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Future trends

9 December, 2015 - 15:31

Learning objectives

At the end of this chapter the reader will be able to:

  • Determine how changes in the marketplace will affect the shape of tomorrow's tourism.
  • Define and correctly use the following terms: generational influence, baby boomlet, baby boomers, demographic changes, changing consumer tastes, family market, baby bust, World War II babies, leisure time availability, automation.

Introduction

It is forecasted that tourism will be one of the largest "industries" by the year 2000. The World Tourism Organization estimates an annual growth rate of arrivals in cross-border tourism to be between 4.5 per cent and 5.5 per cent for the next 20 years. Various trends in the demand for and the supply of tourism substantiate that optimism. Notwithstanding the barriers to continued travel, tourism will continue to grow. Its growth may, however, be in a form different from that experienced today.