leiper's tourism system model

Learning Materials

Business Studies
Combined Science
Computer Science
Engineering
English Literature
Environmental Science
Human Geography
Macroeconomics
Microeconomics
tourism models

Tourism models are frameworks that help analyze and predict tourist behavior , destination development , and market trends. Popular models include Doxey's Irritation Index, Butler's Tourism Area Life Cycle (TALC), and the 4 As Model (Attraction, Amenities, Access, Ancillary services). Understanding these models aids in sustainable tourism planning , allowing stakeholders to optimize visitor experiences and destination management .

Millions of flashcards designed to help you ace your studies

Cell Biology

What is Butler's Tourism Area Life Cycle (TALC) Model used for?

What is the main purpose of the Integrated Model of Tourism?

What is the primary role of tourism models in the tourism industry?

What are the three core components of Leiper's Model of Tourism?

What does the Transit Route Region (TRR) in Leiper's model include?

What is an example of Community Based Tourism in action?

Which equation represents the balance between supply and demand in the Integrated Model of Tourism?

What are the stages of the Butler Model of Tourism?

How does the Butler Model mathematically represent tourist growth over time?

What are the key benefits of the Community Based Tourism Model?

Review generated flashcards

to start learning or create your own AI flashcards

Start learning or create your own AI flashcards

Vaia Editorial Team

Team tourism models Teachers

11 minutes reading time
Checked by Vaia Editorial Team
Adventure and Niche Tourism
Cultural Tourism
Guest Services and Experience
Hospitality
Hospitality Analytics and Forecasting
Hospitality Financial Management
Hospitality Food and Beverage
Hospitality Management
Hospitality Safety and Security
Hospitality Supply Chain
Hospitality Sustainability and Ethics
Hospitality Technology
Hotel Management
Human Relations
Leadership and Hospitality Strategy
Marketing and Tourism
Marketing in Hospitality
Safety and Security in Tourism
Technology in Tourism
Tourism Economics
Tourism Education and Research
public-private tourism partnerships
tourism analytics
tourism and climate change
tourism and culture
tourism anthropology
tourism case studies
tourism consumer behavior
tourism education
tourism feasibility studies
tourism geography
tourism globalization
tourism legislation
tourism research
tourism statistics
tourism sustainability indicators
tourism technology
tourism theory
Tourism Infrastructure
Tourism Management
Tourism Policy and Regulation
Tourism Sociology
Tourism Sustainability
Tourism and Travel
Tourist Behavior
Training and Development in Tourism

Jump to a key chapter

Tourism Models Definition

Tourism is a dynamic field driven by the interactions between tourists, destinations, and a variety of external factors. With the growing complexity of these interactions, the concept of tourism models has become vital. Understanding these models helps you to grasp how tourism systems operate and evolve over time.

Tourism Models are frameworks that describe the structures, components, and processes involved in the tourism industry. They provide a systematic way to understand how tourism operates, identifying key elements like supply, demand, and external influences.

Importance of Tourism Models

The use of tourism models is important for a number of reasons:

They help in planning and policy-making by providing a clear framework.
They guide the development of sustainable tourism practices.
Models inform business strategies and operational decisions.
They assist in predicting changes and impacts within the tourism sector.

For instance, the Butler's Tourism Area Life Cycle (TALC) Model describes how a destination evolves from discovery to potential decline. This model helps destinations to anticipate stages of growth and implement strategies for sustainability or rejuvenation.

The TALC model follows the hypothesis that all tourist destinations follow an evolutionary path involving various stages:

Each stage has distinct characteristics in terms of tourist numbers, facilities, and local involvement. By identifying which stage a destination is in, planners can devise relevant interventions to foster positive outcomes or mitigate potential issues.

Tourism models are not static. They can evolve as new trends and data emerge, making them increasingly useful over time.

Leiper's Model of Tourism

Leiper's Model of Tourism offers a comprehensive framework for understanding the dynamic and complex nature of tourism. This model highlights the interconnectedness of various elements, providing insights into the operational mechanisms of the tourism industry.

The Components of Leiper's Model

Leiper's model consists of three core components:

Tourist Generating Region (TGR) : The origin area where tourist trips begin. It includes the markets which drive demand for tourism services and destinations.
Tourist Destination Region (TDR) : The location where the tourist activities take place. This region offers attractions and experiences that fulfill the expectations of tourists.
Transit Route Region (TRR) : The area traveled through by tourists to reach their destination. It encompasses all the infrastructures and facilities that facilitate the movement of tourists.

To illustrate, if you're planning a trip from New York to Paris:

Your home city, New York, represents the TGR.
The flight route and stopovers form the TRR.
Paris, where you indulge in sightseeing and cultural experiences, is the TDR.

Leiper's model further acknowledges the presence of external environments influencing the tourism system. These are social, economic, technological, ecological, and political factors that can impact the flow of tourists through the system. Understanding these external factors is crucial for stakeholders aiming to optimize tourism operations and enhance visitor experiences. This comprehensive approach makes Leiper's model a vital tool in strategizing for tourism development and sustainability.

Leiper's Model emphasizes not just the destination but also the importance of the entire travel experience from start to finish.

Integrated Model of Tourism

The Integrated Model of Tourism is an advanced framework that aims to consolidate various components and interactions within the tourism industry. This model provides a holistic approach to understanding tourism systems by integrating multiple factors and dimensions that influence tourism dynamics.

Core Elements of the Integrated Model

The Integrated Model of Tourism consists of several core elements. These elements provide a foundation to analyze how different parts of the tourism system interact:

Supply and Demand : Balances the availability of tourism services with the interest and needs of tourists.
Tourist Motivations : Examines the reasons and purposes driving tourists to travel.
Environmental Forces : Considers natural, social, and economic factors affecting tourism.
Destination Development : Focuses on how destinations evolve and manage the influx of tourists.

This model employs mathematical formulations to predict various tourism phenomena. For example, the balance between supply and demand can be represented by the equation:

\[S - D = E\]

where \(S\) is the supply, \(D\) is the demand, and \(E\) is the equilibrium.

To further explore tourist motivations, you can consider variables such as income, climate, and cultural heritage, which collectively contribute to the equation: \[M = f(I, C, H)\] showcasing how multiple factors drive motivations \(M\).

For instance, you can apply the Integrated Model to a resort area:

Analyze the balance between accommodation availability (\(S\)) and tourist bookings (\(D\)).
Consider tourist motivations by evaluating climate desirability, like sunny weather in tropical destinations.
Assess how external economic factors, such as currency fluctuations, might impact tourism revenue.

The Integrated Model of Tourism helps in forecasting tourism trends by considering interconnected components that dynamically influence the industry.

Butler Model Tourism

The Butler Model of Tourism , also known as the Tourist Area Life Cycle (TALC), is a pivotal theory for understanding the growth and development stages of a tourist destination. This model outlines how tourism destinations evolve over time, from initial exploration to potential decline or rejuvenation.

Butler Model of Tourism is a framework that conceptualizes the stages through which a tourist destination passes, typically involving exploration, involvement, development, consolidation, stagnation, and either decline or rejuvenation.

Stages in Butler Model Tourism

Each stage in the Butler Model presents distinct characteristics and challenges. Understanding these stages can help in strategic planning and sustainable development for destinations.

Consider a beach resort:

Initially discovered by a few adventurous travelers, the site undergoes exploration .
As word spreads, local businesses begin offering accommodations and services, marking involvement .
Substantial investments in hotels and attractions signify development .
The resort becomes a popular destination with consistent tourist traffic, entering the consolidation stage.
If no innovations occur, the destination may experience stagnation , risking decline unless rejuvenation strategies are adopted.

The Butler Model can be analyzed through mathematical representations that quantify changes over time. Using a theoretical equation, you can model the curve of tourist numbers \(T(t)\) over time:

\[T(t) = \frac{K}{1 + exp(-b(t - t_0))}\]

Where \(K\) denotes the carrying capacity, \(b\) is the growth rate, and \(t_0\) is the time of peak growth. This sigmoidal curve reflects the evolution from exploration to consolidation.

Exploring rejuvenation strategies such as introducing eco-tourism or cultural heritage programs can shift destinations from stagnation back to growth.

Community Based Tourism Model

The Community Based Tourism (CBT) Model is a framework centered around local community involvement in tourism development . This model encourages local empowerment, sustainable use of resources, and cultural preservation through active participation in tourism activities.

Benefits of Community Based Tourism Model

Implementing a Community Based Tourism Model offers numerous benefits not only for the community but also for visitors and the environment:

Economic Empowerment : Local communities gain direct economic benefits as they provide services, which fosters job creation and local businesses.
Cultural Preservation : It promotes the protection and sharing of local traditions, crafts, and heritage.
Environmental Conservation : Encourages sustainable practices and responsible use of natural resources, ensuring environmental protection.
Strong Community Involvement : Enables locals to have a say in tourism development, ensuring that their needs and perspectives are prioritized in decision-making.

An example of CBT can be found in the village of Mae Kampong in Thailand:

The villagers manage guesthouses and homestays, offering tourists an authentic cultural experience.
Tours conducted by locals highlight traditional lifestyles and sustainable practices like organic farming.
Proceeds from tourism are reinvested into community infrastructure and conservation projects.

Community Based Tourism requires collaborative efforts and structured planning. Stakeholders, including government bodies, local businesses, and NGOs, play vital roles in ensuring success. Key considerations include:

Capacity Building : Training and education programs improve local skills essential for tourism services.
Marketing and Partnerships : Developing strategic alliances helps promote community-centered tours to a broader audience.
Monitoring and Evaluation : Continual assessment processes help track progress and adapt strategies for sustainable growth.

This approach leads not only to positive economic outcomes but also to enriched social and environmental dividends, creating a robust tourism system that benefits all involved.

When visiting a community-based tourism location, engage with local activities and learn about their customs for an enriching experience.

Eco Tourism Model

The Eco Tourism Model is a sustainable tourism framework focusing on conserving the environment and benefiting local communities. This model promotes experiences that are responsible and in harmony with natural and cultural ecosystems.

Principles of Eco Tourism Model

Eco-tourism is guided by several core principles aimed at ensuring long-term environmental and social benefits:

Minimizing Impact : Ensure tourism activities do not harm the environment and local cultures.
Building Environmental Awareness : Educate both visitors and residents about conservation through informative and engaging initiatives.
Providing Direct Benefits : Offer economic benefits and empowerment to local people, supporting community development projects.
Respecting Local Culture : Promote understanding and respect for the social dynamics and traditions of local communities.
Continual Monitoring and Assessment : Adapt and improve practices through regular evaluation and stakeholder feedback to enhance sustainability efforts.

An illustrative example of the eco-tourism model can be observed in Costa Rica's national parks:

Parks implement low-impact visitor strategies, including designated trails and limited entry to sensitive areas.
Educational programs inform tourists about biodiversity and conservation success stories.
Local guides and operators mean that tourism profits directly support community welfare projects.

Eco-tourism goes beyond simple tourism activities; it develops a profound connection between tourists and nature. Achieving this requires:

Integration of Technology : Utilize technology to improve visitor management and environmental monitoring.
Participation in Conservation : Invite tourists to actively contribute to conservation efforts, such as reforestation or wildlife monitoring projects.
Collaboration with Stakeholders : Encourage partnerships between governments, NGOs, and the private sector to boost eco-tourism initiatives.

When effectively managed, eco-tourism not only preserves ecosystems but also enhances community resilience, making it a crucial element of sustainable development.

Choosing eco-friendly travel options, like using local transport or staying in eco-lodges, can enhance your eco-tourism experience and reduce your travel footprint.

tourism models - Key takeaways

Tourism models definition: Frameworks describing structures, components, and processes in tourism, aiding in understanding operation and evolution.
Leiper's model of tourism: Identifies three regions: Tourist Generating Region (TGR), Tourist Destination Region (TDR), and Transit Route Region (TRR), emphasizing interconnected elements and external influences.
Integrated model of tourism: A holistic approach that consolidates tourism components, focusing on supply and demand, tourist motivations, environmental forces, and destination development.
Butler model of tourism (TALC): Outlines the lifecycle of tourist destinations through stages like exploration, development, stagnation, and possible rejuvenation or decline.
Community based tourism model: Focuses on local community involvement, promoting economic empowerment, cultural preservation, and environmental conservation.
Eco tourism model: Encourages sustainable tourism by minimizing impact, building environmental awareness, supporting local communities, and respecting cultural dynamics.

Flashcards in tourism models 24

Describes how a destination evolves from discovery to potential decline.

To analyze only the economic aspects of tourism.

They provide a systematic way to understand how tourism operates.

Tourist Generation Hub, Travel Facilitation Zone, Destination Hotspot

The main attractions and cultural experiences of a destination

Dubai city tours.

Learn with 24 tourism models flashcards in the free Vaia app

We have 14,000 flashcards about Dynamic Landscapes.

Already have an account? Log in

Frequently Asked Questions about tourism models

Test your knowledge with multiple choice flashcards.

What is Butler's Tourism Area Life Cycle (TALC) Model used for?

Join the Vaia App and learn efficiently with millions of flashcards and more!

Keep learning, you are doing great.

Discover learning materials with the free Vaia app

Vaia is a globally recognized educational technology company, offering a holistic learning platform designed for students of all ages and educational levels. Our platform provides learning support for a wide range of subjects, including STEM, Social Sciences, and Languages and also helps students to successfully master various tests and exams worldwide, such as GCSE, A Level, SAT, ACT, Abitur, and more. We offer an extensive library of learning materials, including interactive flashcards, comprehensive textbook solutions, and detailed explanations. The cutting-edge technology and tools we provide help students create their own learning materials. StudySmarter’s content is not only expert-verified but also regularly updated to ensure accuracy and relevance.

Team Hospitality and Tourism Teachers

Study anywhere. Anytime.Across all devices.

Create a free account to save this explanation..

Save explanations to your personalised space and access them anytime, anywhere!

By signing up, you agree to the Terms and Conditions and the Privacy Policy of Vaia.

Join over 22 million students in learning with our Vaia App

The first learning app that truly has everything you need to ace your exams in one place

Flashcards & Quizzes
AI Study Assistant
Study Planner
Smart Note-Taking

Join over 22 million students in learning with our Vaia App

Privacy Overview

Academia.edu no longer supports Internet Explorer.

To browse Academia.edu and the wider internet faster and more securely, please take a few seconds to upgrade your browser .

Enter the email address you signed up with and we'll email you a reset link.

We're Hiring!
Help Center

Download Free PDF

The Contribution of Neil Leiper to Tourism Studies

The Contribution of Neil Leiper to Tourism Studies C. Michael Hall, Department of Management, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, 8140, New Zealand; [email protected] Stephen Page, Centre for International Business and Sustainability, London Metropolitan Business School, London Metropolitan University, 277-281 Holloway Road, London N7 8HN, UK; [email protected] Abstract Neil Leiper was an influential tourism scholar who died in February 2010. The paper provides a review of his work and his contribution to tourism studies. Four major themes are identified from the time of his first major publication in 1979 up until his death: tourism systems, partial industrialisation, tourist attraction systems and strategy. Works in the first three areas are identified as having a significant influence on tourism literature and the conceptualisation of tourism as a discipline and the manner in which it is defined for both research and educational purposes. The connections between theory and strategy are noted which led to an important tourism text as well as the development of several cases of business failures, which Leiper argues is a significant subject for tourism education. The review concludes by identifying his legacy for the study of tourism. Keywords: Neil Leiper, tourism systems, partial-industrialisation, tourist attraction systems, discipline of tourism. This is a final draft of the manuscript. For the authoritative version please consult the website of Current Issues in Tourism. (Steve and I first met Neil at a tourism geography conference in New Zealand in 1988. Michael also worked with Neil at Massey University, where Stephen also worked in the 1990s. Although not seeing each other as much as we used to all of us had regular correspondence and exchange of ideas as well as providing other support. Many thanks also to John Jenkins for reading the draft for us)

Related papers

Anatolia, 2016

Annals of Tourism Research

Normally one would not include a book review in a list of papers but because of Tim Coles' suggestions as to its relevance I have included it here. It is a little longer than most Annals' reviews but more substantially it provides a critique of some of the issues with respect to critical tourism perspectives, with some of the comments perhaps being viewed as a bit provocative by some. it also brings in the importance of random cliche generators to the development of tourism terminology - unfortunately I could not find the geography reference for this I was looking for (and my copy of the paper is lost somewhere in a box following the Christchurch earthquakes) but I did find an alternative reference thank goodness. O, and there's some reasonable bits in the book as well!

International Journal of Tourism Policy, 2010

Journal of Vacation Marketing, 2006

This is a long-overdue sequel to the influ-ential Tourism: Economic, Physical and Social Impacts by the same authors, published in 1982. Incorporating much of the earlier material but with updates and additions, Tourism: Change, Impacts and Opportunities offers a thorough ...

International Journal of Tourism Policy, 2007

Tourism Review, 1993

Anatolia an international journal of tourism and hospitality, 2015

Tourism Management, 2003

https://servicioskoinonia.org/relat/436e.htm

Pedagogía y saberes, 1999

Galilée, 2018

Quaestiones Medii Aevi Novae, 2019

The Journal of Immunology, 2000

Frontiers in Plant Science

Journal of Bacteriology, 2006

2022 16th European Conference on Antennas and Propagation (EuCAP)

IKRA-ITH teknologi, 2023

PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 2018

Evolution: Education and Outreach, 2012

Definitions and Key Concepts

First Online: 01 January 2012

Cite this chapter

Guido Candela 3 &
Paolo Figini 3

Part of the book series: Springer Texts in Business and Economics ((STBE))

3788 Accesses

Tourism is a highly complex phenomenon and can be fully understood only by adopting a multidisciplinary approach. In fact, the tourism activity has been studied by many disciplines, being economics, geography, sociology, and history the most productive; however, this book will focus only on the analysis of the economic aspects surrounding the tourism activity. Hence, our approach should contribute to the deep understanding of tourism as an economic phenomenon, by leaving to other disciplines the task of providing a more complete picture of how tourism works.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Subscribe and save.

Get 10 units per month
Download Article/Chapter or eBook
1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
Cancel anytime
Available as PDF
Read on any device
Instant download
Own it forever
Available as EPUB and PDF
Compact, lightweight edition
Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
Free shipping worldwide - see info
Durable hardcover edition

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

For example, tourists are more inclined to eat fajitas when they travel to Mexico rather than in their home country. Similarly, the personal consumption of wine increases on average when tourists locate themselves in France or in Italy.

Leiper model has been widely used, for example, in cultural tourism (Richards 2002 ) or in sport tourism (Hinch and Higham 2001 ). For an overview, see Hall and Page, 2006 . It is also recommended to keep in mind that, in addition to Leiper model, the complexity of the tourism phenomenon has also been studied from the perspectives of both the Chaos Theory and the Theory of Structural Instability (see McKercher 1999 ; Russell and Faulkner 1997 , 1999 , 2004 ; Faulkner 2001 ; Blake et al. 2003 ; Ritchie 2004 ).

To learn more about the functions, instruments, and objectives of the UNWTO, read Case Study 15.2, along with Sect. 15.5.2.

However, it is worth underlining that a portion of the tourist spending might take place in the region of departure before the trip.

Battilani, P. (2001). Vacanze di pochi, vacanze di tutti . Bologna: Il Mulino.

Google Scholar

Blake, A. T., Sinclair, M. T., & Sugiyarto, G. (2003). Quantifying the effect of food and mouth disease on tourism and the UK economy. Tourism Economics, 9 , 449–465.

Article Google Scholar

Boniface, B., & Cooper, C. (2009). Worldwide destinations casebook. The geography of travel and tourism . Butterworth-Heinemann: Oxford (second edition).

Briassoulis, H., & van der Streaten, J. (1992). Tourism and environment . London: Kluwer.

Book Google Scholar

Burkart, A. J., & Medlik, S. (1974). Tourism. Past, present and future . London: Butterworth Heinemann.

Candela, G., & Figini, P. (2009). Tourism economics: a discipline of economics. AlmaTourism, 0 , 7–18.

Clawson, M., & Knetsch, J. L. (1969). Economics of outdoor recreation . London: John Hopkins Press.

Cooper, C. P., Fletcher, J., Gilbert, D., Shephard, R., & Wanhill, S. (2008). Tourism. Principles and practice (4th ed.). New York: Longman.

Dewailly, J. M., & Flament, E. (1995). Géographie du tourisme et des loisirs . Sedes: CDU.

Faulkner, B. (2001). Towards a framework for tourism disaster management. Tourism Management, 22 , 135–147.

Gardini, A. (1986). Caratteri strutturali e dimensioni macroeconomiche del turismo in Emilia-Romagna . Bologna: University of Bologna. Mimeo.

Gilbert, D. C. (1990). Conceptual issues in the meaning of tourism. In C. P. Cooper (Ed.), Progress in tourism. Recreation and hospitality management . London: Belhaven.

Hall, C. M., & Page, S. (2006). The geography of tourism and recreation: place, space and environment . London: Routledge.

Hinch, T. D., & Higham, J. E. S. (2001). Sport tourism: a framework for research. International Journal of Tourism Research, 3 , 45–58.

Jafari, J. (1977). Editor’s page. Annals of Tourism Research, 6 , 6–11.

Leiper, N. (1990). Tourism systems, Occasional Papers 2 . Auckland: Massey University.

Lundberg, D. E., Krishnamoorthy, M., & Stavenga, M. H. (1995). Tourism economics . New York: Wiley.

McConnell, K. E. (1985). The economics of outdoor recreation. In A. V. Kneese & J. L. Sweeney (Eds.), Handbook of natural resource and energy economics . Amsterdam: Elsevier.

McIntosh, R. W., Goeldner, C. R., & Ritchie, J. R. B. (1995). Tourism. Principles, practices, philosophies . New York: Wiley.

McKercher, B. (1999). A chaos approach to tourism. Tourism Management, 20 , 425–434.

Moore, K., Cushman, G., & Simmons, D. (1995). Behavioral conceptualization of tourism and leisure. Annals of Tourism Research, 22 , 67–85.

Raffestin, C. (1986). Nature e culture du lieu touristique . Méditerranée , 3.

Richards, G. (2002). Tourism attraction systems: exploring cultural behavior. Annals of Tourism Research, 29 , 1048–1064.

Ritchie, B. W. (2004). Chaos, crisis and disasters: a strategic approach to crisis management in the tourism industry. Tourism Management, 25 , 669–683.

Russell, R., & Faulkner, B. (1997). Chaos and complexity in tourism: in search of a new perspective. Pacific Tourism Review, 1 , 93–102.

Russell, R., & Faulkner, B. (1999). Movers and shakers: chaos makers in tourism development. Tourism Management, 20 , 411–423.

Russell, R., & Faulkner, B. (2004). Entrepreneurship, chaos and the tourism area life cycle. Annals of Tourism Research, 31 , 556–579.

Sinclair, M. T., & Stabler, M. (1997). The economics of tourism . London: Routledge.

Smith, S. L. J. (1988). Defining tourism: a supply-side view. Annals of Tourism Research, 25 , 179–190.

Smith, V. L. (1998). War and tourism: an American ethnography. Annals of Tourism Research, 25 , 202–227.

Stabler, M. J., Papatheodorou, A., & Sinclair, M. T. (2010). The economics of tourism (2nd ed.). London: Routledge.

Tribe, J. (2011). The economics of recreation, leisure and tourism (4th ed.). Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann.

UNWTO. (2007). 2008 international recommendations for tourism statistics . Madrid: UNWTO.

UNWTO. (2010). Tourism highlights (2010th ed.). Madrid: UNWTO.

Wahab, S. (1975). Tourism management . London: Tourism International Press.

Wall, G., & Mathieson, A. (2006). Tourism: change, impacts and opportunities . Harlow: Pearson and Prentice Hall.

Download references

Author information

Authors and affiliations.

Department of Economics, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy

Guido Candela & Paolo Figini

You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

About this chapter

Candela, G., Figini, P. (2012). Definitions and Key Concepts. In: The Economics of Tourism Destinations. Springer Texts in Business and Economics. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-20874-4_2