Legislation
The UK government has always recognised the importance of tourism to the economy and has introduced new policies and laws over the years.
Development of Tourism Act 1969
The Development of Tourism Act established a British Tourist Authority and tourist boards for England, Scotland and Wales. The British Tourist Authority and the English Tourism Council have now been merged to form Visit Britain. The acts aim was to co-ordinate all the organisations that make up the tourism sector.
Since this act was passed the responsibility for tourism funding and development in Scotland and wales has been devolved to the Scottish Parliament and the Welsh Assembly. Also Visit Scotland and Visit Wales have been given the power to market overseas independently of Visit Britain. This has caused a lack of clarity in the role of Visit Britain, as its role is to market Scotland and wales as well as England.
Transport Acts 1980 and 1985
The 1980 Transport Act ended licensing regulations affecting express coach routes and tours of over 30 miles. It led to competition between National Bus and private companies. The 1985 Transport Act bought about wholesale deregulation. This meant private companies could operate on any route.
Air passenger duty
In 1996, air passenger duty was reduced on economy flights, removing a barrier to the growth of inbound tourism. However, in 2006 it was greatly increased. Further increases have been planned from November 2010 causing controversy in the industry.
Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations
Since 1992 all UK tour operators offering package holidays have been subject to the Package Travel Regulations. The regulations set out the tour operators responsibilities to their customers and what those customers can do if the regulations are breached.
The UK government has always recognised the importance of tourism to the economy and has introduced new policies and laws over the years.
Development of Tourism Act 1969
The Development of Tourism Act established a British Tourist Authority and tourist boards for England, Scotland and Wales. The British Tourist Authority and the English Tourism Council have now been merged to form Visit Britain. The acts aim was to co-ordinate all the organisations that make up the tourism sector.
Since this act was passed the responsibility for tourism funding and development in Scotland and wales has been devolved to the Scottish Parliament and the Welsh Assembly. Also Visit Scotland and Visit Wales have been given the power to market overseas independently of Visit Britain. This has caused a lack of clarity in the role of Visit Britain, as its role is to market Scotland and wales as well as England.
Transport Acts 1980 and 1985
The 1980 Transport Act ended licensing regulations affecting express coach routes and tours of over 30 miles. It led to competition between National Bus and private companies. The 1985 Transport Act bought about wholesale deregulation. This meant private companies could operate on any route.
Air passenger duty
In 1996, air passenger duty was reduced on economy flights, removing a barrier to the growth of inbound tourism. However, in 2006 it was greatly increased. Further increases have been planned from November 2010 causing controversy in the industry.
Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations
Since 1992 all UK tour operators offering package holidays have been subject to the Package Travel Regulations. The regulations set out the tour operators responsibilities to their customers and what those customers can do if the regulations are breached.
Product Development
Holiday Camps
Between 1945 and 1960, holiday camps were at their peak, catering for about 60 per cent of the holiday market. Warners, Butlins and Pontin's were important were important names in market. The holiday camp went into decline in the 1970s as demand for sunshine and package holidays abroad grew. Now there are holiday parks such as Center Parcs. Its first village in the UK was opened in 1987 at Sherwood Forest. It offers short break holidays, with mid-week or weekend breaks all year round, and longer stays if desired. Butlins still exists and is owned by the Bourne Leisure Group.
Holiday Camps
Between 1945 and 1960, holiday camps were at their peak, catering for about 60 per cent of the holiday market. Warners, Butlins and Pontin's were important were important names in market. The holiday camp went into decline in the 1970s as demand for sunshine and package holidays abroad grew. Now there are holiday parks such as Center Parcs. Its first village in the UK was opened in 1987 at Sherwood Forest. It offers short break holidays, with mid-week or weekend breaks all year round, and longer stays if desired. Butlins still exists and is owned by the Bourne Leisure Group.
Package Holidays
Thomas Cook is credited with being the first person to organise a package holiday, in 1841. That was a trip from Leicester to Loughborough by train. The first package was in 1949 and was organised by Vladimir Raitz. He took 32 passengers to Corsica on a DC3 aeroplane. He charged them £32.50. The package included accommodation in tents, return flights, transfers and full board. He established Horizon Holidays in the same year, and by the end of the 1950's the company had grown to be one of the UK's major tour operators.
Other companies followed Horizons example and package tours grew in popularity. The major growth came in the 1970s, as people became more prosperous and keen to see new places. Most of the package holidays were to Spain and its islands, where hotels were built rapidly to fulfil the demand from British and German tourists. Currency restrictions were lifted in the 1970s. Before this, tourists were allowed to take only £50 in sterling out of the country. This led to an increase in the appeal of the package holiday as tourists could take more spending money with them.
Thomas Cook is credited with being the first person to organise a package holiday, in 1841. That was a trip from Leicester to Loughborough by train. The first package was in 1949 and was organised by Vladimir Raitz. He took 32 passengers to Corsica on a DC3 aeroplane. He charged them £32.50. The package included accommodation in tents, return flights, transfers and full board. He established Horizon Holidays in the same year, and by the end of the 1950's the company had grown to be one of the UK's major tour operators.
Other companies followed Horizons example and package tours grew in popularity. The major growth came in the 1970s, as people became more prosperous and keen to see new places. Most of the package holidays were to Spain and its islands, where hotels were built rapidly to fulfil the demand from British and German tourists. Currency restrictions were lifted in the 1970s. Before this, tourists were allowed to take only £50 in sterling out of the country. This led to an increase in the appeal of the package holiday as tourists could take more spending money with them.
Destination Development
As the world realises the economic benefits tourism, more and more governments plough money into attracting tourists from overseas. Dubai has constructed hotels, residential developments and shopping centres to attract tourists and added the infrastructure and transport links to bring the tourists in. There are a few places in the world where tourists have yet to venture.
Technological Development
Reservations and bookings
One of the areas of greatest impact through new technology has been in the way bookings are made. As demand for travel grew in the 1950s onwards, reservation departments were introduced. With the advent of computers, tour operators and airlines developed their own systems. Eventually these systems were linked to travel agencies via terminals and travel agents could make bookings in their offices. These are known as Viewdata systems. Thomson decided to accept bookings through Viewdata, which meant that the system was essential for any travel agent. Todays standards Viewdata is unsophisticated technology although it is still used. Meanwhile, airlines developed Computer Reservation Systems(CRS). Airlines started to use computers in the 1950s to store huge amount of information they needed to access. The CRS was used internally by airlines and agents would use it to look up flight times and details, then telephone the airline to make a booking. Today travel agencies have direct access to the CRS system.
The internet has grown rapidly as a means of booking holidays and flights. With increased confidence and access to information, travellers happily book all aspects of their holiday on line and effect make own packages.
Self check-in at airports
Where this service is available, passengers can save time by checking in at a kiosk where they can choose their seat and print their own boarding pass. From there they can go to a fats bag drop and leave their hold baggage. Passengers without baggage can go straight to the boarding gate.
As the world realises the economic benefits tourism, more and more governments plough money into attracting tourists from overseas. Dubai has constructed hotels, residential developments and shopping centres to attract tourists and added the infrastructure and transport links to bring the tourists in. There are a few places in the world where tourists have yet to venture.
Technological Development
Reservations and bookings
One of the areas of greatest impact through new technology has been in the way bookings are made. As demand for travel grew in the 1950s onwards, reservation departments were introduced. With the advent of computers, tour operators and airlines developed their own systems. Eventually these systems were linked to travel agencies via terminals and travel agents could make bookings in their offices. These are known as Viewdata systems. Thomson decided to accept bookings through Viewdata, which meant that the system was essential for any travel agent. Todays standards Viewdata is unsophisticated technology although it is still used. Meanwhile, airlines developed Computer Reservation Systems(CRS). Airlines started to use computers in the 1950s to store huge amount of information they needed to access. The CRS was used internally by airlines and agents would use it to look up flight times and details, then telephone the airline to make a booking. Today travel agencies have direct access to the CRS system.
The internet has grown rapidly as a means of booking holidays and flights. With increased confidence and access to information, travellers happily book all aspects of their holiday on line and effect make own packages.
Self check-in at airports
Where this service is available, passengers can save time by checking in at a kiosk where they can choose their seat and print their own boarding pass. From there they can go to a fats bag drop and leave their hold baggage. Passengers without baggage can go straight to the boarding gate.
On-line check-in for airlines
Using this system, passengers can check in without even being at the airport. From home or the office they can go online and follow instructions to check in, choosing their seats and printing their boarding passes. Online check-in desks and subsequently the use of ground staff.
Transport Development -air
The aviation industry in travel and tourism includes airlines and airports. The sector is heavily dependent on aviation for transporting passengers to their destinations.
IN 1854 Boeing introduced its new passenger jet aircraft, the Boeing 707. It began commercial service in 1963 and has been one of the most successful series of passenger jetliners of the past 50 years. In 1969 Boeing produced the 747 jumbo jet. This aircraft had the following impact on the package holiday market:
Introduction and growth of low-cost airlines
Deregulation of air travel in Europe led to the development of low-cost airlines. The European Union(EU) started the liberalisation process in 1987, when cost-related fares and certain types of discount fares were first allowed. The final stage of deregulation came in 1993.
Deregulation meant that EU airlines could establish themselves in any EU member state and obtain an operating licence. All routes within the EU are available to all EU carriers. An airline such as Ryanair can have a base in Frankfurt Hahn and fly to, and from, countries all over the EU. In 1995, easyjet launched a low-cost airline offering two routes from Luton to Glasgow and Edinburgh. Now there are many low-cost airlines flying travellers all over Europe.
Low-cost airlines have encouraged people to travel more and gained new travellers when people who were not used to travelling abroad were attracted by the low prices. Many of the low-cost airlines operate from regional airports, so travel is even more convenient.
Using this system, passengers can check in without even being at the airport. From home or the office they can go online and follow instructions to check in, choosing their seats and printing their boarding passes. Online check-in desks and subsequently the use of ground staff.
Transport Development -air
The aviation industry in travel and tourism includes airlines and airports. The sector is heavily dependent on aviation for transporting passengers to their destinations.
IN 1854 Boeing introduced its new passenger jet aircraft, the Boeing 707. It began commercial service in 1963 and has been one of the most successful series of passenger jetliners of the past 50 years. In 1969 Boeing produced the 747 jumbo jet. This aircraft had the following impact on the package holiday market:
- it became possible to fly further in less time, making long-haul destinations more accessible
- increased capacity on the jet led to a decrease in the price per seat, bringing the price of holidays down
- as jumbo jets were used more, smaller aircraft were available for charter operations.
Introduction and growth of low-cost airlines
Deregulation of air travel in Europe led to the development of low-cost airlines. The European Union(EU) started the liberalisation process in 1987, when cost-related fares and certain types of discount fares were first allowed. The final stage of deregulation came in 1993.
Deregulation meant that EU airlines could establish themselves in any EU member state and obtain an operating licence. All routes within the EU are available to all EU carriers. An airline such as Ryanair can have a base in Frankfurt Hahn and fly to, and from, countries all over the EU. In 1995, easyjet launched a low-cost airline offering two routes from Luton to Glasgow and Edinburgh. Now there are many low-cost airlines flying travellers all over Europe.
Low-cost airlines have encouraged people to travel more and gained new travellers when people who were not used to travelling abroad were attracted by the low prices. Many of the low-cost airlines operate from regional airports, so travel is even more convenient.
Transport Development-sea
The traditional route across the Channel to the neighbouring countries is by ferry. There are still regular services all round the British Isles. Other speedier forms of ferry were introduced in the 1960s, for example the hovercraft. However, the only hovercraft now operating is between the mainland and the Isle of Wright.
Channel Tunnel
For many years a tunnel between France and England was just an idea. In 1986, Foreign Affairs ministers of both countries signed the Franco-British Treaty in Canterbury. In 1987, paving the way for the Channel Tunnel to become a reality. The tunnel would allow the British to leave their island without flying, and without risking seasickness, and encourage the continental neighbours to visit the UK.
Work on the tunnel began in the UK in 1987. The tunnel opened in 1994. Its original budget was £4.8 billion, but its final cost exceeded £10 billion.
The traditional route across the Channel to the neighbouring countries is by ferry. There are still regular services all round the British Isles. Other speedier forms of ferry were introduced in the 1960s, for example the hovercraft. However, the only hovercraft now operating is between the mainland and the Isle of Wright.
Channel Tunnel
For many years a tunnel between France and England was just an idea. In 1986, Foreign Affairs ministers of both countries signed the Franco-British Treaty in Canterbury. In 1987, paving the way for the Channel Tunnel to become a reality. The tunnel would allow the British to leave their island without flying, and without risking seasickness, and encourage the continental neighbours to visit the UK.
Work on the tunnel began in the UK in 1987. The tunnel opened in 1994. Its original budget was £4.8 billion, but its final cost exceeded £10 billion.
Transport Development-rail
Successive governments have cut rail services and closed railway stations since the 1960s. People had more cars and preferred to travel on an increasing road network than by train. However, the position is changing again with a great deal of investment in rail networks and new technology.
High-speed trains
New track has reduced the journey time of the UK from London by almost half. A proposal has been made by Network Rail for a high speed railway line linking Scotland and London. This would provide competition for airlines working routes between London and Scotland. It is estimated that the journey would take only two hours and sixteen minutes. For the future, in order to compete with low-cost airlines, international train services in Europe will need to be overhauled. The European Commission wishes to open up competition in cross-border passenger rail-links, including high speed links like Eurostar, to increase price competition between rival operators.
Successive governments have cut rail services and closed railway stations since the 1960s. People had more cars and preferred to travel on an increasing road network than by train. However, the position is changing again with a great deal of investment in rail networks and new technology.
High-speed trains
New track has reduced the journey time of the UK from London by almost half. A proposal has been made by Network Rail for a high speed railway line linking Scotland and London. This would provide competition for airlines working routes between London and Scotland. It is estimated that the journey would take only two hours and sixteen minutes. For the future, in order to compete with low-cost airlines, international train services in Europe will need to be overhauled. The European Commission wishes to open up competition in cross-border passenger rail-links, including high speed links like Eurostar, to increase price competition between rival operators.
Lifestyle Changes
Holiday Patterns
There has been immense growth in the short break market, both within the UK and with people travelling abroad. People take more holidays than ever before. Cities are very popular destinations, especially London, New York and Amsterdam.
Holiday Patterns
There has been immense growth in the short break market, both within the UK and with people travelling abroad. People take more holidays than ever before. Cities are very popular destinations, especially London, New York and Amsterdam.
Increased income and expectations
We are wealthier as a nation and have higher expectations than in the past. Most people have been abroad and most expect to take at least one holiday a year.
Improved education
The level of education achieved by people from all sectors of society has improved since the 1960s. The more educated, the more people are aware of the world and its possibilities. People are more curious about different cultures and languages and keen to experience them. As we live in a multicultural society we are more familiar with different religions, foods and cultures and less anxious about the unfamiliarity involved in travelling to new places.
Age
One of the most important markets in travel and tourism is the grey market. Older people these days are usually in good health due to the success of the National Health Service and the availability of good food. Contributing to private pension schemes over their working years has led to a good income in retirement for many people. It has become common for people to retire earlier, even in their 50s, and take advantage of good pension arrangements.
Saga is the most famous tour operator catering for older people, but many tour operators are aware of and market to this group.
We are wealthier as a nation and have higher expectations than in the past. Most people have been abroad and most expect to take at least one holiday a year.
Improved education
The level of education achieved by people from all sectors of society has improved since the 1960s. The more educated, the more people are aware of the world and its possibilities. People are more curious about different cultures and languages and keen to experience them. As we live in a multicultural society we are more familiar with different religions, foods and cultures and less anxious about the unfamiliarity involved in travelling to new places.
Age
One of the most important markets in travel and tourism is the grey market. Older people these days are usually in good health due to the success of the National Health Service and the availability of good food. Contributing to private pension schemes over their working years has led to a good income in retirement for many people. It has become common for people to retire earlier, even in their 50s, and take advantage of good pension arrangements.
Saga is the most famous tour operator catering for older people, but many tour operators are aware of and market to this group.