Tourism and Entertainment
SRI LANKA ECONOMIC ASSOCIATION (SLEA)
ANNUAL SESSIONS th 19 – 20th October, 2012
Export Growth for Sustained Development
TECHNICAL SESSION IV: SECTORAL DEVELOPMENT 2: Services
Tourism and Entertainment
Srilal Miththapala BSc (Eng) ;CEng; FIEE; FIH;
Project Director, E U Switch Asia Programme Greening Sri Lanka Hotels Project,
Past President of the Tourist Hotels Association of Sri Lanka
World Tourism
Tourism is referred to by many as the world 's largest and fastest growing industry. It accounts for over 9% of global GDP, and in spite of several external setbacks, still continues to grow at 4-5% annually. International tourist numbers are expected to reach the 1 billion mark this year, which means about 1/6 of the world’s population, would be travelling to visit other countries. Earnings from tourism will in the meantime reach USD 1 trillion this year, and will form the main source of foreign exchange of some 37 developing countries. It is estimated that employment in tourism
(both direct and indirect) will account for 260 million jobs worldwide (WTTC,2012). This translates to the fact that the tourism industry will employ close upon 1 in every 12 working people in the world. Hence it is obvious that tourism plays a major role in the world economic activity. Tourism takes place practically everywhere, in the context of great inequality, both where there is wealth and poverty (Rao cited in Gonsalves, 1996).
Impact of Tourism
The impact of tourism is seen in different perspectives by different stakeholders. Economists generally see tourism as route to macro-economic growth, and particularly a means of generating foreign exchange. For the private sector, tourism is a commercial activity, so the main concerns are product development, competitiveness and commercial returns. Many conservationists now see tourism as a form of sustainable use of wild resources, and hence as a way to enhance incentives for conservation. For rural people,
ANNUAL SESSIONS th 19 – 20th October, 2012
Export Growth for Sustained Development
TECHNICAL SESSION IV: SECTORAL DEVELOPMENT 2: Services
Tourism and Entertainment
Srilal Miththapala BSc (Eng) ;CEng; FIEE; FIH;
Project Director, E U Switch Asia Programme Greening Sri Lanka Hotels Project,
Past President of the Tourist Hotels Association of Sri Lanka
World Tourism
Tourism is referred to by many as the world 's largest and fastest growing industry. It accounts for over 9% of global GDP, and in spite of several external setbacks, still continues to grow at 4-5% annually. International tourist numbers are expected to reach the 1 billion mark this year, which means about 1/6 of the world’s population, would be travelling to visit other countries. Earnings from tourism will in the meantime reach USD 1 trillion this year, and will form the main source of foreign exchange of some 37 developing countries. It is estimated that employment in tourism
(both direct and indirect) will account for 260 million jobs worldwide (WTTC,2012). This translates to the fact that the tourism industry will employ close upon 1 in every 12 working people in the world. Hence it is obvious that tourism plays a major role in the world economic activity. Tourism takes place practically everywhere, in the context of great inequality, both where there is wealth and poverty (Rao cited in Gonsalves, 1996).
Impact of Tourism
The impact of tourism is seen in different perspectives by different stakeholders. Economists generally see tourism as route to macro-economic growth, and particularly a means of generating foreign exchange. For the private sector, tourism is a commercial activity, so the main concerns are product development, competitiveness and commercial returns. Many conservationists now see tourism as a form of sustainable use of wild resources, and hence as a way to enhance incentives for conservation. For rural people,
References: 1. Gonsalves, P. (1993) ‘Divergent views: convergent paths: towards a Third World critique of tourism’, Contours, vol.6, no 2. World Travel and Tourism Council (2012). Travel &Tourism, Economic Impact, 2012, World 3. Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (1996).The Economic Impact of Tourism in the Asian Region 4. Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, Research & International Relations Division (2011) 5. United States Agency for International Development (2005).USAID and Sustainable Tourism: Meeting Development Objectives 6. World Tourism Organization (2002). The Economic Impact of Tourism in the Islands of Asia and the Pacific 7. Edgell, D.L (2006). Managing Sustainable Tourism: A legacy for the Future. Haworth: New York 8. Central Bank of Sri Lanka (2011). Annual Report, 2011.CBSL: Colombo 9 11. Holt. D.B (2002) ‘Theory of Consumer Culture and Branding’ Journal of Consumer Research, vol 21, June 2002 12. Neto, F (2003). ‘A new approach to sustainable tourism: Moving beyond environmental protection’ Natural Resources Forum, vol 13. Kelly, J, Haider, W & Williams, P. W (2007) ‘A behavioral assessment of tourism transportation options for reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gases’ Journal 15. Eden, C. (1990) Gordon River Reprieve. Australian Ranger Bulletin, vol. 5 no.1, pp.11-12. 16. Cohen, E. (1972) Towards a Sociology of International Tourism. Social Research vol.39, pp.29-41