Study guide
Module 05: Domestic, regional and international
tourism
Global events of international significance
Global events:
Sporting events: FIFA World Cup; Wimbledon; Comrades Marathon; Tour de
France; Olympic Games
Other events: G7 Summit; Summits on climate change; Tourism Indaba, World
Conferences; Miss World and Miss Universe
Impact of global events on international tourism
Positive impacts:
Increased tourism during the event (e.g., spectators, participants)
Boost to related industries (hotels, transport, restaurants)
Increased global visibility of host country
Negative impacts:
Potential overcrowding and strain on local infrastructure
Environmental damage (e.g., waste, pollution)
Short-term nature of tourism spikes (leading to fluctuations)
Impact of hosting a global event
Domestic Tourism:
Increased local travel within the host country
Boost to regional tourism due to event-related attractions
Economy of the Host Country:
Infrastructure investment (transportation, accommodation, etc.)
Job creation, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sectors
Advantages and disadvantages for the host country
Advantages:
Development of infrastructural services (e.g., improved transport systems, better
venues)
Attraction of foreign investment
Foreign exchange income from international visitors
The Multiplier Effect (local businesses benefit from tourism expenditure, creating
more jobs and income)
Disadvantages:
High initial costs for the event setup (may outweigh short-term tourism benefits)
Risk of underutilized infrastructure after the event
Environmental and social costs (e.g., displacement, increased waste)
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Political situations and unforeseen occurrences of international
significance
Political situation: Pertains to instability caused by civil unrest, terrorism, wars,
etc.
o Examples:
Civil wars
Terrorist attacks
Political unrest (e.g., protests)
Unforeseen occurrence: Natural disasters, pandemics, global recessions, etc.
o Examples:
Natural disasters: Tsunamis, earthquakes, floods
Health crises: COVID-19 pandemic, Ebola outbreak
Economic events: The 2008 global recession, regional economic
collapse
Accidents: Major airline accidents, industrial disasters
Impact on international tourism and the economy
Tourism impact:
Decline in travel to affected regions due to safety concerns
Loss of tourism income and jobs in the affected areas
Potential shifts in global tourism patterns (tourists avoid risky areas)
Economic Impact:
Economic downturn due to decreased tourism revenue
Increased government spending on crisis management (e.g., relief efforts)
Long-term economic rebuilding and stabilization costs
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Terminology
Key terminology
The following terms are used in the module. Use the following terms often to improve the learner’s
tourism discourse.
A major occurrence or activity with international interest, participation, or
Global event
impact.
High-profile sports competitions like the FIFA World Cup, Olympic Games,
Sporting events
or Tour de France that attract international attention.
A high-level meeting of world leaders or representatives to discuss global
Summit
issues, e.g., G7 Summit or climate change summits.
Domestic tourism Tourism activities undertaken by residents within their own country.
The system of production, consumption, and distribution of goods and
Economy
services in a country.
Infrastructural Construction or improvement of basic facilities and services, such as
development roads, airports, and utilities.
Foreign exchange Money earned from international tourists spending in the host country,
income contributing to its economy.
The economic impact where spending by tourists generates further
Multiplier effect
income and jobs in the local economy.
A state of affairs or events in a country influenced by government policies,
Political situation
conflicts, or stability.
An unexpected event such as a natural disaster, disease outbreak, or
Unforeseen occurrence
financial crisis.
Civil war A conflict within a country between different groups or factions.
The unlawful use of violence, often against civilians, to achieve political or
Terrorism
ideological goals.
A catastrophic event caused by natural forces, such as earthquakes,
Natural disaster
tsunamis, or hurricanes.
A period of worldwide economic decline marked by reduced trade, rising
Global recession
unemployment, and slowed growth.
A sudden and significant disruption in a country's economic stability, such
Economic upset
as stock market crashes or inflation surges.
A state of dissatisfaction or protest among the population, often leading to
General unrest
instability or riots.
Interruptions in travel and tourism caused by political situations, natural
Tourism disruption
disasters, or economic crises.
The economy of a country impacted by a specific event, leading to
Affected economy
changes in income, employment, or tourism revenue.
