Final word of caution

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While the picture painted above is one of optimism for the future of travel and tourism, some problems should be noted.

In both North America and Europe, the tourism infrastructure is strained and inadequate. In the United States, the quality of the road system is inadequate and a great infusion of money is needed to bring the highways up to par.

Similarly, the United States' airspace is becoming overcrowded. In 1988, restrictions were placed on the number of flights arriving at and departing from Chicago's O'Hare airport. In Europe the air traffic control system is hopelessly outdated. The situated is made worse by the fact that the "system" is, in fact, 42 separate systems. Problems in communication and coordination account for delays of days during the peak holiday season.

Many tourist destinations are slow to face up to the problems of pollution and safety. Raw sewage and improperly disposed of medical supplies have caused the closure of beaches in Europe and the United States.

Crime in the streets has resulted in a fear on the part of many people toward urban destinations.

The future of travel and tourism will depend upon the extent to which decision-makers in both the private and public sectors can take advantage of the opportunities the future will bring while working hard to solve the problems outlined above.

Figure 12.4 Can we preserve the environment for future generations of tourists and locals? 

(Courtesy New Zealand Tourist & Publicity Office.) 

Study questions

Discussion questions