5.1 Introduction
Defining Transportation Services In Host
Transportation is inextricably linked to the growth and evolution of the global hospitality and tourism (HOST) industries. As modes of transportation have advanced over centuries, from wagons to railways to jet aircraft, the ability for people to travel greater distances with speed and comfort has transformed tourism. Modern tourism would not be possible without effective mass transportation. Yet, with growth comes responsibility. Problematic qualities have emerged from mass transportation.
Transportation accounts for approximately 75% of tourism’s annual carbon footprint (UN World Travel Organization [UNWTO] & International Transport Forum, 2019). Yet, transportation cannot be eliminated to cap environmental impacts. Transportation directly enables over 1.5 billion international tourist arrivals per year (UNWTO, 2020, as cited in UN Tourism, n.d.). These tourism arrivals are big business and necessary for the economies of many countries, particularly those with emergent economies, to exist.
This chapter will provide an overview of the key transportation sectors that facilitate travel, their historical development, current landscape, and future directions.
The Importance of Transportation Services And Systems
Transportation systems are complex. The interconnected nature of our global transportation ecosystem mandates coordination between providers, regulators, and infrastructure. These organizations are potentially competitors in many ways, yet they need to function together for the betterment of our global transportation networks. In short, the overall purpose within transportation services is for people to enable safe and enjoyable journeys whether for leisure, business, or other reasons, even when the organizations involved are each other’s competition at times.
Managers of future transportation services will need to utilize data analytics to optimize operations and balance customer service with profitability. Furthermore, regulation on transportation is often understood to be strict according to managers in this field. As technology progresses, transportation will continue driving tourism growth while striving for sustainability. Sustainability is yet another trend in this field that managers should prepare for in order to succeed in their career pathways.
Development Of Tourism
Modern tourism emerged in the early 1800s with new forms of transportation like steam trains and cruise ships. Railway networks catalyzed domestic tourism, while ocean liners enabled international leisure travel (Cruise Lines International Association [CLIA], 2019). Air travel revolutionized tourism after World War II. In 1950, just 25 million passengers flew globally (Land, 1951); by 2019, annual traffic exceeded 4.3 billion (Industry High Level Group, 2019). Low-cost carriers like Southwest, Ryanair, and AirAsia have further democratized air travel. Today, the Asia-Pacific region dominates air traffic with 1.6 billion passengers in 2020 (as cited in TTG Asia, 2022). North America follows with over 922 million enplanements (as cited in EBP US, 2021).
Beyond air and rail, recreational vehicles, chartered buses, rideshares, and cruises move travelers. The cruise industry has seen average annual passenger growth of 7.2% since 1980 (CLIA, 2019). Automobile tourism provides flexibility for road trips and sightseeing. Emerging technologies like hyperloop could again reshape transportation. However, sustainability is now a priority. Airlines have committed to carbon-neutral growth from 2020 onward (IATA, 2021). Transportation’s future will balance innovation, experience, efficiency, and eco-friendliness.
the infrastructure, vehicles, and services used for the movement of people, goods, and resources within and between geographic locations, including public transit, highways, railways, airports, and ports.
to the interconnected network of transportation systems, providers, and stakeholders worldwide, facilitating the movement of passengers, cargo, and information across borders and continents.
interconnected systems of railroad tracks, stations, and infrastructure used for the operation of trains, providing land-based transportation for passengers and freight across various distances and geographies.
(=RV) motorized or towable vehicles equipped with living accommodations, amenities, and utilities for travel, camping, and outdoor recreation, including motorhomes, campers, and trailers.
private or rented buses used for group transportation, events, or tours, typically reserved or hired by organizations, businesses, or individuals for exclusive use.
transportation services where individuals share rides in privately-owned vehicles, typically arranged and coordinated through online platforms or mobile apps.