The Rise of the Tourist
Mass Tourism
Ever since we could travel, we have been on the quest to visit pastures new; to experience a different climate, sample different cultures, escape our daily, tedious routines and just get away!
Though mass tourism has suffered a few minor dips in recent years – the global recession, the H1N1 (Avian Flu) virus, and major acts of terrorism like 9-11 playing their part – as an industry it has largely seem nothing but extensive growth and expansion.
Major improvement in transport systems across the globe has made it much easier to pack up our things and leave for a destination of our choice. The introduction of incredibly cheap, ‘no-frills’ airlines like Ryan Air and Easy Jet have lead to a dramatic increase in the number of people nipping away for the odd weekend away or short break. The introduction of this kind of airline has also increased the number of times certain people can afford to go away – traditionally, a person of average to middle-of-the-range income would take one two-week holiday wedged somewhere in the school summer holidays. Nowadays however, people can be much more flexible with their travel routines and quite possibly afford a few annual trips away.
Another factor in the growth of mass tourism is the rise of the ‘All-Inclusive’ holiday. This kind of holiday usually offers the tourist the complete figure that their holiday will cost. Hours spent comparing rates and pouring over brochures and examining prices are no more. Flights, accommodation, food, drink and sometimes entertainment are included. No more vague estimations are needed as to how much ‘spending money’ you will need whilst away – and no more phone calls needed to the bank asking them to extend your overdraft because you have under-budgeted! There are even specialist all-inclusive vacations available for a number of interests such as diving, outdoor adventures, riding art, history etc, you name it – it is probably available!
The ease with which you are able to book your holiday online has also made a difference – no longer do you need to book a day off work and drag your entire family to the travel agents – the internet really has made the world a much smaller place!
Mass Tourism – The EZE Group Way
One – stop – shop leisure companies such as the EZE Group have taken this evolution a step further and not only book your holidays, arrange the travel and accomodation but negotiate the best deals available on all manner of leisure related purchases, be it; hire cars, excursions or tickets for special events. This concierge system, whereby the leg work and bargaining is done for the traveller (by professionals) is seen as the next step in the ever evolving tourism and travel market.