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Learning Objectives
By the end of this learning experience, students will be able to
a. Identify components of the tourism system
b. explain the relationship between tourist generating and destination regions
c. describe the interactions between tourism and the environment
d. demonstrate awareness of how global issues impact relations between various countries. (CGC* 2
Aware of global issues and trends 2.1d)
*CIVIC LITERACY, GLOBAL AWARENESS, AND CROSS-CULTURAL SKILLS
Introduction
Introduction
Tourism as a System
Tourism as a System
Tourism is a complex and multi-dimensional activity and is best understood as a system.
It involves the movement (flows) of people, goods, and services between different places.
These flows are interconnected and depend on one another to function smoothly.
Therefore tourism system operates on a global scale, linking tourist-generating regions with tourist destination regions around the world.
For tourism to be successful, there must be strong and well-maintained relationships between these regions.
In 1950, there were about 25 million international tourist arrivals worldwide. Around 60 years later, this number increased to over 1 billion, due to improvements in transport, higher incomes and changing lifestyles.
This rapid growth in tourism has transformed many places into tourist destination regions, which attract different types of tourists with different needs and preferences at various stages of their life cycle.
Political Tensions and Tourism Flows in the Tourism System:
A Case Study of China–Japan Tourism
Background to the Case Study
Background to the Case Study
In late 2025 and early 2026, Japan experienced a sharp decline in tourist arrivals from China. The number of Chinese tourists visiting Japan fell by nearly 45% during this period. This drop was mainly caused by heightened diplomatic tensions between China and Japan, particularly over the issue of Taiwan.
In response to the tensions, the Chinese government instructed travel agencies to restrict travel to Japan and advised its citizens to avoid travelling there. As a result, many flights between China and Japan were cancelled, leading to a significant reduction in tourist arrivals.
This case study shows how political factors can strongly influence tourism flows and disrupt tourism systems.
Study the following resources to get a better picture of the issue.
Post–Case Study Activity (*)
Refer to pages 1 to 5 of the textbook.
Based on the China–Japan tourism case study, draw a labelled diagram to show the components of the tourism system. Your diagram should include the key flows and relationships within the system.
Use the guiding prompts below to help you:
Identify the tourist-generating region and the tourist destination region.
Show the flows of tourists between the two regions.
Include the flows of money, goods, and services.
Indicate the role of transport (e.g., flights).
Show how political factors can disrupt tourism flows within the system.
Post your diagram on your Google Classroom.
(CGC* 2 Aware of global issues and trends 2.1d)
Reflection Question: Global Awareness
In 5–6 lines, reflect on how this case study has helped you develop Global Awareness.
You may consider:
how global political or cultural interactions can affect different countries;
how these global changes can impact local communities; and
Sample Reflection Response
This case study has helped me understand how global political tensions can affect tourism between countries. The decline in Chinese tourists to Japan shows how decisions made at the international level can impact local businesses and workers. It also shows how tourism systems are interconnected across countries. Through this case study, I became more aware of global trends and their effects on local communities.
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