Introduction
Most countries rely on tourism as their key, foreign exchange earner to promote their balance of trade and payment. Tourism is the practice of moving from one place to another for entertainment, business or relaxation.
Domestic and international tourism are the two main types of tourism practiced all over the world. Domestic tourism involves the movement of people within their national boundaries while international tourism involves travelling to other countries. This essay will focus on Saint Tropez as a favorite tourist destination preferred by many international travelers.
Saint Tropez is a town full of rich histories dating back to the times when conquests were common to determine France rulers. This town was adversely affected during the 14th century although the Genoese families rebuilt it and sought its independency in the 15th century (Stevens 2010).
The next years were punctuated by frequent attacks from the Spanish and Turks who were determined to take over and run its operations. This town was predominantly occupied by port activities including, trading, shipbuilding and fishing. However, tourism activities were less since the frequent attacks discouraged international travelers from touring the town.
However, the beginning of the 20th century saw Saint Tropez rejuvenate and made considerable steps in terms of developments as a favorite tourist destination. Even though, this port suffered various setbacks and destruction in 1944 there was a significant comeback in the early 1950’s (Brown 2012).
Fishing and shipping developed significantly and attracted the establishment of the attention of the Bohemian artists from Paris. The establishment of Saint Tropez town as their favorite summer quarters attracted other artists. They transformed the town from a business oriented site to a favorite tourist destination.
One of the key aspects that make this town a favorite tourist destination is its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea. This means that people can access this town from any region of the world. The port makes Saint Tropez town active throughout the year due to the large number of cargo handled by traders.
Trading activities make this town attract investors in other sectors of the economy like hotels, houses, accommodations, restaurants and tour guides (Taber 2006). The port attracts various business investors who in turn make it lively by investing in various activities and establishing businesses.
Even though, this town was originally known for port activities including ship building and transportation of goods in and out of France, its proximity to the sea made it an attractive spot for tourists.
This town enjoys a longer summer time than most French towns and thus attracts locals and foreigners who intend to spend their holidays sunbathing. This town registers a considerable warm weather throughout the year and during summer temperatures rise to 360 Celsius.
This means that the town opens its gates to tourists throughout the year. Most European countries enjoy short summer seasons that do not offer adequate time for relaxation (Burke 2010). Therefore, the warm weather experienced in this town makes it a suitable weather changer for tourists keen on moving away from ice world.
Tourists can visit this town anytime of the year regardless of the world calendar; therefore, making this place welcoming to all who wish to experience warm weather while most of the world is experiencing cold weather.
Saint Tropez town has been secure from any insecurity cases apart from the early invasions during the First World War. However, the administration of this town has ensured all residents and foreigners are protected against any cases of insecurity.
France has never experienced serious civil or political instabilities for a long time since the end of the First World War (Peters 2008). Therefore, this has offered room for local and foreign investors to participate in various activities. In addition, the town has offered friendly environments for foreigners on holiday or business activities.
Drug trafficking has never been an issue in this port and thus the place has flourished and attracted tourists who like social vents without interruptions. France has experienced smooth power plays and transitions that have ensured the whole country enjoys peace and stability.
There are many police officers on patrol to ensure people observe and adhere to the laws as stipulated by the constitution (Kladstrup 2002). This town is accessible to mass markets through a well established transport and system that ensures tourists and locals travel to various destinations with ease.
This town is known all over the world for providing first class yachting services that connect the town with other nearby towns. The sea is probably one of the most exciting ways of going to and from the town. Therefore, there is plenty of room for various sea vessels to enable tourists and locals access the town without delays or vessel breakdowns.
Investors have adopted the latest technology in developing modern vessels that allow tourists to enjoy scenic views while travelling to or from this town. Tourists flock this town during the summer season and the port offers two ferry services that connect this town with other four nearby towns (Saint Maxime, Saint Raphael, Cannes and Nice).
On the other hand, this town is not well served with airports since the nearest airport is fifteen kilometers this town. However, apart from the La Mole airport, other airports are located more than fifty kilometers from this town (Thompson 2012). The town has made use of chartered helicopters that transport people to and from beaches and restaurants.
There are more than fifty helicopter flights each day from the town to other destinations around the town. In addition, there is a well developed road network that enables tourists enjoy chauffer rides around the town and to the nearby scenic places (Brooke 2011).
The rail station has a direct boat connection to Saint Tropez beaches. Boats and buses operate on a full time basis; therefore, tourists do not have to wait for long hours for the boats or buses to arrive.
There is no direct route from various destinations to this town. However, this town has three main routes (RN98, A57 and A8) that join the town with nearby towns. In addition, there are taxi services from almost all airports but these are exclusively preserved for the rich people in the society since they are expensive.
During the high season, people experience traffic snarl ups that cause delays (Williams 2011). Most people prefer using scooters, bicycles and walking on foot depending on their locations from the town.
There are various tourist information centers that offer assistance to foreigners and locals who intend to tour the town. The ministry of tourism provides key directions and advice on the nature and laws that govern the behavior of all citizens and foreigners in France (Steves 2011). The information ensures foreigners understand the locals and government laws in order to make their stays safe.
In addition, there are various centers that offer useful information about tourist sites, historical places, nature trails and beaches. Moreover, private hotels offer information in their websites regarding their services and locations (Gauldie 2009). The main tourist attractions include art gallery that contains names and portraits of famous people in the country. One of them is the martyr (Saint Tropez) who was murdered during the civil strife of early eighteenth century.
Several artists like Louis de Funes are commemorated as key actors in the French Comedy. Other attractions include the cannons used during the First World War located on the Cidatel beach. In addition, this town has cinema halls that provide movie goers an excitement they will never forget. There is also a library that offers a variety of readership preferences (Lavagno 2010).
The outdoor activities offer families room for merry making while enjoying their favorite drinks and meals from nearby hotels. There is plenty of space for parking and outdoor activities offered by the expansive land adjacent to the sea.
Saint Tropez’s nightlife in ranked among the most exquisite in the world as it offers a variety of entertainment to revelers and party lovers. This town has bars and restaurants that offer world class lounge services, cabaret dancing, cocktail bars, and night beaches reserved for adults only.
Conclusion
Saint Tropez town is one of the fast growing famous tourist destinations that attract people from all countries. This town offers a variety of holiday events that make it attractive to local and foreign tourists. However, the ever increasing number of tourists may supersede the town’s abilities to offer quality services like efficient transport systems.
References
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