Introduction
The emergence of recreational travel as a form of leisure has become the harbinger of growth and development for the tourism industry. Considered as one of the largest and fastest growing industries in the world, benefiting from leisure travel has brought forth several social and economic advantages for the tourism industry. While it has led to the expansion of employment opportunities, the furtherance of technology, accessibility and communication has generated new forms of tourism namely eco-tourism or adventure tourism that caters to the preference and interests of tourists. The tourism industry has instilled a beneficial impact of encouraging appreciation and comprehension of different cultures while safeguarding cultural heritage sites and encouraging sustainable tourism practices.
The tourism industry plays a crucial role in the provision of threefold benefits, namely fueling the global economy, increasing revenue and enhancing employment opportunities. However, there are several myths surrounding the tourism industry that can tarnish and hinder its growth and success, and hence there is the requirement for professionals with expertise and competencies in tourism management who can combat these defamatory myths. Pursuing a Professional Doctorate in Tourism Management will imbibe the professional skills and expertise needed to address the challenges while promoting sustainable tourism practices. In this blog we will highlight some common myths and debunks of the tourism industry and how pursuing a professional doctorate in tourism management can help address these issues.
Here are some common myths of the tourism industry
Myth 1: Tourism is limited to beaches and mountains
Limitation in tourism variation is one of the most common myths in the tourism industry, which can be debunked with the provision of a vast range of tourism segments and experiences that satiates the varied preference and interests of modern-day tourists. Ecotourism, cultural tourism, adventure tourism, culinary tourism, sports tourism, religious tourism is to name a few. Pursuing a Professional Doctorate in Tourism Management can help professionals gain a complete understanding of the various tourism segments and aid in developing strategies to meet tourist interests.
Myth 2: Tourism is expensive
The myth about tourism being expensive and suitable only for the wealthy is yet another common perception in the tourism industry that needs to be debunked. Though luxury tourism exists, there are many segments that cater to the needs of budget-friendly tourists as well. These options make travelling accessible to a wider range of people. Pursuing a Professional Doctorate in Tourism Managementcan help professionals understand the various budget friendly tourism options while promoting accessible tourism practices.
Myth 3: Tourism amplifies local economy
While the economic benefits provided by the tourism industry to the local communities of a country is undeniable, the detrimental impacts such as overcrowding, environmental degradation and multinational companies exploiting the profits from local communities needs to be highlighted and dealt with. Pursuing a Professional Doctorate in Tourism Management can help device tactics that prioritize responsible tourism practices beneficial for both tourists and local communities.
Myth 4: Tourism is harmful for the environment
Another common myth surrounding the tourism industry is that it causes irrevocable damages to the environment such as soil erosion, increased pollution, natural habitat loss, carbon emission etc. Though there are some truths to this statement, it should be highlighted that tourism also promote conservation efforts and advocate sustainable development. Pursuing a Professional Doctorate in Tourism Management can help professionals formulate strategies that prioritize sustainable and conservation efforts.
Myth 5: Tourists is disruptive to local cultures
There are tourists who are highly disrespectful and disruptive to the local culture and tradition of the local community but while cultural tourism brings forth economic benefits for these local communities, there are tourists who are keen to learn and respect the customs and traditions of these local communities. Pursuing a Professional Doctorate in Tourism Management can help professionals create strategies that encourage cultural awareness and reverence for indigenous traditions.
Myth 6: Tourism causes over-tourism
With the advancement of technology and accessibility, over-tourism is an extremely common phenomenon in popular tourist destinations, which with the introduction and practice of sustainable tourism can reduce its negative impacts. A Professional Doctorate in Tourism Management can help professionals gain the knowledge to develop strategies that promote sustainable tourism practices and eliminate over-tourism.
How does a Professional Doctorate in Tourism Management Help?
A Professional Doctorate in Tourism Management will not only enhance the skills of a professional to attain the leadership position in the industry but also impart the knowledge and expertise needed to address multifaced issues that arise in the tourism industry.
- A Professional Doctorate in Tourism Management provides professionals with in-depth knowledge and understanding of the various segments of the tourism industry that allows them to develop strategies that will promote accessible and inclusive tourism practices.
- It equips an individual with the ability to formulate strategies that prioritize sustainable tourism practices, which include conservation efforts, encourage cultural awareness and reverence for local communities, and eliminating any detrimental effect of over-tourism on the environment.
- A Professional Doctorate in Tourism Management enhances a professional’s skills in areas such as research, evaluation, and problem-solving as these are useful to face and solve complex issues that are ever-present in the tourism industry.
- A Professional Doctorate in Tourism Management can provide mid-career professionals with the expertise needed for their career advancement, while enhancing the opportunity to be qualified for executive positions in the tourism industry.
Overall, a professional doctorate in tourism management can help individuals advance their careers and make a meaningful impact in the industry
In conclusion, a Professional Doctorate in Tourism Management will provide professionals with a deeper understanding and knowledge needed to address the common myths and issues constantly faced by the tourism industry. They will have a grasp over the various tourism segments and develop strategies to meet tourist interests, promote accessible and inclusive tourism practices, formulate strategies to combat the detrimental effects of over-tourism and safeguard the local communities by encouraging cultural awareness. In short, they will be able to make a positive and meaningful impact on the tourism industry while advancing their career in the lucrative and dynamic field of tourism.
Revamp your job application material and augment your skillset in the field of tourism with a Professional Doctorate in Tourism Management. Apply now to climb the ladder of success with lucrative career opportunities and qualification for attaining leadership roles in the tourism industry.
Written By : Albert Adams
