Tourism Theories

i. Leiper’s Tourism system model (1990): 

Neil Leiper suggested a model on Tourism System in 1979 (further updated in 1990).

Leiper outlined three geographical elements in his model.

Human Elements - Tourist 

Geographical Elements -

• Travellers generating region - This is a place from where a trip starts and ends. 
• Tourist destination region - This is the target place where tourist visits 
• Transit route - This is an area where tourist travels, stays and exchanges transportation mode. 

Industrial Elements -

• All services en-route to, within and on return from the destination. 
• Including logistics, accommodation and all other tourism services.

ii. Doxey’s Irritation Index 1975 

This theory describes about the situation how a guest and host interact with gradual development of tourism at a destination. 

• Euphoria – During the initial phase residents welcome tourists as guest. Residents treat them with high esteem. 
• Apathy – When residents lose interest in tourism and relation with tourists becomes more formal. 
• Annoyance – Saturation in the approach of host for the tourists as the host have doubt about the tourist activities. 
• Antagonism – Open expression of irritation for the tourist. Tourists are not welcome at the destination.

iii. Matheson &Wall – ‘Travel – Buying’ Behavior Model(1982) 

This model shows about the behavior of tourists when they buy tourist services. It is the reactionary process they undergo.

• Felt Need or Travel Desire: “The need is felt and the reason for travel is weighted up”. 
• Information Collection and Evaluation: “Information is collected from formal and informal sources”. 
• Travel Decision: “The decision regarding the destination, mode of transport, type of accommodation, types of activities”. 
• Travel Preparation and Experience: “Confirmation of booking and the commencement of travel”. 
• Travel Satisfaction Evaluation: “The actual experience is evaluated and influences subsequent travel decision”.

iv. Butler’s Tourist Area Life Cycle (1980) 

Tourist Area Life Cycle (TALC) is a model developed by Butler (1980) to show how a destination goes through various stages from starting (exploration) to end (Decline/rejuvenation).

• Exploration - New location, small number of tourists, adventurous travel. 
• Involvement - If tourists are accepted by local, some involvement in tourism infrastructure begins. 
• Development - Huge investment takes place in the destination by outside investors in infrastructure development. 
• Consolidation - When growth rate is very high in the area with the involvement of tourism professionals. 
• Stagnation – When there is no scope for future growth, destination is already flooded with service providers, and destination seems to be crowded. 
• Decline/Rejuvenation - The popularity of the area decreases. Outsiders move out and only local residents take care of tourists, where day trippers (excursionists) become the main source of income. 

Rejuvenation of the place takes place when it attracts different people with modernized services.

v. Gunn’s Model of Tourist Destination. 

Gunn in 1988 described three part of the destination according to physical structure which is as follows.

• Zone of Closure  – Local commercial and service sector. 
• Inviolate Belt – Amenities within destination. 
• Nucleus – It is core of attraction. 

vi. Crompton’s Push and Pull Theory 

Basically Pull factors represent destinations attractions that motivate tourists to travel to the far off land. Push factors, on the other hand, represent the driving forces that force one to undertake travel from a mundane routine and place of residence. Choice of the travel for leisure or pleasure depends totally upon the factors which drive tourists’ opinion of the destination. 

• Push Factors – seek for adventure and challenges, demonstration of prestige, need for relaxation and self-discovery, escape, looking up to excitement, health and fitness. 
• Pull Factors – Destination features such as; scenic beauty, Parks, Beaches, cultural attractions, sporting events, historical area, recreation facilities, and shopping.