Tourism Systems Theory

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Tourism is a complex phenomenon which involves many independent environments, energy flows and interactions with other systems and sectors. A system is defined as ‘a group of interrelated, interdependent and interacting elements that together form a single functional structure’ (Weaver & Lawton 2010, p. 20). Systems theory is used to clarify and organise complex phenomenon, such as the whole tourism system. The basic whole tourism system as described by Leiper (2004) minimally requires five core elements to become a whole system. These include ‘at least one tourist, at least one tourist generating region, at least one transit route, at least one destination, and a travel and tourism industry that facilitates movement and energy flow within the system’ (Weaver & Lawton 2010, p. 20). The whole tourism system is embedded within an array of independent external environments, which contribute to the flow of energy within the system (Weaver & Lawton 2010). These include transport, accommodation, hospitality, information and communications technology, sustainability and entertainment. While the primary flow of energy through the system is the movement of people between residence and destination, other flows of energy include the exchange of goods and services, and the exchange of information within the system and its external environments (Weaver & Lawton 2010). To review the practical functions of tourism systems theory, a specific whole tourism system can be analysed. Tourist motivations can be explained through using theories on destination attractiveness to analyse a tourist destination region. Analysis of various aspects of the external environments which the whole tourism system is embedded can also assist in explaining the practical functions of a whole tourism system. Examination of the significance of transport, the accommodation sector, the use

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