IMPORTANCE OF TOURISM

INTRODUCTION

It is obvious that the tourism industry is considered as the world's fastest growing industry. Moreover, tourism is an activity which exists from the economic activities of a tourist related with the entry, stay and the movement within or outside the certain country, region and city. The tourism industry has significant contribution for the overall development of the nation as it is the major source of foreign currency.
                                  The income from tourism has a higher rate of increment which merchandise. The main economic significance of tourism is that the earning generated at the origin is spent at the places of visit or destination. Hence, tourism in every aspect has a wide dimensions and the in the importance are listed as below:

1) Regional Development
    Tourism is one of the major source of income for many individuals and the nations too. It however leads to the regional development. There will be a flow of economy or money from one region to another due to the tourist activities. The expenditure made by tourists in various activities has a great significance in those marginal areas which are relatively isolated, economically depressed, and having an excess problem of an UN-employment. The income from the tourism will be the source of prosperity to the local community. Basic infrastructures like- Road linkage, Drinking water, Electricity etc. and superstructures like Hotels, resorts, restaurants etc. along with the gradual establishment of other superstructures will however lead the regional development.

2) Employment Opportunity
    Tourism product is a non-material product and considered as an invisible trade. This industry is highly a labor intensive which involves a sale of service. It however creates an employment  to huge number of people ranging from UN-skilled to highly skilled. On the other hand, it also creates seasonal employments which lead to the source of income to most of the people. The infrastructures and superstructures developed such as roads construction, hotels and other accommodation units, and other industries however create a direct or indirect employment to large number of population.

3) Income Generation
    The employment in the tourism has a multiplier effect on income. Tourism will create an employment opportunity and the people employed will however generate sources of income in return. The seasonal employments lead to the generation of  seasonal income.E.g. people involved in trekking, expedition, tour and travel etc. will generate a considerable amount of money as seasonal income during the tourist season i.e. August to November.

4) Cultural Understanding
    Tourism is only the key factor for maintaining the cultural understanding between the hosts and the guests. The guests normally dominate the hosts who easily influences from the guests. This may cause a serious problem also. In fact the host culture, traditions, customs, norms and values should be exchanged in such way that will develop a cultural understanding and there will be less chances of xenophobia and domination effect. The tourists will be able to understand the host culture and the host will also have an honor to develop an endless international brotherhood.

5) Educational Significance
    Tourism helps to explore the similarities of human feelings and knowledge without discriminating the country and culture. It has a direct access to exchange a direct knowledge and emotions, ideas and views of other however has an educational significance.