Technical Tourism

The Hon. I. M. MACDONALD: My question without notice is to the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Vice-President of the Executive Council. Will the Treasurer provide details on the development of technical tourism in northern New South Wales?

The Hon. M. R. EGAN: I appreciate this question from my colleague the Hon. I. M. Macdonald who, in addition to being Parliamentary Secretary to the Special Minister of State, and Assistant Treasurer, is also the secretary of Country Labor. I congratulate him on being elected secretary. On Monday and Tuesday of this week four seminars were held in northern New South Wales to demonstrate the benefits of opening the family farm to tourists.

The Hon. Dr B. P. V. Pezzutti: I wasn’t invited.

The Hon. M. R. EGAN: No, because the Hon. Dr B. P. V. Pezzutti was here. The seminars in Grafton, Tweed Heads, Casino and Ballina gave practical advice to some 74 farmers and small business people on how they can win some of the growing technical tourism market. Technical tourism, as most members are aware, involves inviting tourists onto farms and other local businesses to show them how they are operated. That type of tourism is ideally suited for agriculture, horticulture, permaculture, organic production, land care and manufacturing industries that add value to local products.

Technical tourism is a growing part of the tourism industry, and has huge potential in rural and regional areas where income from traditional farming methods is very often at the mercy of world markets. It also has advantages over other more conventional attractions in that there are little or no establishment costs. Technical tourism has two very distinct markets, including international tourists interested in technical and study tours and domestic tourists interested in farm stays and food trails.
Technical tourism is already well established in the Riverina where Japanese rice and beef growers spend five to 10 days travelling around the region to look at production techniques. The seminars were sponsored by the Northern Rivers Regional Development Board and funded through the Department of State and Regional Development. Through the seminars, the board hopes to identify businesses interested in technical tourism and work with them to win new investment and create new jobs in northern New South Wales.

Cultural tourism is one of the largest and fastest-growing global tourism markets. Culture and creative industries are increasingly being used to promote destinations and enhance their competitiveness and attractiveness. Many locations are now actively developing their tangible and intangible cultural assets as a means of developing comparative advantages in an increasingly competitive tourism marketplace, and to create local distinctiveness in the face of globalisation. The Impact of Culture on Tourism examines the growing relationship between tourism and culture, and the way in which they have together become major drivers of destination attractiveness and competitiveness. Based on recent case studies that illustrate the different facets of the relationship between tourism, culture and regional attractiveness, and the policy interventions which can be taken to enhance the relationship, this publication shows how a strong link between tourism and culture can be fostered to help places become more attractive to tourists, as well as increasing their competitiveness as locations to live, visit, work and invest in. The book is essential reading for academics, national and local policy makers and practitioners and all those in the tourism sector who wish to understand the relationship between culture, tourism and destination attractiveness

Culture and Tourism

Nigeria’s culture is rightly quoted as being very diverse. Like its weather, Nigeria’s time-table of major cultural events is relatively friendly all-year round, compared to the harsh extremes that obtain in the Northern hemisphere. This diversity ensures that Nigeria’s cultural climate is very attractive and full of varieties of activities that suit and satisfy the inquisitiveness of Nigerians and non-Nigerians who passionately care enough to explore the pleasures they offer. Each of Nigeria’s 500-odd ethnic nationalities has worked out their hierarchy and frequency of cultural festivals since their legends of origin. For each member of any ethnic nationality, there has never been a conflict of interest or a clash in dates fixed for their ceremonies with those of neighbouring nationalities. It was assumed that their cultural loyalty, from cradle to grave, lay solely with their own nationality. The process of urbanisation and the quest to establish so-called national cultural festivals has changed the picture of cultural loyalty and, for the upwardly- mobile middle class, it has awakened the idea of ‘internal’ tourism and spending the holidays away from their own ethnic nationalities. The mantra that Nigeria is a culturally- rewarding destination for international tourists has been sung for more than four decades by the various Tourism Agencies at both state and federal government levels; with some degree of success. As such, the now successful cultural festivals in Nigeria are attracting growing numbers of Nigerian and foreign tourists. While the various Tourism Agencies can take a lot of credit for creating awareness and better patronage for the prominent cultural festivals in Nigeria, they still have a lot of work to do in the area of logistics. The calendar of cultural activities in Nigeria has become overwhelming and, can be confusing for potential visitors and participants because of a lack of detailed and structured independent information on the status of the destinations. For all the publicity and hard sell given these big cultural events, there is no annual guide of festivals in Nigeria that details dates, travel facilities, accommodation, cuisine, climate conditions and financial implications for visitors. A look at the popular cultural festivals in Nigeria reveals that the older and ‘better’ cultural festivals are deeply anchored in age-old tradition; which is their source of strength and longevity. The newer ones, on deeper examination, lack cultural focus. They are at best, hybrid affairs of borrowed and jumbled ideas. Appropriately, the 75 year-old Argungu Festival usually held annually; mostly in early March, in now Kebbi State, has become the ideal opener for Nigeria’s rich calendar of important/national cultural festivals. The highlight of Argungu is the Fishing event in which as many as 30,000 fishermen drawn from neighbouring States and countries; using calabashes and dragnets, compete to catch the largest fish ‘bare-handed’ from the Malan Fada River canal in Argungu. By strict traditional law, no fishing is allowed in this section of the River for a whole year prior to the Fishing festival; which explains why fish as big as 75 kg are caught. Started in 1934, the week-long Argungu Festival also includes an agricultural show, archery, cultural dances and musical shows featuring troupes and choirs from various States of Nigeria and neighbouring countries; wrestling, durbar, camel race, swimming; as well as a car rally and in earlier years a cycle race. That the Argungu Festival is in the firm control of the Emir and his people has been the ‘secret’ of its continued success. In an interview with the Emir at the 50th year of its inception, he told me that after a visit to England sponsored by the British Council; he appreciated the need to set up a Museum in Argungu as well as the need to keep the cultural identity of his Emirate continually projected through the Argungu Festival. It will not be an overstatement to now rate the Argungu Festival as one of the world’s most exciting cultural events! In October, all roads lead to the Zaria Durbar. Durbars, which are usually parades of horses and horsemen in their best finery, are held in the various Emirates of Northern Nigeria and are associated with the end of Ramadan. The Zaria Durbar is very famous and attracts indigenes as well as national and international visitors. Nonetheless, Durbars have not been able to match the attraction of Argungu. The annual Osun Osogbo Festival, usually held in August, has over the years become an international event. Having been branded by UNESCO and with a lot of push from the Federal and State government Tourism Agencies, it now attracts international tourists; mostly worshippers of Yoruba traditional religion in the Diaspora as well as national and international ‘seekers’ at ‘Ojubo Osun’ looking for the fruits of the womb! It is also an opportunity for visitors to admire the totem sculptures of the late Susan Wenger. The new annual December Calabar Carnival, thanks to a lot of hype and massive national and international publicity now seems to enjoy a lot of national participation; also attracting a lot of international visitors, in line with Cross River State’s policy to turn the state into a world-class tourism destination. Other appendages of the Calabar Carnival include music festivals (classical, choral, popular), beauty Contest and general merriment. The Carnival modelled after the world-famous Rio and Notting Hill Gate Carnivals; could definitely be more culturally-original with less of the penchant for being a display of ‘sexy flesh’ like the Rio version. That top government officials and politicians are the leaders of the winning parade teams don’t say much for genuine community involvement. The new Abuja Carnival enmeshed in a controversy on who should actually organise it, is nothing more than an assemblage of Cultural troupes and traditional dancers from all the States of the Federation. The accompanying hype that it will attract international tourists is a weak excuse for huge Federal funds wasted on a whim. For seekers of centuries-old yet fascinating culture; the annual Igue Festival in Benin City, held in the last weeks of December and featuring the Oba, Chiefs and functionaries dressed in splendid and colourful spectacular costumes, is a worthy cultural event to end the year with.

'Cultural tourism'

'Cultural tourism' (or culture tourism) is the subset of tourism concerned with a country or region's culture, especially its arts. Cultural tourism includes tourism in urban areas, particularly historic or large cities and their cultural facilities such as museums and theatres. It can also include tourism in rural areas showcasing the traditions of indigenous cultural communities (i.e. festivals, rituals), and their values and lifestyle. It is generally agreed that cultural tourists spend substantially more than standard tourists do. This form of tourism is also becoming generally more popular throughout the world, and a recent OECD report has highlighted the role that cultural tourism can play in regional development in different world regions. [1] Cultural tourism has been defined as 'the movement of persons to cultural attractions away from their normal place of residence, with the intention to gather new information and experiences to satisfy their cultural needs'.

Ministry of Tourism & Civil Aviation

Tourism reaches into the varied aspects of Nepalese life and its benefits are encompassed by diverse sectors directly and indirectly. It generates employment opportunities and helps in the promotion and conservation of the art and culture. The tourism industry is one of the foreign currency earners in the country and thus makes a significant contribution to the economy. Government of Nepal has been actively promoting tourism in Nepal and has always encouraged the private sector for their involvement and participation. The Ministry of Tourism & Civil Aviation (MOTCA) gives equal importance to conservation of natural, cultural and human resources. Ministry of Tourism first came into existence in 2035 BS (1978 AD). In 2039 (1982 AD), Civil Aviation was also merged into the Ministry of Tourism and it became the Ministry of Tourism & Civil Aviation. In 2057 (2000 AD), Culture was also integrated in the Ministry and called the Ministry of Culture, Tourism & Civil Aviation (MOCTCA). In August 31, 2008 (B.S. 2065-5-15) the ministry was divided into two ministries, i.e. Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation and Ministry of Culture and State Restructuring. Hence, the name of this ministry has now become the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (MOTCA). The Ministry is headed by Minister for Tourism & Civil Aviation.

World Tourism Organization

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), headquartered in Madrid, Spain, is a United Nations agency dealing with questions relating to tourism. It compiles the World Tourism rankings.[1] The World Tourism Organization is a significant global body, concerned with the collection and collation of statistical information on international tourism. This organization represents public sector tourism bodies, from most countries in the world and the publication of its data makes possible comparisons of the flow and growth of tourism on a global scale.
Organizational aims
World Tourism Organization plays a role in promoting the development of responsible, ‎sustainable and universally accessible tourism, paying particular attention to the ‎interests of developing countries‎.
The Organization encourages the implementation ‎of the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, with a view to ensuring that member ‎countries, tourist destinations and businesses maximize the positive economic, ‎social and cultural effects of tourism and fully reap its benefits, while minimizing its ‎negative social and environmental impacts.
UNWTO is committed to the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, geared ‎toward reducing poverty and fostering sustainable development.
HISTORY
The origin of the United Nation World Tourism Organization stems back to 1925 when the International Congress of Official Tourist Traffic Associations (ICOTT) was formed at The Hague. Some articles from early volumes of the Annals of Tourism Research,[3] claim that the UNWTO originated from the International Union of Official Tourist Publicity Organizations (IUOTPO), although the UNWTO states that the ICOTT became the International Union of Official Tourist Propaganda Organizations first in 1934.
Following the end of the Second World War and with international travel numbers increasing, the IUOTPO restructured itself into the International Union of Official Travel Organizations (IUOTO). A technical, non-governmental organization, the IUOTO was made up of a combination of national tourist organizations, industry and consumer groups. The goals and objectives of the IUOTO were to not only promote tourism in general but also to extract the best out of tourism as an international trade component and as an economic development strategy for developing nations.
Towards the end of the 1960’s, the IUOTO realized the need for further transformation to enhance its role on an international level. The 20th IUOTO general assembly in Tokyo, 1967, declared the need for the creation of an intergovernmental body with the necessary abilities to function on an international level in cooperation with other international agencies, in particular the United Nations. Throughout the existence of the IUOTO, close ties had been established between the organization and the United Nations (UN) and initial suggestions had the IUOTO becoming part of the UN. However, following the circulation of a draft convention, consensus held that any resultant intergovernmental organization should be closely linked to the UN but preserve its "complete administrative and financial autonomy".
It was on the recommendations of the UN that the formation of the new intergovernmental tourism organization was based. Resolution 2529 of the XXIVth UN general assembly stated:
“ [The general assembly] believes that a formula that would allow agreement to be reached more readily among governments for the establishment of an international tourism organization of an intergovernmental, particularly to assist the developing countries would be:
(a) The conversion of the International Union of Official Travel Organizations into an intergovernmental organization through a revision of its statutes: (b) The establishment of operational links between the United Nations and the transformed Union by means of a formal agreement.
” In 1970, the IUOTO general assembly voted in favor of forming the World Tourism Organization (WTO), based on statutes of the IUOTO, and after ratification by the prescribed 51 states, the WTO came into operation on November 1, 1974.
Most recently, at the fifteenth general assembly in 2003, the WTO general council and the UN agreed to establish the WTO as a specialized agency of the UN. The significance of this collaboration, WTO Secretary-General Mr. Francesco Frangialli claimed, would lie in "the increased visibility it gives the WTO, and the recognition that will be accorded to [it].Tourism will be considered on an equal footing with other major activities of human society".
As of 2007, its membership included 150 countries, seven territories and some 350 affiliate members, representing the private sector, educational institutions, tourism associations and local tourism authorities. The frequent confusion between the two WTOs – World Tourism Organization and the Geneva-based World Trade Organization – officially ended on 1 December 2005, when the General Assembly approved to add the letters UN (for United Nations) to the start of abbreviation of the leading international tourism body in English and in Russian.[7] UNWTO abbreviation remains OMT in French and Spanish. UNWTO General Assembly concluded its work at its 16th session in Dakar, Senegal, on 2 December 2005.

INTRODUCTION Due to its location the UAE has been able to act as a connecting link between Europe and the Indian subcontinent, the Far East and Africa since time immemorial. It is still playing the role of intermediary between these vastly different cultures, the only difference being that air travel has significantly increased the number of visitors who come to the UAE. Traditional Arab hospitality and a delightful winter climate complemented by a highly sophisticated infrastructure and crime-free environment, have also contributed in recent years to creating an ideal atmosphere for the development of tourism. The UAE is also endowed with an extensive coastline, sandy beaches and varied landscape, where a wide variety of activities can be indulged, ranging from powerboat races to sand-skiing. Manicured golf courses provide ready enjoyment and for the less active shopping opportunities abound. In addition, the country’s deep-rooted cultural heritage, accessible in the many cultural centers and at traditional sports such as falconry, camel- racing and horse-racing, has been a powerful attraction for tourists. The UAE has also become a much sought after venue for conferences, regional and international exhibitions and major sports events such as the Dubai World Cup, the Dubai Desert Classic Golf Tournament, and polo and cricket competitions. Federal Coordination Tourism organizations in the individual emirates actively market their own special attractions, frequently attending international holiday fairs as well as encouraging travel agents and tour operators to visit the UAE to experience the rich seam of Arabian life for themselves. Minister of Information and Culture Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan announced at the ATM 99 (Arabian Travel Market) that the Ministry is studying a plan to set up a federal body to coordinate the promotional activities carried out by tourism authorities in individual emirates in order to integrate tourism promotion in the UAE as a whole. Sheikh Abdullah called on local authorities to concentrate on developing elite tourism and to focus on the country’s heritage and culture. He noted that the selection of the UAE as one of the nine prominent destinations in the Middle East at the 1999 ITB Berlin travel and tourism show was an acknowledgement that the country’s tourism infrastructure and facilities were rated among the best in the world. Sheikh Abdullah stressed the importance of promoting inter-Arab tourism and also mooted the idea of Arab countries coming together to form a pan-Arab tourism body in the Middle East. Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi emirate was little known as a tourist destination until the discovery of oil financed its major development programme. A thoroughly modern infrastructure of air and sea ports, highways, telecommunications systems, five-star hotels, restaurants and entertainment complexes has turned the emirate into an active tourist center. Dubbed the Garden City of the Gulf, Abu Dhabi now offers visitors a variety of options ranging f rom green parks, clean beaches, a range of marine and other sports, exotic adventures in the desert, or the pleasure of shopping in its diverse shopping centers and malls. Tourists can also pay a visit to the oasis city of Al Ain and enjoy a sightseeing tour to archaeological and leisure sites such as Al Hili Fun City, Ain Al Faydha Resort, Al Jahili Fort or the National Museum. In 1997 some 937,717 people from neighboring countries visited Abu Dhabi. Dhabi Independent studies show that the tourism industry has accounted for a steadily increasing percentage of Dubai’s GDP, with some estimates putting it as high as 20 per cent. In fact tourism is expected to over take oil exports as an important source of revenue in the near future. Dubai’s 255 hotels have a total of 17,253 rooms and occupancy in 1998 a veraged 49.3 per cent. Since January 1997 when the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (D TCM) took over from the Tourism and Trade Promotion Council, there has been renewed focus on worldwide promotion of Dubai as an ideal tourist destination and a thriving commercial center. This has involved setting up the DTCM representative offices in many countries across the globe as well as participation in numerous international tourism fairs. In addition, the DTCM has launched very successful advertising campaigns worldwide. The DTCM also organizes tourism-related exhibitions in Dubai. Early in 1999 it hosted the Arabian Marine Tourism Conference, the first of its kind to be held in the region. In May more than 500 exhibitors from 40 countries participated in the Arab Travel Market 99, which was also held under the auspices of the DTCM. Not surprisingly, since the number of tourists is expected to reach three million by the end of the year 2000, Dubai has a number of major tourism-related projects coming on-stream

Tourism in Chaina

Tourism in China has greatly expanded over the last few decades. The emergence of a newly rich middle class and an easing of restrictions on movement by the Chinese authorities are both fueling this travel boom. China has become one of the world's most-watched and hottest outbound tourist markets. The world is on the cusp of a sustained Chinese outbound tourism boom.[1] China is the world's fourth largest country for inbound tourism. The number of overseas tourists was 55 million in 2007. Foreign exchange income was 41.9 billion U.S. dollars, the world's fifth largest in 2007. The number of domestic tourists totaled 1.61 billion, with a total income of 777.1 billion yuan.[1] According to the WTO, in 2020, China will become the largest tourist country and the fourth largest for overseas travel. In terms of total outbound travel spending, China is currently ranked fifth and is expected to be the fastest growing in the world from 2006 to 2015, jumping into the number two slot for total travel spending by 2015 HISTORY Between 1949 and 1974, the People's Republic was closed to all but selected foreign visitors. Beginning in the late 1970s, when the leadership decided to promote tourism vigorously as a means of earning foreign exchange, China quickly developed its own tourist industry. Major hotel construction programs greatly increased the number of hotels and guest houses, more historic and scenic spots were renovated and opened to tourists, and professional guides and other service personnel were trained. The expansion of domestic and international airline traffic and other tourist transportation facilities made travel more convenient. Over 250 cities and counties were opened to foreign visitors by the mid-1980s. Travelers needed only valid visas or residence permits to visit 100 locations; the remaining locales required travel permits from public security departments. In 1985 approximately 1.4 million foreigners visited China, and nearly US$1.3 billion was earned from tourism.

Australia tourism

Welcome to winter in Australia, which lasts from June to August for most of the country. These months fall in the dry season in our tropical north. You can ski and snowboard down Victoria’s powdered slopes or snorkel and dive the balmy waters of Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef. Four wheel drive South Australia’s Simpson Desert or head to the Blue Mountains for Christmas festivities. Follow Western Australia’s wildflower trail or embrace the Northern Territory’s unique festival culture. Snuggle next to a roaring fire at Canberra’s Fireside Festival or celebrate the winter solstice in Hobart’s cobblestone streets. Winter is also a great season to discover our coastline, where you can spot migrating whales and dive with a dazzling array of marine life.

Tourism Malaysia

The 88-storey Petronas Twin Towers, otherwise known as KLCC the world's tallest twin structures. Located in the heart of the capital city, the crown of the Kuala Lumpur contains a complex of office buildings, conference halls, a sprawling park and an upmarket shopping complex. Inspired by the geometric shape found in Islamic architecture, this gleaming mega-structure was designed by Argentinian-American architect Cesar Pelli. Stretching out to one side of this architectural masterpiece is the spacious and beautifully landscaped KLCC Park. Other attractions at KLCC are Suria Shopping Complex, Petronas Philharmonic Hall, Petrosains Science Centre, Petronas Art Gallery and Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, where The Aquaria Oceanarium is situated.