Trends in tourism planning and development

B.H. Archer and F.I Lawson

i. WTO, Economic Review of World Tourism (1982 edition, World Tourism Organization, Madrid, 1982). 2. WTO, Tourism Compendium (1981 edition, WTO, Madrid, 1981); GATT, International Trade 1979/80.

Tourism is one of the main factors in international trade. The current Economic Review of World Tourism estimates there were 290 million international tourist arrivals in 1981 generating receipts of $106 100 million, increases over the 1980 figures of 3.9% and 11.3% respectively. ~ As a contributor to worldwide foreign exchange, international tourism receipts amounted to 4.8% of total world exports of goods in 1980. Foreign earnings from tourism were greater than the value of world exports in raw materials or in iron and steel: they were more than double the value of world exports in minerals or non-ferrous metals. 2

In many countries there is an even greater impact from domestic tourism, contributing to improvements in the balance of the national economy through the redistribution of national income and providing a stimulus for further economic activities. Of the total world tourism arrivals, estimated at 2 613 million in 198 I, over 88%

- - 2 323 million - - were attributed to domestic tourism. ~ The total value of world tourism receipts has been put at between 3 and 4.5 times those generated by international tourism.

Forecasts for the next decade by the World Tourism Organization suggest that the role of the state in the tourism sector will be strengthened and expanded to foster such areas as development, vocational training, planning and promotion. The trends also point towards a wider diversification in tourism equipment and more flexible use of accommodation.

The Surrey International Conference was formulated in response to a demand for more specific information on the trends in tourism planning and development. In particular, the aims of the conference were to consider current approaches to project appraisal, in light of recent experiences; to examine the economic, social and physical impacts of tourism taking account of factors such as the value of multipliers and the costs of resources; and to draw together expert opinion on the various trends which are likely to have a significant influence on the future development of tourism. In view of the importance of air transport in tourism, this topic was considered both in terms of technological development and international regulation. Trends in design and development have also reflected the need to revitalize traditional resorts in addition to identifying and planning for tourism requirements in the developing world.

206 Tourism Management l~ee~rnh~ log')

Editors' introduction

20 of the world's greatest authorities in this field were invited to address the conference and their prepared papers are presented in this special edition together with a summary of the key issues raised by discussion groups. There were, in addition, 13 contributed papers which, due to restrictions on space, regretfully cannot be published with the main proceedings. A list of contributed papers is appended and it is hoped that at least some of these papers will appear in future editions of Tourism Management.

The conference, attended by delegates representing 36 countries, was formally opened by Sir Henry Marking, Chairman of the British Tourist Authority. The British Tourist Authority, jointly with British Airways, assisted in the promotion and sponsored the conference dinner. The conference was organized by the Department of Hotel, Catering and Tourism Management in the University of Surrey, which provides a range of international courses at degree and post- graduate level in this specialized field.

In addition to acknowledging the support generously given by the authors of papers, the Department is indebted to Mr L. Lickorish, Director General, British Tourist Authority, and to Professor S. Wheatcroft, Director, British Airways.

Tourism Management December 1982 207