Nordic Tourism Products
The Nordic countries are not well-known as tourism destinations. Governments and regional development bodies have always been interested in tourism developments because of the positive developments linked with the industry: employment, source of income and diversification of economy.
Asia tourism has grown extremely fast with the development of many tourist attraction sites and destinations. This has made such countries as South Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan and enormously populated countries such as India, China and Indonesia very interesting. The tourism sector in Asia is well-established in both rural and urban places. Tourism in Asia has reduced the poverty rate since people in rural places, which are the most poor, started receiving income (Hall, Muller and Saarinen, 2008). Discussion Many Asian countries have turned to tourism as one of the major industries. Tourism has attracted the foreigners which, in turn, stimulated economic development in hospitality, construction, property, transportation, and retail industries (Davies, 2003).
It has also boosted small businesses such as currency exchange, restaurants, bars, and tour operations. Competition is high as the Asian countries strive to improve their tourism destination brands. Singapore, Hong Kong and Thailand top the list as country brands while Malaysia, Indo-China, South Korea, China, Philippines and Indonesia move to increase their brand recognition and brand power (Davies, 2003). Thailand and Malaysia, for example, stepped up their expenditures for tourism promotion in response to the 1997-1998 financial crises despite strains on government budget (Severino, 2011). Tourism in Asia has contributed to the whole development of population: it has developed culture, created jobs, provided infrastructure, and maintains understanding and peace. This tool of development is considered an alternative to environmental problems solutions and is used for economic gains.
In the central part of Asia, tourism is at the interest of drawing the world to complete routes of the prehistoric world. The road of Great Silk is a wealthy tapestry of tourism destinations and is associated with distinctive and wonderfully well-to-do heritage, background of different histories, nature, people and culture along the unchanging route now broadening to welcome visitors. The World Tourism Organization UNWTO started a long-term project to manage and support the road of Greta Silk as a concept of touism in 1993. Each participating nation had representatives who came together to adopt the momentous Samarkand Declaration on tourism of the Silk road and approve a distinctive symbol in order to be used by the organizations, governments and individuals (Mazanec and Wober, 2009). Meetings and forums were apprehended in 1994, and the participating nations implemented the Bukhara Declaration on the tourism of the Silk Road.
The implementation emphasized on the benefits of tourism that is sustainable and gave out specific steps to be used in arousing ecological and cultural tourism. As this was done, the Uzbek government hosted the tourism office of Silk Road to open at Samarkand in the year 2004. The organization of world tourism published brochures for the tourism of Silk Road in 1997 to help market it. The brochure was enormously appreciated by those countries that participated in the UNWTO project of Silk Road. The new brochure presented mosaic products of tourism, attractions and sites in the entire region and contributed to a better understanding of the potential of tourism in the region. Uzbekistan is famous for its hospitality that is extremely rooted in its people.
It has an extremely tasteful national cuisine and a specific local custom, and, therefore, this country is an exceptionally beautiful tourism destination for visitors from all over the world (Hall, 2005).Other Asian countries also have many tourism destinations. Malaysia, for example, comprises of big cities, long coastlines, spotless beaches huge buildings and extensive shopping malls. Its capital city, Kuala Lumpur, has a unique blend of cultures of several communities like Chinese, Malays, South Indians and east Malaysian ethnic groups. Their festivals, food, art and fashion put together bring out a unique environment that is worth experiencing.
Some of the major attractions in the city include: TwinPetronasTowers, Central Market, Petaling Street, National Library, Royal Selangor, and LakeGardens. Other attraction sites in Malaysia include: Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, Jonker Street, Big red strawberry Farms, Time Tunnel Gallary, Ee Feng Gu Honey Bee Farm, Teluk Sengat crocodile and ostrich farm, Old Johor Fort, Desaru Beach, etc (Robin, 2010) . The Asian country has its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in the tourism industry. The analysis of their market industry and appraisal of the market in terms of advantages and disadvantages, sometimes known as SWOT analysis, is essential just like the investigation of basic market. The aaction of marketing should be responsible for a strong product and ensure that a precised periodic testing is performed.
All businesses associated with the trade of tourism, whether private or public sector, should be market rather than product oriented. The increase perception of terrorist threat in south East Asia has affected the number of tourists visiting the region (Davies 2003). This is seen to be a problem that may cause a decrease in the number of tourists visiting the region in future. However, Davies points that an increase in mainland Chinese tourists to international destinations has made Asian countries boost their promotions in the mainland market. This is one of their strengths.
The new marketing campaigns from Malaysia, Indo-China, South Korea, China, Philippines and Indonesia launched against the top brands such Australia, Hawaii, Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia help in attracting more tourists. Moreover, the government of Asia has provided a conducive environment for the tourism business (Hall & Saarinen, 2005). It has provided sufficient security for its members and visitors. The tourists feel free and relaxed in the area since they are treasured by being offered the best services and products. Its long stay in the business also gives it an added advantage over the others. Furthermore, English language which is the language of the region enables it receive more customers from both English and non English-speaking countries.
Asia has made kinship links with many countries and makes coordination easy. Asia has also managed to take tourism products to North American and many other countries. Its tourism industry has spread drastically in comparison to that of the other country competitors, e.g. European countries. It established trade relations, incentive travel and business related conferences which enable them to market their products.
They also provide leisure activities such as sports, hobbies, stable traffic and downright worldwide potential (Bauer, 2001). This makes them be recognized internationally and market their products.Conclusion Despite the notion that Nordic countries are not well-known as tourism destinations, Asia can improve its tourism industry by proper marketing to not only foreign tourists, but also its citizens to encourage domestic tourism. It can also address the weaknesses and threats they face. This can be done by putting in place security measures that will prevent terrorism threats and attacks.
