What Is The Difference Between Tourism Policy And Tourism Planning?

Tourism policy and tourism planning are vital for sustainable and successful destination management. At SIXT.VN, we help you navigate Vietnam’s tourism landscape with ease, providing services from airport transfers to curated tours, ensuring you experience the best of Vietnamese hospitality. Let’s dive into the key differences between tourism policy and tourism planning and their roles in shaping the tourism industry.

1. What Exactly Is Tourism Policy?

Tourism policy is essentially the set of guidelines, rules, regulations, and directives that a government or organization establishes to shape the development, management, and promotion of tourism. It’s about making strategic decisions that guide the overall direction of tourism. According to Edgell et al. (2008), tourism policy is a “progressive course of actions, guidelines, directives, principles, and procedures set in an ethical framework that is issues-focused and best represents the intent of a community (or nation) to effectively meet its planning, development, product, service, marketing, and sustainability goals and objectives for the future growth of tourism” (p. 7). In simpler terms, Hall and Jenkins (1995) suggest that “tourism public policy is whatever governments choose to do or not to do with respect to tourism” (p. 7-8).

• Framework for Goals: Tourism policy serves as a framework that includes guidelines, goals, and initiatives aimed at achieving specific objectives.
• Legal Acts: Governmental actions, such as the Travel Promotion Act of 2009, which established Brand USA, are examples of laws or statutes that fall under tourism policy.
• International Travel Policies: These include requirements such as having a current passport and, for many countries, a visa. Visa applications allow countries to regulate who can enter, based on security and other considerations.
• Visa Waiver Program: The U.S. has agreements with 40 countries under the Visa Waiver Program, allowing citizens of those countries to visit the U.S. for business or leisure for up to 90 days without a visa, provided they meet certain requirements (U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs, n.d.). Similar criteria often apply to U.S. residents traveling to these countries.
• Tourism Policy Council (TPC): The International Trade Administration includes a TPC to ensure national decision-making considers the interests of travel and tourism (International Trade Administration, n.d.). The TPC provides resources to help address issues like disaster recovery and offers links to resources such as the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
• Local Level Policies: Tourism destinations can develop policies for development, marketing, tourist experiences, human resource issues, tourism organizations, community relationships, quality assurance, and supporting services (Morrison et al., 2018).

2. What Steps Are Involved In Setting Tourism Policy?

Setting tourism policy involves a series of recommended steps to ensure effective and comprehensive guidelines. Morrison et al. (2018) outline these steps as follows:

1. Identify and Assess Circumstances: Begin by understanding the issue at hand and the constraints that may arise. Constraints can be internal, such as local awareness of tourism, training of hospitality employees, and budget limitations, or external, such as economic conditions, fuel prices, and natural disasters. Tourism organizations have more control over internal constraints, allowing them to implement changes and improvements.
2. Create a Policy Statement: Develop a statement that provides guidelines, goals, and initiatives. While not directly a policy statement, a Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) vision statement often includes guidelines with broad goals. For example, a CVB might aim to maintain or improve the quality of life for residents by promoting tourism and conventions, which inherently includes an economic goal.
3. Consultation: Engage with government entities, local tourism businesses, and other stakeholders to gather feedback on the policy statement. This step ensures that diverse perspectives are considered and that the policy is well-received by the community.
4. Revise and Modify: Based on the feedback received during consultations, rewrite or modify the policy statement. This iterative process ensures that the final policy is robust and addresses the needs and concerns of all stakeholders.
5. Implementation: Identify specific roles for individuals, committees, and organizations. This step also involves developing a budget and timeline for the initiative. Clear roles and responsibilities are crucial for the successful execution of the policy.
6. Evaluation: Regularly assess the policy to determine if the goals are being achieved. This includes constant monitoring to identify if adjustments are needed. External constraints like weather or natural disasters may require adaptations to the initiatives and other efforts related to the tourism policy.

3. What Exactly Is Tourism Planning?

Tourism planning is the process of creating a detailed roadmap for the future development and management of tourism in a specific area. It involves assessing current resources, identifying opportunities, and setting goals to ensure sustainable and beneficial tourism growth. Tourism planning is a systematic approach to managing and shaping the tourism industry to achieve specific goals. According to Gunn and Var (2002), physical planning dates back to early Greek and Roman times, focusing on managing visual appearance and land use.

• Multidimensional Activity: Planning incorporates many disciplines, including social, economic, political, psychological, anthropological, and technological factors (Rose, 1984, p. 45).
• Comprehensive Goals: Plans often include lofty goals that are difficult to achieve due to various reasons.
• Vagueness: Planning can be vague and lack a solid theoretical foundation.
• Community Plans: The general goal is to improve the place to live.
• Tourism Plans: The goal might be to provide visitors with a positive experience while maintaining or improving the quality of life for residents.

4. What Are The Primary Reasons For Tourism Planning?

Tourism planning is essential for several key reasons. Morrison et al. (2018) highlight three primary reasons for engaging in tourism planning:

1. Maximize Economic Benefits: Tourism planning aims to leverage the economic advantages that tourism can bring to a destination, such as increased revenue, job creation, and business opportunities.
2. Minimize Damage to Resources: A critical aspect of tourism planning is to protect natural, environmental, and cultural resources from the potential negative impacts of tourism.
3. Adaptability: The tourism industry is constantly evolving due to changing visitor expectations, political landscapes, economic conditions, and technological advancements. Effective tourism planning must be adaptable to these changes.

5. What Reasons Can Prevent Tourism Planning?

Despite its importance, not all destinations have a tourism plan. Morrison et al. (2018) outline several reasons why a destination might not have a tourism plan:

• Objections: Some believe that tourism should be handled by the private sector without the need for a formal plan.
• Cost: Creating a tourism plan can be expensive, involving market research, consultations, and significant time investment.
• Complexity: Tourism is influenced by numerous factors, including government policies, community dynamics, and stakeholder interests.
• Diversity: The tourism industry involves various sectors with direct and indirect involvement, making planning complex.
• Seasonality: In many destinations, tourism-related jobs are seasonal, such as in beach or ski destinations.
• Unpredictability: Tourism is affected by numerous factors, such as natural disasters, crises, politics, and economic conditions, making it hard to predict future outcomes.

Gunn and Var (2002) add further barriers to tourism planning:

• Lack of Awareness of Tourism Impacts: There may be a lack of understanding regarding the positive and negative impacts of tourism on the local community and environment.
• Lack of Understanding of Tourism Development: There needs to be a plan for developing tourism, maintaining it, and upgrading attractions and facilities.
• Inadequate Infrastructure: Deteriorated attractions and facilities can hinder tourism development.
• Unorganized: A lack of leadership can stall the planning process.
• Politics: Conflicting opinions among stakeholders, businesses, and government can create barriers.
• Lack of Hospitality Training: Insufficient training in hospitality can negatively impact the visitor experience.

Without proper planning, tourism is unlikely to be sustainable economically, environmentally, and socio-culturally.

6. What Models Or Approaches Are Used In Tourism Planning?

Several models and approaches are used in tourism planning to ensure comprehensive and effective development. Morrison et al. (2018) provide a seven-step tourism destination planning model:

1. Background Analysis: Conduct a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis and assess government policies affecting tourism. Inventory existing attractions, accommodations, and restaurants. Analyze the current demand for tourism in the destination.
2. Research and Analysis: Map the locations of the inventory analysis and conduct market surveys of current visitors (motivations, activities) and non-visitors (reasons for not visiting, awareness, perception). Perform a competitive analysis to identify competitors and ways to differentiate the destination.
3. Synthesize and Create a Vision: Combine the background analysis and research to answer the following questions:
   • Where are we now? (Position statement)
   • Where would we like to be? (Vision statement)
   • Identify critical success factors to measure and determine if the vision is achieved.
4. Set Goals, Establish Strategies, and Set Objectives: Develop policies to stimulate the economy and set achievable outcomes. Identify alternative strategies to achieve goals and select the most desired alternatives based on the environment and conditions. Set short-term objectives to monitor progress toward long-term goals.
5. Develop a Plan: Identify organizations and people to be involved, their roles, funding sources, and budgets for different aspects of the plan.
6. Implement and Monitor the Plan: Implement the plan through a local tourism agency or organization (e.g., CVB), with committees of stakeholders to ensure accountability. Monitor progress and adapt as needed.
7. Evaluate the Plan: Measure performance against the goals. Use the evaluation to adapt the plan moving forward.

7. What Does Tourism Development Mean?

Tourism development involves the strategic improvement and expansion of tourism offerings within a destination. This includes enhancing attractions, infrastructure, and services to meet the evolving needs of visitors and maintain competitiveness. Tourism development is not just for destinations starting in tourism; as Mason (2003) suggests, destinations must develop and change over time to remain competitive. The characteristics, motives, activities, and attractions change, and destinations redevelop to stay relevant.

• Butler’s Tourism Area Lifecycle: A common way to view tourism development is through Butler’s Tourism Area Lifecycle, which includes five main stages (Butler, 1980):
  • Exploration: Limited tourism with no formal attractions or facilities. Tourists use local resources.
  • Involvement: The destination begins to offer some facilities for tourists and starts organizing infrastructure and attractions at a local level.
  • Development: The destination markets itself and develops more formal tourist attractions and facilities, often with outside investment.
  • Consolidation: The rate of visitor increase begins to decline, and residents may become opposed to tourism due to congestion and traffic.
  • Stagnation: The destination reaches its maximum number of visitors and may begin to lose appeal. The destination relies heavily on repeat visitors. At this stage, the following can occur:
    • Decline: The number of visitors decreases as competitors offer more appealing attractions. Degradation of attractions continues.
    • Rejuvenation: Development of new attractions and improvement of existing ones can revitalize the destination. Utilizing natural resources that were previously untapped can also drive rejuvenation.

Butler (1980) emphasizes that all stages of the Tourism Area Life Cycle should be a collaborative effort within the community, with government incentives for private development.

8. How Can A Destination Develop Tourism?

There are several potential ways for a destination to develop tourism.

• Develop a “Flagship” Attraction: Create major attractions like theme parks (e.g., Disney Land, Disney World) or utilize natural attractions (e.g., ocean, lake, National Park).
• Destination Zones: Gunn and Var (2002) recommend developing destination zones with clusters of attractions (e.g., museum districts) connected by transportation corridors. This clustering provides tourists with more to do in a closer area, encouraging them to spend more time at attractions and less time traveling.
• Holistic Involvement: Morrison et al. (2018) suggest a holistic view, including the product (attractions, events, facilities, transportation), people (hosts, guests), community awareness, visitor management (signage), and visitor mix.
• Packages and Programs: Develop packages (e.g., all-inclusive, hotel and attraction tickets) and programs (e.g., events, festivals) to attract more tourists.
• Sustainable Approach: Destinations should approach tourism development and redevelopment from a sustainable perspective to avoid overtourism.

9. What Is Sustainable Tourism Development?

Tourism development should be sustainable, considering the economic, environmental, and social/cultural impacts.

• United Nations’ 17 Goals: The United Nations proposes 17 goals for economic development, including economic (e.g., “No Poverty,” “Decent Work and Economic Growth”), environmental (e.g., “Clean Water and Sanitation,” “Affordable and Clean Energy”), and social/cultural goals (e.g., “Good Health and Well Being,” “Quality Education”). The 17th goal is “Partnerships For the Goals,” which are important for tourism destinations in planning, development, marketing, and promotion.
• Triple Bottom Line: Morrison et al. (2018) apply the triple bottom line to tourism, offering examples of sustainable development efforts in each area:
  • Social: Include residents and ensure development improves or maintains their quality of life.
  • Environmental: Protect resources and educate visitors and residents about conservation.
  • Economic: Create new employment opportunities, increase visitor spending, and encourage businesses to purchase locally to minimize leakage.

10. What Are Some Tourism Development Strategies?

Various strategies exist to develop tourism effectively.

• Flagship Attractions: Develop unique attractions that can be marketed and promoted.
• Clusters of Attractions: Create museum districts or other clusters to provide several attractions near each other, reducing travel time for visitors.
• Circuits or Trails: Develop transportation circuits for hiking or biking to connect attractions.
• Events: Destinations can develop events to highlight cultural or unique aspects.
• Holistic Approach: Consider all elements of tourism (attractions, infrastructure, transportation, facilities, service quality).
• Stakeholder Involvement: Include businesses, organizations, residents, and other stakeholders in the development plan.

The general goals of tourism development should include improving visitor experiences, enhancing the local economy, preserving natural resources, and integrating tourism into the broader community (Gunn & Var, 2002). These goals require collaboration among the private, non-profit, and government sectors.

11. What Roles Do Different Sectors Play In Tourism Development?

The private sector, non-profit organizations, government, and local community each have unique roles in tourism development.

• Private Sector: The private sector’s role is entrepreneurial and operational (Morrison et al., 2018). Entrepreneurs identify investors to develop attractions, accommodations, and food and beverage facilities. Once built, their role is to hire workers, manage operations, and ensure success.
• Non-Profit Organizations: Non-profit organizations include CVBs, chambers of commerce, and associations. CVBs market and manage the destination, working with stakeholders to lead marketing and sales. Chambers of commerce may handle tourism marketing in smaller destinations. These organizations collaborate with the private sector and government.
• Government: Government roles include stimulating tourism development and establishing procedures, codes, and zoning regulations. Government might also get involved to address issues like bankruptcy of an attraction, conserve cultural aspects, encourage private sector development, and work with potential attractions where businesses have profitability concerns (Morrison et al., 2018).
  Government may offer incentives such as tax breaks or land for private sector development to lower costs.

While each sector has unique roles, cooperation is essential for the good of the destination. Edgell and Haenisch (1995) offer a model of “coopetition,” where sectors work independently, in pairs, or all together. For example, attractions compete for visitors, but cooperation in managing tourism benefits the entire destination.

12. How Are Project Development Analyses Conducted?

Prior to developing an attraction, hotel, or other element of tourism, an assessment or analysis should be conducted to determine feasibility.

• Feasibility Studies: Private sector developers conduct feasibility studies to ensure profitability.
• Pre-Feasibility Study: This initial study determines if the project is viable, assessing if it makes sense given the destination’s existing offerings.
• Full Feasibility Study: This robust study identifies potential sites, assesses market demand, projects revenues and expenses, calculates capital costs, and determines return on investment (ROI). It is often conducted by an independent consulting company to minimize biases.
• Market Demand Study: This includes secondary and primary research. Secondary research uses existing data, such as hotel metrics. Primary market analysis involves data collection through surveys and focus groups.
• Cost-Benefit Analysis: Government or non-profit organizations may conduct a cost-benefit analysis to determine if the societal benefits outweigh the investment costs.

13. What Are The Key Differences Between Tourism Policy And Tourism Planning?

14. How Do Tourism Policy And Tourism Planning Interact?

Tourism policy and tourism planning are closely interconnected and complementary. Policy provides the broad framework and direction, while planning translates these policies into specific actions and strategies. For example, a tourism policy might set a goal for sustainable tourism, and the tourism plan would outline specific projects and initiatives to achieve this goal, such as developing eco-friendly accommodations or promoting responsible tourism practices.

15. How Does SIXT.VN Support Sustainable Tourism Development In Vietnam?

SIXT.VN is committed to supporting sustainable tourism development in Vietnam through various initiatives and services.

• Eco-Friendly Transportation Options: Offering hybrid and electric vehicles for airport transfers and car rentals to reduce carbon emissions.
• Promoting Local Businesses: Partnering with local hotels, restaurants, and tour operators to support the local economy and provide authentic experiences.
• Responsible Tourism Practices: Encouraging tourists to respect local culture and traditions, minimize waste, and support conservation efforts.
• Educational Tours: Providing guided tours that educate visitors about Vietnam’s natural and cultural heritage, promoting awareness and appreciation.

16. What Challenges Do Tourists Face When Planning A Trip To Vietnam?

Tourists often face several challenges when planning a trip to Vietnam, including:

• Language and Cultural Barriers: Navigating communication and understanding local customs can be difficult.
• Transportation: Arranging reliable and safe transportation can be a hassle.
• Accommodation: Finding suitable and trustworthy accommodations can be time-consuming.
• Activities and Tours: Booking authentic and engaging activities and tours can be challenging.
• Information Overload: Sifting through the vast amount of information available online can be overwhelming.

17. How Does SIXT.VN Address These Challenges?

SIXT.VN addresses these challenges by providing:

• Multilingual Support: Offering customer service in multiple languages to assist international tourists.
• Reliable Transportation: Providing airport transfers, car rentals, and transportation services with professional drivers.
• Curated Accommodation Options: Partnering with trusted hotels and accommodations to ensure quality and comfort.
• Expertly Guided Tours: Offering a variety of tours led by knowledgeable local guides to provide authentic experiences.
• Comprehensive Travel Information: Providing detailed travel guides, tips, and resources to help tourists plan their trips effectively.

18. What Services Does SIXT.VN Offer To Enhance The Tourist Experience In Hanoi?

SIXT.VN offers a range of services designed to enhance the tourist experience in Hanoi:

• Airport Transfers: Providing convenient and reliable airport transfers to hotels and other destinations in Hanoi.
• Car Rentals: Offering a variety of vehicles for rent, allowing tourists to explore Hanoi and surrounding areas at their own pace.
• Hotel Bookings: Assisting with hotel bookings to ensure comfortable and convenient accommodations.
• Guided Tours: Providing expertly guided tours of Hanoi’s top attractions, including the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, and the Temple of Literature.
• Customized Itineraries: Creating personalized itineraries based on individual interests and preferences.

19. How Can Tourists Book Services With SIXT.VN?

Tourists can easily book services with SIXT.VN through our website or by contacting our customer service team:

• Website: Visit SIXT.VN to browse our services, check availability, and make bookings online.
• Customer Service: Contact our multilingual customer service team via phone, email, or WhatsApp for assistance with bookings and inquiries.

Contact Information:

• Address: 260 Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam
• Hotline/WhatsApp: +84 986 244 358
• Website: SIXT.VN

20. What Are The Benefits Of Using SIXT.VN For Your Vietnam Trip?

Using SIXT.VN for your Vietnam trip offers numerous benefits:

• Convenience: Streamlined booking process for transportation, accommodation, and tours.
• Reliability: Trusted services with professional drivers and local guides.
• Expertise: Knowledgeable advice and support from our experienced team.
• Customization: Personalized itineraries tailored to your interests and preferences.
• Peace of Mind: Stress-free travel arrangements, allowing you to focus on enjoying your trip.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between tourism policy and tourism planning is crucial for the sustainable and successful development of tourism. Tourism policy sets the broad framework, while tourism planning translates these policies into specific actions. With SIXT.VN, you can navigate the complexities of traveling in Vietnam with ease, enjoying reliable services and expert support every step of the way. Whether you need airport transfers, car rentals, hotel bookings, or guided tours, SIXT.VN is your trusted partner for an unforgettable Vietnam experience.

Ready to explore Vietnam? Visit SIXT.VN today and let us help you plan your perfect trip!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the main goal of tourism policy?
   The main goal of tourism policy is to create a conducive environment for tourism development while balancing economic, social, and environmental factors.

2. How does tourism planning contribute to sustainable tourism?
   Tourism planning contributes to sustainable tourism by ensuring that tourism growth meets the needs of visitors and local communities while preserving natural and cultural resources.

3. What are the key stakeholders in tourism policy and planning?
   Key stakeholders include government agencies, industry associations, regulatory bodies, local communities, tourism businesses, and environmental groups.

4. Why is it important for tourism policy and planning to be adaptable?
   Adaptability is crucial because the tourism industry is constantly evolving due to changing visitor expectations, political landscapes, economic conditions, and technological advancements.

5. What role does the private sector play in tourism development?
   The private sector plays an entrepreneurial and operational role, identifying investors, developing attractions, accommodations, and food and beverage facilities, and managing operations.

6. How do non-profit organizations contribute to tourism development?
   Non-profit organizations, such as CVBs and chambers of commerce, market and manage destinations, lead marketing and sales efforts, and collaborate with the private sector and government.

7. What incentives can governments offer to stimulate tourism development?
   Governments can offer incentives such as tax breaks or land for private sector development to lower costs and encourage investment.

8. What is a feasibility study, and why is it important for tourism projects?
   A feasibility study is an assessment to determine the viability of a tourism project. It is important because it helps developers identify potential sites, assess market demand, project revenues and expenses, and determine return on investment.

9. How does SIXT.VN support responsible tourism practices in Vietnam?
   SIXT.VN supports responsible tourism practices by encouraging tourists to respect local culture and traditions, minimize waste, and support conservation efforts.

10. What types of transportation options does SIXT.VN offer for tourists in Hanoi?
    SIXT.VN offers airport transfers, car rentals, and transportation services with professional drivers, providing convenient and reliable travel options for tourists in Hanoi.