Page 126 - Introduction to Tourism

there is the danger of reaching gridlock. Congestion

means delays that are a serious waste of time and

energy.
2. Safety and security. Ensuring safety and security in

transportation is a basic requirement for tourism. This

was true before September 11, 2001, and is even more
critical today.

3. Environment. An increase in traffic may harm the

environment if an area does not have the carrying

capacity for additional tourists. Transportation planning
must take economic, social, cultural, and natural

resources costs into account when designing expanded

facilities.
4. Seasonality. Seasonal patterns of travel demand

create overcrowding at certain times. Conversely, low

occupancies and load factors will occur at other

periods.
At peak travel periods, the problems of congestion,

security, and the environment become much more

severe.
All of these problems are challenges facing

transportation planners. They have had and will

continue to have an unfavorable impact on the
perception tourists have of their vacation experiences.

Transportation problems have the potential of creating

an unfavorable image of a tourist destination. As the

126