Non-motorized Transport and Tourism

Patricia Joyce Tamayo, 08A

What’s really lacking in all the hubbubs about the non-motorized modes of transport (an emphasis on walking and cycle tourism) is the clear definition on how such approach in transportation could possibly help in bringing about sustainable development, and sustainable development in which context, at that. Because a very troubling diversity exists between the vast aspects of the modern world- the likelihood of being able to achieve sustainable development in the environment whilst doing the same for tourism or any other commercial industry in the economy is no more than managing to walk across a hair-thin line.

Applying the concept of opportunity costs, which states that the cost of something is what you give up to get it, we see why the significance of non-motorized transport in the realm of tourism is, more often than not, overlooked. Tourism exists within the confines of a clearly defined measure of distance, length of stay and purpose for the visit. Non-motorized transport evidently does not exactly fit the requirements; as such modes cover short distances. But most of all, we are in the generation where technology reigns supreme. No one can deny how much contribution to the accessibility (a major factor in tourism) of a destination, and thus a motivation for travel, contributions from technological advancements have become. In addition, fast-paced living is the dominating trend nowadays, so it is fairly understandable that people opt for battery-powered means of transportation which serves their said current lifestyles. Everyone’s practically in a hurry, and no mere strong legs or tuned bicycle can get them to where they’re going fast enough.

On the other hand, the viewpoint in which non-motorized transport is considered as part of the entire tourism experience (either in being a transport network, an income generator or a device fuelling the promotion of destinations) is certainly a strong prospective opportunity that should thoroughly be examined and acted upon. And it, actually, already is happening. One very appropriate example is how Venice maximizes its canals by letting gondolas prevail upon them. Admittedly, any tourist would not miss the chance to ride a gondola and be serenaded by the timbre of a Venetian boatman’s voice. And in that note is the importance of the art of marketing in this venture.

Let us take the case of cycle tourism. Reasons for people to try this activity out include recreation and restoration of the feeling of well-being, among others. With the proper marketing mix that will cater to the different market segments (e.g. coming up with worthwhile activities such as treasure-hunt trails, family cycle packages, a track leading up to a high terrain overlooking the sights, etc.), we’re almost there. Of course, still a large chunk of the matter is the fact that a hefty sum of capital investments is called for once we talk about the necessity of infrastructures. But, the essence of marketing is that it comes first before the product.

All in all, non-motorized transport systems are still a very integral part of tourism, though not acknowledged by everyone. In my opinion, one definitive explanation is that, for the most part, walking and cycling, for instance, are just too simplistic, common, and routinely to suit everyone’s taste. When people hear the word “travel”, they imagine leaving the invisible bounds of the country, flying away in an airplane- not walking in the beach, or riding a bicycle to the park. But imagine the experience those would make for a tourist’s experience- walking in the sands of Boracay, or riding a bicycle around Europe.