1. Global Tourism
Trends and Changes in the Global
Tourism Industry

2. By the end of this lesson
You should be able to:
1. Explain the benefits tourism brings
to a country and its people
2. Describe the changing nature of
global tourism
3. Describe the trends of both domestic
and international tourism

3. So why is tourism important?
It is a major contributor to the global
economy in terms of:
1. Generating income for countries (GDP)
2. Creating employment for the people

4. So why is tourism important?
Global GDP
2012
US$6,526.9 bn
(9.2% of GDP)
2022 (Est.)
US$9,939.5 bn
(9.8% of GDP)
Source: WTTC, 2012

5. So why is tourism important?
Global
Employment
2012
260 million jobs
(8.7% of total
employment)
2022 (Est.)
327.9 million jobs
(9.8% of total
employment)
Source: WTTC, 2012

6. International Trends
• Tourism has experienced continued expansion
and diversification in the last 60 years
• It is one of the largest and fastest-growing
economic sectors in the world
Tower Bridge and Cannery Wharf, London, UK

7. International tourist arrivals have shown
uninterrupted growth: 277 million in 1980 to
983 million in 2011, expected to break 1 billion
in 2012

8. International tourism receipts for 2011 are
estimated at US$ 1,030 billion worldwide, setting
new records in most destinations despite global
economic challenges

9. International Trends
• Market share of emerging economies has
increased from 30% in 1980 to 47% in 2011
• Arrivals to emerging economies are
expected to increase at double the pace
(+4.4% a year) of those to advanced
economies (+2.2% a year)
Tourism in Rajasthan, India

10. Source: UNTWO, 2012

11. Domestic Trends
• Singapore has experienced continued growth
in international tourist arrivals and tourism
receipts
• Although fluctuations are present, tourism is
moving generally in a positive trend
The New Downtown, Singapore

12. Domestic Trends
• Growth fuelled by launch of two integrated
resorts in 2010 and other attractions such as
Universal Studios Singapore
• Events such as the F1 Singapore Night Race in
2010 which has attracted S$160 million in
tourism receipts alone
Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore

13. International Tourist Arrivals
13.1 mil
14
12
10
11.6 mil
9.8mil 10.3 mil 10.1 mil 9.7 mil
8
6
4
2
0
2006
International Tourist Arrivals
2007
2008
2009
2010
Source: STB, 2011
2011
International tourist arrivals to Singapore
increased by 12.9 per cent from the previous
year to a new record of 13.1 million in 2011

14. Tourism Receipts 2006-2010
Source: STB, 2011
Tourism receipts increased to a record high of
S$18.9 billion, propelled by various factors
such as the launch of the IRs and other events

15. Changing Nature of Tourism
1. Evolution of mass tourism to niche
tourism
2. From tour groups to independent
travellers
3. Growth of long haul destinations
4. Development of package holidays and
short haul destinations

16. Changing Nature of Tourism
Evolution of mass tourism to niche tourism
• Mass tourism- act of visiting a destination
with large amounts of people at one time
• Dominated by Tour Operators offering low
cost, standardised package tours

17. Changing Nature of Tourism
Evolution of mass tourism to niche tourism
• Niche tourism targets a specific market
segment, usually with a well-defined
product that can be tailored to meet the
interests of the tourists
• What are some types of niche tourism you
can think of?

18. Changing Nature of Tourism
Tomatina, Bunyol, Spain

19. Changing Nature of Tourism
Monkey Buffet, Lopburi, Thailand

20. Changing Nature of Tourism
From tour groups to independent travellers
• Tourism moving towards independent travel
(e.g. backpacking)
• Independent travel allows for more flexibility
in travel itinerary
• Tourists are not bounded by restrictions laid
out by following tour groups

21. Changing Nature of Tourism
Growth of long haul destinations
• No standard definition of what is
considered long or short haul destinations
• Some consider long haul destinations to
be more than 7 hours away by flight
• Tourists moving away from regional
destinations to those which are further
away (e.g. Singapore to Brazil/ USA)

22. Changing Nature of Tourism
Development of package holidays and short
haul destinations
• Tour operators have noted the changing
nature of tourism as well
• Tour packages moving towards adopting
niche tourism types (e.g. food and wine
tourism)
• More long haul destinations included in
packages

26. Chan Brother’s Premium Tours
• Flights by Singapore Airlines or Silkair
Only
• Privileged access to Changi Airport
Premier Club Lounges
• Authentic, unique and in depth
experiences set apart from the rest
• Fine cuisine with diverse flavours
• Group sizes with a few as 6 to depart

28. Changing Nature of Tourism
Development of package holidays and short
haul destinations
• Short haul destinations have also tried to
market themselves to niche markets
• For Singapore, rise in ecotourism and
community-based tourism in short haul
destinations
• E.g. Komodo national park, Orang Asli
experience

31. Learning Points
• The trend of global tourism is positive
seen from both rising tourist arrivals and
tourism receipts
• Niche tourism types and independent
travelling have become popular
• Package tours are adopting elements of
niche tourism to attract the diverse market
• Tourism is the way to go because of the
economic benefits it brings