The need to develop the theory of statistical measurement in tourism rose as the volume of tourist traffic began to reach significant proportions after World War I, which we will discuss hereunder:
World tourism statistics are compiled by the World Tourism Organisation (WTO) in Madrid from the information received from the various National Tourist Organisations. Statistics relating to foreign tourist arrivals are compiled by the’ National Tourist Organisation of each country.
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The Reasons for Statistical Measurement in Tourism are as Follows:
1. Statistics are required to evaluate the magnitude and significance of tourism to a tourist destination. Statistics quantify the role and contribution of tourism to the economy and to society and for a country also the part played by tourism in the balance of payments.
2. Statistics are essential in the planning and development of physical facilities. To assess the requirements of hotels, airports, roads and other facilities, the volume and the characteristics of the tourist movement have to be determined quantitatively.
3. Statistics are required in marketing and promotion which can be effective only if they are based on the assessment of the actual and potential markets.
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4. Statistics of tourism are useful to the government tourist organisations and the providers of tourist services.
Government is mainly interested in travel as an item in the balance of payments and in tourism as a source of employment and as a user of resources.
5. They provide a means of marketing forecasts.