Does infrastructure matter in tourism development?

Byline: Alifiya Aun Ali

The development of tourism is directly proportional to the level of infrastructure in a country as both go as hands in glove for the promotion of tourism and ensuring that our country becomes one of the top tourist destinations it is important to develop facilities such as transportation facilities, healthcare facilities, water management facilities, waste management facilities, recreational facilities etc. Accessibility to the above facilities is the key element in creating the impression among tourists. The satisfaction of the tour program is measured by these facilities.

The development of a place for tourism also helps in boosting the economy of the locality and has a trickle-down effect on the development of the whole country. Even though this kind of development is not noticed easily the factor of contribution by the tourism sector on the economy is higher.

As the World Bank has described it in its World Development Report, "Infrastructure is the wheel of development." Without infrastructure, you can get nowhere.

In this regard, each country has a task to encourage maximum utilization of available tourism potential it possess, whose attractiveness can attract significant numbers of tourists. With the increasing number of tourists, certain destinations become more competitive and more attractive for investment in the development of tourism infrastructure.

Gearing et al (1974) study the case of Turkey as a tourist destination and find that infrastructure (comprising roads, water, electricity, safety services, health services, communications and public transportation) is a key determinant explaining tourist arrivals.

Tang and Rochananond (1990) conclude that infrastructure is an important element in promoting Thailand as a tourist destination country. More recently, Kim et al (2000) in discussing the case of Sun Lost City, South Africa, and McElroy (2003) in discussing small islands highlight the importance of infrastructure, particularly government-financed infrastructure, in the success of a destination.

To develop tourism infrastructure the public-private partnership plays a major role. Development cannot take place in isolation. It needs coordinated support of both the sectors to make this uphill task possible and materialize. Every year there has been a considerable increment in the number of people travelling around the world.

However only infrastructure is not the only aspect that lures tourist from around...

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