Part I
Tourism is a cultural process that operates through the interaction of the economic, physical or natural, political, cultural and social elements as illustrated in Figure 5. These interactions result in tourism development.
The process of development varies in magnitude, Christchurch’s large scale developments may be compared to Akaroa’s developments being on a relatively small scale.
Figure 5: Model of the Tourism Process (PDF 24 KB)
Examples of interactions between tourism elements
- Favourable exchange rate between the New Zealand dollar (relatively low) and European currencies (relatively high) provides an incentive for European tourists to visit New Zealand.
- New Zealand government’s economic restructuring policies that took place in the 1980’s affected employment and led to alternative forms of development such as tourism to fill the employment gap.
- European tourists attracted by New Zealand’s “clean green” image.
- Government policies create a positive attitude towards tourism and encourage support from local people in Christchurch.
- Christchurch’s unique geographical setting close to the coast and mountains create conditions for ecotourism, leisure and recreation experiences.
- The beaches provide an attraction for domestic tourists, who often crowd the surf and family baches for their summer holidays.
- Waitangi Tribunal decisions created conditions for Maori tourism development.
- Changing social conditions result in an increase in F.I.T’s; Christchurch is therefore at an economic advantage as it is halfway between the ferry terminal in Picton and attractions found in Otago.
- Economic conditions in the 1980s creates unemployment, stimulating further interest in tourism as a means by which to offset impacts of restructuring.
- The Department of Conservation Act requires DoC to conserve natural resources for the purpose of recreation and tourism.
References
Butcher, G., Fairweather, J.R. and Simmons, D.G. (2003). The Economic Impact of Tourism on Christchurch City and Akaroa township. Tourism Recreation Research and Education Centre (TRREC), Lincoln University, Report No. 37.
Shone, M.C., Simmons, D.G. and Fairweather, J.R. (2003). Community Perceptions of Tourism in Christchurch and Akaroa. Tourism Recreation Research and Education Centre (TRREC), Lincoln University, Report No. 34.
Simmons, D.G., Fairweather, J.R. and Shone, M.C. (2003). Tourism in Christchurch and Akaroa: Challenges for planning and Recommendations for management. Tourism Recreation Research and Education Centre (TRREC), Lincoln University, Report No. 39.
Zygadlo, F.K., McIntosh, A., Matunga, H.P., Fairweather, J.R. and Simmons, D.G. (2003). Maori Tourism: Concepts, Characteristics and Definition. Tourism Recreation Research and Education Centre (TRREC), Lincoln University, Report No. 36.
Zygadlo, F.K., McIntosh, A., Matunga, H.P., Fairweather, J.R. and Simmons, D.G. (2003). The Values Associated with Maori-Centred Tourism in Canterbury. Tourism Recreation Research and Education Centre (TRREC), Lincoln University, Report No. 35.
Learning activities
- Complete the Model (Figure 5), by locating the appropriate letter of the Interaction above on the number of the appropriate line on the model.
Part II
The Origin-Destination Model of the Tourism Process
The Origin-Destination Model of the Tourism Process has two major elements: the origin, in this case the United Kingdom; and the destination, Christchurch, New Zealand. At the Origin the visitor profile is characterised by younger people, both male and female. Although the standard of living is high, many young tourists will travel frugally, choosing to stay in backpacker accommodation.
The Visitor profile interacts with the Purpose of the visit, which is often based on the perception of New Zealand as a clean green country as well as information received by word-of-mouth from British tourists who have previously visited Christchurch, and travel books. The Visitor profile and Purpose of the visit elements interact with the Impact on Origin element, with money leaving Britain to pay for travel. The Major Origin element then interacts with the Destination, with a flow of people travelling mostly by airline to Christchurch.
The time of travel is typically during the New Zealand summer (the British winter); this makes up the Seasonality element. This element interacts with the mainly natural attractions of Christchurch and it surrounds, the coastline, mountains and marine mammals. The cultural attractions are mainly represented by the historical aspects of Christchurch tourism. This Attraction element interacts with the impact element producing both positive and negative impacts. The economic impacts of tourism in Christchurch are mainly positive, with approximately 11,000 persons on average over the year 2002 being employed directly in tourism. Some negative impacts may relate to rubbish disposal, stress on infrastructure, congestion and overcrowding.
Source: Adapted from Pearce D. in Dempsey M. and Henderson G, (1990). Tourism as a Cultural Process.
Negative social impacts result from the interaction with the attractions, creating problems of overcrowding, traffic congestion and difficulties residents’ face in going about their normal business during the summer months. The number and quality of attractions and negative impacts may interact with the duration of the tourists’ stay in Christchurch, which is estimated by Lincoln University to be an average of 12.6 days. The tourists may then move on to additional destinations either within New Zealand or overseas. In these instances, Christchurch becomes their origin in relation to their new destination.
Source: After Simmons, D.G. and Fairweather, J.R. (Eds.) (2005).
References
Butcher, G., Fairweather, J.R. and Simmons, D.G. (2003). The Economic Impact of Tourism on Christchurch City and Akaroa Township. Tourism Recreation Research and Education Centre (TRREC), Lincoln University, Report No. 37.
Dempsey, M., Lucas, M., Wright, M. and Henderson, G. (1990). Tourism as a Cultural Process.
Shone, M.C., Simmons, D.G. and Fairweather, J.R. (2003). Community Perceptions of Tourism in Christchurch and Akaroa. Tourism Recreation Research and Education Centre (TRREC), Lincoln University, Report No. 34.
Simmons, D.G. and Fairweather, J. (Eds.) (2005). Understanding the Tourism Host-Guest Encounter in New Zealand: Foundations for Adaptive Planning and Management. Christchurch, New Zealand: EOS Ecology.
Learning activities
- Study the description of the Origin-Destination Model (Figure 6). From the description. Write a label for each of the interactions numbered 1 to 9.
- Complete a written description of the Christchurch Tourism Interactions Model (Figure 7) to describe how the model works. Give specific examples for each element and describe the interactions.
- What important geography ideas are the main ones involved in Figure 6 and Figure 7? Give specific examples of each idea.