WITH HELEN J. CATALBAS
THE SAYING “first impression lasts but last impression endures” is true for tourism destinations as it is with anything else.
This is the reason why destinations should mind their entry and exit points like airports, seaports, and bus and train terminals and others established for similar purposes.
Clean arrival areas, persons with disability / pregnant / seniors-friendly and sanitized restrooms, visible signages, friendly personnel, orderly traffic of people and vehicles, audible public address systems, readable LED walls, floors that are not too shiny, presence of trash bins, stable internet connection, DIY check in facilities, gadget charging stations, adequate and well-maintained trolleys, and the presence of reasonably priced restaurants and snack bars are just some of the things travellers want to experience when they travel for tourism and other purposes.
There are as many destinations as there are reasons why people travel. Travelling for no reason at all is a reason for travelling in itself. Destinations, therefore, should know and cater the needs of these kinds of travellers, too.
Some travellers go to certain destinations to live or die. We knew of some tourists who died deliberately or accidentally in our area of responsibility.
Records show we played our part in the investigation on the death of certain tourists, directing the exit of cadavers or facilitating work flow in the cremation of cadavers and turning over the ashes to members of families and embassies. This is one topic for another column though.
Entry and exit experiences are what destinations should never ignore. After all, these experiences could make, strengthen or unmake the main products. (HJC/PN)
