Cost is the primary factor affecting the tourism industry. Domestic travel becomes increasing limited as gas prices rise. The casual road tripper may decide to stay at home rather than making that trip to the Grand Canyon when gas prices are on the rise. As the price of gas increases, the price of flights goes up as well, negatively impacting long-distance and international travel. Additionally, international travel may be negatively affected by high rates of inflation and poor exchange rates.
Weather plays an important role in the tourism industry. As most travelers seek warm or mild temperatures with little rain while on vacation, areas that are prone to wet or cold weather do not thrive in the tourism economy. Rainy and cold seasons see decreased amounts of visitors throughout the Caribbean and Central and South America. Similarly, incidences of extreme weather and national disasters prevent many travelers from visiting certain areas, as safety becomes a primary concern during these times.
Safety is a primary concern of travelers of all types. Safety becomes particularly important when traveling abroad and to developing countries. Widespread political unrest can cause even the most adventurous tourist to avoid visiting unstable countries. Outbreak of communicable diseases can also hinder tourism industries, especially because returning to home countries can be difficult during outbreaks. For instance, swine flu and and H1N1 stopped many people from traveling abroad. Domestically, the crime rate of tourist areas, specifically traffic safety and incidents of petty theft, negatively affect the tourism industry. For theme parks, the safety record can also be a negative factor.
Though every traveler arrives at his destination with an expectation of different types of amenities, the lack of certain amenities could deter even the most adventurous traveler. For instance, easily attained transportation is a major concern for both the budget and the luxury traveler. If public transportation is difficult to understand, unreliable or dangerous, budget tourists traveling abroad may be deterred from visiting your country. The same thing goes with private transportation for luxury travelers. Other amenities that affect tourism include clean water, affordable food and housing, easy visa processes and access to reliable medical care.
