IGNOU BTMC-135 Solved Question Paper PDF Download

IGNOU BTMC-135 Previous Year Solved Question Paper in Hindi

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Q1. Discuss the growth and development of travelling in modern period.

Ans. The growth and development of travel and tourism in the modern period has been a multifaceted process, driven by a combination of technological, social, and economic factors. Its evolution can be understood through the following key stages and drivers:

1. The Industrial Revolution and Transportation Development: The Industrial Revolution (18th-19th centuries) laid the foundation for modern tourism. The invention of the steam engine gave birth to railways and steamships, making long-distance travel faster, cheaper, and more comfortable. Thomas Cook organized the first package tour in 1841, marking the beginning of mass tourism. During this era, the wealthy class began to travel for leisure and health reasons.

2. The 20th Century and the Age of Automobiles & Aviation: At the beginning of the 20th century, the development of the automobile provided people with unprecedented freedom to travel. People could now go wherever they wanted at their own convenience. Subsequently, the revolution in the aviation industry, especially after the invention of the jet engine, completely transformed international travel. The distance between continents was reduced to just a few hours, bringing international tourism within the reach of the common people.

3. The Post-War Era and Social Changes: After World War II, economic prosperity, the introduction of paid holidays , a reduction in working hours, and urbanization provided people with both the time and money to travel. Governments also began to recognize tourism as a means of economic development and invested in its promotion.

4. Globalization and the Digital Revolution: In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, globalization and the internet made tourism a global phenomenon. Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) like Booking.com and Expedia, the easy availability of information, and social media have made travel planning extremely simple. Travellers can now plan their own trips, read reviews, and book accommodation in any corner of the world.

5. The Rise of Diverse Forms of Tourism: Modern tourism is no longer limited to just visiting scenic spots. It now includes many specialized forms such as adventure tourism, ecotourism, cultural tourism, medical tourism , and wellness tourism, catering to the diverse interests of travellers.

Thus, from technological innovations to socio-economic shifts, a multitude of factors have combined to transform travel in the modern period from a hobby of a small, elite class into a global industry.

Q2. Describe the concept of recreation. How is it related to tourism? Explain with suitable examples.

Ans. The Concept of Recreation: Recreation refers to activities that an individual engages in during their leisure time for enjoyment, pleasure, and personal satisfaction. These activities are voluntary and are distinct from work or other mandatory obligations. The main purpose of recreation is to refresh oneself physically, mentally, and emotionally, reduce stress, and improve the quality of life. Recreational activities can be active, such as sports, hiking, or dancing, or passive, such as listening to music, reading a book, or watching a movie. It depends on an individual’s interests, skills, and available resources.

Relationship between Recreation and Tourism: Recreation and tourism are deeply intertwined, as tourism is often an extended form of recreation that involves travel. The relationship between them is evident from the following points:

1. The Main Purpose of Tourism is Recreation: Most tourists travel because they want to get away from their usual environment and engage in recreational and leisure activities. The journey itself can be a recreational experience.

• Example: A family’s trip to Goa, where their main objective is to relax on the beach, participate in water sports, and enjoy local cuisine. Here, the beach activities are recreation , and the trip to Goa is tourism .

2. Recreational Activities Become Tourist Attractions:

Many tourist destinations become popular solely because of the special recreational activities they offer. These activities are the main draw for attracting travellers.

• Example: Rishikesh in Uttarakhand has become a major tourist destination for adventure recreation activities like river rafting and camping. People specifically travel there to experience these activities. Similarly, Auli is a famous tourist spot for skiing (a recreational sport).

3. Tourism Provides Opportunities for Recreation:

Tourism provides people with the opportunity to engage in recreational activities that may not be available in their hometowns. It is a way to explore new experiences and hobbies.

• Example: Someone living in a desert region might travel to Switzerland to experience snow skiing. Similarly, an urban dweller might go on a farm-stay to experience rural life and participate in agricultural activities.

In summary, while not all recreational activities are tourism (like reading a book at home), the primary motive for almost all leisure tourism is to seek recreation. Tourism is the vehicle that enables people to engage in various types of recreational activities by taking them away from their usual surroundings, making it a significant part of the recreation industry.

Q3. Differentiate between any two of the following: (a) Traveller and Tourist (b) Historical approach and Geographical approach (c) Domestic tourism and International tourism

Ans. (a) Traveller and Tourist

The terms traveller and tourist are often used interchangeably, but in tourism studies, there is a clear technical distinction between them.

• Definition: A Traveller is a very broad term that refers to any person who moves from one place to another, regardless of their purpose. This includes migrants, border workers, refugees, and even daily commuters. On the other hand, a Tourist is a specific type of traveller who travels outside their usual environment for at least ‘one night’ (but less than a year) for leisure, business, or other purposes.
• Purpose: A traveller’s purpose for a journey can be very diverse, including permanent residence, work, or education. A tourist’s purpose is primarily temporary, such as recreation, holiday, health, visiting friends, or business meetings.
• Statistics: In tourism statistics, only tourists (and same-day visitors or excursionists) are counted. All other travellers are excluded from these figures to allow for an accurate analysis of the industry.

In short, all tourists are travellers, but not all travellers are tourists.

(c) Domestic tourism and International tourism

Domestic and international tourism are classified based on the crossing of a country’s national borders.

• Definition: Domestic Tourism involves residents of a country travelling within the borders of their own country. For example, when a resident of Delhi goes to Kerala for a holiday, it is called domestic tourism. On the other hand, International Tourism involves travellers crossing their national borders.
• Types: International tourism is of two types:
  1. Inbound Tourism: When citizens of another country come to travel in your country (e.g., an American citizen visiting India).
  2. Outbound Tourism: When you, as a citizen of your country, go on a trip to another country (e.g., an Indian citizen visiting Thailand).
• Currency and Documents: Domestic tourism does not require foreign currency exchange, nor does it require special documents like a passport or visa. In contrast, international tourism necessitates foreign currency, passports, visas, and compliance with various customs regulations.
• Economic Impact: Domestic tourism helps to stabilize the country’s economy and can reduce regional disparities. International tourism is a major source of foreign exchange earnings, which is crucial for the country’s balance of payments.

Q4. Define Alternative Tourism. Explain the different types of alternative tourism.

Ans. Definition of Alternative Tourism:

Alternative Tourism is a broad term that emerged as an alternative to the conventional model of mass tourism . It is an approach to tourism that emphasizes small-scale development, local ownership, and a deeper connection between tourists and the host community. Its main objective is to minimize the negative impacts of tourism (such as environmental degradation, cultural commodification) and maximize the positive impacts.

Alternative tourism is based on the principles of sustainability , which include environmental conservation, socio-cultural integrity, and ensuring economic benefits for local communities. It strives to provide travellers with more authentic, educational, and experiential journeys.

Different Types of Alternative Tourism:

Alternative tourism manifests in several specific forms, some of the major types of which are as follows:

• 1. Ecotourism: This is responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education. Example: Guided tours in the rainforests of Costa Rica that contribute to conservation efforts.
• 2. Rural Tourism: In this type of tourism, travellers visit rural areas to experience the tranquil environment, culture, and traditional lifestyle. It often includes farm-stays, learning local handicrafts, and participating in agricultural activities.
• 3. Cultural/Heritage Tourism: The purpose of this tourism is to experience the culture, history, art, architecture, and heritage of a destination. It focuses on historical sites, museums, festivals, and interaction with local communities. Example: Visiting the forts and palaces of Rajasthan.
• 4. Adventure Tourism: This involves trips that include an element of physical activity, the natural environment, and cultural exchange. It can be divided into ‘hard’ (like rock climbing, white-water rafting) and ‘soft’ (like hiking, bird-watching) adventure.
• 5. Volunteer Tourism / Voluntourism: In this, travellers travel to work voluntarily on a social or environmental project during their holidays. The aim is not just to travel but also to make a positive contribution to the community. Example: Teaching in an orphanage or helping in a conservation project.
• 6. Community-Based Tourism (CBT): In this model, tourism enterprises are owned and managed by the local community, ensuring that the benefits from tourism flow directly to the community members. It provides travellers with an authentic experience of local life.

All these types offer more personal, meaningful, and responsible travel alternatives to the standardized experiences of mass tourism.

Q5. What is motivation? Describe the motivation process.

Ans. Definition of Motivation:

Motivation is a psychological concept that refers to the internal or external forces that initiate, direct, and sustain a person’s behavior. It is the ‘why’ behind a person’s actions—the reason that impels us to behave in a certain way to achieve a specific goal. In the context of tourism, motivation helps to understand why people travel, why they choose particular destinations, and what activities they engage in during their travels.

Motivation can be divided into two main categories:

• Push Factors: These are internal, psychological forces that arise from within the traveller. Examples: The desire for stress relief, adventure, self-discovery, or to escape the monotony of daily life.
• Pull Factors: These are the external attributes of a destination that attract a traveller. Examples: Beaches, historical monuments, specific events, or the fame of a place.

The Motivation Process:

Motivation is a dynamic process that occurs in several stages. It can generally be understood in the following sequence:

1. Need Recognition: The process begins when an individual feels an unmet need, desire, or deficiency. This can be a physiological (e.g., hunger) or psychological (e.g., esteem or belonging) need. In the context of tourism, this could be a need for relaxation, adventure, or knowledge.

2. Tension: When a need remains unfulfilled, it creates an uncomfortable state or ‘tension’ within the individual. The person is motivated to reduce or eliminate this tension. For instance, the stress generated by an excessive workload can motivate a person to take a vacation.

3. Drive: The tension provides the individual with a ‘drive’ or energy that impels them to act to reduce that tension. This drive is goal-oriented.

4. Goal-Directed Behavior: In this stage, the individual engages in actions or behaviors that they believe will satisfy their need and reduce tension. In the context of tourism, this may involve researching travel options, choosing a destination, booking tickets and hotels, and finally, undertaking the journey.

5. Goal Attainment: The individual achieves their goal through their behavior, which satisfies their original need. For example, successfully completing a relaxing beach holiday.

6. Tension Reduction: Once the need is fulfilled, the individual’s tension level decreases, and they return to a state of balance or ‘homeostasis’.

7. Feedback: This is the final stage of the process, where the individual learns from the experience. If the experience was positive, the likelihood of repeating similar behavior in the future increases. If it was negative, they will seek different options in the future. This feedback influences future motivations.

Q6. Explain Leiper’s Tourism System Model.

Ans. Neil Leiper’s Tourism System Model, proposed in 1979, is a comprehensive and influential framework for understanding the complex nature of tourism. Leiper viewed tourism as an open system, in which various interconnected elements work together. This model presents tourism not just as an industry, but as a geographical, social, and economic phenomenon.

Leiper’s model consists of three main elements:

1. The Tourist: This is the central and most crucial element of the system. The tourist is the ‘actor’ who travels and generates the demand for tourism. Their motivations, needs, and behaviors drive the entire system. According to Leiper, without tourists, there would be no tourism system. The tourist is the element that connects the different geographical regions and industrial parts of the system.

2. Geographical Elements: Leiper divided the tourism process into three main geographical regions:

• Traveller-Generating Region (TGR): This is the place where tourists live and from where their journey begins. It is the source of the ‘demand’ for tourism. In the TGR, people decide to travel, plan their trips, and make bookings. This is the main focus of travel marketing and promotion.
• Tourist Destination Region (TDR): This is the place where tourists travel to and spend their time. It is the center of the ‘supply’ of tourism, where attractions, accommodation, restaurants, and other services are located. The TDR ‘pulls’ tourists towards it, and this is where most of the economic, social, and environmental impacts of tourism are felt.
• Transit Route Region (TRR): This is the intermediate space and travel route between the TGR and TDR. It includes all the places and transportation links (such as airports, highways, railway lines) used during the journey. Although travellers may only stop here for a short time, it plays a vital role in connecting the TGR to the TDR.

3. The Tourism Industry: This is the ‘business’ element of the system that connects the tourists and the geographical regions. It includes all the businesses and organizations that provide services to tourists. This industry is spread throughout the system—travel agents in the TGR, hotels and attractions in the TDR, and airlines and cruise lines in the TRR. According to Leiper, the tourism industry is like the glue that holds all the other parts of the system together.

Significance of the Model: Leiper’s model provides a holistic and integrated understanding of tourism. It shows that tourism is not just an activity that happens at the destination, but a complex process that connects different places and stakeholders. This model is a useful tool for tourism planners, marketers, and policymakers as it helps them understand the different components of tourism and their interrelationships, allowing them to make more effective decisions. It also provides a strong framework for analyzing the impacts of tourism.

Q7. Explain the concept of Tourism Sustainability. Bring out the essential features of a sustainable tourism destination.

Ans. Concept of Tourism Sustainability:

Tourism Sustainability, or Sustainable Tourism, is an approach that considers the long-term impacts of tourism development. Its objective is to manage tourism activities in such a way that they meet the needs of present tourists and host regions while protecting and enhancing opportunities for the future, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

According to the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), sustainable tourism is “tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities.”

This concept is based on three main pillars:

• 1. Environmental Sustainability: This focuses on optimizing the use of natural resources, such as water, forests, and wildlife. Its aims are to reduce pollution, conserve biodiversity, and maintain ecological processes.
• 2. Socio-Cultural Sustainability: This emphasizes respecting the cultural heritage, traditions, and values of host communities. It aims to minimize cultural conflict, promote inter-cultural understanding, and ensure that tourism empowers rather than weakens the local community.
• 3. Economic Sustainability: This ensures that tourism enterprises are viable in the long term and that they provide lasting economic benefits to the host community. This includes local employment generation, poverty reduction, and fair distribution of income.

Sustainable tourism is not just ‘green’ or ‘eco’ tourism; it is a guiding principle applicable to all forms of tourism, including mass tourism.

Essential Features of a Sustainable Tourism Destination:

A sustainable tourism destination is one that integrates the principles of sustainability into its planning, development, and management. Its key features are as follows:

• Community Participation and Empowerment: The local community is actively involved in the decision-making process related to tourism development. The benefits of tourism, such as employment and income, are shared with community members.
• Conservation of Natural and Cultural Resources: The destination takes active measures to protect its natural beauty, biodiversity, and cultural heritage. Priority is given to pollution control, waste management, and energy conservation.
• Economic Viability and Local Benefit: Tourism activities are economically sustainable and contribute to the local economy. Locally owned businesses are encouraged, and ‘leakage’ of income is minimized.
• High-Quality Visitor Experience: Tourists are provided with a safe, satisfying, and authentic experience that educates and raises their awareness about the destination’s natural and cultural heritage.
• Effective Planning and Management: The destination has a clear tourism plan and assesses its ‘carrying capacity’ to manage visitor numbers. Impacts are regularly monitored, and corrective action is taken as needed.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: There is a strong partnership and collaboration among the government, private sector, non-governmental organizations, and the local community for the sustainable development of tourism.

By adopting these features, a destination can ensure that tourism is not only profitable today but also remains a valuable asset for generations to come.

Q8. Explain the positive and negative socio-cultural impacts of tourism. Support your answer with suitable examples.

Ans. Tourism is like a ‘double-edged sword,’ having profound and diverse socio-cultural impacts on the host society. When tourists and host communities come into contact, this interaction can lead to both positive and negative outcomes.

Positive Socio-Cultural Impacts:

• 1. Cultural Exchange and Understanding: Tourism brings people from different cultures together, promoting mutual understanding, tolerance, and respect. It can help break down stereotypes and contribute to global peace.
  • Example: When foreign tourists visit India and stay with local families (homestays), they gain a deep understanding of Indian culture and lifestyle, and the host family also learns about a foreign culture.
• 2. Revival of Traditions and Crafts: Tourists may show interest in local culture, art, music, and handicrafts. This demand can encourage local communities to preserve and revive their traditional arts and customs, which might otherwise be lost under the pressure of modernization.
  • Example: In Rajasthan, arts like puppetry, folk dances (such as Kalbelia), and the craft of making traditional textiles have been revitalized due to tourist demand.
• 3. Community Pride and Identity: When a community sees that outsiders appreciate their culture and heritage, it can boost their self-esteem and sense of pride in their own identity.
• 4. Improvement in Social Amenities: Infrastructure developed to meet the needs of tourists, such as better roads, healthcare, and communication facilities, also benefits the local population, improving their quality of life.

Negative Socio-Cultural Impacts:

• 1. Commodification of Culture: This occurs when cultural traditions and rituals are presented merely as ‘products’ for tourist entertainment, losing their authenticity and sanctity.
  • Example: A solemn religious ritual being shortened and presented as a ticketed show for tourists. This strips it of its real meaning.
• 2. Demonstration Effect: This is when local people, especially the youth, begin to imitate the lifestyle, behavior, and consumption patterns of tourists. This can erode the local social fabric, values, and traditions.
  • Example: Local youth in tourist areas adopting Western dress, language, and eating habits, often at the expense of their traditional identity.
• 3. Social Tension and Conflict: When the benefits of tourism are not distributed equally or when tourist behavior offends local norms, it can create tension between the host community and tourists. Competition for resources (like water and land) can also cause conflict.
• 4. Increase in Moral and Social Problems: An increase in crime rates, prostitution, drug abuse, and gambling is often observed under the guise of tourism.
  • Example: Some tourist destinations like Goa and Thailand have had to confront these negative impacts.

In conclusion, careful management of the socio-cultural impacts of tourism is essential. By adopting a well-planned and sustainable approach, negative impacts can be minimized, and positive impacts can be maximized.

Q9. Explain any two of the following: (a) Airport related services (b) Hotel-based services (c) Tourist Publication and Information Centres

Ans. (a) Airport related services

Airports are crucial gateways and hubs of the modern tourism system. They are not just places for aircraft to land and take off but also provide a multitude of services to ensure a seamless and comfortable travel experience for passengers. These services can be broadly divided into two categories: airside (towards the aircraft) and landside (towards the city).

Key airport-related services include:

• Passenger Handling Services: This includes check-in counters, issuance of boarding passes, and guiding passengers to their gates.
• Baggage Handling: The entire process of transporting passenger luggage from check-in, loading it onto the aircraft, and delivering it to the baggage claim area at the destination.
• Security and Immigration: Security screening of passengers and their luggage, and for international flights, checking of passports and visas (Immigration and Customs).
• Aviation Services: This includes air traffic control, aircraft parking (apron), refueling, and ground handling.
• Commercial Services: Shopping and dining facilities for passengers, such as duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, and retail stores.
• Passenger Facilities: These include information desks, lounges, currency exchange counters, ATMs, Wi-Fi, and first-aid centers.
• Ground Transportation: Transportation services connecting the airport to the city, such as taxis, buses, metro, and car rentals.

All these services work together to ensure that a passenger’s journey, from arriving at the airport to departing from it, runs smoothly.

(b) Hotel-based services

Hotels are an integral part of the tourism industry, providing travellers with a ‘home away from home’. They offer much more than just accommodation, providing a wide range of services to make a guest’s stay comfortable and memorable.

Key hotel-based services are as follows:

• Accommodation: This is the primary service of a hotel, which involves providing various types of rooms (e.g., standard, deluxe, suite). It also includes housekeeping (room cleaning) and changing of linen.
• Food & Beverage (F&B) Services: This includes restaurants, coffee shops, bars, banquet halls (for functions), and room service. It is a major source of revenue for the hotel.
• Front Office Services: This is the nerve center of the hotel. It includes reservations, check-in and check-out, billing, and answering guest queries.
• Concierge Services: The concierge provides guests with personalized assistance such as local information, tour bookings, arranging taxis, and making restaurant reservations.
• Recreation and Health Facilities: Many hotels have swimming pools, gyms, spas, saunas, and sports facilities for guests.
• Business Services: For business travellers, hotels often provide business centers with facilities like internet access, printing, conference rooms, and secretarial services.
• Security: Ensuring the safety and security of guests and their property is a crucial responsibility of the hotel.

The quality and variety of these services determine a hotel’s category (e.g., 3-star, 5-star) and reputation.

Q10. What do you understand by tourism statistics? Explain the various indicators of tourism supply.

Ans. Tourism Statistics:

Tourism statistics is the process of collecting, tabulating, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting numerical data related to tourism. It is a vital tool that helps governments, businesses, and researchers to understand the size, scope, growth, and impacts of the tourism industry.

Through statistics, we can measure:

• How many people are travelling (tourist arrivals)?
• Where are they coming from and where are they going (origin and destination)?
• How long do they stay (length of stay)?
• How much do they spend (tourism expenditure)?
• Why are they travelling (purpose of visit)?

This data is essential for developing marketing strategies, forecasting future trends, making investment decisions, and evaluating the economic and social impacts of tourism. The UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) plays a key role in standardizing and collecting tourism data on a global level.

Various Indicators of Tourism Supply:

While tourism statistics often focus on ‘demand’ (like tourist arrivals), measuring the ‘supply’ side is equally important. Tourism supply refers to the total amount of facilities, services, and attractions provided by a destination to tourists. The key indicators of tourism supply are as follows:

1. Accommodation Capacity: This is one of the most common indicators. It is measured in several ways:

• Number of establishments: The total number of hotels, motels, guest houses, etc., in a country or region.
• Number of rooms: The total number of available rooms.
• Number of bed places: The total number of available beds, which is a good measure of a destination’s maximum accommodation capacity.
• Occupancy Rate: The percentage of occupied rooms in a given period, which indicates the balance between demand and supply.

2. Food and Beverage Services:

• The number of restaurants, cafes, and bars.
• The total seating capacity of these establishments.

3. Transportation Infrastructure:

• The length of road and railway networks (in km).
• The number of airports and their passenger handling capacity.
• The number of tourist coaches, taxis, and rental cars.

4. Tourist Attractions and Activities:

• The number of museums, historical sites, theme parks, etc.
• The ‘Carrying Capacity’ of an attraction – i.e., how many visitors can be accommodated in a day without causing damage.

5. Number of Intermediaries:

• The number of travel agencies and tour operators.
• The number of licensed tourist guides.

These indicators help in assessing a destination’s tourism potential, identifying areas for development, and ensuring that the supply is adequate to meet tourist demand without putting excessive pressure on resources.