QUESTION

1.Firstly, identify an example from a developing country where tourism, for whatever reason, has not delivered a sustainable economic sector (for example, there may have been limited economic impacts due to high foreign ownership) or the tourism sector is constrained by a range of external factors (for example, governance arrangements of the country do not allow for local engagement in the tourism sector). Examples will be discussed in class and students are encouraged to discuss their selected topic with the course staff.

2. Secondly, comprehensively research the issue and use a wide range of academic, government, and other online sources (i.e. blogs, news articles, etc.). Research should cover the context/background, the problem/issue, the impact on the country/region, etc. See blackboard for further information on the types of things that might form part of your research.

3.Finally, write an informative and educational, yet highly engaging blog to bring awareness to your selected issue. The aim is to engage and excite readers about the issue. Once your blog is submitted and marked, it will be posted online where you will be encouraged to engage readers online.

                                                              SAMPLE SOLUTION

Is Insecurity Killing Venezuela’s Tourism Industry?

Despite its vibrant cities and breathtaking Caribbean coastline, the home of Angel Falls seems to be struggling with all matters tourism. Venezuela, the once popular holiday destination is now but a shell of its potential. The country’s tourism is running out, probably much to the dismay of the country’s tourism minister who so assuredly referred to tourism as the oil that never runs out. Venezuela is as broke as it is dangerous, the result of an economic shutdown and two decades of corruption and social crimes (News.com, 2018). Despite its rich oil reserves, Venezuela is in a quagmire of sorts. Most developing countries rely on tourism in such economic crises and Venezuela is no exception (Biscevic, 2019). However, almost no one wants to go to Venezuela and the country’s tourism sector is barely on its feet. So, why is the former premier tourist hub not delivering a sustainable economic sector?

Venezuela ranks 2^nd last when it comes to tourist growth, says World Travel and Tourism Council. Yes, the country’s oil that never runs out is flowing slower than even Libya and Syria. First of all, it is difficult to travel to Venezuela. In late 2017, several airlines announced that they would be cancelling their flights in and out of Venezuela because of the violence and instability. These airlines included;

• Aeromexico
• Avianca of Colombia
• Air Canada
• Argentine Airlines
• Alitalia
• Lufthansa Airlines of Germany
• United and Delta Airlines of the US

Speaking in 2018, the IATA’s vice president expressed concerns that Venezuela’s situation was becoming difficult. Mr. Peter Cerda added that a majority of IATA’s members had ceased operating in Venezuela leaving the country detached from the rest of the world. Only 15 airlines still operate in Venezuela. The rest have been warded off by the economic crisis, the insecurity problems or both. There have been incidences at airports where luggage is stolen. In 2016, a robbery at Caracas International Airport left an Egyptian tourist dead. Some airlines have accused the government of withholding money from the sale of tickets locally to the tune of hundreds of millions (USD).