Assignment Code: TS-1/TMA/2022

Course Code: TS-1

Assignment Name: Foundation Course in Tourism

Year: 2022

Verification Status: Verified by Professor

1. Discuss the economic impacts of tourism in context of a developing economy. Write a short paragraph on impact of Covid-19 on tourism economy of India.

Ans) The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the tourism industry due to the resulting travel restrictions as well as slump in demand among travellers. The tourism industry has been massively affected by the spread of coronavirus, as many countries have introduced travel restrictions in an attempt to contain its spread. The United Nations World Tourism Organization estimated that global international tourist arrivals might decrease by 58% to 78% in 2020, leading to a potential loss of US $0.9–1.2 trillion in international tourism receipts.

In many of the world’s cities, planned travel went down by 80–90%. Conflicting and unilateral travel restrictions occurred regionally and many tourist attractions around the world, such as museums, amusement parks, and sports venues closed down. UNWTO reported a 65% drop in international tourist arrivals in the first six months of 2020. Air passenger travel showed a similar decline. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development released a report in June 2021 stating that the global economy could lose over US$4 trillion as a result of the pandemic.

Tourism under the Pandemic

Some have taken advantage of airlines drastically reducing their fares to travel for leisure despite multiple warnings to remain at home, along with two-week self-quarantine requirements upon arrival or return from travel. A number of college students tested positive for COVID-19 after returning from traditional spring break destinations such as the Florida beaches, South Padre Island, and Cabo San Lucas.

Dubai received global scrutiny for opening tourism too soon, despite a high rate of COVID-positive cases detected in the emirate. At least 300,000 people travelled to and from UAE and the U.K. in the months of November and December 2020. In the early months of the pandemic, the situation was reportedly handled well by the emirate. However, around New Year’s Eve tourists and locals were reported to be attending parties without social distancing or face-masks. Accusations that Dubai was acting as a “super-spreader” of the virus forced the emirate to close all bars and pubs for a month on 1 February 2021.

Tourism and Vaccination

Many tourism venues such as museum, visitor centres, restaurants, hotel mandate COVID-19 vaccination for their staff and/or visitors, and such venues are known as “vaccinated venues”. Research has shown that tourists have varying levels of belief on COVID-19 vaccination in terms of its effectiveness and side effects, which have impact on the preferences of tourists to preference to visit or use “vaccinated venues”.

Travel Restrictions

Travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of the pandemic, many countries and regions have imposed quarantines, entry bans, or other restrictions for citizens of or recent travellers to the most affected areas. Other countries and regions have imposed global restrictions that apply to all foreign countries and territories or prevent their own citizens from travelling overseas. Together with a decreased willingness to travel, the restrictions have had a negative economic impact on the travel sector in those regions. A possible long-term impact has been a decline of business travel and international conferencing, and the rise of their virtual, online equivalents. Concerns have been raised over the effectiveness of travel restrictions to contain the spread of COVID-19.

2. Discuss Buddhism as a religion along with the famous Buddhist Circuit as a successful tourism product. 20

Ans) Buddhism is one of the world’s major religions. It originated in India in 563–483 B.C.E. with Siddhartha Gautama, and over the next millennia it spread across Asia and the rest of the world. Buddhists believe that human life is a cycle of suffering and rebirth, but that if one achieves a state of enlightenment (nirvana), it is possible to escape this cycle forever. Siddhartha Gautama was the first person to reach this state of enlightenment and was, and is still today, known as the Buddha. Buddhists do not believe in any kind of deity or god, although there are supernatural figures who can help or hinder people on the path towards enlightenment.

Siddhartha Gautama was an Indian prince in the fifth century B.C.E. who, upon seeing people poor and dying, realized that human life is suffering. He renounced his wealth and spent time as a poor beggar, meditating and travelling but ultimately, remaining unsatisfied, settling on something called “the Middle Way.” This idea meant that neither extreme asceticism nor extreme wealth were the path to enlightenment, but rather, a way of life between the two extremes. Eventually, in a state of deep meditation, he achieved enlightenment, or nirvana underneath the Bodhi tree (the tree of awakening). The Mahabodhi Temple in Bihar, India—the site of his enlightenment—is now a major Buddhist pilgrimage site.

Buddhist Circuit in India: Tourist Places

Bodhgaya: Located in Bihar, this is the place where Prince Siddhartha found enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. After meditating for 49 days, he became Lord Buddha, the Enlightened One. In Bodhgaya, the important tourist attractions are Bodhi Tree, Mahabodhi Temple, Vajrasana Throne donated by King Ashoka, Muchalinda Lake, Animesh Lochan Chaitya, some other holy trees like Ratnachankramana, Ratnagaraha, Ajapala Nigrodha and Rajyatna. It also has a number of monasteries, established by Buddhists of Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Japan, Thailand, etc. Hence, it is a major attraction for foreign tourists.

Sarnath: This is the place where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. This was given after he achieved enlightenment. Sarnath is about 10 km from the holy city of Varanasi. It was at Sarnath that Buddha established his sangha or first disciples to promote his new doctrine. The proud symbol of India, the famous lion capital pillar or the Ashoka pillar was erected by King Ashoka originally at Dhamekh Stupa in Sarnath. You also can see Chaukhandi Stupa, Mulagandha Kuti Vihar and Sarnath Ashram here.

Kushinagar: This place is located in the Gorakhpur district in eastern Uttar Pradesh, India. It is en-route to Kapilavastu, the place where Lord Buddha fell ill and died in 543 BC. It is said that the mortal remains of Lord Buddha were distributed by King Ashoka into more than 80,000 stupas across his kingdom and outside. Important places to see here are Mukatanabandhana Stupa and the reclining Buddha statue in red sandstone. Other attractions are Wat Thai Temple, Chinese Temple, Japanese Temple, Mahanirvana Temple, etc. This is the place where Lord Buddha attained salvation.

Vaishali: This was the place where Lord Buddha gave his last sermon. The place is 60 km away from the capital of Bihar, Patna. It is said that Buddha told his disciple Ananda about his imminent demise in this place. The place is also known for the second Buddhist Council, which took place about 110 years later.

Rajgir: Rajgir, about 70 km from Bodhgaya, was the Lord’s monsoon retreat for 12 years. While spreading his doctrine, He preached about the precepts of Lotus Sutra and the Perfection of Wisdom Sutra. The location was Gridhakuta Hill in Rajgir. The first Buddhist council was held at the Saptaparni Caves on Vaibhar Hill in Rajgir. The teachings of Buddha were compiled after his death and preached in the council. The world-renowned university of Nalanda is another important site to visit in Rajgir.

Shravasti: Shravasti was Buddha’s favourite rainy season retreat. It was located about 150 km from Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh and it was at this place Buddha performed his first miracle.

Lumbini: Situated in the Rupandehi district of Nepal, Lumbini is the place where Lord Buddha was born. Today, it is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site. Being a neighbour country, Lumbini is also sometimes included in the Buddhist Circuit in India by tour operators.

3. Write short notes on any two of the following: 10x2= 20

a) Multiplier effect in tourism

Ans) The enormous amount of indirect jobs and money that tourism also creates has many other effects. There are numerous other people who benefit from the tourist money in addition to the initial recipient. Although frequently, as and when the money is transferred, its amount decreases because a number of subsequent recipients keep some of it for the services they receive and distribute the remainder to the others. Another aspect will become apparent if we take into consideration the demand for goods and services created by those who earn a living through tourism.

Through a series of transactions, the increased consumption demand brought on by tourists will increase employment and income while also having a further multiplier effect. Let's give an illustration of the multiplier effect. When tourists travel to Kashmir, they spend $2,000 on lodging and other services. Owners of amenities and hoteliers benefit financially from this. Owners of hotels and amenities pay taxes, save some money, and then spend the rest. Some of the money they spend in Kashmir goes to store owners, suppliers, and other producers. Additionally, they save money and spend it. Thus, the initial amount of Rs. 2,000,000 spent by tourists in Kashmir is passing through several hands and creating income in each circle, which increases the initial amount.

The multiplier effect will, however, be stronger if the tourism industry purchases goods or services from local market sectors, it must be understood. The multiplier goes down if imports of goods and services are more common. It is important to note that both the federal government and the state governments receive funding from various taxes, such as the octroi and entrance fees.

The tourism multiplier effect is an example of a positive economic impact of tourism, i.e., it is a good thing (most of the time, at least)! The tourism multiplier effect demonstrates that the economic consequences of a single action (i.e., a tourist going on holiday) can have a greater impact economically on the local and global economy. If tourism is managed in a sustainable way, the tourism multiplier effect has the potential to bring about many positive changes in society. Money raised can be invested into areas such as healthcare or 3education, for example. This can then have wide-reaching benefits for years to come.

b) Five major tourist attractions related to Sikhism

Ans) Tourist Attractions related to Sikhism in India as follows:

Golden Temple (also known as the Sri Harmandir Sahib) in Amritsar was designed by the fifth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Arjan Sahib and was built in 1601 AD. Akal takht here is one of the Five Takhts of Sikhism and therefore the most important from the pilgrimage perspective.

Anandpur Sahib is a complex north of Chandigarh and comprises several Gurdwaras. Anandpur Sahib is a major Sikh pilgrimage centre and one of the most visited after Golden Temple in Amritsar. Takht Sri Darbar Sahib Kesgarh Sahib at Anandpur is one of the Rakhts of Sikhism.

Chandigarh is base point to visit many Sikh Pilgrimage destinations such as Kiratpur Sahib (76 kms), Anandpur Sahib (60 kms), Fatehgarh Sahib (50 kms), Chamkur Sahib (56 kms) and Nishan Sahib (75 kms)

Nanded is a major Sikh pilgrimage centre and home to Sach Khand Huzur Sahib Gurdwara, the place where Guru Govind Singh's ashes were buried. Some of the sacred relics of Guru Gobind Singh are also preserved here. This is also one of the Five Takhts of Sikhism and therefore most important from pilgrimage perspective.

The Takht Sri Darbar Sahib Damdama Sahib is one of the Five Takhts of Sikhism situated in Bathinda. This is where Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, prepared the full version of the Sikh Scriptures popularly known as Sri Guru Granth Sahib in early 18th Century.

Patna Sahib is regarded as one of the five holiest takhts (Also known as The Harmandir Takht). Patna is considered a holy city by Sikhs as tenth guru ‘Guru Gobind Singh’ was born here in 17th Century and spent early years here before moving to Anandpur.

Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is the most prominent Sikh gurdwara, or Sikh house of worship, in Delhi, known for its association with the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan

Hemkund Sahib near Valley of Flowers Ghangharia marks the place where Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th and the last Guru unified with God after prolonged meditation. The shrine is encircled by seven snow clad peaks and their associated glaciers.

4. What are the various types of tourist accommodations? Discuss the AirBnB model of accommodation in brief. 20

Ans) Types of tourist accommodations are as follows:

Hotels

Arguably, hotels are the most popular type of accommodation for tourists. As a hotelier, you can run your hotel independently, which gives it a unique setting or join a corporation, making your hotel a part of a global chain. The size, type of amenities, location, and price of your hotel determine its rating, which ranges between 1-5 stars. The higher the rating, the more likely the hotel is to attract tourists. Modern hoteliers are installing smart hotel technology to attract the current customer base with high technology expectations for their accommodation and entertainment requirements.

Guest houses

Our home investment can be a source of income if we convert it into a guest house. Hoteliers willing to share their homes with guests can market the homes as the accommodation of choice for tourists who prefer homey accommodations.

Boutique hotels

Boutique hotels are small-scale hotels that provide customers with a unique, authentic, and autonomous service. Because boutique hotels are small, they can provide customers with an intimate experience that larger hotels can’t. Boutique hotels target an eccentric clientele that prefers uniqueness in menu, amenities, location, décor, architecture, and size of their accommodations.

Hostels

We can set up hostels to target tourists on a budget. Hostels are considerably cheaper than other types of accommodations because guests share amenities. If we furnish our hostel with bunk beds, we can market the accommodation facility as a great place for tourists to meet new people and make lifelong friends.

Chalets

Chalets are suitable for a clientele that prefers nature, adventure, and bonding as a group. Chalets are ideal for guests that travel in groups such as sports teams, corporate boding teams, and families. If you are in a tourist destination that attracts outdoor tourists, such as hikers and skiers, a chalet may be an excellent investment.

Cottages

Some tourists prefer cosy little spaces with a homey personality. We can set up cottages in tourist destinations to attract guests that would love the home from home experience. We can furnish your cottage houses with modern amenities to enhance our guests’ experiences while maintaining the authenticity of a cottage accommodation.

Airbnb

Airbnb is an abbreviation for air mattress bed and breakfast. Airbnb is essentially an online marketplace that involves the renting of property to travellers. They have also recently started offering experiences too. Airbnb does not own any of the properties. It simply provides a platform from which people can rent out their properties or spare rooms to guests. Prices are set by the property owners and monies are collected via the Airbnb app.

Airbnb was founded in August 2008 by Joe Gebbia, Brian Chesky, and Nathan Blecharczyk, with its headquarters in San Francisco, USA.

They transformed their living room into a bedroom in order to ‘share’ their home with three guests and provided them with homemade breakfast. This was the beginning of the Airbnb concept.

Airbnb makes its money through commissions. It takes 3% commission of every booking from hosts, and between 6% and 12% from guests. It also offers a referral scheme if a person introduces a new customer to the platform. In a recent campaign, Airbnb promoted the experience as not just visiting a destination, but ‘living’ there. Airbnb claims that you can ‘feel more at home,’ mix with locals and gain a more authentic travel experience by staying in the homes of others instead of in a traditional hotel.

5. Discuss the historical evaluation and development of tourism in India. 20

Ans) An advanced agricultural economy in India during the early period made the export of cash crops a significant commercial link. By the later Vedic period, the production of steel from iron ore for use in weapons was another significant commodity of trade. Textiles and tools were among well-known Indian exports. The wonder of India and her fabled richness have been acknowledged by modern Greek and Hebrew academics.

Commercial travels were a significant aspect of Indian community life because overland trade routes between Asia and Europe predominated. Therefore, caravanserais were a significant development during this time. We learn about sporting events and ritual sacrifices from hymns and epic poetry that were written over the holiday season. An intriguing description of such a fair, the monarchs that visited it, and the sacrifices offered is found in the Mahabharat.

The protection provided to merchants and their high status in Indian society are reflected in the Arthashastra. Regulation of pricing, weights, and measurements, as well as the usage of gold, silver, and copper as exchange rates, all point to a highly developed manner of trade and travel. The metropolitan commercial and industrial hubs that supported the royal capitals were a network of rural districts. Both interior rivers and overland trade were extensively developed. Military roadways accelerated the caimans' quick transit as they delivered luxury goods to the Royal Court. Brahmin settlements became into hubs of learning that attracted academics and labourers. The Buddhist Sangha created the pilgrimage station at this time, during which monks travelled from village to hamlet and court to court to preach the virtues of the middle road. For the wandering mendicant, there were rest homes or panthers available. The layman, the merchant, and the monk were all drawn to monasteries.

Numerous missions travelled from Greece to India via Persia or Mesopotamia. But there aren't many traveller reports. According to Greek reports, chariots in India were well-designed and horses, elephants, and camels were frequently used as modes of transportation. There were also well-organized shade trees, wells, rest areas, and security. The Arthashastra describes the significance of the transportation system, including the state-level classification of routes and vehicle types. This shows that military, commercial, and civilian travellers all had access to a highly developed method of transportation in India. Inland river travel was similarly governed and protected by the state.

Bazaars in cities provide access to items delivered from the hinterland. Foreigners were housed in serais at the city gates, where they received all services. The movements of travellers were strictly regulated. From one temporary to another, they had to transport a note ensuring their safety. Taverns and dancing halls were permitted for the travellers' amusement, but once more inspectors watched out for disorderly behaviour. Gambling was legal and provided income for the government. The royal courts established the custom of leisurely journeys on the rivers and to the highlands.

However, this movement drew everyone who had business with the court to follow it out of the sweltering city and into the tranquil countryside of the summer resort. The Mughal emperors are a good illustration in this context. They travelled widely and loved the outdoors very much. They made a contribution to the growth of resorts as we know it now. Examples are the Shalimar and Nishat Bagh in Srinagar. Every year, Infect Jehangir travelled to Kashmir and the trans-Vindya region. The kos-minars, baolis, sarais, and a network of highways and routes that make this vast land accessible to all comers still serve as markers of the travel culture in ancient India.