Features of Destinations and Their Appeal » Review and Assessment

What you'll learn this session

Study time: 30 minutes

How to review and assess the features of different tourist destinations
Methods to evaluate the appeal of destinations to different types of tourists
How to analyse case studies of popular tourist destinations
Techniques for comparing and contrasting different destinations
How to prepare for assessment questions on destination features and appeal

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Introduction to Features of Destinations and Their Appeal

Tourist destinations around the world offer different features that appeal to various types of travellers. Understanding these features and how they attract visitors is essential for your iGCSE Travel and Tourism studies. In this session, we'll review the key concepts and prepare for assessment questions.

Key Definitions:

Tourist destination: A place that attracts visitors for a temporary stay.
Appeal: The qualities that make a destination attractive to tourists.
Tourist types: Different categories of travellers based on their preferences, needs and travel motivations.
Features: The natural or built characteristics of a destination.

★ Natural Features

These include landscapes, climate, wildlife and natural wonders that attract tourists. Examples include beaches, mountains, lakes, waterfalls and unique ecosystems.

★ Built Features

These are human-made attractions such as historical buildings, theme parks, museums, resorts and cultural venues that draw visitors to a destination.

Types of Tourist Destinations

Different destinations cater to various tourist interests and preferences. Understanding these categories helps in assessing their appeal.

♥ Coastal Destinations

Beach resorts, seaside towns and islands known for sun, sand and sea activities. Appeal: relaxation, water sports, scenic views.

♦ Urban Destinations

Cities offering cultural experiences, shopping, nightlife and historical attractions. Appeal: entertainment, cuisine, architecture.

♣ Rural Destinations

Countryside areas providing nature experiences, outdoor activities and traditional culture. Appeal: tranquility, authenticity, landscapes.

Assessing Destination Appeal

When reviewing destinations, consider these key factors that influence their appeal to different tourist segments:

Accessibility

How easily tourists can reach a destination affects its popularity. This includes:

Transport links (airports, roads, railways)
Travel time from major source markets
Visa requirements and entry procedures
Local transportation options

Assessment tip: Always evaluate how accessibility impacts different tourist types. For example, backpackers might prioritise public transport while luxury tourists may expect private transfers.

Accommodation

The range and quality of places to stay significantly influence a destination's appeal:

Variety (hotels, hostels, self-catering, camping)
Price ranges to suit different budgets
Quality standards and star ratings
Unique accommodation options (e.g., treehouses, ice hotels)

Assessment tip: In exam answers, match accommodation types to appropriate tourist segments - families need space and facilities, while adventure tourists might accept more basic options.

Case Study Focus: Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona exemplifies a destination with diverse appeal through its combination of features:

Natural features: Mediterranean beaches, pleasant climate, nearby mountains
Built features: Gaudí architecture (Sagrada Familia, Park Güell), Gothic Quarter, museums
Cultural appeal: Catalan cuisine, festivals, art scene
Accessibility: International airport, cruise port, extensive public transport

Barcelona attracts multiple tourist types: cultural tourists visit for architecture and museums, beach tourists enjoy the coastline, while food enthusiasts explore its markets and restaurants.

Evaluating Appeal to Different Tourist Types

Different tourists seek different experiences. When reviewing destinations, consider how features appeal to these common tourist types:

⊕ Leisure Tourists

Seeking: Relaxation, entertainment, good weather
Appeal factors: Beaches, resorts, entertainment venues, shopping
Example destinations: Benidorm (Spain), Gold Coast (Australia)

⊕ Cultural Tourists

Seeking: Historical sites, authentic experiences, local traditions
Appeal factors: Museums, heritage sites, festivals, local cuisine
Example destinations: Rome (Italy), Kyoto (Japan)

⊕ Adventure Tourists

Seeking: Excitement, physical challenges, unique experiences
Appeal factors: Mountains, rivers, wilderness areas, extreme sports facilities
Example destinations: Queenstown (New Zealand), Costa Rica

⊕ Business Tourists

Seeking: Convenience, efficiency, networking opportunities
Appeal factors: Conference facilities, good transport links, quality accommodation
Example destinations: Singapore, Dubai (UAE)

Comparative Assessment Techniques

In your exams, you may need to compare and contrast different destinations. Use these approaches:

SWOT Analysis

Assess destinations by identifying their:

Strengths: Unique selling points, exceptional features
Weaknesses: Limitations, negative aspects
Opportunities: Potential for development or improvement
Threats: Challenges or competition facing the destination

Assessment tip: A balanced SWOT shows critical thinking and earns higher marks.

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

Compare specific aspects across destinations:

Natural landscapes and climate
Cultural and historical attractions
Infrastructure and accessibility
Accommodation and facilities
Value for money

Assessment tip: Use specific examples and data to support your comparisons.

Case Study Focus: Comparing Dubai and Bali

These destinations appeal to different tourist segments based on their features:

Feature	Dubai, UAE	Bali, Indonesia
Natural appeal	Desert landscapes, beaches (man-made enhancements)	Tropical beaches, volcanic landscapes, rice terraces
Built attractions	Burj Khalifa, Palm Islands, mega-malls, theme parks	Temples, traditional villages, yoga retreats
Primary appeal	Luxury, modernity, shopping, entertainment	Culture, spirituality, natural beauty, relaxation
Main tourist types	Luxury tourists, shoppers, business travellers	Backpackers, spiritual tourists, honeymooners

Exam Preparation Tips

To excel in assessment questions about destination features and appeal:

Command Word Recognition

Understand what different exam command words require:

Describe: Detail the features without explanation
Explain: Give reasons for how features create appeal
Analyse: Examine in detail, breaking down into components
Evaluate: Make judgements about the effectiveness of features
Compare: Identify similarities and differences between destinations

Assessment tip: The command word determines your approach to the question.

Case Study Application

Learn specific details about contrasting destinations:

Memorise key statistics and facts
Know specific attractions and their appeal
Understand how different features attract specific tourist types
Be able to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each destination

Assessment tip: Named examples and specific details earn higher marks than general statements.

Summary and Key Takeaways

When reviewing and assessing destination features and their appeal:

Consider both natural and built features of destinations
Match destination features to appropriate tourist types
Use comparative techniques like SWOT analysis
Support your assessment with specific examples and case studies
Consider how accessibility, accommodation and attractions combine to create appeal
Evaluate destinations from different perspectives (e.g., different tourist types, budgets)

Remember that the most successful destinations often combine multiple types of appeal to attract diverse tourist segments.

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