect SWM in Harar city

The Specific objectives are:

The current level of SWM in Harar city, and

Factors that effect the SWM service delivery in Harar city

It was hypothesized for this project that the prevailing municipal SWM system at Harar had several challenges and threats influenced by demographic, institutional and socio-economic factors. Based on this hypothesis the following questions were addressed for this project

What is the current Status of the Solid Waste Management by the Harar municipality?

What are the challenges faced by the municipality and the household members with regard to garbage accumulation, collection and disposal in the study area?

What are the threats that face both the municipal administration and the household members in this regard?

What could be the solutions to mitigate the challenges and threats so faced by the municipality and the household with regard to Solid Waste Management?

Methodology

Harar city is situated 525 Kms away from the capital city Addis Ababa to the east. It is a historical city dated back to several centuries. It is one of the holy places for Muslims all over the world. Harar is also known as “Walled City” as the entire city was circled by a long wall then. Presently, the city is extended out side the wall limits. It is a city known for trade. Almost all types of trades are carried out here. There are six Kebele Administrations (KAs) in Harar City. In addition to these PAs there are nineteen sub-Kebeles in the city. The following is the map of Ethiopia that shows the location of Harar city.

Figure 1 Map that Shows the Location of Harar City in Ethiopia

Source: Bureau of Finance and Economic Development, Harari Regional State

For this study two Kebele Administrations viz. Amernur Kebele from within the Jegol and Jinela Kebele outside the Jegol were purposively selected based on the fact that they are larger Kebeles in population and size. Moreover, these two KAs contribute the largest share to the daily garbage accumulation of the city as per the available information from the Municipality of Harar. Both Amernur and Jinela Kebeles are inhabited by households who are involved in trade, civil service and skilled and unskilled jobs. Jinela Kebele has the largest open market of the city with household population. In Amernur Kebele the SW generated included both household rubbish and trade refuses whereas in Jinela Kebele the SW generated included both market refuses and leftovers and household rubbish. Thus both Kebeles were similar in SW generation. Moreover, the modes garbage accumulation and collection processes were quite similar in both the Kebeles. Hence, fifty households from each Kebele were randomly selected as samples. The samples were selected randomly for the reason that the numbers of households live in both Kebeles were near similar although Jinela Kebele has the largest open market of the city. Besides household samples 20 municipal workers, who involved in SWM were selected on voluntary basis. Additionally, Garbage pickers numbering 5 (two elderly men, one elderly woman, one young lady and two boys) who were present collecting materials at the time of visit of the researcher to the dump sites were selected. This was because of the fact that those garbage pickers did not have any permanent address nor contact details. Aggregate case studies collected from both the municipal workers involved in SWM and the garbage pickers were presented in the result and discussion chapter. Further, the ethics of social science research were strictly followed for this project and the rights of the sample participants with special reference to sample selection, data collection procedure were adhered.

Five enumerators, besides the researcher, were selected who had experience in conducting research projects/surveys and who could communicate in the local vernacular Harari and Afan Oromo besides the country’s official language Amharinga. The enumerators were given training for a week before data collection on the nature of the project and ethics of data collection in social science related projects. A checklist was prepared for the interview and group discussion and a semi-structured mini-interview schedule was prepared to elicit information from Households on SWM. Both the interview checklist and mini interview schedule were pre-tested with non-sample population in the study area and needed amendments/modifications were incorporated in them. The data so collected were interpreted in words supported by relevant tables, figures and individual case studies.

1.6. Delimitation of the Project

The study was conducted only in two Kebele Administrations of Harar city viz. Amernur and Jinela Kebeles were selected due to time constraints and for the reason that the researcher lives and works in the proximity of these Kebeles ,visiting these Kebeles almost two to three times daily either for professional or for personal reasons or for both. Thus, he is well aware of the challenges of SWM in these Kebeles. Moreover, the facts emerged from this project with regard to SWM in these Kebeles are, more or less, true to other areas of the city.

1.7 Limitations of the Project

The major problem that the researcher faced in this project was the disinterestedness of the sample population to undertake any campaign with regard to weak and poor SWM right in their dwelling area although they are quite aware of the health hazards that non-disposed or improperly disposed garbage might bring on them. One could understand from the photographs exhibited above how man and mammal live together with the garbage disposed. Hence, the researcher had to induce interest in them by talking to them the need for a better SWM system in the city and how in turn it would make their day-to-day life more pleasant than it is now. Eventually, he could make them actively participate in focus group discussions and answer the questions raised for data collection. Accordingly all samples gave all information available with them with regard to SWM in the city.

1.8 Significance of the Project

As far as the knowledge of the researcher goes, no credible research done at Harar City with regard to MSWM except for a few consultant reports as mentioned elsewhere in this project. Therefore, it is believed that this project could serve as a secondary for potential research to be carried out in the days to come.

India is famous for its great ethnicity and diversity among the cultures and these two main elements reflect in the level of tourism development in any region of the country. Apparently this has led the government and other respective authorities of tourism to call out the importance of heritage tourism in this 21st century. This report is based on the issues and impacts of tourism in Khajuraho, a UNESCO listed world heritage site, famous for its exotic sculptured temples.

Khajuraho is a located in a central state of India, and one of the oldest heritage sites in the world. The temples were built a thousand years ago and still they stand dazzling with all the ancient glory. The tourism development in the area has changed many features of the destination and there has been some issues regarding the level of tourism. The place was found only in the early decades of 20th century and even from that time Khajuraho still took so many decades to be printed in the world famous heritage sites. The basic aim of this report is to identify the tourism developments and impacts of tourism in the selected tourism site and it is structured by beginning with a concise glimpse about the destination and followed by explaining the tourism developments in the area, discussing the influences of tourism and its impacts among locals and suggestions to improve the practice of tourism followed by a conclusion which will sum up the overall report and research conducted.

Background of the study

India is a large nation with huge number of population and great numbers of both cultural and heritage spots. This exclusivity has made the county, a world famous tourism destination in the global tourism map and regarded as a country, famous for its great cultural diversity. Many of these heritage sites are secured by UNESCO- and are still striving to find a place in their destination list.

Ethnicity and diversity are the two main key elements of Indian cultural Heritage tourism, and it is really difficult to focus on the whole country’s tourism development and the impacts being facing currently. To understand the effects of tourism on culture, environment and economy it was therefore, I decided that this study should look further deep into the heart of the country’s heritage spots which are commonly unknown for its own nationalists but relatively known by other parts of the world. Khajuraho, a world heritage tourism site in the Central Indian State of Madhya Pradesh was chosen and examined to articulate the nature and dimensions of some of the common issues from the impacts of local and international tourism.

The study materials used mainly are reliable sources from the internet and also referred to the theories used in the tourism industry by linking to some of the case studies conducted in the subjected destination. Moreover some parts of the report will be reflecting from my personal experience in the destination. The facts and figures received from the Indian government tourism website back up and gives an overall glimpse of the importance of international tourism occurring in that place.

Khajuraho: A mirror of Indian Heritage

Khajuraho, a Central Indian State of Madhya Pradesh is world famous for its UNESCO recognized heritage sites and practices great heritage tourism. The site is well known for its imposing temples by reflecting the beauty of antique sculptures and structures carved in huge single sand stones (http://www.mptourism.com/dest/khajuraho.html).These temples, mirroring the sensuous images of both men and women also lead to shed some lights on the medieval Hindu and Jain cultures

Pic1-Khajuraho TempleThe history of temples in Khajuraho village is believed to be dated back to a thousand years ago, erected by the great Chandela Rajput Dynasty of Central India, by taking a century to build more than 85 glorious temples with richly carved unique and magnificent sculptures. (Gill, 2008).During the depredation of time only 22 are managed to survive and they stand still calling out the glory of medieval architectural masters. Some of the temples are sculptured with enticing erotic structures representing the Tantric Vedas which the people in the village used to practice.

Area

16.93 sq. km.

Altitude

257 m above Sea Level

Temperature

Summer: Max 47°C, Min 21°C.

Winter: Max 32°C, Min 4°C.

Rainfall

114 cms annual

Languages

English, Hindi.

Table1-General InformationThe other Tourism activities include Khajuraho Dance Festival, organized every year in the month of February or March for one week and the Daily Sound & Light Show ((Khajuraho, n.d.). Table-1 shows some general Information about Khajuraho (http://www.delhitourism.com/khajuraho-tourism/)

Level of tourism development

Pic2-LocationEver since the airport is opened, a daily flight operated from Delhi, the capital city of India connected Khajuraho with some other famous destinations. These made the visitors to reach there without any inconvenience and also the ground transportation facilities improved, while connecting to nearby important towns and railway station by running daily trips to Khajuraho. The main significant changes in the level of tourism happened was “the creation of a Master Plan to guide the growth of Khajuraho and the institution of the Khajuraho Dance Festival, a successful event that has, to some extent given Khajuraho a ‘classical’ image” (Menon,1993).D:ACADEMIC6th SemesterTOUR310reportkhajuraho-map.jpg

What was Khajuraho before

Pic3-SculpturesKhajuraho or the ancient name ‘Khajurapura’ is believed to be derived from the word ‘Khajurvahila’ meaning the ‘garden of dates’ surrounded the village at that time (Krishnamurthy, 1996). Deserted after the 14th century, the area was completely unknown to outside world until it was discovered by a young British Army officer T.S. Burt in 1838 (Menon, 1993). According the Ministry of Tourism, (http://www.mptourism.com/dest/khajuraho.html) after the turn down of the Chandela dynasty in the 13th century, the temples were hidden from outside world by dense forests and shrubs around. Nobody knew the epitome of Indian Architecture was diminishing dawdling in the rampage of time. Many of the structures were destroyed by weather, the slackness and laxity of surrounding world. But this hidden identity must have saved the remaining temples from the early Muslim invasions in the past (Hegewald & Mitra, 2008). According to Menon (1993) the temples were unknown to the world until 1950’s and it was only the foreign journalists and photographers who published the photos to the open world. The place was opened to the tourists only a few decades after the Independence of India from British in 1947 after building adequate facilities for transportation to get there.

Changes after the tourism developments

Today, Khajuraho is a booming tourist spot for both domestic and international travelers. The infrastructure is modified significantly by the government to the needs of thirsting travelers, as

the years pass by. According to (UNESCO, 2005) few modest hotels were built in the early sixties to attract foreigners and domestic tourists and the number of people coming to visit Khajuraho has changed dramatically ever since the airport was built as the surface transportation was not convenient enough. The ‘draft Development Plan’ produced by Indian Government in 1975 is also guided consequent development of the area (Menon, 1993). Now the old village of Khajuraho is changed absolutely into a place with a number of 8 star hotels including 2 five star chains affiliated hotels and other budgeted hotels also, in an area of just few kilometers (http://www.tourism-of-india.com/hotels-in-madhya-pradesh.html) equipped with efficient roads access, other transportation and accommodation facilities. Subsequently areas around Khajuraho have also flourished and harvested the benefits from these tourism developments.

Tourist profile

There have been a lot of changes happened during the last few decades and this has led to have a significant change in the demographics of travelers arriving in Khajuraho. Menon (1993) stated that a few decades back, the foreign tourists visiting Khajuraho comprised 3.3% of total number of visitors to India and ‘most of the tourists were independent and included in low budget category, half of the group tourists who visited India visited Khajuraho also’.

Table2-Statistics from 1984-1992The statistics published by the government a few years back, shows the tremendous hike in the number of tourists visited the destination and it gives a lucid idea about the expansion of the Khajuraho tourism plans (Menon, 1993)

Table3-Statistics from 2004-2006

The number of people visited in the early 80’s were higher than in early 90’s in the domestic travelers as it is believed to be the reason of political instability at that time. But the number of foreign travelers remained constant between these periods. Table 2 shows that total numbers of tourists in 1985-1986 were around 203,646, but in the early 90’s it was decreased to 151,350. (Appendix I-IV)There is a significant percentage of increase in the number of foreign visitors to Khajuraho in the current decade almost double the numbers in previous decades while the number of domestic tourists remained constant apparently. This increasing number of tourists mainly depends on the level of promotions of the destination or and the transportation facilities.

Driving force

It is not only just some sandstone structures to see in Khajuraho, but it is the picturesque depiction of medieval existence of village people ruled under the great ‘Chandela’ kings portrayed by the maestros of stone architecture about a millennium ago. It is the thrusting force of quaint beauty to lead the travelers to Khajuraho from around the world. The main motivation of travelling to Khajuraho is the splendor of these sculptures in the temples. The government tourism board and other tourism agencies have recognized the demand for tourism in the region and offer various tourism packages including the nearby cities of Khajuraho. It is another value added benefit for the travelers and a motive to visit Khajuraho. Although it is an icon of Heritage Tourism, the erotic sculptures, illustrating the ‘tantric’ arts in the sandstones attract many of the tourists from around the world.

Rise in the economy- A positive impact

Though there are many identified impacts of tourism in Khajuraho, the most significant one is the rise in the total economy, as the level of tourism in the destination parts a major share in the total number of foreign tourist flow into the country (Appendix V)

As a result of tourism development programs which eventually offered more than 3,000 job offers to the local community made the status of lifestyle to go up resourcefully as there was significant growth in education and health care systems. The other noticed results are in the local handicraft industry and the offering of large scale indirect employment in other sectors especially in the farming (UNESCO, 2005). The development of tourism in the region have also reduced the level of poverty than the neighboring villages as this mass tourism has helped the local people to indulge in increasing their personal income through various tourism activities. All those improvements in the public utility infrastructures and transport infrastructures in Khajuraho show the positive economical impacts and it has been forecasted to make a dramatic change in the future number of tourists (In 2015, expecting 1,00,965 domestic tourists and 8,59,701 foreign tourists with a total number of 19,60,666) Appendix-VI

Negative economic impact

The level of tourism has made some negative impacts in the local economy to a certain level, especially the development programs by the government which brought many outsiders into the village economy. Instead of using the natural resources, things are being imported from outside by the migrants. Most of the imported goods are manipulated as local art work and being sold to the tourists which is a leakage in the integration of locals and the government systems (Menon, 1993). Moreover, the inflation has increased due to the less supply for the high demand for local items caused by the tourism development program. According to Menon, (1993, p.37) “a local guide explains that 20 years ago people were friendlier and close together: tourism, he said, has made the people money-minded”.

Positive Environmental impact

The wild shrouded temples are titivated by the government by the level of tourism in Khajuraho. According to UNESCO, (2005) the place is now equipped with complete infrastructure including transportation, electricity, water supply, hotels and hospitals. The temples are now protected by the Indian Central Government with the help of archeological and tourism departments to preserve the Indian heritage, as they are wall protected by the security systems in order to avoid intruders and vandalisms. Now the temples are surrounded by gardens which are not truly, a part of original temple designs, to enhance the beauty of temple premises. Apart from that, a central museum is located in the village to keep the valuable broken parts from the temples and show case the ancient artwork to the visitors and the excavation areas are restricted for public .One can clearly see that the old sleepy image of Khajuraho is completely changed by the changes happened in the environment due to the tourism (Menon, 1993).

Negative Environmental impact

Due to the characteristics of the destination, Khajuraho poses very less detrimental effect on the physical environment as the tourists who visit are particular nature of sightseer activity and their primary intention is just to see the sculptures in the temples (Menon, 1993). Thus rate of losing the natural resources will be very less in the region comparing some other tourist destinations, however the mass amount of tourist flow into Khajuraho must have changed the environment negatively due to the air pollution and solid wastes disposal. Moreover the destruction of unique flora and fauna in the area, due to the excavation work happening nearby the temples reduced the wild life in the surrounding region. The other considerable negative impacts are the air pollution caused by the aircrafts flying. A study conducted by Indian central archaeological department found out that aircrafts flying over the temples produce a certain level of vibrations which could damage ancient monuments(Archaeological Survey of India, n.d) According to a monthly social awareness magazine (Khajuraho Special, 2004) land pollution and air pollution are some of the major environmental issues in Khajuraho faced by tourism. None of the hotels in Khajuraho have proper waste management system or recycling system which persuade them to litter openly and so do the tourists, especially the canned foods and other disposable items. In the same way, increasing number in tourism has caused the same number in vehicles for transportation which pollutes the air by emitting dangerous gases and causing to change the atmospheric temperature. The final thought is about the shrinking of water bodies in the area, where the improper land usage reduced the natural water resources drastically.

Positive socio-cultural impact

The lifestyle in Khajuraho is being affected by tourism activities as a natural consequence of socio-cultural impact. People have been more aware of the tourism needs and other cultures, to mingle with other nationalities flawlessly. The dance festivals and other cultural activities unite the local community and also portray the true image of Khajuraho to tourists. It has been proved that there hasn’t been any complaint of sexual harassment or prostitution, which shows that the local community is more responsive about social norms (Menon, 1993) and some of the local people have managed to make marriage relationship with foreigners. After all, some of the local community still indulge in their daily prayers and go to the temples for worshiping which point towards the conscientious tourism in the area.

Negative socio-cultural impact

The migration and settlement of outsiders have changed Khajuraho social and cultural environment, as now the local populations is consisting of various ethnic groups who drifted to make business via tourism. The local language spoken is very less in Khajuraho as majority of people living in Khajuraho are nonnative. From my personal experience in Khajuraho, what I could see mainly was the children and young people are following the path of tourism to make money easily rather than going to schools and colleges. Most of them are grabbed by travel agents to become guides and receive commission from them. Ultimately tourism has brought in these multi cultural societies who sell the true art for money into Khajuraho and broken the integrity of local culture.

Recommendations and final thoughts

“The promotional material and the information available to the tourists, reduce Khajuraho to a single-issue destination” Menon (1993). This image of Khajuraho is more likely a single point destination where the tourism is only focused on the sensual sculptures in the temples. Instead of publicizing the true illustration, the tourists are falsified by the travel agent mafias which make them to take pleasure in the erotic part of the heritage art worked temples instead of understanding the true principles of an ancient civilization existed there. Hence the government should be more responsible to stop these misleading by establishing examples such as providing proper tourism marketing campaigns, awareness seminars and cultured guiding system. Instead of focusing only on the temples, tourism board should take hand in developing the vicinity and neighboring locality as they are still under poverty and the wildlife around Khajuraho still remains unguarded though it is reserved.

“Over the past years Asian countries have on looked incredible social, cultural, political and technological changes” (Pandey, Chettri, Kunwar and Ghimire, 1995).These significant changes have been received by the far-fetched development of tourism in the subjected countries. Despite the fact that tourism fosters the national economy to a certain extent, it has definite impacts on country’s enlightening ethnicity and legacy while leaving the natural possessions to an economic item of trade for income. According to Bandyopadhyay, Morais, Chick (2008, p.791), ”Tourism is not just an aggregate of merely commercial activities; it is also an ideological framing of history, nature and tradition; a framing that has the power to reshape culture and nature to its own needs.” It is apparent from this report that, these factors have certainly affected either positively or negatively on the values of economic, environmental and socio cultural in Khajuraho. The final say is tourism in Khajuraho has fostered over the years and it has changed many factors, it is the obligation of each and every single tourist who comes to visit Khajuraho to practice ‘responsible tourism’ while mesmerized by the prehistoric sandstone shades of ancient arts.

Aim of the report: The main focus is on how they improve the public transport system for local .Though this analysis, we will get to see the improvement of the public transport system like bus, trains ,taxis ,fares and the facilities in both bus and trains including bus stop , trains station and taxi stand.

CONTENT :
Pages

Introduction on LTA

4

How the planning of rail system does influence the land transport system?

2.1) History and expansion of routes

2.2)LRT

2.3)Maps

2.4)Facilities in and out of the station

5- 10

How does providing more bus and taxi along the road benefit to us?

3.1)Bus service provided

3.2)taxi

3.3) fare

11-13

SWOT analysis

strength

weakness

opportunity

Threat

14-16

5)Recommendation

6)references

16-17
1.Introduction

LTA which is known as Land Transport Authority was formed in 1 September 1995 after merging with 4 government agencies:

Registry of Vehicles

Mass Rapid Transit Corporation

Roads & Transportation Division of the Public Works Department of Singapore

Land Transport Division of the then-Ministry of Communication

LTA has the responsibility to lead the overall public transport system in Singapore like rail,bus,taxis and road(for example: expressway)The aim of LTA is to provide a public transport network that are effective, time-saving, economical and sustainable to meet local’s requirement based on overall financial(economic) status.Secondly,to set up a environment-free while creating the best use of our transport measures and to provide security for the well-being of the local that travel by public transport.

2.How does the planning of rail system influences the land transport system?
2.1)History of trains system and expansion of route

MRT(mass rapid transit) is the backbone of the Singapore railway system. There are currently 87 stations in operation.31 stations on East-West line, 25 stations on North-South line, 15 stations on North-East line and 16 stations on Circle line. It was operated by these 2 companies: SMRT and SBS Transit. Trains frequency for peaks hours is between the range of 1-2mins, for non-peak hours is about 4-8 mins.

The planning of route was began in the year 1967 ,it was part of an urban renewal and development project which aimed to formulate a long-term comprehensive concept plan for facilitating the Singapore’s future development. The trains routes are expected to operate in the year 1992.It consist of 67 km of track to be constructed, with 42 stations, of which 26 would be elevated, 1 at grade and 15 underground. It was managed by MRT Corporation which is currently LTA.

The construction of train route began in the year 1983,and the first stage of train route was completed and operated in 7 November 1987 and the last stage was completed in July 1990 which marks the completion of train routes 2 years ahead of schecules.Each direction was determined by TWO COLOUR at that time.

http://www.google.com.sg/imglanding?q=mrt%20map&imgurl=http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/23/Singapore_old_mrt_map.png&imgrefurl=http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Singapore_old_mrt_map.png&usg=__tSbLsy80d3dWMYwtTkzTJt92pzE=&h=968&w=1280&sz=157&hl=en&sig2=Qna-1ryn2j2gnFMg7roR3w&itbs=1&tbnid=acuCejOKZKC9mM:&tbnh=113&tbnw=150&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dmrt%2Bmap%26start%3D36%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26gbv%3D2%26ndsp%3D18%26tbs%3Disch:1&ei=miFUTMWeJMO9rAe2woTzAw&start=34&sa=N&gbv=2&ndsp=18&tbs=isch:1#tbnid=acuCejOKZKC9mM&start=38

Subsequence Extension:

Due to more towns was being developed in the early 1990s, more lines were be constructed to reach the people’s needs and conveniences. One of it were be Woodlands line, it serve the residents living in Woodlands,Sembawang directly to the city and Jurong East instead of transferring bus at Woodlands centre or Yishun.Construction begin on the year 1993 and completed in 1996.It replaced the northern terminus,Yishun to present,Jurong East.

Next ,the following extension were made :

Lines
Purpose

North-East Line( SBS transit)

To serve a fast,conveniences,time saving routes from the new develop place like Punggol and Sengkang to the city

Changi Airport Extension(SMRT)

To serve a direct train service from other places and city (tourist and local).

Serve an other transport options for businessman, exhibition organizer to Changi South industrial park and Singapore Expo

Circle line(SMRT)

To serve a time-saver route to one place to another

Serve as a purpose of bring passengers to the heart of Marina Bay, for example Marina Bay Sands.

Reduce the crowds at the busy interchange like City Hall and Raffles Places.

Downtown Line(future lines)

To serve a time-saver route to one place to another

Besides serving to the heart of Marina Bay,it serve the busy Central Business District from east and north-west side of Singapore

Reduce the crowds at the busy interchange like City Hall and Raffles Places.

Thomson line(future lines)

Shorten the time from Northern side of Singapore to Central Business District

Reduce the crowd on the North South Line

Eastern Region Line(future lines)

Serve the residential area in South-eastern side of Singapore

It connects the Marina Bay areas bypass the residential areas to Changi.

Extension of East West Line and North-South Line & the JEMP

East West Line:

Serve as the connectivity between the Jurong West residential area to the heart of Tuas

Reduce the time travel by trains instead of bus

North South Line

Serve as the direct connection between Marina Bay to upcoming development in Marina south area.

Shorten the waiting time and the crowd at jurong east station (JEMP)

2.2)LRT

LRT(Light rapid transit) consist of 3 lines,Bukit Panjang LRT,Punggol LRT and Sengkang LRT.The purpose of constructing LRT is that to serve a feeder service to link to MRT stations. It reduces the traffic congestion on the road and in addition, the LRT train is environmental free. The LRT system is operated by this two operators: SMRT and SBS transit.

2.3) Maps

Due to more line being built, the old map cannot be used because it is very difficult to determined and they are run out of colour to represent the line. Instead of using 2 colours, they use one colour to represent a line:

Green represents East West line

Red represents North South Line

Purple represents North-East line

Orange represents Circle line

Brown represents Downtown Line.

Grey represents LRT

http://www.lta.gov.sg/projects/index_proj_maprail.htm

2.4) Facilities in the station

For the benefits for the all passenger, LTA set up a road sign to each of the MRT exit in order to allow the passengers who alight to find their correct way out. As for the convenience for the elderly and wheelchair passengers, barriers and lift will be built on the exit, concourse and platform instead of escalators and staircase. A wide fare gate was installed for wheelchair passengers. It is to allow them to have a safe journey.

3. How does providing more bus and taxi along the road benefit to us?
3.1) Bus service provided

More roads was built, more basic bus were diverted to new bus terminal or extend the distances of the trip. It is to serve a direct convenient service from town to the city. Due to the heavy traffic congestion during peak hours, Express bus and premium bus are provided to cater the passengers from town to city within a shorter time. Express buses operate everyday from 6am to latest 11.30pm but as for the premium bus, it only operates during morning peak hours.

Premium bus cost more expensive as express bus and other basic bus because it serve as a comfortable and direct bus service to CBD.It only have one trip every Monday to Friday and cost about $3.50 .

Night rider bus and Nite owl bus serves a direct and comfortable service from city to town after the last train and basic bus has ended. It normally operate at 11.30pm to 4.30am for Night rider service which operate by SMRT and 12am to 2am for nite owl bus service which operate by SBS on every Friday, Saturday and eve of public holiday. Night rider cost about $3.50 per trip and as for night owl, if it is between each HDB town or from city to town will be $4, if within HDB town, it will cost $1.50 per trip.

3.2)Taxis

Nowaday, getting a taxi is much simpler. You may call cab through the hotline booking, hail along the roadside and queuing at taxi stand outside shopping mall , mrt station or hotel .Taxi can be hail anywhere on the road as long as it doesn’t cause any traffic congestion or waiting for a taxi at the taxi stand.

Taxi stand usually located at the place where there is high demand of taxi like mrt station, outside shopping centre or CBD. Taxi cannot be hail or stop along the road where it is next or near to the taxi stand, bus lanes during their operational hours, lanes with double zigzags lines, and at bus stops, all public roads and side roads in the CBD.

LTA has put up a sign board around the taxi stand in the CBD area so that driver and commuters can take note of the sign board.

There is less taxi available during morning and evening peak hours. Long queue can be seen in high demand location. Passenger may consider booking a taxi half and hour to one hour before to check the availability of the taxi.

3.3) Fares

Distances fares were introduced on 3 July 2010 by Public Transport Council. Bus and train fare will be charged according to distances you have travelled, and it will not impose any additional charged and no transfer penalty on every transfer trip within your journey. You also may also choose the route that you feel comfortable when you travel.

There are rules to follow when you are using distances fare:

Fares must be paid by ez-link and NETS FLASHPAY card

Transfer must be done within 45 minutes and maximum transfer can only made up to 5 transfer

Your journey must be complete within 2 hours.

Train network is only allowed one entry and exit in one journey.

Same bus number is not allowed to board and alight twice within a journey.

It has the standard charges of first 3.2km of $0.71 and above 40.2 of fixed charged $1.94. As for Senior citizens, they will enjoy 25% discount off adult fares and pay a fixed charged for travel beyond 7.2km of $0.86 .Standard charges for first 3.2km for senior citizen is $0.53. Senior citizens’ concession fare is applicable for all day on weekends and public holidays but they have to start their journeys after 9am on weekdays to enjoy concession fare.

As for students(exclude polytechnics and university student),they will enjoy they will enjoy 50% discount off adult fares and pay a fixed charged for travel beyond 7.2km of $0.58 .Standard charges for student for first 3.2km is $0.36. Polytechnics student, university student and NS man will be charged according to adult fare. Student and NS man concession is applicable in monthly basis. Concession is divided into 3 categories: bus concession (unlimited rides on basis bus services per month), train concession (4 rides per day), hybrid concession (combination of bus and train concession per month).

Monthly Bus Concession Passes

Card Holder

Concession cost(per month)

Primary school student

$22.50

Secondary school student

$27.50

Tertiary student

$52.00

NS man

$61.00

Monthly Train Concession Passes

Card Holder

Concession cost(per month)

Primary school student

$20

Secondary school student

$25

Tertiary student

$45

NS man

$50

Monthly Hybrid Concession Passes(for both bus and train)

Card Holder

Concession cost(per month)

Primary school student

$42.50

Secondary school student

$52.50

Tertiary student

$97.00

NS man

$111.00

But there are some bus service that doesn’t applicable for distances fares and concession like Premium Bus, Night rider bus,Parks,Chinatown direct and niteowl.This bus has its fixed amount. As for Express, it does charge according to distances fares but concession is not applicable. For student, which is similar to basic bus service, they will enjoy they will enjoy 50% discount off adult fares and pay a fixed charged for travel beyond 7.2km of $0.88 .For senior citizen, which is also the similar to basic bus service, they will enjoy 25% discount off adult fares and pay a fixed charged for travel beyond 7.2km of $1.31.Express bus has its standard charge of 3.2km of $1.31 and maximum charge of 40.2 km of $2.54. Standard charges for first 3.2km for senior citizen is $0.98 and standard charges for student for first 3.2km is $0.66.

Taxi fare is charge based on the metre .Additional charges on Midnight, Morning and evening peak hours, Public Holiday, trip to Central Business District (CBD) during peak hours and other location related surcharges are also applicable.

4)SWOT analysis
Strength

As above introduction mention, the aim of LTA is to give commuters more choice of transportation modes, enhance the effectiveness of the transport network and its accessibility.

Based on the graph above, the average daily ridership has increased in MRT and LRT in past fifteen years due to more MRT and LRT lines has built and it helps to save more time from each direction of town in Singapore to the city areas.

For bus and taxi, it shows that the number is fluctuated in these 15 years. This may due to more bus services is created and more new roads and expressway has constructed that makes more choice of transport mode that causes the fluctuation.

LTA has won a Singapore Quality awards in 2009, the award is to reward to the whole organisation that put in more effort to improve and deliver innovative and quality service to the commuters. The main key of success is the cooperation between partners like public transport operators (SMRT, SBS), engineering/construction contractors to improve the service they provide.

It strongly believes that innovative services may provide satisfaction to the public. Convenient and user-friendly, customer touch-points such as ONE.MOTORING, 77LTA SMS service and the Integrated Feedback Management System are established so that customers may enjoy a less-troublesome, convenient and pleasant experience with LTA.Innovation services helps LTA to serve a faster, one-stop and convenient electronic information like Public Transport Portal and real-time bus arrival

Information via SMS (Applicable in every bus stop or through Handphone GPRS or GPS function.)

It also launches the LTA MASTERPLAN in the year 2008.Aim of the LTA master plan is to supervise the development on land transport system in next decade.

Weakness

Because there is more rail suicide accident in elevated mrt station, a certain crowded station has already installed the platform screen doors since 2009.It is best to install platform screen doors in every elevated mrt station as soon as possible in order to prevent any accident happen and ensures the commuters safety.

Till now, the overcrowding situation during Peak hours is still unsolved. Even through SMRT and SBS has provided more train running during peak hours but the problem still exist.LTA plan to solve this problem by JEMP,and building more mrt lines like Downtown line that pass by the city area.

When Distance fares were launched on 3 July 2010, there was error in fare charges due to the incorrect distances detected. Instead of paying less, the commuters need to pay more. As at 15 August 2010, TransitLink has given refunds to a total of 80 claims due to distance errors.

4.3) Opportunities

Public Transport Council has been partnership with LTA, SMRT, SBS, and Singapore Kindness Movement to promote proper behaviour in public transport by Dim Sum Dollies (DSDs) as the ambassadors for the whole campaign in Sept 2010.Song will be played in crowded MRT station and bus interchange to create awareness of the good behaviour in public transport.

Threat

LTA is very concern about the security in Singapore public transport. It is one of the popular places for terrorist attack. It has already happened in trains and buses in the city of Madrid , London & Mumbai ,causes a lot of death ,injured, a decrease in economy & striking psychological fear & unrest among the citizens. It has shows us the intention of the terrorist.

LTA has authorised Public Transport Security Committee to plans and execute the measure of improving the security of Singapore public transport system by

Setting up CCTV in everywhere in exit, station concourse and platform

Trained police officers and transit security officers are also deployed at our MRT station to ensure the security of the commuters and prevent terrorist attack.

Public education through posters and LCD screen in the station concourse and platform was implemented and in station announcement was made to increase the commuters’ security awareness

Increase the support by commuter by reporting suspicious person, bags, equipment that they find it suspicious to the respective authority.

Recommendations

In conclusion, I feel that LTA has done a very good job except for the peak hours overcrowding situation and the fares. During peak hours, the bus and trains waiting time and frequency was longer (for circle line only) and yet it is very packed till the commuters have to wait for the next bus or trains.I think they should shorten the waiting time, and increase the number of frequency of bus and trains during peak hours.

Regarding the fares, even although monthly concession is benefit to a lot of students and NS men, it has increase by $2 as the distances fares is required to pay less. It is best to make it balances so that the distances and monthly concession can pay standard and reasonable prices.

Heritage is property of the world. It has important evidences of past incidents and changes and it is the necessity to conserve it without political involvement and racial discrimination (UNESCO, 2004). So far Graham et al. (2000, p40) suggested Heritage is tremendously concerned in the construction and legitimating of collective constructs of uniqueness, such as group, gender, religion, civilization and nationalism.

When we talk about the relation of heritage into tourism industry, at first, holy cities such as Rome are acknowledged as a highly multifunctional and even ‘multi heritage’ place, as a result, the heritage attractions positively become the feature of Italy for tourist. To manifest the implication of heritage is consequently the key point of managing a heritage sites.

As cultural heritage tourism is mostly depending on the history, the event in the past has abundant evidence that how the past travels had been changing the entire pages of each century and affected our past life. Much of it is also passed on form age to age occasionally in the form in which it actually “happen” but more often as “myth or fable”. In whichever form it is of prime importance to a tourism professional, particularly in the circumstances such as the one obtaining in India with wealthy cultural heritage having continuity form the ancient (IGNOU, 2002). The process of finding will continue to the future because no one predict that how many real stories have buried in the earth or still has not being found. But somehow scholars has been able to find the real incident of past with the help of evidences of literature which still present all over the world as well as the role of science and researchers. An archaeology department of each country is encouraging the researchers to find out about our past. These particular reasons also encouraged to the selection of the dissertation topic, so at first this will focus on past history and development of Ajanta and Ellora caves and then it will look at the past record of tourist information and the with the help of available secondary data from Books, Journal articles, news papers past surveys and the information available from the internet, respective governments and non government agencies such as UNESCO, ICOMOS, IUCN, GHF, etc.

Introduction:

Cultural heritage conservation is always a centre of discussion in the form of developing economy of various nations. Cultural heritage tourism product is becoming a prime source for develop and developing countries. Countries like India where every tourist gets glimpses of diverse culture in his/her entire journey. India is primarily a cultural destination in international tourism in these are the features of India marketed as tourism product in international as well as domestic circuit. Domestic tourism competition already has begun in India from past decades every states government has been developing their strategies with the help of international organization to improve the tourism. In result due to sudden changes the competition can be seen among service providers as from hawkers to a large scale stakeholders. In scenario market everyone’s mind has been diverting toward the heritage sites in India, thus it’s creating trafficking of tourists as well as service providers. So it is affecting the quality of services and facilities. So it shows a different picture of hospitality and tourism industry in India.

Visitors/ tourists these are the main driver of tourism industries. Firstly, the different demands and requirement of individual is affecting on tourism industry in India such as tailor made tours and the class of tourist. Also the issues and understanding of heritage tourism by people it may be visitors/tourists or local communities are different.

There are two types of tourists are who has interested to visit a cultural sites around the world and the second one who Most of the people’s travel interest is to watch heritage sites around the world and some leisure activity thus it boosting the economy of respective destination. The most important part of tourism is a cultural as well as natural heritage property. So it always remains prime attraction to most of the people to come and enjoy their holidays. This dissertation will focus on the every aspects of cultural heritage tourism industry such as supply, demand, conservation management, interpretation, authenticity and politics of cultural heritage site.

The primary data can receive with the help of some questionnaire to understand the real nature and find out what can do more to achieve the overall development at Ajanta and Ellora Caves at Aurangabad.

To understand the World cultural heritage site here the UNESCO considers that as a monuments, architectural works, works of monumental sculpture and painting, elements or structures of an archaeological nature, inscriptions, cave dwellings and combinations of features, which are of outstanding universal value from the point of view of history, art or science; groups of buildings: groups of separate or connected buildings which, because of their architecture, their homogeneity or their place in the landscape, are of exceptional universal importance from the point of view of history, art or science; sites: works of man or the combined works of nature and man, and areas including archaeological sites which are of excellent universal value from the historical, aesthetic, ethnological or anthropological point of view.

In contrast it is suggested that World Heritage Sites should not only be exemplary situations for the pursuit of research but also be closely identified with the creation and maintenance of different kinds of knowledge (Darvill, T., 2007). People always willing to learn new things or exchange the knowledge between each other, it is nothing but to become aware about our surroundings and changing of trends in scenario market.

Here, In the Krakow Charter (2000), a monument is defined as “a clearly determined entity, the bearer of values, which represent a support to memory. In it, memory recognises the aspects that are relevant to human performance and feelings, associated with the historic time-line” (Vecco, M 2010).

Economic

In the Times of India there was an article about heritage tourism and in that the Atul Sethi has mentioned that Heritage can become a serious economic driver for India, if the country is able to get its act together. If we take an example as future 2025, so the picture of the heritage site will give different view as no beggars or touts in particular area like Maluti temple, a world heritage site in Jharkhand India. So tourist can enjoy the holistic experience of the temples and can savour the living legacy of the region. The heritage tourism in India is attracting hordes of international and domestic tourist and top of the line contributors to the country’s foreign exchange and GDP. The global heritage fund organizations 2010 report says that developing countries like India can tap a $ 100 billion a year opportunity by 2025, if they make sincere attempt to preserve and responsibly develop their heritage sites.

Literature Review:
Introduction:

This chapter will investigate the perception of cultural heritage tourism and visitor management as well as development of tourism at site by reviewing several concerned literatures. The review will start with the overview of cultural heritage tourism including the concept of Culture, heritage, cultural heritage tourism and cave architecture from different World Heritage Sites to understand the their current scenario of cultural heritage tourism management. The review will be followed by the discussion on visitor impacts, their experience and management. Also it will focus on the intermediaries of cultural heritage tourism.

Cultural heritage tourism:

Cultural Tourism is the subset of tourism that is defined as travel directed toward experiencing the traditional and contemporary culture, arts, and special character of a place. This includes the performing, visual and literary arts, language, museums, heritage, crafts, architecture, design, film and broadcasting. The primary benefit of cultural tourism is economic impact. There are plenty of statistics that talk about the fact that travellers who participate in cultural activities spend more money and stay longer than leisure travellers. A good cultural tourism plan shapes and defines a community’s image, both to itself and to the outside world

Cultural tourism and cultural heritage management work as equivalent activities in most places with really little conversation between the two (Mckercher and Du Cros, 2002). As it shows common interest between the cultural and cultural heritage is the management, conservation, and preservation of the cultural and heritage properties. So the results of this many lost opportunities to provide value to visitor experiences even though managing rare and weak resources in a social context, environmentally and ethically responsible and sustainable manner. Sometimes this loss results in some (and scholars stress some) unprincipled tourism operator exploring local culture and heritage assets for their own personal gain (Mckercher and Du Cros, 2002).

Hall and Zeppel (1990a:87 in Timothy and Boyd, 2003) stated that relation between cultural and heritage tourism is:

Cultural heritage is experiential tourism based on being involved in and stimulated by the performing arts and festivals. Heritage tourism, whether in the form of visiting preferred landscapes, historic sites, buildings or monuments is also experiential tourism in the sense of seeking an encounter with nature or feeling part of the history of a place.

Most researchers believe that heritage is linked to the past which symbolizes some sort of gift to be passed down to current as well as future generations, both in terms of cultural traditions and physical objects (Hardy, 1988 cited in Timothy and Boyd 2003). But in contrast many authors have pointed out that what elements of past a society need to maintain (Fladmark 1998; Graham et al., 2000; Hall and McArthur 1998 in Timothy and Boyd 2003). As there are many incidents all cannot link to the cultural aspects. This makes selective sort of heritage it assumes some aspect of value, that which is of personal value is labelled as personal or family heritage, whereas those values dictated by nations or communities become ‘our’ heritage (Hall and McArthur 1998 cited in Timothy and Boyd 2003). Hall and Zappel (1990) observed differently that the connections between cultural and heritage tourism, stating that Cultural tourism is experiential tourism based on being involved in and stimulated by the performing arts, visual arts and festivals. Heritage tourism whether in the form of visiting preferred landscapes, historic sites, building or monuments, is also experiential tourism in the sense of seeking an encounter with nature or feeling part of the history of a place.

However the most internationally accepted definition of heritage was defined by UNESCO that “Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and what we pass on to the future generations” (UNESCO 2008a, p.5).

Furthermore Timothy and Boyd (2003) stated that heritage can be divided into tangible immovable resources (e.g. national park, sanctuaries, monuments, buildings), tangible movable resources (e.g. objects in museums) and intangible resources including values, customs, ceremonies, lifestyles and experiences such as cultural events, currently UNESCO focusing on folk dances of south India as a cultural heritage( ). It defines that heritage tourism as ‘an immersion in the natural history human heritage, arts, philosophy and institutions of another region or country’ (Timothy and Boyd 2003).

The importance of Heritage

The importance of heritage and reasons for preserving heritage can be described into four aspects which are social, economical, scientific and political (Hall and McArthur 1993a). In social significance, heritage refers to personal and collective identity people and society have which can lead to create a sense of belonging. The sense of belonging and social conscience is a driver to consider preservation in the first place. In terms of economic importance, heritage is preserved because of its value for tourism and recreation. As being a large scale business, heritage tourism can generate incomes for the sites either from visitor spending or sponsorship from various stakeholders (Hall and McArthur 1993a). Further mainly Heritage have scientific and educational importance since heritage attractions especially natural heritage sites such as national parks may have rare habitat and endangered species which will be useful for scientific researches as well as the monuments and wonders of the worlds creates more opportunities to the scientist and researchers to find out the exact meaning of the past it may be by digging by the archaeological department of each country or the scientific analysis of wall paintings at various world heritage sites (Hall and McArthur 1993a). In terms of political importance, Hall and McArthur (1993a, p. 9) state that “the importance and demonstration of heritage may serve political ends” as the conservation and interpretation of certain heritage attractions may serve to underline a particular version of history or to promote existing political values.

Current tourist demand:

According to (Pavliv, 2009) up gradation in the standard of living is become a main cause of rises in fluctuation of tourists spending for example the income generating from the modern tourism commodities. Modern tourist’s behaviour is the main factor in current tourism industry. As currently many of travel operations that could be from demand side or supply side are in boom because ease of accessing Information through internet. So the importance of information technology in the current industry is the main factor while considering the supply and demand of tourism industry. Also it can be assumed that the personal needs of the modern tourism have more influence compare to old masses of tourism. The current tourism mostly depended on economic mass and production to consume mass, standardized and rigidly packaged holidays. The new tourists are dictating the pace and direction of industry changes (Poon, 1993 in Pavlic, 2009).

New tourist’s behaviour is the most important factor in the modern tourism development. Consequently, here the intention of the research is to find out the main factors and consequences of tourism demand changes. The researcher wants to find out if there is the universal type of tourist for the universal tourism supply or there are different types that require different marketing approach for example the e-tourism method to attract the tourists. Also the goals of the paper are to research the main causes of changes in modern tourism. The stated phenomenon has exerted a great influence onto the behavioural changes, as well as on the change in structure of the existing needs of tourist demand compare with the previous period. While the old mass tourism, apparently identical tourists were forced by the economic and mass production to consume mass, standardized and rigidly packaged holidays of every group of people and individual, new tourist consider the changes in this industry are and it affecting on their individual decision (Poon, 1993 cited in Pavlic, 2009). For ex: tour packages.

Vellas & Becherel (1997 in Pavlic, 2009) the modern tourist can be classified in various factors and in that three main factors which particularly in demand of travel of tourist firstly, demographic and communal changes. These factors mainly control by traditional and existing outbound market respectively these are two main markets in this industry so as far as concern it has enormous influence on the individual tourist as well as on international tourism. Secondly, leisure time and duration of holidays is greater than before as.

Segmentation of holidays and market segmentation.

Chapter 3
A case study of Ajanta and Ellora caves

The consideration of architectural heritage had been a matter of national concern only at most the laws regarding protection of historic building in Europe date back to that period of their national borders. There are numerous cultural groups live in each country, but their scope never went beyond the boundaries. The cultural internationalism was a result of the First World War, with the formation of the confederation of Nations, and most of all of the Second World War, with the formation of the United Nations Organization and the establishment of the UNECO (ICOMOS, 2010).

The chapter provides a literature review of cultural heritage tourism in India, Particularly at Ajanta and Ellora Caves World Heritage sites inscribed in 1983 by UNESCO at Aurangabad, India. These caves are great example of cave architecture from the 2nd to 6th century. It is mainly demonstrate the Buddhist, Jain and Hindu religion cultures. So, these studies will focuses on the religious diversity of cultures in India as well as it involve the importance of heritage visitor’s management at those sites. And then it will compare with other world heritage sites. As what can do more to maintain/sustain the balance between demand and supply side of heritage tourism industry in India. Increasing tourists and the conservation of heritage sites these are the main issues now days. So, as subsidizing product of tourism industry what are the main significance and characteristics of cultural heritage tourism and its importance around the world and in India particularly at Ajanta and Ellora caves.

According to the UNESCO, the Ajanta Caves are the masterwork of the Archaeological rock cut caves. The first Buddhist cave monuments at Ajanta date from the 2nd and 1st centuries B.C. During the Gupta dynasty period (5th and 6th centuries A.D.), highly abundantly decorated caves were added to the original group. The paintings and sculptures of Ajanta, considered as a stunning success of Buddhist religious art, have had a considerable artistic influence.

As it mentioned above the Ajanta caves depict the role of the Buddhist community, intellectual and religious halls, schools for self development based on the teaching of “Vipassana”. In the Buddhist tradition which means insight into the nature of reality. Vipassana is one of world’s most ancient techniques of meditation; it is a practice of self-transformation through self-observation and introspection. In English, vipassana is often referred to simply as “insight meditation”. The caves also was a reception centres in the India of the Gupta and their immediate successors.

The caves are located 100 km north-east of Ellora, 104 km from Aurangabad, Maharashtra India and 52 km from Jalgaon Railway Station. They are cut into the volcanic lava of the Deccan in the forest ravines of the Sahyadri Hills and are set in beautiful sylvan surroundings. The most important part is these magnificent caves containing carvings that depict the life of Buddha, and their carvings and sculptures are considered to be the beginning of classical Indian art. And this is main reason why tourist and researchers attract to those sites.

The description of the caves is, the total number of caves are 30 but one is unfinished caves so the 29 caves were excavated beginning around 200 BC, but they were abandoned in AD 650 in favour of Ellora. In that five of the caves were temples and 24 were monasteries, thought to have been occupied by some 200 monks and artisans. After 7th century to 18th century there was no any supportive record has found, it may be because of increased forest surrounding of the site and that it was forgotten until their ‘rediscovery’ by a British tiger-hunting party in 1819.

The Ajanta site consists of 29 caves cut into the side of a cliff which rises above a wander in the Waghora River. Today the caves are reached by a road which runs along a terrace mid-way up the cliff; however each cave was once linked by a stairway to the edge of the water. This is a Buddhist community, comprises five sanctuaries or Chaitya-grihas (caves number 9, 10, 19, 26 and 29) and monastic complex sangharamas or viharas. A first group of caves was formed in the 2nd century BC: the Chaitya-grihas open into the rock wall by doorways surmounted by a horse-shoe shaped bay. The ground plan is a basilical one: piers separate the principal nave from the side walkway which joins in the apsis to permit the ritual circumambulation behind the (commemorative monument). This rupestral architecture scrupulously reproduces the forms and elements visible in wooden constructions.

A second group of caves was created at a later date, the 5th and 6th centuries AD, during the Gupta and post-Gupta periods. These caves were excavated during the supremacy of the Vakatakas and Guptas. According to inscriptions, Varahadeva, the minister of the Vakataka king, Harishena (c. AD 475-500), dedicated Cave 16 to the Buddhist sangha while Cave 17 was the gift of the prince, a feudatory. An inscription records that the Buddha image in Cave 4 was the gift of some Abhayanandi who hailed from Mathura.

The earlier architectural formulas were re-employed but treated in an infinitely richer and more ample manner. The decoration attained, at this time, an unequalled splendour: the statuary is numerous (it was already permissible to represent Buddha as a human; these representations are found both on the facades and in the interior). Finally, the wall painting, profuse and sensitive, constitutes, no doubt, the most striking artistic achievement of Ajanta.

Under the impulse of the Gupta dynasty, Indian art in effect reached its apogee. The Ajanta Caves are generally decorated with painted or sculpted figures of supple form and classic balance with which the name of the dynasty has remained synonymous. The refined lightness of the decoration, the balance of the compositions, the marvellous beauty of the feminine figures place the paintings of Ajanta among the major achievements of the Gupta and post-Gupta style and confer on them the ranking of a masterpiece of universal pictorial art.

Here needs to understand the history of India as how the past events has changed its culture first major civilisation Indus River valley was found early five thousand years back. The twin cities of Mohenjodaro and Harappa World heritage site UNESCO now in Pakistan were ruled by priests and held the fundamentals of Hinduism. These civilisations are known to possess a sophisticated way of life, a highly developed sense of aesthetics, an astounding knowledge of town planning and an unreadable script language. The Indus culture at one point of time extended nearly a million square kilometres across the Indus river valley. It existed at the same time as the ancient civilizations of Egypt and Sumer but far outlasted them. Surviving for nearly a thousand years the Indus valley civilisation fell to tectonic upheavals in about 1700 BC, which caused a series of floods.

The Aryans came around 1500 BC, and that was the reason to the collapsing Indus Valley culture. At the dawn of Vedic ages the Aryans came in from the North and spread through large parts of India bringing with them their culture and religious beliefs.

Pleased

In 567 B.C. Siddhartha Gautama was born. After asceticism and meditation, Siddhartha Gautama discovered the Buddhist Middle Way-a path of moderation away from the extremes of self-indulgence and self-mortification.

Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment sitting under a Pipal tree, now known as the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, (A name of place) India Gautama, from then on, was known as “The Perfectly Self-Awakened One,” the Samyaksambuddha. There are lots of paintings and sculptures “Vipassana”.

During this time lived Mahavira, who founded the Jain Religion. The Indian subcontinent is full of caves and monuments devoted to these religions and are worth a visit.

After two hundred years, in the 4th century B.C., Emperor Ashoka, one of the greatest King of Indian histories, led the Mauryan Empire to take over almost all of what is now modern India. This great leader embraced Buddhism and built the group of monuments at Sanchi (a UNESCO world heritage site). The Ashoka pillar (four lions are seated back to back on single cut rock pillar) at Sarnath has been adopted by India as its national emblem and the Dharma Chakra on the Ashoka Pillar adorns the National Flag.

They were followed by the Guptas in the north, while in the south part of India quite a few different Hindu empires, the Cholas, the Pandyas and the Cheras spread and grew, did business with Europe and other parts of Asia till the end of the 1100s.

Christianity came in India at about the same time from Europe. Legend has it that St. Thomas the Apostle arrived in India in 52 A.D. Even earlier than that people of the Jewish religion arrived on India’s shores.

In about the 7th century A.D. a group of Zoroastrians, or Parsees, landed in Gujarat and became a part of the large mix of religions in India today, each of which adds its important and distinctive flavour.

In the 15th century Guru Nanak laid the foundation of the Sikh religion in Punjab.

In 1192, Mohammed of Ghori, a ruler from Afghanistan, came into India and captured several places in the north including Delhi. When he went home he left one of his generals in charge who became the first Sultan of Delhi. During this time Islam, was introduced into a major part of Northern India. It can be mentioned that even before that, just after the period of the prophet, Islam was brought to the western coast of India by Arab traders and flourished in what is now Kerala.

The Dehli Sultanate gradually took control of more and more of North India over the next 200 years, till Timur, who was called “Timur the Lame” or “Tamberlane” came from Turkey in 1398 to attack India. He and his army stole all the valuables that they could carry and left again, Soon the Mughals, who were from Iran, came in and took control of the north.

In the meantime south, in 1336, the Hindu Vijayanagar empire was set up and became very strong.

The Europeans – Portuguese, French, Dutch, Danish and British – started arriving in the early 1600s. The above people held territories in India and made a good friends as well as enemies among India’s rulers as they got more and more involved, with the Indian politics, however the British who eventually controlled most of India and finally made it one of their colonies.

Two hundred years later, in the 4th century B.C., Emperor Ashoka, one of the greatest King of Indian histories, led the Mauryan Empire to take over almost all of what is now modern India. This great leader embraced Buddhism and built the group of monuments at Sanchi (a UNESCO world heritage site). The Ashoka pillar at Sarnath has been adopted by India as its national emblem and the Dharma Chakra on the Ashoka Pillar adorns the National Flag.

They were followed by the Guptas in the north, while in the south part of India several different Hindu empires, the Cholas, the Pandyas and the Cheras spread and grew, trading with Europe and other parts of Asia till the end of the 1100s.

Christianity entered India at about the same time from Europe. Legend has it that St. Thomas the Apostle arrived in India in 52 A.D. Even earlier than that people of the Jewish religion arrived on India’s shores.

In approximately the 7th century A.D. a group of Zoroastrians, or Parsees, landed in Gujarat and became a part of the large mix of religions in India today, each of which adds its important and distinctive flavour.

In the 15th century Guru Nanak laid the foundation of the Sikh religion in Punjab.

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In 1192, Mohammed of Ghori, a ruler from Afghanistan, came into India and captured several places in the north including Delhi. When he went home he left one of his generals in charge who became the first Sultan of Delhi. During this time Islam, was introduced into a major part of Northern India. It may be mentioned that even before that, just after the period of the prophet, Islam was brought to the western coast of India by Arab traders and flourished in what is now Kerala.

The Dehli Sultanate gradually took control of more and more of North India over the next 200 years, till Timur, who was called “Timur the Lame” or “Tamberlane” came from Turkey in 1398 to attack India. He and his army stole all the valuables that they could carry and left again, and after that the Delhi Sultanate was never so strong again. Soon the Mughals, who were from Iran, came in and took control of the north.

In the meantime south, in 1336, the Hindu Vijayanagar empire was set up and became very strong.

The Europeans – Portuguese, French, Dutch, Danish and British – started arriving in the early 1600s. All of them held territories in India and made friends and enemies among India’s rulers as they got more and more involved, with the Indian politics, but it was the British who eventually controlled most of India and finally made it one of their colonies.

India got its independence from Britain in 1947 after a long struggle led mostly by Mahatma Gandhi. In the process of becoming independent, India became two countries instead of one. In the years since independence India has made huge progress and coped with great problems, and has developed its industry and its agriculture, and has maintained a system of government which makes it the largest democracy in the world.

India got its independence from Britain in 1947. Since independence India has made huge evolution and muddle through with great problems, and has maintained a system of government which makes it the largest democracy in the world.

Every community and nation try to protect, conserve and develop heritage as an asset, particularly to make them important tourist sites by developing better infrastructure and facilities, which offer a rich cultural experience to tourists and ensure cultural and natural heritage of the destination to be preserved and conserved.

To extend INTACH’s mandate beyond conservation, the Heritage Tourism Division was set up in December 2005. A cogent system of sustenance of heritage sites was evolved in the activities of the Division. This would allow people to have access to and understand heritage sites in complete detail. The Heritage Tourism Division’s primary work is to synergize heritage with tourism.

The Division works for development of sustainable tourism connected with heritage as an asset. A development of tourist facilities is in harmony with the local eco-system and heritage architecture, and regulates sensitivity of design in architectural style of construction of any new tourist facilities. The aim of developing tourism is to conserve and utilize buildings to sustain their maintenance. Heritage Tourism development aspects are:

Community Development of tourist receiving destination

Socio-economic Growth of the receiving community

Preservation and Conservation of cultural and natural heritage sites

Income Generation