教学内容Unit Three.doc

Unit Three: Traveling Culture Notes There has been an obvious up-market trend in tourism over the last few decades, especially in Europe where international travel for short breaks is commonplace. Tourists have higher levels of disposable income and greater leisure time. They are also better educated and have more sophisticated tastes. There is now a demand for a better quality product in many quarters. This has resulted in the following trends: The old” sun, sea and sand” mass market has fragmented. People want more specialized versions of it, such as quieter resorts with select hotels, self-catering, etc. The developments in technology and transport system have placed some types of holiday in the affordable mainstream, such as mass cruise travel and holidays to long-haul destinations. There have also been changes in lifestyle, which may call into question the current definitions of tourism. Some people(particularly the 45 plus and retires) may be adopting a tourism lifestyle, living as a tourist at the year round---eating out several times a week, going to the theatre, day-tripping, and indulging in short breaks several times a year. Much of this results in impulse purchasing. This is facilitated by Internet purchasing of tourism products. Some sites have now started to offer dynamic packaging, in which an inclusive price is quoted for a tailor-made package requested by the customer upon impulse. Discussions: 1, What kind of travel (sightseeing, hiking, backpacking, sport travel, health travel, botanical garden travel, educational travel, hobby travel) do you like most? Why? 2, Introduce your hometown to a group of English-speaking tourist. 3, Which means of transportation (bike, bus, ship, plane) do you like best? Why? 4, Work in groups and talk about an unforgettable trip you had before. Try to keep the conversation going by asking questions and answering them. 5, Suppose you are a tour guide and the rest of your group are young foreign tourists who plan t