Conclusion

Abstract

The continuous growth of tourism throughout the recession of the 1980s augurs well for its future into the twenty-first century. The geographical patterns of world travel will undoubtedly continue to change. Already the trends for the 1990s appear to be established - more tourists in the Far East and the South Pacific and more to South America. The Japanese, who are now wealthier than ever before are travelling more often and more independently. Their importance to tourism in the Pacific is enormous yet few comprehensive studies of their reactions exist (Australian Government Inquiry into Tourism, 1986). China may possibly generate tourists as well as receive them, and the United States will continue to play a crucial role in both providing tourists and attracting them (Jefferson, 1987). Within Europe most countries are dependent upon travellers from other European destinations for the majority of their trade, although Britain is less dependent on this market than most of continental Europe. Paradoxically while nearly all tourist destinations may receive an increasing number of visitors in the 1990s the importance of national and regional identity as a source of tourist attraction is fading for many special groups of travellers. For example, there are many specific organisations, labelled special interest groups by the travel industry, who seek experiences which are cross national. Rock climbers are concerned only with the characteristics of the rock face they have to tackle, scuba divers with the quality of the coral, amateur ornithologists with the number of species they can see in an area and wilderness lovers with a sense of untouched beauty. All of these concerns surpass a consideration of national boundaries. Similarly there are many urban experiences which are designed for and enjoyed by specialised groups of people and many cities organise conferences, festivals, celebrations and parades to focus public attention on their cultural offerings. Here again, the country matters less than the activity.