Academic literature on the topic 'Tourism potential'

In modern conditions an important activity in the tourism industry of the Russian Federation is studing tourism markets for domestic tourism, attracting tourist flows in the small towns Russia through the development of new original sightseeing tours and tourist routes, the creation and development of innovative tourism infrastructure. According to the concept of the modern suburbs, great attention is paid to the development of priority points to attract tourists and tourist resources of the most important destinations in the region. In Moscow suburbs, there is a tourist route "Gubernskoe ring Moscow region" and twelve "points of attraction" for tourists – "The 12 pearls Moscow region." In accordance with the existing tourist resources Kolomna is related to the "South" zone of Moscow region with specialization: cultural, educational, pilgrim, scientific, educational, business and event tourism. Kolomna is one of the oldest cities in the Moscow region, which is included in "Gubernskoe ring Moscow region" and "The 12 pearls suburbs." Tourism products offered by travel companies in Kolomna, are very diverse: from a stationary rest with a rich excursion program to the programs presented by hunting and fishing tours, hiking trails, extreme and ecological tours with resting in picturesque places. Kolomna has a considerable potential and resources to enhance its attractiveness to tourists, primarily it is a large number of historical monuments. However, to use them in full the necessary measures is to improve the organization of tourist businesses in the city. To this end, should be developed programs of creating urban tourism clusters; and tourism organizations should study the demand and offer new themed tours and excursions, especially given the historical part of the city and the possibilities of its transport infrastructure (particularly water ways).

Tourism is the largest and fastest growing industry in the world. Tourism in one of the most important sector and has a significant influences in the economic development of the country. Tourism contribution is considered important for economic growth in Indonesia, because in addition to bring in foreign exchange, also felt able to open a new job for the community. Tourim in Bali has developed quite rapidly, tourism potentials in Bali has been developed well enough, so that it can be enjoyed by tourists, which became a leading tourist attraction in Bali that is nature tourism and cultural tourism. This research focuses on the planning and strategy of the packaging of heritage tourism products in Kerta Tourism Village in order to improve the local economy, considering that Kerta Tourism Village has so many heritage tourism potential that has not been developed yet. This research is expected to benefit local communities and Gianyar Government in adding data, as preliminary data, and consideration data for further in-depth research. This research has a scope that is limited to two variables, that is identifying the heritage tourism potential owned by Kerta Tourism Village and compile a strategy to package heritage tiourism in Kerta Tourism Village. The data sources used are primary data obtained from interviews with the informants, observations, and documentation in Kerta Tourim Village, and the secondary data is obtained from various books used as the theoretical basis to supporting the research. Based on the results obtained, in Kerta Tourism Village there are many tourism potentials that can be developed into a tourism attraction, one of which is heritage tourism that can be combined with cycling tourism activities and certainly useful for local people and tourists. Keywords: Heritage Tourism, Cycling Tourism, Kerta Tourism Village.

The modern comprehension of tourist behaviour shows an urgent need to create a tourist destination as a system. Tourism supply needs to be integrated and well coordinated, including all necessary amenities for an enjoyable stay. The paper analyses tourists’ attitudes in coastal destinations of Istria towards sustainable tourist supply in the Istrian countryside. The Karst landscape of Istria consists of rural areas that provide ideal opportunities for rural tourism development. An empirical research was carried among the sample of 538 tourists in coastal tourist destinations of Slovenian Istria. Findings and implications of the research are given in the paper. There were foundcharacteristics and preferences of potential tourists. The main finding of the research is that more marketing efforts should be made to attract target markets of tourists.

This research aims to determine the potential of the Swamp of Indah Almour as a tourist attraction, when viewed from the aspect of economic benefits, aspects of the development of tourist destinations and the public's response to the development of the Swamp of Indah Almour tourism object as a sustainable tourist attraction in Bondowoso, East Java. The development and construction of Swamp of Indah Almour tourism object that leads to a comprehensive and comprehensive ecotourism, will become an economic resource for the local government and the local community. With a fairly high level of public awareness about tourist destinations, this has the greatest potential for the development of ecotourism which is currently more popular with tourists, and can maintain tourism sustainability. However, there are some things that still need to be addressed, including the need for more modern management of tourist sites and follow the current trends to attract more investors and tourists to visit. In addition, it is also necessary to improve the quality of human resources in managing tourist destinations in providing services and management of tourism objects. Keywords: indah almour swamp, sustainable tourism, economic benefits, people

This study aims to explain the potential for marine tourism in Takalar Regency and the strategies applied in developing the potential for marine tourism in Takalar Regency. This research was conducted using a descriptive research method with a qualitative approach. The data collection techniques were carried out by means of observation, interviews and documentation. Based on the results of the study, it was found that Takalar district has marine tourism potential spread over several coastal areas of Takalar Regency, for now the most visited marine tourism destinations by tourists are Topejawa beach tourism, Galesong beach tourism, Punaga Beach and PPLH Puntondo. The strategy carried out by the Tourism Office of Takalar Regency is increasing tourism human resources through training and mentoring, strengthening promotions, building facilities and infrastructure at tourist sites and collaborating with tourism stakeholders.

Methods of estimation of tourist and recreational resources are traced; the analysis of natural tourist and recreational resources of the Republic of Malta is carried out; the analysis of historical and cultural tourist and recreational resources of the country is carried out; a point assessment of the country’s provision of tourist and recreational resources; the place of the Republic of Malta on the tourist market of Ukraine is revealed. The Republic of Malta is one of the few countries in the world with such a large and diverse historical and cultural site. The lands of the country have experienced centuries of historical events, after which there are memories in the form of cathedrals, palaces, museums, fortifications, etc. Malta has been established as a country with an ancient history. It has a large number of unique cultural monuments, as there were Carthaginians and Phoenicians, Roman and Byzantine empires, Arabs, knights of the Order of St. John, Napoleon, the British Empire. The country’s historical and cultural tourist resources make it interesting for tourists to visit. Malta has a great historical past, which has left a great legacy in the form of ancient fortresses, churches, cathedrals, majestic palaces. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is no exception for the country; there are 3 of them in the list. There are 7 sites in the country that are also currently candidates for inclusion in the World Heritage List. The country is rich in fortifications; there are 35 units in the country, which are of particular interest for tourists. Most of the fortifications were built during the Order of Malta to fortify the country from invaders. The natural conditions of Malta, which are the basis for tourism development, are analyzed. Methods for estimating the tourist potential of the country have been studied, in particular: normative-index, balance, graphic, cartographic, expert, statistical and mathematical methods, scoring. Integrated indicators for each region of Malta were determined using a score. Three categories of regions have been identified according to the assessment of the tourist potential of the territory.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess the competitiveness of the Uruguayan rural tourism sector against its main competitors from Argentina and Brazil, as perceived by Uruguayan stakeholders on the supply side. The paper will also evaluate the potential of Uruguay as a rural tourism destination in attracting German tourists. Design/methodology/approach – Two different questionnaires were administered, one to Uruguayan rural tourism stakeholders and another one to potential German tourists in Germany. Findings – The findings indicate that the main strengths of Uruguayan rural tourism offer, compared to Argentina and Brazil, are the hospitality and friendliness of local people, the natural and cultural attractions and the country’s security and safety. Main weaknesses identified were the poor management of several destination components that are key to create a successful tourism destination and poor management of the “demand conditions” component of Dwyer and Kim’s (2003) integrated model. Originality/value – There is very limited research done on the competitiveness of Uruguay as a rural tourist destination in attracting foreign tourists (Mackinnon et al., 2009). The objective of this study is to partially fill this gap by assessing how competitive Uruguayan rural tourism is and evaluating whether Uruguay represents an attractive market for German tourists looking for agro tourism and farm holiday destinations. The German market was chosen because it is one of the top tourist-generating countries and one of the biggest spenders in international tourism (The World Tourism organization, 2010). Moreover, most tourists – from outside South America – selecting Uruguay as a tourist destination come from Germany, USA and Australia (Peralta, 2012).

Introduction. The article considers the effectiveness of Ukrainian tourism activity. It shows the advantages and disadvantages of management, marketing and strategic planning of the travel business activity during 2014-2017. Purpose. The article aims to conduct the analysis of the tourist flow of foreign and domestic tourists within Ukraine or behind it; analyse the used (mastered) capital investments and their structures according to branches related to the institutional environment of tourism; evaluate financial results from economic tourism activities business in Ukraine; develop measures to improve the management of tourism activities in the country. Method (methodology). Based on the methods of system and structural analysis and synthesis, we have determined the stages and ways of improving the management and implementation of industrial relations in the field of tourism activity. Their practical application will allow rational use of resource support organizations and increase financial results from tourism activities in Ukraine. Result. The author has analysed the tourist flow of foreign and domestic citizens, its structure, the dynamics of volumes of capital investments that are related to Ukrainian tourism activity, and the growth rate / decrease in the volume of sales of services in this area during the last 4 years. This article includes the estimation of economic efficiency’s functioning in the areas, which are connected with tourist activity of the enterprises. It focuses on the necessity of introducing the ways aimed at increasing the effectiveness of strategic tourism management in relation to the realization of tourism activity in Ukraine at the each stage of creation and distribution in this type activity.

In recent years, the term "industrial tourism" has been increasingly used in the literature. It describes an area that includes industrial monuments and abandoned buildings, and above all rare ones that are still in function. Industrial tourism includes all plants used for food processing, wood processing and textile industry, there are also mills, ports, mines, car and aviation industry, shipyards, etc. Within the doctoral dissertation entitled "Potentials of cultural-historical and economic heritage for the development of industrial tourism in the Timok region", a research was conducted that deals with the growing interest of industrial tourism in Eastern Serbia, more precisely in the Timok region. This branch of tourism is no longer a sphere of interest only for certain groups of technical experts, but also for regular tourists who are interested in touring certain regions. The aim of the research is to present the possibilities for the development of industrial tourism in the Timok region, as well as to obtain data on the current situation. The research is based on the experiential information of tourism workers who, due to the nature of their work and interests, are relevant to the proposed topic. The surveyed respondents are employed in the field of tourism in various positions, as well as students who are educated in the field of tourism. The data obtained during the research indicate respondents believe that the media do not sufficiently inform potential tourists about industrial tourism attractions, the potential of the tourist offer, but also about the Timok region itself, both locally and beyond, in Serbia and abroad. Such data indicate the possibility of improvement through the application of an adequate strategy to promote and inform potential users, as well as the insufficient usage of the industrial potential of the region itself. Investing certain resources in the marketing and development of industrial tourism would create additional demand, and this would result in the improvement of the tourist offer. Valorization of industrial heritage in Eastern Serbia can stimulate regional identity, revitalize the area and create additional tourist attractions. Plans and results from certain projects of this type are very important for the region, but also for the state.

The Sacred area of ??Masceti Temple is located in Medahan Village, Blahbatuh District. The Number of tourists began increasing is an indication of the tourism potential that can be developed. This is the background of choosing the topic "Tourist Perception of Masceti Temple Sacred Area in Medahan Village" to be studied. This research used qualitative and quantitative study methods those are qualitative descriptive analysis, validity test analysis, reliability test and frequency analysis to know the perception of tourists to the destination. Data sources from primary data and secondary data. Data completion technique using observation method, interview, literature study, documentation, and questionnaire. The technique of determining tourist samples used in this study is a quota sampling technique. The finding of Tourism Potentials are panoramic nature, socio-cultural, artificial or economical and the perception of tourists to destination consist into four aspects those are tourist perception of tourism attraction, tourist perception of access to location, tourists perception of tourism facility and tourist perception of tourism service. From this research can be concluded that The Sacred Area of Masceti Temple already has tourism potentials which is needed for a way for the development that must follow the rules of The Sacred Area of Masceti Temple. So, it can be realized without reducing the sanctity of Masceti Temple as Kahyangan Jagat Temple in Gianyar regency, Bali. Keywords:Tourism Potential, The Sacred Area of Masceti Temple, Medahan Village

Although Georgia has experienced dramatic increases in the number of visitors over the past decade Swedish travellers are absent in the arrival statistics. Visitors from Eastern Europeans account for the majority of the increase in arrivals. This thesis attempts to understand what is missing in order for Swedish tourists to discover Georgia as a destination. This is done by interviewing Swedish tour operators and surveying Swedish visitors to Georgia. The results are analyzed in the framework of Leiper’s theory of destination competitiveness. A SWOT analysis is also used to structure the analysis, and the thesis suggests some benchmark measures that could be used to implement a systematic effort to improve the destination. The thesis concludes that Georgia indeed has a strong attractiveness on Swedish tourists, but that the main problems are connected with low awareness and lack of convenient transportation options. It is argued that these problems can be solved through improved marketing and entrepreneurship. Furthermore, the thesis highlights the need for Georgian destination managers to make choices today in order to shape the image of the country in the future. Georgia has a challenge to strengthen the authenticity that many travellers associate with the country, but is in a position to modernize by preserving traditions. Finally, it is argued that the results from this study are generalizable to include preferences of travellers from Western Europe in general, and therefore the study points to some significant opportunities available to Georgia.

Pakistan is a home of approximately 160 million people and most of the population is earning lessthan US$ 1 per day. Pakistan just like any other beautiful European country is a big market fortourism because it offers not only beauty of nature but also variety and diversity in cultures.Infacttourism is the most profitable and entrepreneurial business, especially for people living in the mountain areas as it creates new job opportunities and reduces the unemployment level for them. But unfortunately, tourists’ visit to Pakistan is decreasing tremendously with ups and downs each year.

 

Therefore, the purpose of my thesis is to search for the positive and negative factors affecting the tourism industry in Pakistan, to compare the performance of our tourism industry to some potential neighbouring countries to see where Pakistan stands and lacks in terms of competitiveness, to find the role of government towards the improvment of this industry and to suggest some possible strategies for the improvement of this industry.

 

The primary data was collected by conducting interviews and survey questionnaires inside and outside the country from domestic and international tourists in 2007 and 2008. My son and close relatives in Belgium, Sweden and UK helped me in getting the questionnaire filled by foreigners to study their views about Pakistan as tourist place. The secondary data was collected through my personal visit to PTDC and Ministry of Tourism.

 

The estimated results revile that the poor accessibility, under development, fragility, marginality and the continuous social / political problems of the country are the factors that have redcued the tourist visit ratio to Pakistan. Secondly, the Governmnet of Pakistan has also failed to implement policies and strategies that could have proved a stimulator for the tourism industry.

 

The conclusion drawn from the collected data is that the tourism industry of Pakistan has a lot of ups and downs in alternate years i.e. from 1995 till 2008 showing the worst year of tourism in 2008.The reasons for this fall lie in the political and social problems of the country and lack of active participation of tourism authorities. Domestic and international tourists love the nature, culture and food of Pakistan and 80% of them want to travel around pakistan but unfortunately the insurgency and lack of facilities have resulted in the falling rate of their travel.

 

My suggestions for the progress of this industry are that the Governments should show seriousness towards the tourism industry and take necessary steps like improving the tourism infrastructure, controll the insergency in the country as soon as possible, build strong relationships with outside world, portray the positive image of Pakistan via media etc so that the rank and standard of Pakistans tourism industry can improve globally.

 

Research limitations that I faced during data collection includes the limited information sharing by the PTDC and Ministry of Tourism as their data is not up dated properly. Secondly there is a lot of difficulty in finding local and international potential tourists due to the political and social disturbance in the country and also the shy and introvert behaviour of the people especially women. Therefore, I also made use of the idea of conducting survey outside the country.

 

The important aspect or value of this research is that it has brought in to consideration almost all the important factors that are effecting the tourism industry according to the view of potential tourists and at the end provide some suggestions that can improve the current deterioating condition of this industry.

This dissertation investigates the broader genre of literary tourism and the current extent and potential of this tourism mode in the South African context. It shows what an inscribed landscape South Africa has and how rich it is in literary association.The profile and motivations of literary tourists, as well the kinds of tourist attractions encompassed by literary tourism are initially explored. The history and development of this type of tourism is then considered, from its earliest known manifestations, its growth during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries and its transposition to Africa and southern Africa. An overview of current literary tourism products in South Africa is conducted in order to determine the extent to which it has been developed in the country. Although not exhaustive, the potential of literary tourism within South Africa is subsequently considered by identifying places and writers that could be targeted for tourism development. This examination is then extended to the post-development or intangible potential literary tourism holds in terms of its educational capabilities, its capacity to catalyze an interest in reading and learning, as well as promote South Africa’s literary heritage.
Dissertation (MHCS)--University of Pretoria, 2012.
Historical and Heritage Studies
unrestricted

The main aim of this thesis was to find out the factors affecting the tourism industry in Pakistan. Moreover the specific objectives was to analyze the impact of terrorist attack and currency exchange rate on tourism. The research was conducted through interviews, survey questionnaires inside and outside the country and also by the regression analysis for the period 2000 to 2013. The results from questionnaire and interview reveals that terrorist attacks is the major factor which have reduced the tourists visit ratio to Pakistan. Furthermore, the results of regression analysis also revealed that there is a negative and significant relationship between terrorist attacks and foreign tourist arrivals in the country. Hence, the researcher suggest that Government of Pakistan should more focus on maintaining peace and security for attracting tourists.

Utah is a popular tourism destination, evidenced by the 10.7 million visitors who spent $7.5 billion in 2013 (BEBR, 2015). The tourism industry is an important component of Utah’s economy, but who are Utah tourists? A key research purpose of this study is to provide the demographic and psychographic information necessary to improve tourism industry practices through targeted marking and development. Data were collected from Utah tourists in 2013-2014 through an in-person survey in various tourist locations throughout Utah. The characteristics, behaviors, and interests of Utah tourists, especially in regards to food and agricultural tourism, were examined in the context of consumer profiles. Exploratory factor and cluster analysis were used to group tourists according to demographic variables and participation in food and agriculture related activities when at home and while traveling. Seven factors underlying respondents’ perceptions of food and agriculture related practices when at home and while traveling were identified. Four consumer segments were then constructed using cluster analysis. Examining the characteristics of tourists who make repeated return trips to Utah was another research purpose of this study. An ordered logit regression model was used to explore the relationship between return tourism and demographics, travel motivation, destination image, and travel experiences. Results suggested a positive correlation between propensity to return and certain travel motivations, such as traveling for business or to visit culture and heritage related sites, destination image, and travel experiences. Traveler age and traveling with children were negatively correlated with propensity to return. Results suggested that marketers, tourism industry providers, businesses, and local governments may improve their operations through a better understanding of the characteristics and behaviors of specific consumer segments. The consumer segments explored in this study provide the information necessary for the development of targeted marketing campaigns directed towards specific tourist types. The information provided and examined in this study may also be used to develop attractions, activities, and products that encourage Utah tourists to spend their trip budget in ways that are most favorable to local businesses and producers. The importance of quality food and agriculture related offerings in the Utah tourism experience were also highlighted.

AbstractAchieving sustainable tourism is a process that focuses on numerous goals and faces many challenges. The advent of disruptive technology like blockchain could help to tackle some challenges in sustainable tourism development and address its goals. This conceptual paper aims to discuss how blockchain technology could contribute to sustainable tourism. Precisely, the authors investigate the potential benefits of blockchain technology to disrupt tourism operations and boost local economy, manage food supply chain and mitigate food waste, achieve tourists’ satisfaction, affect the tourists’ sustainable behaviour, and address awareness rise issues. The authors conclude that blockchain technology has a potential to contribute to sustainable tourism development as well as the SDGs and propose the directions for future research.

As one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy, tourism requires adequate changes in the supply of tourism products and services to meet changes in consumer tastes and preferences. The need for reforms is also necessary due to the oversaturation of the market and the growing desire of tourists to consume experiences. One of the ways to achieve change is by simulating the development of alternative forms of tourism, including the mystical one. This would expand the opportunities of the sector and would allow fuller use of the tourist potential of the destination.

As a result of the special attention paid by the head of our state to the tourism sector, the tourism potential of our country is growing. New modern hotels and resorts are being built. New tourist routes are being developed and services are being improved. This will be an important factor in expanding the flow of foreign tourists to our country, the development of domestic tourism, the creation of new jobs and increasing the welfare of the population. This article also discusses the level of tourism in Uzbekistan and the role of tourist destinations in it.

The modern tourist industry is strongly connected with marketing and its development in terms of forms and models analysing the dynamics in the factors determining personal satisfaction and experiences before, during and after the tourist activity. Tourist destinations use marketing as the main tool for analysing the tourist market, enabling them to determine potential consumers and the volume of their needs. This specific environment determined the creation of destination marketing organizations of (DMO), building the marketing policy of tourist destinations, as well as contributing to their promotion with the aim of attracting new tourists, increasing the average period of stay and satisfying all needs and desires in order to achieving pleasant tourism experiences.

Tourism has become a dynamic economic resource for Eurasian countries in recent decades, providing well-being for the people living in the destinations. The pandemic has forced societies to adapt to the constraints it imposes due to significant socioeconomic effects. Because of the fact that the tourist behavior and social life in the destinations are significantly affected by pandemic conditions, the countries are developing strategies to overcome the safety concerns with reconstructed travel and tourism norms. Due to the nature of the process, the main source of the competitive environment of the tourism sector is tourist behavior, and one of the primary criteria of potential tourists in their destination selection is security risk assessments. With the constraints shaped under pandemic conditions, a dramatic decrease has been observed in the intensity of tourism activities on a global basis. Yet, tourism is recognized as one of the most dynamic and fast-growing sectors worldwide with a positive welfare effect on the people living in the destinations. Therefore, there is a strong intention to develop favorable conditions, including innovative solutions, to meet tourist motivations. The aim of this paper is to develop theoretical approaches to evaluate the potential tourist behavior regarding Eurasian Countries under the constraints of the pandemic.

Tourism is one of the main sectors that is rapidly growing across the world, especially for developing countries that yields considerable foreign exchange. In this sense, tourism has become a significant factor in the development processes that have been introduced in order to bring especially developing countries which have begun to develop aftermath of World War II closer to developed countries. Tourism is an important source of development for Turkey which has a high tourism potential. The aim of this study is to investigate the determinants of international tourism demand for Turkey with panel data method. Within this aim, the factors which affect movements of tourism have been tried to determine by using socio-economic data of 22 countries which generate the largest number of tourist from 2000 to 2014. The number of tourists from each selected country which come Turkey has been used as dependent variable in the study. As the independent variables; income levels and relative price levels of tourist sending countries, exchange rate variable between the two countries, political stability variable of tourist sending country and tourism expenditures per capita have included in the study. Within using panel data method, the findings of the study show that all the variables have received the expected sign. Therefore, these findings have indicated that they are effective on the tourism demand.

Groundwater resources development and the threat of future drought in Garfield County, southwestern Utah, prompted a study of groundwater quality and quantity in the environs of Bryce Canyon National Park and Bryce Canyon City in Johns and Emery Valleys. Water quality, water quantity, and the potential for water-quality degradation are critical elements determining the extent and nature of future development in the valley. The community of Bryce Canyon City is an area of active tourism and, therefore, of potential increase in growth (likely from tourism-related development). Groundwater exists in Quaternary valley-fill and bedrock aquifers (the Tertiary Claron Formation and Cretaceous sandstone). Increased demand on drinking water warrants careful land-use planning and resource management to preserve surface and groundwater resources of Johns and Emery Valleys and surrounding areas that may be hydrologically connected to these valleys including Bryce Canyon National Park.

For more than a year, the Caribbean economics team at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has focused on the potential implications of the COVID-19 pandemic for lives and livelihoods across the region. The pandemic is still with us, but there is hope that the cycles of lockdowns and containment measures will eventually come to an end as vaccination programs progress, even if unevenly, across the region. However, the availability of vaccine supply remains a concern, and the pandemic continues to pose a constraint for the recovery of key sectors such as tourism and local services sectors. This edition of the Caribbean Quarterly Bulletin focuses on two topics: (1) forecasts of key macroeconomic variables, based on the April 2021 WEO, and (2) financial sector risks. In general, regional economies are embarking on a fragile path to recovery. Continued progress with vaccination programs, credible medium-term fiscal programs, and continued attention to financial vulnerabilities will be needed to push that path to recovery forward.

Abstract. The article reveals the experience of organizing blended learning for geography students using Google Classroom, and discloses its potential uses in the study of geography. For the last three years, the authors have tested such in-class and distance courses as “Cartography and Basics of Topography”, “Population Geography”, “Information Systems and Technologies in Tourism Industry”, “Regional Economic and Social World Geography (Europe and the CIS)”, “Regional Economic and Social World Geography (Africa, Latin America, Asia, Anglo-America, Australia and Oceania)”, “Socio-Economic Cartography”. The advantages of using the specified interactive tool during the study of geographical disciplines are highlighted out in the article. As it has been established, the organization of the learning process using Google Classroom ensures the unity of in-class and out-of-class learning; it is designed to realize effective interaction of the subjects learning in real time; to monitor the quality of training and control the students’ learning achievements in class as well as out of it, etc. The article outlines the disadvantages that should be taken into account when organizing blended learning using Google Classroom, including the occasional predominance of students’ external motivation in education and their low level of readiness for work in the classroom; insufficient level of material and technical support in some classrooms; need for out-of-class pedagogical support; lack of guidance on the content aspect of Google Classroom pages, etc. Through the test series conducted during 2016-2017, an increase in the number of geography students with a sufficient level of academic achievements and a decrease of those with a low level of it was revealed.

Coral reefs are one of the most diverse and valuable ecosystems on Earth. The Mesoamerican Reef contains the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. However, its health is threatened, so there is a need for a management and sustainable conservation. Key to this is knowing the economic value of the ecosystem. “Mainstreaming the value of natural capital into policy decision-making is vital” The value of environmental and natural resources reflects what society is willing to pay for a good or service or to conserve natural resources. Conventional economic approaches tended to view value only in terms of the willingness to pay for raw materials and physical products generated for human production and consumption (e.g. fish, mining materials, pharmaceutical products, etc.). As recognition of the potential negative impacts of human activity on the environment became more widespread, economists began to understand that people might also be willing to pay for other reasons beyond the own current use of the service (e.g. to protect coral reefs from degradation or to know that coral reefs will remain intact in the future). As a result of this debate, Total Economic Value (TEV) became the most widely used and commonly accepted framework for classifying economic benefits of ecosystems and for trying to integrate them into decision-making. This report estimates the economic value of the following goods and services provided by the MAR's coral reefs: Tourism & Recreation, Fisheries, Shoreline protection. To our knowledge, the inclusion of non-use values in the economic valuation of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System is novel, which makes the study more comprehensive.

In this paper, development of historical guide based on Augmented Reality (AR) technology is considered. The developed guide application it targeted to be used in different scenarios, in particular, during history learning classes, for guidance of the tourists to exhibits both indoor and outdoor. Common features of all these scenarios are generalized and according to them main information and objects model for forming scene are identified. This part is followed by detailed description of objects and scene representation, markers usage, employment of additional services, etc. Finally, the developed historical guide application has been introduced. It harnesses A-Frame library for processing of models and their representation. The application is able to work with different markers so that it can be extended easily. In addition, one of the main benefits of the developed application is support of multiple platforms because it works from web-browser and does not require installation of additional software. The developed application can be effectively used for all provided scenarios and has potential for further extension.

This paper studies the concept related to E-learning and the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and their role in organizing future teachers’ terminological work by specialty. It is shown the creation and use of the VLE is a promising approach in qualitative restructuring of future specialists’ vocation training, a suitable complement rather than a complete replacement of traditional learning. The concept of VLE has been disclosed; its structure has been presented as a set of components, such as: the Data-based component, the Communication-based, the Management-and-Guiding ones, and the virtual environments. Some VLE’s potential contributions to the organization of terminological work of future biology teachers’ throughout a traditional classroom teaching, an independent work, and during the field practices has been considered. The content of professionally oriented e-courses “Botany with Basis of Geobotany” and “Latin. Botany Terminology” has been revealed; the ways of working with online definer (guide), with UkrBIN National Biodiversity Information Network, with mobile apps for determining the plant species, with digital virtual herbarium, with free software have been shown. The content of students’ activity in virtual biological laboratories and during virtual tours into natural environment has been demonstrated. The explanations about the potential of biological societies in social networks in view of students’ terminology work have been given. According to the results of empirical research, the expediency of using VLEs in the study of professional terminology by future biology teachers has been confirmed.

1.1 Macroeconomic summary Economic recovery has consistently outperformed the technical staff’s expectations following a steep decline in activity in the second quarter of 2020. At the same time, total and core inflation rates have fallen and remain at low levels, suggesting that a significant element of the reactivation of Colombia’s economy has been related to recovery in potential GDP. This would support the technical staff’s diagnosis of weak aggregate demand and ample excess capacity. The most recently available data on 2020 growth suggests a contraction in economic activity of 6.8%, lower than estimates from January’s Monetary Policy Report (-7.2%). High-frequency indicators suggest that economic performance was significantly more dynamic than expected in January, despite mobility restrictions and quarantine measures. This has also come amid declines in total and core inflation, the latter of which was below January projections if controlling for certain relative price changes. This suggests that the unexpected strength of recent growth contains elements of demand, and that excess capacity, while significant, could be lower than previously estimated. Nevertheless, uncertainty over the measurement of excess capacity continues to be unusually high and marked both by variations in the way different economic sectors and spending components have been affected by the pandemic, and by uneven price behavior. The size of excess capacity, and in particular the evolution of the pandemic in forthcoming quarters, constitute substantial risks to the macroeconomic forecast presented in this report. Despite the unexpected strength of the recovery, the technical staff continues to project ample excess capacity that is expected to remain on the forecast horizon, alongside core inflation that will likely remain below the target. Domestic demand remains below 2019 levels amid unusually significant uncertainty over the size of excess capacity in the economy. High national unemployment (14.6% for February 2021) reflects a loose labor market, while observed total and core inflation continue to be below 2%. Inflationary pressures from the exchange rate are expected to continue to be low, with relatively little pass-through on inflation. This would be compatible with a negative output gap. Excess productive capacity and the expectation of core inflation below the 3% target on the forecast horizon provide a basis for an expansive monetary policy posture. The technical staff’s assessment of certain shocks and their expected effects on the economy, as well as the presence of several sources of uncertainty and related assumptions about their potential macroeconomic impacts, remain a feature of this report. The coronavirus pandemic, in particular, continues to affect the public health environment, and the reopening of Colombia’s economy remains incomplete. The technical staff’s assessment is that the COVID-19 shock has affected both aggregate demand and supply, but that the impact on demand has been deeper and more persistent. Given this persistence, the central forecast accounts for a gradual tightening of the output gap in the absence of new waves of contagion, and as vaccination campaigns progress. The central forecast continues to include an expected increase of total and core inflation rates in the second quarter of 2021, alongside the lapse of the temporary price relief measures put in place in 2020. Additional COVID-19 outbreaks (of uncertain duration and intensity) represent a significant risk factor that could affect these projections. Additionally, the forecast continues to include an upward trend in sovereign risk premiums, reflected by higher levels of public debt that in the wake of the pandemic are likely to persist on the forecast horizon, even in the context of a fiscal adjustment. At the same time, the projection accounts for the shortterm effects on private domestic demand from a fiscal adjustment along the lines of the one currently being proposed by the national government. This would be compatible with a gradual recovery of private domestic demand in 2022. The size and characteristics of the fiscal adjustment that is ultimately implemented, as well as the corresponding market response, represent another source of forecast uncertainty. Newly available information offers evidence of the potential for significant changes to the macroeconomic scenario, though without altering the general diagnosis described above. The most recent data on inflation, growth, fiscal policy, and international financial conditions suggests a more dynamic economy than previously expected. However, a third wave of the pandemic has delayed the re-opening of Colombia’s economy and brought with it a deceleration in economic activity. Detailed descriptions of these considerations and subsequent changes to the macroeconomic forecast are presented below. The expected annual decline in GDP (-0.3%) in the first quarter of 2021 appears to have been less pronounced than projected in January (-4.8%). Partial closures in January to address a second wave of COVID-19 appear to have had a less significant negative impact on the economy than previously estimated. This is reflected in figures related to mobility, energy demand, industry and retail sales, foreign trade, commercial transactions from selected banks, and the national statistics agency’s (DANE) economic tracking indicator (ISE). Output is now expected to have declined annually in the first quarter by 0.3%. Private consumption likely continued to recover, registering levels somewhat above those from the previous year, while public consumption likely increased significantly. While a recovery in investment in both housing and in other buildings and structures is expected, overall investment levels in this case likely continued to be low, and gross fixed capital formation is expected to continue to show significant annual declines. Imports likely recovered to again outpace exports, though both are expected to register significant annual declines. Economic activity that outpaced projections, an increase in oil prices and other export products, and an expected increase in public spending this year account for the upward revision to the 2021 growth forecast (from 4.6% with a range between 2% and 6% in January, to 6.0% with a range between 3% and 7% in April). As a result, the output gap is expected to be smaller and to tighten more rapidly than projected in the previous report, though it is still expected to remain in negative territory on the forecast horizon. Wide forecast intervals reflect the fact that the future evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic remains a significant source of uncertainty on these projections. The delay in the recovery of economic activity as a result of the resurgence of COVID-19 in the first quarter appears to have been less significant than projected in the January report. The central forecast scenario expects this improved performance to continue in 2021 alongside increased consumer and business confidence. Low real interest rates and an active credit supply would also support this dynamic, and the overall conditions would be expected to spur a recovery in consumption and investment. Increased growth in public spending and public works based on the national government’s spending plan (Plan Financiero del Gobierno) are other factors to consider. Additionally, an expected recovery in global demand and higher projected prices for oil and coffee would further contribute to improved external revenues and would favor investment, in particular in the oil sector. Given the above, the technical staff’s 2021 growth forecast has been revised upward from 4.6% in January (range from 2% to 6%) to 6.0% in April (range from 3% to 7%). These projections account for the potential for the third wave of COVID-19 to have a larger and more persistent effect on the economy than the previous wave, while also supposing that there will not be any additional significant waves of the pandemic and that mobility restrictions will be relaxed as a result. Economic growth in 2022 is expected to be 3%, with a range between 1% and 5%. This figure would be lower than projected in the January report (3.6% with a range between 2% and 6%), due to a higher base of comparison given the upward revision to expected GDP in 2021. This forecast also takes into account the likely effects on private demand of a fiscal adjustment of the size currently being proposed by the national government, and which would come into effect in 2022. Excess in productive capacity is now expected to be lower than estimated in January but continues to be significant and affected by high levels of uncertainty, as reflected in the wide forecast intervals. The possibility of new waves of the virus (of uncertain intensity and duration) represents a significant downward risk to projected GDP growth, and is signaled by the lower limits of the ranges provided in this report. Inflation (1.51%) and inflation excluding food and regulated items (0.94%) declined in March compared to December, continuing below the 3% target. The decline in inflation in this period was below projections, explained in large part by unanticipated increases in the costs of certain foods (3.92%) and regulated items (1.52%). An increase in international food and shipping prices, increased foreign demand for beef, and specific upward pressures on perishable food supplies appear to explain a lower-than-expected deceleration in the consumer price index (CPI) for foods. An unexpected increase in regulated items prices came amid unanticipated increases in international fuel prices, on some utilities rates, and for regulated education prices. The decline in annual inflation excluding food and regulated items between December and March was in line with projections from January, though this included downward pressure from a significant reduction in telecommunications rates due to the imminent entry of a new operator. When controlling for the effects of this relative price change, inflation excluding food and regulated items exceeds levels forecast in the previous report. Within this indicator of core inflation, the CPI for goods (1.05%) accelerated due to a reversion of the effects of the VAT-free day in November, which was largely accounted for in February, and possibly by the transmission of a recent depreciation of the peso on domestic prices for certain items (electric and household appliances). For their part, services prices decelerated and showed the lowest rate of annual growth (0.89%) among the large consumer baskets in the CPI. Within the services basket, the annual change in rental prices continued to decline, while those services that continue to experience the most significant restrictions on returning to normal operations (tourism, cinemas, nightlife, etc.) continued to register significant price declines. As previously mentioned, telephone rates also fell significantly due to increased competition in the market. Total inflation is expected to continue to be affected by ample excesses in productive capacity for the remainder of 2021 and 2022, though less so than projected in January. As a result, convergence to the inflation target is now expected to be somewhat faster than estimated in the previous report, assuming the absence of significant additional outbreaks of COVID-19. The technical staff’s year-end inflation projections for 2021 and 2022 have increased, suggesting figures around 3% due largely to variation in food and regulated items prices. The projection for inflation excluding food and regulated items also increased, but remains below 3%. Price relief measures on indirect taxes implemented in 2020 are expected to lapse in the second quarter of 2021, generating a one-off effect on prices and temporarily affecting inflation excluding food and regulated items. However, indexation to low levels of past inflation, weak demand, and ample excess productive capacity are expected to keep core inflation below the target, near 2.3% at the end of 2021 (previously 2.1%). The reversion in 2021 of the effects of some price relief measures on utility rates from 2020 should lead to an increase in the CPI for regulated items in the second half of this year. Annual price changes are now expected to be higher than estimated in the January report due to an increased expected path for fuel prices and unanticipated increases in regulated education prices. The projection for the CPI for foods has increased compared to the previous report, taking into account certain factors that were not anticipated in January (a less favorable agricultural cycle, increased pressure from international prices, and transport costs). Given the above, year-end annual inflation for 2021 and 2022 is now expected to be 3% and 2.8%, respectively, which would be above projections from January (2.3% and 2,7%). For its part, expected inflation based on analyst surveys suggests year-end inflation in 2021 and 2022 of 2.8% and 3.1%, respectively. There remains significant uncertainty surrounding the inflation forecasts included in this report due to several factors: 1) the evolution of the pandemic; 2) the difficulty in evaluating the size and persistence of excess productive capacity; 3) the timing and manner in which price relief measures will lapse; and 4) the future behavior of food prices. Projected 2021 growth in foreign demand (4.4% to 5.2%) and the supposed average oil price (USD 53 to USD 61 per Brent benchmark barrel) were both revised upward. An increase in long-term international interest rates has been reflected in a depreciation of the peso and could result in relatively tighter external financial conditions for emerging market economies, including Colombia. Average growth among Colombia’s trade partners was greater than expected in the fourth quarter of 2020. This, together with a sizable fiscal stimulus approved in the United States and the onset of a massive global vaccination campaign, largely explains the projected increase in foreign demand growth in 2021. The resilience of the goods market in the face of global crisis and an expected normalization in international trade are additional factors. These considerations and the expected continuation of a gradual reduction of mobility restrictions abroad suggest that Colombia’s trade partners could grow on average by 5.2% in 2021 and around 3.4% in 2022. The improved prospects for global economic growth have led to an increase in current and expected oil prices. Production interruptions due to a heavy winter, reduced inventories, and increased supply restrictions instituted by producing countries have also contributed to the increase. Meanwhile, market forecasts and recent Federal Reserve pronouncements suggest that the benchmark interest rate in the U.S. will remain stable for the next two years. Nevertheless, a significant increase in public spending in the country has fostered expectations for greater growth and inflation, as well as increased uncertainty over the moment in which a normalization of monetary policy might begin. This has been reflected in an increase in long-term interest rates. In this context, emerging market economies in the region, including Colombia, have registered increases in sovereign risk premiums and long-term domestic interest rates, and a depreciation of local currencies against the dollar. Recent outbreaks of COVID-19 in several of these economies; limits on vaccine supply and the slow pace of immunization campaigns in some countries; a significant increase in public debt; and tensions between the United States and China, among other factors, all add to a high level of uncertainty surrounding interest rate spreads, external financing conditions, and the future performance of risk premiums. The impact that this environment could have on the exchange rate and on domestic financing conditions represent risks to the macroeconomic and monetary policy forecasts. Domestic financial conditions continue to favor recovery in economic activity. The transmission of reductions to the policy interest rate on credit rates has been significant. The banking portfolio continues to recover amid circumstances that have affected both the supply and demand for loans, and in which some credit risks have materialized. Preferential and ordinary commercial interest rates have fallen to a similar degree as the benchmark interest rate. As is generally the case, this transmission has come at a slower pace for consumer credit rates, and has been further delayed in the case of mortgage rates. Commercial credit levels stabilized above pre-pandemic levels in March, following an increase resulting from significant liquidity requirements for businesses in the second quarter of 2020. The consumer credit portfolio continued to recover and has now surpassed February 2020 levels, though overall growth in the portfolio remains low. At the same time, portfolio projections and default indicators have increased, and credit establishment earnings have come down. Despite this, credit disbursements continue to recover and solvency indicators remain well above regulatory minimums. 1.2 Monetary policy decision In its meetings in March and April the BDBR left the benchmark interest rate unchanged at 1.75%.