Tourism Policy Planning and

Development

Jaireh D. Barbosa

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 Table of Contents

Module 1: Foundation for Tourism Planning

Introduction
Learning Objectives
Lesson 1. Tourism Development Theories 1
Lesson 2. Tourism Planning Platforms 2
Assessment 5
Summary 5
Reference 5

Module 2: Tourism Planning

Introduction
Learning Objectives
Lesson 1. Type of Tourism Planning 7
Lesson 2. Levels of Tourism Planning 7
Lesson 3. Tourism Planning Processes 8
Assessment 10
Summary 10
Reference 10

Module 3: Tourism Planning Approaches

Introduction
Learning Objectives
Lesson 1. Tourism Planning Approaches 12
Lesson 2. Major Elements in Planning in Tourism Destination 17
Assessment 19
Summary 19
Reference 20

Module 4: Stages of Destination Development

Introduction
Learning Objectives
Lesson 1. Regarding Product Cycle 22
Lesson 2. Regarding Inception-Discovery 22
Lesson 3. Regarding Growth-Local Response and Initiative 22
Lesson 4. Regarding Maturity 23
Assessment 23
Summary 24
Reference 24

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Course Code: TPC6
Course Description: Students will be able to understand tourism
planning as a process and as a set of techniques for sustainable tourism
development giving importance on the physical environment and the
social, cultural and political realities of planning and policy making.
Students will engage with practical planning tools and strategies,
industry, government, field work and individual and group projects to
develop an understanding of tourism policy-making process, and to gain
skills in both evaluation and development of tourism plans and policies.
Students will also discover tourism as a strategy for urban revitalization,
conservation, agriculture, and historic preservation while promoting the
value of tourism in enhancing community character, culture, quality of
life and sense of place. Case studies in Philippine-setting are emphasized.
Discussions will also be made on the Philippine Tourism Master Plan to
allow the students an overview of what real plans are like and experience
evaluation by measuring the actual achievements of the government
against their plans. The course may include a field trip component.

Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILO):

At the end of the course, students should be able to:
1. Develop tourism site plans to attract tourists in patronizing both local
and international destinations.
2. Apply principles of sustainability to tourism in the context of wider
social participation and consultation.
3. Display knowledge on the concept, levels, keys, goals, and impacts of
tourism planning and development.
4. Apply impacts control strategies, tools, and approaches for tourism
planning and development.

Course Requirements:
 Assessment Tasks - 60%
 Major Exams - 40%
Periodic Grade 100%

PRELIM GRADE : 60% (Activity 1-4) + 40% (Prelim exam)

MIDTERM GRADE : 30% (Prelim Grade) + 70 % [60% (Activity 5-7)
+ 40% (Midterm exam)]
FINAL GRADE : 30% (Midterm Grade) + 70 % [60% (Activity 8-10)
+ 40% (Final exam)]

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 MODULE 1
FOUNDATION for TOURISM PLANNING

Introduction

Since tourism is a complex and multi-sector activity, a tourism plan is necessary to

coordinate the different sectors to better service the needs of tourism and the general public.
Through an integrated tourism plan, the various direct and indirect economic benefits of
tourism can be achieved.
Additionally, a responsible tourism plan is a means to attain environmental
conservation objectives through the development of tourist attractions, facilities, and
infrastructures. It is a means to achieve cultural conservation objectives and produce
sociocultural benefits. It is a means in which the natural and cultural resources for tourism are
maintained, not destroyed, in the development process.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this module, students should be able to:

1. Exhibit the foundations of tourism

2. Maintain quality environmental conservation programs
3. Create more progressive and quality plans for tourism which may lead as a
foundation of tourism.
4. Create new plans for stable and sustainable tourism.

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Lesson 1. Foundation for Tourism Planning (Cruz, 2014)

Laissez-Faire Theory
“Laissez-faire” is a French word for “leave it be.” This theory has the assumption that
the tourism industry works best when left to the responsibility of the market forces. This is
also known as the liberal economic theory which means that no intervention should come
from the government when it comes to policies and regulations involving tourism operations.
The market forces of the tourism industry are left on their own terms as it encourages growth
of tourism businesses and emphasizes economic returns . However, it is also capable of
destroying the destinations due to the excessive exploitation of its resources.

Modernization Theory
This theory emphasizes that tourism contributes to an area’s economic progress and
transformation from traditional to modern. It uses tourism as an instrument for technological
developments, improving the local community’s knowledge and skills, and adjustments in
the way of living and culture in order to adapt to the increasing diversity of visitors.
Modernization of infrastructure and facilities is also required under this theory as the needs
of international tourists become more advanced. These upgrades also benefit the local
community. However, concerns surrounding modernization are also raised as it tends to
make heritage sites disappear with the thinking that modern structures are a better sight than
the old ones.

Trickle-Down Theory
This theory has the assumption that economic growth leads to the improvement of
living conditions in an area. Tourism growth should be able to improve the lives of everyone
that is affected, from hotel managers down to souvenir vendors. This theory is related to the
tourism multiplier effect, which is the revenue generated by inbound tourism that flows into
a destination and injects new resource into the economy.

Neoliberal Theory
This theory suggests that the economy functions best when there’s minimal
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intervention from the government. Compared to the Laissez-Faire Theory, this theory accepts
the government’s function to regulate but doesn’t accept the idea of the government
competing with the private sectors by operating in the same business sense.

Dependency Theory
This theory sees tourism, particularly international tourism, as the modern-day
colonialism. It argues that tourism makes developing nations dependent on developed
nations in terms of technology, skills, and products to satisfy the international tourism market
demands. In turn, the local economy suffers through leakages which results in a lack of
employment opportunities for the locals, an increase on imports, and the need of services
from foreign professionals. This is also evident when the developed nations exploit the
resources of the developing nations which actually worsen the living conditions of the latter.

Irridex Model Theory

This theory is in relation with Doxey’s Irritation Index model where the negative social
impacts of tourism is the highest concern. It suggests that the local community’s attitude
towards tourism deteriorates as the negative impacts of tourism become more and more
evident. Another concept related to this theory is social carrying capacity, which is the local
community’s ability to tolerate the social effects of tourist visits within their area.

Lesson 2. Tourism Planning Platforms (Cruz, 2014)

Tourism planning is affected by how tourism is viewed. The tourism planning process
usually begins with identifying some elements like the nature of tourism, the issues involving
tourism and the possible solutions on how these issues should be addressed. Once the
aforementioned elements are identified, a platform can be formed. Platform is described as
a common theme or focus of a specific study which, in this case, is tourism planning. There
are five (5) tourism planning.

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Five (5) Tourism Platform

1. Advocacy Platform
This platform focuses on the positive impact that tourism brings. It is a known fact
that tourism can cause massive improvement within an area such as creating employment,
foreign exchange income, modernization on infrastructure. The tourism policy under this
platform may involve something that mentions tourism as a tool for national development.
The advocacy platform also depicts tourism as a “clean industry,” or something that does not
produce harmful substances that may pollute the environment. Tourism under this platform
is also viewed as a tool for cultural revitalization and something that brings people together
into a mutual understanding. These core beliefs in the advocacy platform emphasize that
tourism should be enthusiastically pursued and prioritized. The effects of using this platform
normally result in mass tourism. Theories that relate to this platform are the modernization
and trickle-down theories.

2. Cautionary Platform
This is the exact opposite of the advocacy platform where tourism is viewed as a bad
thing and focuses on the negative effects of mass tourism. This platform criticizes tourism,
especially mass tourism, as something that creates dependency and leakages that takes the
wealth of an area. This also views tourism as causes of the following:

 Hides the level of poverty in an area (through the development of high-rise hotels,
airports, and shopping centers)
 Low-paying and seasonal jobs
 Loss of cultural traditions
 Exploitation of vulnerable groups of society
 Resentment of local communities on visitors
 Pollution and loss of biodiversity.

These assumptions prompt this platform to avoid pursuance of further tourism development.
This also supports the dependency and irridex model theories.

3. Adaptancy Platform
This platform acknowledges the negative impacts of mass tourism. However, it also
emphasizes that the negative impacts tourism brings can be minimized, if not avoided at all.

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This platform encourages the pursuance of alternative tourism, which is described as a low-
volume and low-impact form of tourism. Alternative tourism is the anti-thesis of mass tourism
that has two (2) sets:

1. Environmentally-oriented tourism – This includes forms of tourism that enhance the

welfare of the environment, such as ecotourism and green tourism.
2. Socially-oriented tourism – This refers to the form of tourism that enhances the
welfare of society, such as community-based tourism, ethnic tourism, and volunteer
tourism.

4. Knowledge-based Platform
This platform has a more holistic approach to its views on tourism. It relies on the
rawest and most rational information over moral opinions of others. This heavily supports the
critical analysis of tourism which does not involve labeling certain forms of tourism as either
good or bad. For example, it may view mass tourism as good when properly managed and
ecotourism as bad when it is mismanaged. The concept of sustainable tourism conforms to
this platform as it involves thorough education and research.

5.Social Justice Platform

Todes (as cited in Cruz, 2014) describes this platform as “something that embraces
participatory processes involving open dialogue, inclusivity, resource distribution, equity,
equality, pro-poor planning, gender sensitivity, and responsiveness to diversity.” It
encourages those involved in the tourism planning process to see themselves as someone
who is a catalyst for positive social change and a protector of the weaker members of society.
The principles under this platform encourage a more community-approach in tourism
planning and development.

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 Assessment Task 1

Instructions:

1. Your task now is to create a possible foundation program or plan for tourism that
is necessary this time of crisis. This program or plan is better for a long-term

program.

2. Kindly discuss the details of your program.

3. This program should focus for the continuous development of tourism even this
time of crisis and if possible even after the crisis of pandemic.

Summary

The right type of tourism plan can be used to invigorate poorly developed tourism
destinations. This is the reason why careful planning is necessary to develop specialized
training facilities for the education and training.

Reference

Cruz, R., 2014). Tourism Planning and Development. Manila: Rex Bookstore, Inc.

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 MODULE 2
TOURISM PLANNING

Introduction

Tourism planning is the process of considering the needs of people planning a trip and
using those factors to determine the best resources, programs and activities for their trip.
Tourism planning is intended for local residents and businesses of the location, as well as
tourists who travel there. Strong foundation may lead to a strong and sustainable program
and development that may last for long period of time.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this module, students should be able to:

1. Exhibit strong foundation in planning for tourism

2. Create plans for tourism that may last for long
3. Assess tourism plans
4. Determine different types of tourism
5. Assess different levels of tourism plan
6. Create plans that may lead to strong foundation of tourism
7. Practice exercises in the process of tourism planning

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Lesson 1. Types of Tourism Planning
(Lansangan-Cruz, 2011)

Type of Tourism Planning

Planning is the process of setting goals, selecting alternative courses of action to

achieve those goals, implementing the chosen alternative, and evaluating the choices to find
out if it is successful. Planning is the key to the success of any activity. Since tourism is a
complex and multi-sectoral activity, a tourism plan is necessary to coordinate the different
sectors to better service the needs of tourism and the general public. Through an integrated
tourism plan, the various direct and indirect economic benefits of tourism can be achieved.
Additionally, a responsible tourism plan is a means to attain environmental conservation
objectives through the development of tourist attractions, facilities, and infrastructures. It is a
means to achieve cultural conservation objectives and produce sociocultural benefits. It is a
means in which the natural and cultural resources for tourism are maintained, not destroyed,
in the development process.
The right type of tourism plan can be used to invigorate poorly developed tourism
destinations. This is the reason why careful planning is necessary to develop specialized
training facilities for the education and training for particular manpower skills and abilities.

Lesson 2. Levels of Tourism Planning (Lansangan-Cruz, 2011)

Regarding International Planning:

The international planning usually takes place through the World Tourism Organization
(WTO) and its regional commissions, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the
International Air Transport Association (IATA), the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA),
the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), the Tourism Council of the South Pacific (TCSP),
the Sub-Committee on Tourism (SCOT), the Tourism Coordination Unit (TCU) of the
Southeast Africa Development Coordination Conference (SADCC), and the Tourism
Committee of the Organization for the Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

Regarding National Planning:

This level involves only domestic or national concerns of the country selected for a
particular program. That needs proper and clear evaluation.
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Regarding Regional Planning:
The regional level of tourism planning is more specific than the national planning
level for it only concentrates on the regional part only.

Regarding Sub-regional Planning:

This level of tourism planning is more specific than the regional level. However, it is
not as detailed as the resort land-use planning.

Lesson 3. Tourism Planning Process (Lansangan-Cruz, 2011)

Regarding acquisition of understanding:

This involves those who are decision makers such as project leaders and local
community representatives. It is important that all has common and clear understanding on
how tourism planning should be done to arrive at a clear and feasible output. Regarding
development of preliminary position statement: In this step, formal statements regarding
restrictions on tourism development is important. The objectives and constraints can be stated
in a general manner but it is important that they are written on paper and made known to all
parties who will be involved.

Regarding creation of commitment for tourism study:

The importance of this commitment is based on the fact that there is a tendency to
shorten and minimize this activity and its importance. Such tendency should be controlled and
suppressed.

Regarding analysis of market and resources:

This step will show the degree to which an area will attract a part of the total number
of tourists travelling within its region and its ability to compete for a share of existing and
projected markets.

Regarding planning a concept:

This step also deals with the selection of areas appropriate for tourism development,
requirements of guest facilities, tourist attractions, land-use policies, architectural themes,

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patterns of tourism movements, investment policies, education and training policies,
government policies, and checklist of necessary legislation. Conceptual planning gives
general estimates of benefits and costs which will be the basis for a major decision on whether
to proceed with the expensive, detailed master plan or to modify, redirect, or cancel it.

Regarding approval of plans:

This is where decision makers may opt to have a new plan when one is not feasible based on
their judgement.

Regarding finalization of plans:

This step involves expenses of time and money which are 5- 10 times more expensive
than the previous steps. The reason for this is because a master plan is more detailed and
frequent changes take place because of the nature of cooperation required between the
private and public sectors.

Regarding finalization of commitment:

In this step, final commitment must be closely coordinated. Failure to secure
commitment within any sector will result in failure . Commitment must be unchangeable to
avoid unfavorable results.

Regarding staging the implementation program:

This is where the management works hand in hand with the local community
representatives to complete the implementation of the activities or the program.

Regarding evaluation and direction:

This step must be carried out to ensure sustainability of implemented activities. It is in
this stage where decision makers addressed issues or concerns related to the implemented
plans to rectify flaws, when necessary.

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Assessment Task 2

Instructions:

1. Written output:
2. Your task now is to create a plan for tourism issues, which is related to

environmental concerns. ( related to plants or animals to be specific ).

3. Use the “Lesson 3: Tourism Planning Process” on answering this task.

Summary

The aim of modern planning is to seek optimal solutions to perceived problems and that it is
designed to increase and, hopefully maximize development benefits, which will produce
predictable outcomes. On a basic level, tourism development can be defined as creating
strategies and plans to increase/develop/encourage tourism for a destination. The
fundamental reason behind planning and implementing strategies for developing the tourism
sector is primarily to make money and to subsequently increase the GDP of a country or
area.

Reference

Lansangan-Cruz, Z. (2011). Tourism planning and development. Manila: National Bookstore

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 MODULE 3
TOURISM PLANNING APPROACHES

Introduction

Approaches of tourism planning at the destination level can be recognized according

to the values that support the planning or policy activities. An approach in which the
environment, whether human kind is in interaction with or not, is preserved without
degradation or changing, where the cultural integrity, ecological process, biological diversity
and life support systems are being maintained and at the same time all resources are being
preserved for long-term purposes. This module will show the kinds of approaches that are
possible needed for each destination depending on their current situation or scenarios.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this module, students should be able to:

1. Apply possible approach needed for a certain tourism plan

2. Exhibit skills in executing approaches for tourism plan
3. Create possible new approaches
4. Develop or modify existing approaches if possible
5. Consider the elements of tourism when planning
6. Discuss the different elements of tourism planning
7. Differentiate the approaches of tourism planning

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Lesson 1. Tourism Planning Approaches (Cruz, 2014)

Majority of tourism destinations started as undiscovered areas where any form of

planning was non-existent. This was simply because the habitants of the area did not see it
as a necessity since the number of visitors were relatively low and there was no demand.
Tourism was not simply the priority during those times, and local governments did not really
allocate funds for tourism development. However, as the tourism industry started to progress
and gain its popularity, different approaches were applied concerning tourism planning and
development in order for destinations to be and remain competitive. The differences between
tourism destinations were also a factor as to why different tourism planning approaches were
developed.

Ad-Hoc Planning

(Ad hoc is a word that originally comes from Latin and means “for this” or "for this situation."
In current American English it is used to describe something that has been formed or used for
a special and immediate purpose, without previous planning. Ad hoc can be used as an
adjective or an adverb).
This tourism planning approach is used only when the need arises, such as
preparation in local festivals or when an important visitor is coming. There is no established
tourism agenda in this approach, and its planning is on a case-by-case basis.

Integrated Tourism Planning

This approach integrates tourism in the overall development of a destination. It
implies that tourism development must be linked to the economic, social, cultural, natural,
and human resources of the destination. Tourism must coexist with the existing economic
activities and values of the local residents.

Boosterist Approach
This approach heavily promotes tourism as an instrument for economic development.
Its main objective is to generate maximum revenues from tourism through mass tourism.
The main functions surrounding this approach are tourism capacity expansion and

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promotional campaigns. The indicators of success by using this approach are increase in
tourist arrivals, room occupancies, and airline bookings.

Product-led Development
This approach suggests that focusing on the development of tourism infrastructure,
facilities, and amenities first will naturally attract tourists. It simply supports the idea of “build
something and the market will automatically take notice of it.”

Spatial Planning Approach

This approach is a type of product-led development approach that focuses on a
destination’s layout and design. It divides tourism into spatial units, or the spaces covered in
tourism planning and where tourism is developed. Spatial units may include gateways or
main access points such as airports, communities, access routes, attraction areas.

According to Gunn and Var (as cited in Cruz, 2014), there are three (3) identified spatial
units in tourism:

 Site scale – This scale refers to the level of tourism planning at an individual
tourism property, such as hotels, resorts, or restaurants.
 Destination scale – This scale refers to the level of tourism planning within a
community and its surrounding areas.
 Regional scale – This scale refers to the level of tourism planning at an entire
province, region, or country.

Another way to identify spatial units according to Japan International Cooperation Agency
and Department of Tourism (JICA-DOT) (as cited in Cruz, 2014) is as follows:

 Tourism Sites – specific areas that tourists visit and experience

 Tourism Development Area – area/s that may contain one (1) or several tourism
sites
 Tourism Development Cluster – area/s that contain a significant number of tourism
sites which can meet long-term development possibilities, such as geographical
features, range of potential tourist attractions, etc.

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 Demand-led Approach
The perspective in this approach is to know the customers and satisfy them with their
demands. This approach bears two (2) importance:
 The need for a market-centered tourism product design; and
 Projecting tourism market demands to serve as a basis for expanding the
destination’s physical capacity.

The tourism planning process must fully understand the characteristics and
requirements of the tourism market. These may include stages in the life cycle, religion,
culture, etc. These characteristics can be used as bases for identifying the available tourist
attractions that can match the requirements of the tourism market.

Bureaucratic-/Government-led Approach

This approach puts the government as the central force in tourism planning and
development. Several types of policy instruments that can be used in this approach are the
following:

 Advocacy – This refers to strategic plans, accreditation schemes, investment

schemes, etc.
 Monetary – This includes travel taxes, terminal fees, income tax, etc.
 Government action – This may include infrastructure development, marketing
promotion, education, etc.
 Laws – This may include regulations for construction projects, foreign

investment regulations,

There are two (2) types of bureaucratic approach:

1.Central planning approach – This approach is where all functions in the tourism planning
process are carried out by national-level departments and agencies. The state makes the
policies an controls everything in the process.
2.Developed planning approach – This is where local government units assume control of
the entire tourism planning process within their respective areas.

Middle Path Approach

This approach is mostly associated with the nation of Bhutan. It is the opposite of the
booster approach as this focuses more on low-volume, high-yield tourism. This also imposes
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strict control on the type and volume of tourists that may enter and minimizes the negative
effects of tourism. In Bhutan, tourist expenditure is higher than usual because this approach
eliminates the entry of budget-type tourists, for they comprise the bulk of the tourism market.
Bhutan believes that these restrictions help in preventing alterations of the Bhutanese
culture.

Environmental Approach
This approach works best in areas that have natural attractions, especially those that
are not beyond the reach of commercial industries or protected by specific types of laws
(protected areas, ancestral lands, etc.). It uses the concept of carrying capacity in the tourism
planning process, which is defined as “the maximum number of people that may visit a tourist
destination at the same time without causing destruction of the physical, economic, and
socio-cultural environment and an unacceptable decrease in the quality of visitors’
satisfaction” (Cruz, 2016).

The most notable dimension of carrying capacity used in the tourism planning process
is the physical carrying capacity, which is the maximum number of people that can fit on a
site at any given time and still enables people to move. Carrying capacities may vary
depending on the area, the type of tourism that is being developed, as well as tourist
attitudes, expectations, and behaviors.

Another useful concept in this approach is the Limits of Acceptable Change (LAC). It
attempts to set limits on the conditions that are ideal for an area, then sets up management
strategies to attain the area’s desired conditions. Compared to carrying capacity, which sets
a ceiling, LAC sets a range for factors such as social, ecological, physical, and economic
that are acceptable. A good example of a successful output from this approach is ecotourism.

Social Approach
This approach heavily emphasizes the important role of stakeholders in the tourism
planning process. Stakeholders should direct the benefits and control over the area’s natural
resources towards the community and other sectors within the locals.

Participatory/Stakeholder Approach
This approach is where relevant stakeholders deliberate and make decisions in the
tourism planning process. It helps promote the sense of ownership among stakeholders.
This enables them to input their ideas from personal experiences and skills that may avoid

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issues affecting the entire tourism planning process. It also avoids the pitfalls that may be
caused by ignorance or inexperience of some stakeholders. The downside of this approach
is that it is vulnerable to arguments. Stakeholders have different agendas and opinions; this
often results in disagreements that slow down, if not entirely halt, the entire tourism planning
process.

Community-based Approach
This approach is community-centric as it emphasizes that local communities should
have full control of a tourism enterprise and that their interest should be placed above the
other stakeholders’. The idea behind this approach is that the local community will always
be committed to developing its own domain regardless if the plan is good or not because
they live there and will likely remain. The concept of this approach is similar to the theory of
social learning and interpersonal interaction. This is when knowledge is brought over the
community by someone and they, in turn, share their personal knowledge and experiences.
Both the local community and the person or entity that bought the knowledge will have a
mutual learning process. The importance and value of the knowledge are recognized by both
the entity and the local community.

Pro-poor Approach
It is defined as “a tourism that generates net benefits for the poor” (Cruz, 2014). This
approach ensures that the poor are prioritized and the benefits of tourism developments are
directed to them. It does not let the trickle-down effect theory happen automatically. The
government or other agencies involved in the process intervene with the channeling of
tourism benefits directly to the poor.

Some of the principles that need to be followed in order for the pro-poor approach to succeed
are as follows:
 Participation by poor people in decisions affecting their livelihood priorities
 A holistic livelihood approach – tourism is seen as part of the livelihood options in

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 activities
 Equity – distribution of benefits and costs
 Flexibility – pace or scale of development may be adjusted depending on the situation
 Commercial realism – pro-poor approach does not need to be small-scale; linking
small tourism businesses with mainstream tourism enterprises will help ensure their
feasibility
 Lessons from poverty analysis, environmental management, good governance, and
small enterprise development should be passed on to build knowledge on this
approach.
an area, a main economic activity, or as a supplement to existing livelihood

Fair Trade Tourism Approach

This approach is a response to the failure of delivering sustainable livelihoods and
development opportunities in developing nations. Its concept is similar to the pro-poor
approach. Fair trade helps with sustainable development by providing better trading
conditions and protecting the rights of small scale businesses.

Sustainable Tourism Approach

Sustainable tourism is defined as “management of all resources in such a way that
economic, social, and aesthetic needs can be fulfilled while maintaining cultural integrity,
essential ecological processes, biological diversity, and life support systems”. This
approach emphasizes that tourism development should not damage or exhaust any of the
finite natural and/or cultural resources of a destination. This is in order for the future
generation to enjoy the same resources that are currently providing different kinds of
experiences. Tourism development under this approach is supported by three (3)
dimensions: environment, economy, and society.

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Lesson 2. Major Elements in Planning a Tourism Destination
(Cruz, 2014)

Regarding the Assessment of Available Resources:

Visitor Attractions
The success of a destination depends not only on its power to
attract but also on its ability to maintain them.

Culture
Destination planning encourages the inclusion of cultural heritage in tourism. For the
reason that, culture is one of the magnetic forces that invites people to the tourism industry.

Manpower
Tourism as an industry is not only people-oriented but also people-dependent. A
pleasant experience for visitors is an important factor for the success of a tourism destination.
It may be necessary to establish hotel and tourism schools and provide scholarships for some
employees to study abroad.

Infrastructure/Superstructure
Infrastructure comes before superstructure. The lack of an adequate infrastructure
often hinders the development and growth of a tourism destination. A country may have
beautiful beaches but these are worthless if they are not connected to major markets by roads
of air facilities. They are also worthless if adequate water, electricity, and sewage facilities are
generally a government responsibility. Developing nations may seek assistance from
international agencies such as the United Nations Development Bank in order to develop their
infrastructure.

Transportation
A study of the present and future transportation needs such as air, highways, rail, and
water is necessary in the movement of passengers and goods.

Support Services
Problems will arise if these services are not available. It is important to plan how these
services can be provided.
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Accommodation
Accommodation facilities are the places where tourists stop being travelers and
become guests. These are also the places where tourists spend most of their time and money.
Thus, planning for accommodation is very important to the success of a tourist destination.

Assessment Task 3

Instructions:

1. Written output: Your task now is to….

2. Conceptualize a plan to develop tourism in your place of residence.
 Description of your place and existing details of it. (add pictures if possible

in your place, and as long as Covid19 protocols can be observed).

 Describe what you envision to the place or envision to your plan.

3. Your output should answer the following guidelines.

 Why/How do you think tourism will benefit your area or place?

 How would you fund the project?
 How would you attract visitors or potential tourist or guests?

 How would you sell this idea for the local community?

 How would other hospitality or recreational industries will support this idea?
 What are the details on how to get there in your area/destination?

4. Make a detailed explanations on answering those guides.

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 Summary

Tourism planning approaches were made to ensure possible positive results concerning
tourism plans, for tourism affects large amount contributions in every nation. Approaches
may vary depending on every current state of plan. These approaches protect the interest
and concerns of every nation as well as its resources, culture and heritage. It is also used to
create more opportunities.

References

Cruz, R. (2014). Tourism Planning and Development. Manila: Rex Bookstore, Inc.

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 MODULE 4
Stages of Destination Development

Introduction

Destination development is the strategic planning and advancement of defined

areas to support the evolution of desirable destinations for travellers, with a sole focus on
the supply side of tourism, by providing compelling experiences, quality infrastructure, and
remarkable services to entice repeat visitation. Considering also the quality of experience
for traveller, visitors, guests or tourists.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this module, students should be able to:

1. Exhibit knowledge in stages of destination development

2. Assess development in destinations
3. Contribute to developments of destinations
4. Create new possible developments in destinations
5. Evaluate stages of destination developments
6. Show knowledge in destination development
7. Consider the quality of experience for travelers as the primary product or
service
8. Create more opportunities from destination developments

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Lesson 1. Regarding Product Life Cycle (Lansangan-Cruz, 2011)

Regarding Product Life Cycle:

Knowledge of the four (4) stages of destination development will help the planner
avoid problems related to mass development and ensure the continuous success of a
tourist destination. Tourism are considered as intangible products considering also the
services it can offer.

Lesson 2. Regarding Inception – Discovery

(Lansangan-Cruz, 2011)

Regarding Inception – Discovery:

During this stage, expatriates’ businesses usually succeed because they offer
services that are more modern, more sanitary, and more reliable than those offered by the
local population. These are the reasons why a greater number of allocentrics (individuals
who are self-confident, curious, adventurous, and outgoing; preference for non-touristy
areas) are encouraged to visit the destination. Also, during this stage, tourists are generally
welcomed by the residents. There is a great amount of interpersonal contact between the
tourists and the residents. The tourist adjust to the local environment and the people. The
people around the community is well benefitted on the program of tourism for tourism
opens wide variety of opportunities that can expand all throughout the continuous
expansion as well of tourism. From it the tourism may change or modify anytime as well
as adding new tourism project or programs.

Lesson 3. Regarding Growth – Local Response and

Initiative (Lansangan-Cruz, 2011)

Regarding Growth – Local Response and Initiative:

In this stage, changes occur such as, motorboats being replaced by manually
propelled boats, increased attention is given to sanitation and visitor comfort, etc. The
increased interaction between tourist and residents result in a desire of residents for better

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education, increased awareness of the outside world, trend toward equality, and a change
of traditional lifestyles. Tourism may affect anyone or anything, for there is always
movement of new persons around ( travelers, visitors, tourists, guests to be specific).
Visitors may enjoy and adjust on the culture or heritage of a certain destination and vice
versa on the local community for the visitors.

Lesson 4. Regarding Maturity/Institutionalization

(Lansangan-Cruz, 2011)

Regarding Maturity/Institutionalization:

During this stage, the local population are economically dependent on individuals
or corporations who do not reside in the area and yet own and control many tourist
services. This is due to a number of hotels, airlines, and other services are associated
with international corporations who make corporate decisions from offices outside the
country. This creates a feeling that outsiders have taken control. Additionally, during this
stage, the diets of the local residents improve because they are exposed to new food.
Also, native crafts are revived since they are in demand. The increased of infrastructures
and continuous flow of industrialization will respond or affect the economic growth of a
certain destination for this may also considered as the maturity of the area.

Assessment Task 4:

Instructions:

1. Discuss your “ Stages of Development” in relation to your “Assessment Task 3”.

2. Your answers should be in an essay form for each of the stages.

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 Summary:

Tourists' expectations when visiting a particular place are related to several

features of the chosen destination which relates to culture, architecture, gastronomy,
infrastructure, landscape, events, shopping, etc. These features attract people to
the destination and contribute to the overall experience of the trip. These are also the
features that really matters the most on a trip, which is the quality of experience. Quality
experience were potentially made because of good and quality services.

Reference

Lansangan-Cruz, Z. (2011). Tourism planning and development. Manila: National

Bookstore