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Explain the main differences between Special Interest Tourism (SIT) and Mass Tourism.
SIT focuses on specific interests (culture, adventure, religion) with small groups and customized experiences, while mass tourism involves large groups, standardized packages, and general leisure. SIT generates higher value per tourist, whereas mass tourism relies on volume.
Give one example of SIT.
A pilgrimage trip to Mecca or a wine tour in Italy.
Name one characteristic of SIT.
Small groups or customized experiences.
Give one benefit of SIT.
It brings higher income per tourist or supports local communities.
What motivates SIT tourists?
A specific interest, passion, or activity.
Why do SIT tourists usually spend more money?
Because they pay for specialized, unique, and high-quality experiences.
How has technology helped the growth of SIT?
The internet and social media help people discover niche tourism options and plan trips easily.
Why is SIT considered more sustainable than mass tourism?
Because it involves smaller groups and less environmental and cultural pressure.
What is one challenge of developing SIT?
Limited accessibility or the need for skilled staff.
How does SIT support local communities?
It creates jobs, promotes local culture, and encourages tourists to spend money on local products and services.
Why is SIT considered a niche tourism market?
Why is SIT considered a niche tourism market?
How does SIT contribute to destination competitiveness?
By offering unique, high-value experiences that differentiate the destination from others.
How can SIT reduce seasonality in tourism?
By attracting tourists year-round based on specific interests, not just peak seasons.
Why does SIT require more skilled human resources?
Because it involves specialized knowledge and personalized service.
How can SIT support cultural preservation?
By promoting and maintaining local traditions, heritage, and cultural activities.
List four main factors contributing to the growth of SIT:
Evolution of transport
Development of winter sports
Increase in paid holidays
Technical developments in all transport
Advent of long-haul travel via jet aircraft
List 4 benefits of Special Interest Tourism (SIT):
Higher Economic Value
Sustainable Development
Support for Local Communities
Year-Round Tourism
Personal Growth & Learning
Cultural Preservation
List 4 challenges of Special Interest Tourism (SIT):
High Costs
Accessibility Issues
Safety & Risk Management
Marketing Challenges
Need for Skilled Human Resources
4 Key Characteristics of Special Interest Tourism:
•Focused Motivation:
•Smaller Groups:
•Experiential Learning:
•Customization:
•High Value:
list 4 elements of tourism
- Distance
- length of stay at destination
- residance of travelers
- purpose of travelers
How are the concepts of leisure and recreation related to the development of Special Interest Tourism?
Leisure provides free time, while recreation includes activities done during that time. SIT develops as people use leisure time to pursue specific recreational interests through travel.
Explain why SIT is often considered part of alternative tourism.
Because it offers more personalized, small-scale, and experience-based travel, unlike standardized mass tourism.
How has the evolution of transport influenced the growth of SIT?
Improved transport and low-cost airlines have made niche destinations more accessible to specialized tourists.
How do environmental and cultural awareness influence the shift from mass tourism to SIT?
Tourists increasingly prefer sustainable and authentic experiences, which SIT provides.
Why is SIT considered high-value tourism compared to mass tourism?
Because tourists spend more on unique, customized, and experience-based services.