Comparison Between Tourism Destinations in Zambia and France

Question: You are required to undertake research into two tourism destinations. One must be a leading tourist destination and one must be a developing tourist destination. You will research and compare the two destinations and present your findings in an information brochure using images and references alongside your findings and include academic theory as an example. You must; Analyse cultural, social and physical features of tourist destinations explaining their appeal to tourists. Compare features of developing and leading tourist destinations. Compare the appeal of current leading tourist destinations with that of currently developing tourist destinations. Evaluate how characteristics of a tourist destination affect its appeal. Answer: Introduction The industry of tourism has been expanding at a fast rate all across the globe. There are a number of developed and developing nations in the industry of tourism. This paper will be analysing two tourist destinations with respect to different dimensions (Kotler et al, 2011). One tourism destination is a developed one, whereas the other one is a developing one. Destinations chosen for the purpose of this paper are France and Zambia. Features of Tourist Destinations France Cultural Dimension In terms of culture, France is known to the most attractive tourist destination as a highly competitive location in the entire continent of Europe (Middleton et al, 2009). It is known for the beauty of its cultural heritage that becomes one of the main reasons due to which a large population of tourists from all across the globe (Boniface et al., 2012). The culture of France reflects art, history and heritage. Majority of the tourist destinations are highlighted by cultural dimension and history. Social Dimension There have been a number of changes in the capitalism of France since the last few decades. In a highly competitive platform of the market, France has been maintaining its position of best destination for tourists all across the glove 9.4 per cent of international travellers. There are three main thrusts followed towards development of tourism (Pearce, 2005). These are to strengthen France as a tourism destination for increasing the visits of tourists, initiate growth in the economy of tourists for adaptation of offers in favour of tourists, and to better ensure the accessibility of the destination in order to promote social tourism (Levinson, 2007). Physical Dimension There are 37 number of sites in France that have been inscribed in the List of World Heritage by UNESCO and cities expressing high interest in culture, and a number of other tourist destinations (Narayan, 2000). Paris is the capital of France and is visited by a large population of tourists from all across the globe (Boniface et al., 2012). The physical features have been presented by art, cultural heritage and a wide range of historical sites. In addition to this, there are a number of beautiful villages from all across the globe. Zambia Cultural Dimension The assets of history, archaeology and culture in Zambia are not included in the itineraries of tourism (Pine et al, 1999). There are a number of attractions in the area that are preferred by tourists. Zambia also is known to be having a number of heritage, cultural and natural assets away from the main areas being considered for tourism (Holloway, 2002). Social Dimension The activities of tourism in Zambia has been playing a significant role in the economy of Zambia since the year 1996, when there had been reclassification towards an economic sector from social sector. The social condition is being improved by putting in efforts for the reduction of poverty (Pearce, 2005). Physical Dimension Zambia has been focusing a lot on the industry of tourism due to the huge scope of development followed by it (Senge, 2006). There are a number of different enterprises involved focusing on structuring the tourist destinations in a better manner. These include improvement in the transportation, operators of tour, guest houses, lodges and hotels (Singh, 2011). Features of Tourism Destinations France A large population of tourists are known to be attracted towards France for tourism due to the beauty of its cultural heritage, landscapes, along with authentic villages, and the crepe of Breton that is considered as the regional specialty of France par excellence (Holloway, 2002). Toulouse is the most attractive cities of France for tourism along with a number of cities that are major tourist destinations. Zambia Zambia has a number of natural resources along with other assets of tourism for the attraction of large population of tourists from all across the globe (Tourism Council of the South Pacific and the Ministry of Tourism, 1997). The nation is known to be the home of Victoria Falls and is also known to be having a number of national parks with work- class quality and a number of other attractions related to wildlife that include 34 areas of game management and 19 number of national parks (Pearce, 2005). Appeal in Tourism Destinations France The main appeal factor in France for tourists is Disney Land that is located in Paris and has been attracting a large number of tourists from all across the glove to seek leisure (Boniface et al., 2012). Apart from this, there are a number of factors for appealing tourists such as a number of amazingly built building and museums, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and the Cathedral of Notre- Dame (Holloway, 2002). Zambia The main factors of appeal for tourists in Zambia is the wildlife, nature and highly diversified natural resources. There are a number of safaris, local markets, buildings, and natural wildlife that is the main factor appealing the tourists visiting Zambia (Holloway, 2002). Characteristics of a Tourist Destination affect its appeal There are a number of factors or characteristics carried by tourist destinations that result in affecting the appeal of that particular destination (Sharpley, 2002). There are a number of cultural factors attracting and fascinating a number of tourists. Sports plays a significant role in affecting the appeal of tourist destination (Sharpley, 2002). France is known to be appealing due to the sports of Football a number of tourists have been visiting the place due to this appeal only. A number of environmental attractions also result in affecting the appeal for tourists in a particular destination (Pearce, 2005). Zambia has a number of natural resources along with other assets of tourism for the attraction of large population of tourists from all across the globe. There are a number of different enterprises involved focusing on structuring the tourist destinations in a better manner. Conclusion In terms of culture, France is known to the most attractive tourist destination as a highly competitive location in the entire continent of Europe. Zambia also is known to be having a number of heritage, cultural and natural assets away from the main areas being considered for tourism (Pearce, 2005). The physical features have been presented by art, cultural heritage and a wide range of historical sites. In addition to this, there are a number of beautiful villages from all across the globe. There are a number of different enterprises involved focusing on structuring the tourist destinations in a better manner. References Boniface, B., Cooper, C. and Cooper, R. 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