Introduction to Tourism (2nd Edition)

Author: Zhao Changhua, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-01-01
Features: This series of teaching materials was introduced and continuously improved in response to the development trend of the tourism industry and the requirements of the State Council for strengthening the skills training in higher vocational education. Tourism Introduction is one of the books in this series, with the teaching objective of enabling students to master the basic concepts, fundamental knowledge, and core theories of tourism and the tourism industry. The main content of this book includes:
(1) The development of tourism and its historical evolution. This involves studying the origin and development of tourism activities and their relationship with social and economic development. Tourism is a product of social productivity reaching a certain stage, and its historical evolution reflects the development of human society from one perspective.
(2) The essence and social attributes of tourism activities. Tourism is a comprehensive social activity expressed in economic form, as well as a socio-cultural phenomenon. It not only impacts the socio-economy but also affects socio-political and cultural aspects. It has both positive and negative sides. Therefore, tourists, tourism business operators, and tourism administrative authorities should consciously recognize and properly address the various social effects brought by the development of the tourism industry, promoting its positive role while controlling its negative impact. When formulating tourism development plans, they should comprehensively consider various factors to ensure the healthy development of the tourism industry.
(3) The relationships among the basic elements of tourism activities. As the main body of tourism, tourists must meet certain conditions, such as the ability to pay, free time, and travel motivation. At the same time, they must also have the tourism objects that can fulfill their travel desires and requirements, i.e., tourism attractions, which include tourism resources and facilities.
(4) The nature, structure, and organization of the tourism industry. The purpose of studying these aspects is to gain a correct understanding of the characteristics of modern tourism and the tourism industry. Based on an understanding of the nature, structure, and organizational role of the tourism industry, students will grasp the relationships between the tourism industry and other sectors of the national economy, the internal composition of the tourism industry, and the functions and roles of its various departments. They will also develop a preliminary understanding of the laws governing tourism economic activities and the methods and skills for managing the tourism industry.
(5) Tourism management organizations and policies and regulations. The characteristics of the tourism industry determine its close relationship with the national economy and social development, making it a highly policy-driven industry. Therefore, unified planning and deployment are particularly important.
(6) Sustainable tourism development. This is a new theoretical concept and research topic proposed in the 1990s. This book is distinct for its clear stance and rich content. Compared to similar teaching materials, it includes additional chapters on sustainable tourism development, tourism education, the tourism industry in China after the reform and opening-up, and the tourism industry in China after joining the WTO. It addresses emerging theoretical issues in tourism development, talent resource development, and the opportunities and challenges China faces after joining the WTO. These topics are closely tied to the times and reality, making the book more relevant and readable, and helping students better understand the current trends in the development of tourism both domestically and internationally.