Tourism, Tourists, and Transport (Grade 10 NSC Matric Tourism): Revision Notes

Tourism, Tourists, and Transport

Introduction to tourism

What is tourism?

Tourism refers to the study of activities, services, and industries that create travel experiences for people. When we talk about tourism, we're looking at a complete system that includes several important parts working together:

• Tourist profiles – understanding who travels and what they need
• Transport – how people get from place to place
• Hospitality – where people stay and eat
• Support services – things like tour guides, travel agents, and information centres
• Attractions – the places and experiences that draw visitors

Inbound and outbound tourism

Understanding the direction of tourist movement is essential in tourism studies:

Inbound tourism occurs when visitors travel into a country from another nation. For example, if a tourist from Germany visits South Africa, they are an inbound tourist to South Africa. These tourists bring foreign currency into the country and help create jobs.

Outbound tourism happens when residents leave their home country to visit another nation. When a South African travels to Kenya for a safari, they become an outbound tourist from South Africa. This type of tourism means money flows out of the home country.

Types of destinations

Tourists can travel to different types of destinations depending on how far they want to go:

Domestic tourism means travelling within your own country's borders. A family from Johannesburg visiting the Kruger National Park is engaging in domestic tourism. This type of tourism doesn't require passports and helps circulate money within the national economy.

Regional tourism involves travelling within a specific geographical area that might cross country borders. For example, visiting several Southern African countries like Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Namibia would be regional tourism. These regions often share cultural or geographical features.

International tourism refers to crossing international borders and entering a completely different country, usually requiring passport control. When South Africans visit Europe, Asia, or the Americas, they become international tourists. This type requires more planning, documentation, and usually costs more.

Why do people travel?

Understanding tourist motivation is crucial for anyone working in tourism. People travel for many different reasons based on their needs and desires.

First, everyone must satisfy their basic needs such as:

• Air, food, and drink
• Shelter and warmth
• Sleep and rest
• Protection and security
• Order and law
• Limits and stability
• Family connections
• Affection and relationships
• Work and employment

Once these fundamental needs are met, people seek to fulfil higher-level needs and wants, including:

• Achievement and success
• Status and recognition
• Responsibility and purpose
• Reputation and respect
• Personal growth and development
• Fulfilment and self-actualisation

Tourism provides opportunities to satisfy many of these higher-level needs. A holiday can offer relaxation, adventure, learning experiences, status (luxury travel), and personal growth through exposure to new cultures and experiences.

What is a tourist?

It's important to distinguish between different types of travellers:

A tourist is someone who travels away from their home for more than one day (overnight) but for less than one year. They typically stay in accommodation at their destination and engage in various activities.

An excursionist is different – this person arrives at a destination and leaves on the same day without staying overnight. Day-trippers to a beach or theme park are excursionists, not tourists.

Types of tourists and tourist profiles

Types of tourists

The tourism industry recognises many different tourist categories based on their travel purposes and preferences:

Business and professional tourists travel for work-related reasons such as meetings, conferences, trade shows, or site visits. They often have specific schedules and accommodation requirements.

Leisure and holiday tourists travel purely for rest, relaxation, and enjoyment. This is the largest tourism category and includes beach holidays, sightseeing trips, and entertainment-focused travel.

VFR (Visiting Friends and Relatives) tourists travel to spend time with family members or friends in other locations. This category is particularly significant in countries with large diaspora populations.

Youth travel includes backpackers and gap year travellers, typically younger people travelling on limited budgets who prefer hostels, camping, and public transport. They often travel for extended periods.

Adventure tourists seek exciting, challenging, or physically demanding experiences such as hiking, rock climbing, white-water rafting, or safari expeditions.

Eco-tourism or environmental tourists focus on nature-based experiences and often have strong environmental values. They prefer sustainable tourism options that minimise environmental impact.

Cultural tourists travel to experience different cultures, visit museums, attend festivals, explore historical sites, and learn about local traditions and lifestyles.

Religious tourists make pilgrimages to holy sites or travel to participate in religious festivals and ceremonies.

Sport and recreation tourists travel to participate in or watch sporting events, from marathons to international competitions like the Cricket World Cup.

Special Interest Tourists (SIT) have specific hobbies or interests that motivate their travel, such as birdwatching, photography, archaeology, or wine tasting.

Incentive tourists travel as a reward, often provided by employers for meeting sales targets or achieving business goals. These trips are usually fully paid.

Health tourists travel to access medical treatments, wellness therapies, spa experiences, or health facilities that may not be available or affordable in their home country.

Drawing up a tourist profile

A tourist profile is a detailed summary that helps tourism businesses understand what specific tourists want and expect from their travel experience. Creating accurate profiles allows hotels, tour operators, and attractions to tailor their services appropriately.

A comprehensive tourist profile includes:

• Name – identifies the individual traveller
• Nationality – important for visa requirements, language preferences, and cultural expectations
• Age – helps determine appropriate activities and accommodation styles
• Contact details – essential for communication and emergency situations
• Occupation – can indicate budget levels and time availability
• Needs and preferences – specific interests like sports, education, culture, adventure, or relaxation
• Specific requirements – details about accommodation type, food preferences (vegetarian, halal, kosher), and transport needs
• Arrival and departure dates – critical for planning and booking purposes

Tourist profiles help businesses provide better, more personalised service and create marketing materials that appeal to specific target markets.

Different modes of transport

Transport is a vital component of tourism because it enables tourists to reach their destinations and move between attractions. Understanding different transport options helps you advise tourists effectively.

Travelling by road

Road transport offers flexibility and accessibility to many destinations.

Cars

Private cars provide convenient and flexible travel options:

• Sedan cars are used for private travel on paved roads and are comfortable for families or small groups
• 4x4 vehicles are specifically designed for off-road travel and are essential for reaching remote safari lodges or mountainous areas
• Cars can tow trailers or caravans, allowing tourists to bring accommodation with them
• Hired cars are popular for tourists who want independence to explore at their own pace without committing to vehicle ownership

Buses and coaches

Buses provide an economical option for group travel:

• They operate on set timetables and fixed routes, making them reliable but less flexible than private cars
• Tour groups often use chartered buses that provide dedicated transport for their itinerary
• Greyhound and Intercape are well-known coach companies in South Africa offering long-distance travel between major cities
• The Baz Bus specifically caters to backpackers, stopping at youth hostels along popular routes
• Shuttle buses provide convenient transfers to and from airports, harbours, and terminals, often included in package deals

Taxis

Taxis offer door-to-door service:

• Metered taxis charge rates based on the distance travelled, with fares calculated by a meter in the vehicle
• Mini buses (taxi vans) operate more flexibly without fixed timetables, picking up and dropping off passengers at various points along their routes. However, they can be unpredictable in terms of timing and safety standards.

Motorbikes or motor cycles

Motorbikes appeal to specific tourist markets:

• They can be hired for self-drive trips, offering an exciting and adventurous way to explore
• Popular with tourists who enjoy the freedom of the open road and scenic routes

Travelling by air

Air transport is the fastest way to cover long distances, making it essential for international tourism.

Aeroplanes

Commercial aeroplanes are the primary mode for long-distance travel:

• They are fast and expensive compared to other transport modes, but time savings often justify the cost
• Aeroplanes connect major centres with regular scheduled flights
• Business executives and wealthy tourists sometimes charter smaller private aircraft for convenience, flexibility, and privacy
• Helicopters can take off and land in small airfields or even hotel grounds, making them popular for viewing attractions from the air, such as Table Mountain or Victoria Falls. However, they are expensive to operate
• Microlights are small, lightweight aircraft that carry only one or two people. They appeal particularly to adventure tourists seeking a unique flying experience

Travelling by rail

Rail travel offers a comfortable, scenic alternative to road transport.

Railway networks connect major centres, and train travel provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy the scenery while relaxing. Rail is particularly suited to tourists who have time to spare and appreciate a slower, more contemplative journey.

Train services in South Africa

South Africa offers several distinctive rail services:

Shosholoza Meyl provides affordable city-to-city travel on established routes, serving as a basic long-distance passenger service.

Metrorail operates as a commuter service in major urban areas, primarily serving local workers rather than tourists, though tourists might use it for short trips within cities.

The Gautrain is a modern rapid transit system that connects OR Tambo International Airport with Johannesburg and Pretoria. It's a bullet train (high-speed rail) offering a fast, reliable option for business travellers and tourists.

The Blue Train is a world-renowned luxury train service that operates weekly on the Cape Town-Pretoria route. It offers five-star accommodation, gourmet meals, and exceptional service, making the journey itself a destination.

Rovos Rail is a privately operated luxury service that runs routes within South Africa and to neighbouring countries. It recreates the golden age of rail travel with beautifully restored vintage carriages, fine dining, and attentive service.

Trams once ran on tracks laid in city streets, but in South Africa, they have largely been replaced by bus systems. However, Kimberley maintains a tourist tram that takes visitors to the Big Hole, an important historical mining site.

Travelling by water

Water transport serves both functional and leisure purposes in tourism.

Luxury cruise liners

Large cruise ships offer complete holiday experiences:

• Tourists can embark and disembark at South African ports like Cape Town and Durban
• Cruise ships include accommodation, meals, entertainment, and sometimes shore excursions in their packages
• They visit multiple destinations on a single trip

Boats

Smaller watercraft serve various tourism purposes:

• Boats are popular for harbour cruises, allowing tourists to see coastal cities from the water
• They're essential for fishing trips, whether deep-sea fishing or river fishing
• Whale watching tours rely on boats to get close to marine life safely
• Yachts provide exclusive private cruising experiences for wealthy tourists who value privacy and luxury

Extraordinary modes of transport

Some destinations offer unique transport experiences that become attractions in themselves:

• Camels provide authentic transport in desert areas and cultural experiences
• Donkey carts offer rustic, traditional transport in rural areas
• Hot air balloons provide spectacular aerial views and are popular for scenic flights over wine lands, game reserves, or dramatic landscapes
• Bicycles enable eco-friendly exploration and are increasingly popular for cycle tours

Mode of transport to suit the purpose of a trip

Choosing the right transport depends on multiple factors that vary by trip:

Transport available – Some destinations have limited options, so tourists must use whatever is accessible.

Cost – Budget significantly influences transport choice, with air travel generally most expensive and buses most economical.

Safety – Some tourists prioritise safety over cost or convenience, avoiding transport modes with poor safety records.

Reliability – Tourists need to reach destinations on time, particularly for connecting flights or scheduled activities.

Flexibility of the schedule – Some tourists want the freedom to change plans, making private cars more suitable than scheduled transport.

Number of people – Group size affects transport choice, with larger groups benefiting from bus hire while individuals might prefer cars or flights.

Distance and time – Longer distances often necessitate air travel to maximise holiday time.

Personal preferences – Individual comfort levels, interests, and previous experiences shape transport decisions.

Accessibility – Tourists with disabilities or mobility issues need appropriate transport options.

Level of comfort required – Some tourists prioritise luxury and comfort, while others accept basic transport to save money.

Advantages and disadvantages of different modes of transport

Every transport mode has strengths and weaknesses that make it suitable for different situations. Understanding these helps match transport to tourist needs.

Mode	Advantages	Disadvantages
Road: Car	Convenient, quick, and comfortable; cost effective when shared by multiple passengers; flexible because the driver controls arrival and departure times and can make stops along the way; you can reach your exact destination; using the vehicle at the destination eliminates further transport costs.	Long journeys can be tiring and may lead to driver fatigue and accidents; low carrying capacity limits luggage and passengers; toll fees on national roads increase costs; road works and congestion cause delays and increase travel time; high cost of purchasing and maintaining vehicles.
Road: Bus or coach	Relatively cheap; high carrying capacity allows many passengers to travel together; relaxing because passengers don't have to drive; adjustable seats and air-conditioning add comfort; all major towns and cities have bus access.	Operate according to fixed schedules and routes, providing no flexibility; passengers must make their own way to and from the departure and arrival points; congestion and road works cause delays.
Road: Minibus taxi	Cater for commuters and long distance (inter-city) travellers; relatively inexpensive; passengers can be dropped off at their destination; routes include areas not covered by other public transport; routes are fairly regulated but not scheduled, providing some flexibility.	Drivers wait until the vehicle is full before departing, causing delays; drivers tend to overload vehicles, causing discomfort to passengers and often resulting in accidents; potential poor maintenance increases accident risk; regular strike action disrupts the service.
Air: Aeroplane	Fastest mode of transport; safe and reliable; high carrying capacity allows many passengers and luggage; cabin crew look after passengers and serve refreshments; flights connect all main centres and several smaller towns.	Routes and timetables are not flexible and scheduled; restrictions on number and weight of luggage items; airports are usually situated outside city limits, requiring additional transport to/from airport; restricted seating space may cause discomfort; international passengers crossing time zones may experience jet lag.
Rail: Train	Relatively inexpensive and fast; stations are usually situated in town and city centres; energy efficient; relaxing travel experience.	Scheduled routes and timetables mean rail travel is relatively inflexible; commuter trains are often overcrowded in peak periods, which may cause discomfort.
Water: Cruise liner	Reliable and relaxing; energy efficient; safest mode of transport; generous luggage allowance; relatively high fare includes accommodation, meals, use of all facilities and entertainment.	Time consuming journey, so only suited to passengers who have time to spend travelling; passengers may experience sea-sickness; to the fare must be added the cost of a second mode of transport to/from point of embarkation and disembarkation.