Tourism Industry In Tibet Tourism Essay

Tourism Industry In Tibet Tourism Essay The Tibet Autonomous Region, covering an area of 1.22 million square kilometres, is situated on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in the south-western border area of China. It enjoys unique plateau environment. Averaging more than 4,000 meters in elevation, it is always regarded as the highest region in the world and is known as the roof of the world. Tibet abuts on Xinjiang, Qinghai, Sichuan, and Yunnan province. It has 3,842 km borders with Chinas neighbouring countries of Myanmar, India, Bhutan and Nepal as well as Kashmir in the south and west (Zhang Zheng 2004). Tourism is playing an increasingly crucial role in Tibets tertiary industry. Even though these is unique natural and culture tourism resources, tourism were developed in Tibet very late. Prior Chinas reform and opening-up policies in 1978, there was almost no tourism in Tibet. After about 30 years, tourism in Tibet has become much more developed, especially after the Qinghai-Tibet railway has been completed and operated. In 2008, there were 2,246,400 tourists visiting Tibet, which bigger than the total number of tourists who went to Tibet between 1980 and 1997(China Tibetology Research Centre 2009). (Figure 2) Figure 2: Changes in Tibets Tourism Revenues and Number of Tourists Between 1980 and 2008 figure 2.jpg Source: Tibet Statistical Yearbook 2009 2.3 SWOT analysis To understanding the characteristics of tourism in Tibet and its internal strengths and weaknesses and external opportunities and threats, SWOT analysis will be presented. Strength Diverse tourism resources. Tibets long history, splendid culture and its unique plateau environment are all important attractions of Tibet. Regional strength. As Chinas border areas, Tibet borders with India, Nepal, and Myanmar etc. Political strength. The implementation of the strategy for the development of the western region of China gave Tibet powerful political support(Meng Huang 2007). Weaknesses Undeveloped transportation. Lack of overall strategy. Poor infrastructure. The number of hotels, travel agencies and facilities cannot meet the growing demands of visitors (Meng Huang 2007). Opportunities Government support. The Chinese government not only operate some politics but also invest huge amount of money into tourism development of Tibet. Huge demand of tourism market. Domestic tourism demand is growing and some restrictive factors affecting the tourism demand has been alleviated (Meng Huang 2007). Economic development of China. Threats Stiff competition Relationship between development and protection Figure 3: SWOT analysis of tourism in Tibet 2.4 Tourism market These years, the number of tourists visiting Tibet soars. Since 1980, the Tibets tourism market can be separated into three stages. Firstly, from 1980s to 1990s, international visitors dominated the tourism market. However, from 1990s, domestic visitors increased rapidly. For instance, in 1996 the number of international visitors is 2500 while as domestic visitors is 250,000 (Tan 2006). In 2004, the number of visitors even surpassed one million. The third stage is from 2006, when the Qinghai-Tibet railway has been completed and operated. The number of domestic visitors changed tremendously, reaching five million in 2010. 2.5 Proposed growth value 3. Transport system in Tibet 3.1 Responsible agencies and firms The government of China is the main organizer of the construction of Tibets transport system. Since the founding of the Peoples Republic of China in October 1949, the state invested huge amounts of funds in Tibets transport construction. The transportation within Tibet and between the autonomous region and other places has been fundamentally changed. Take Qinghai-Tibet Railway project for instance, the Central Government has invested around US$3.17 billion in it. In addition to the investment, Chinese government also drew up a series of new principles and policies to assure that the construction of transport in Tibet will be processed smoothly, among which the western development strategy is the most significant one. With this strategys implementation and the close attention of the regional government, great effort has been taken to support the development of Tibet transport system. 3.2 Existing transport system Before 1949, there was no road in Tibet. Through the gorgeous mountains and vast plateau plains, caravans journeyed on dangerous paths with heavy loads. However, currently, the transportation network is in place, with highway transport as the main part, supplemented by rail and air transportation. Road transportation Since the peaceful liberation of Tibet in 1951, the decades of construction has brought Tibet four inter-provincial roads connecting Tibet with Sichuan, Qinghai, Xinjiang and Yunnan. The major roads include Qinghai-Tibet Highway, Sichuan-Tibet Highway, Xinjiang-Tibet Highway, Yunnan-Tibet Highway and China-Nepal International Road. The travel routes inside the region are formed on a road network with the major roads and their branches. At the end of 2008, including these five national highways, there are altogether 15 trunk lines and 315 feeder lines in Tibet, and the total length of the roads in the autonomous region reached 51,314 kilometres. Over 92 percent of the township and nearly 72 percent of the administrative villages have been connected with roads. Figure 3: Road Map of Tibet tibet-road-map.jpg Source: www.discovertibettour.com/tibet-maps.html Figure 4: Major Trunk Highways Qinghai-Tibet Highway From Xining in Qinghai to Lhasa in Tibet Known as the lifeline of the autonomous region, the highway caries more than 80percent of goods into or out of Tibet. The 2,122 km highway is paved with asphalt. Rising over 4,000 meters above sea level, it crosses the Kunlun and Tanggula mountains. Sichuan-Tibet Highway From Chengdu in Sichuan to Lhasa in Tibet Extending 2,413 km, the highway links Tibet with various provinces in southwest China Xinjiang-Tibet Highway From Yecheng in Xinjiang to Ngari in Tibet Extending 1,179 km, it is the highest highway in the world Yunnan-Tibet Highway Form Xiaguan in Yunnan to Mangkam in Tibet The highway extends 315 km. China-Nepal Highway Rom Lhasa to Friendship Bridge in Zham, Shigaze of Tibet to Kathmandu of Nepal The highway extends 736km. Railway transportation Although covering about one eighth of Chinas land area, Tibet was previously the only province level region not accessible via railway. Qinghai-Tibet railway is the only rail transport to Tibet. Before the opening of the railway, visitors could only reach Tibet by air or road. This railway measures 1963 kilometres from Xining, capital of Qinghai Province, to Lhasa, which is the worlds most elevated and longest plateau railway (Cao Lin 2008). Along the way 965 kilometres of the railway are located over 4,000 metres, over 600 kilometres traverse the perennial frozen tundra. At the highest point, the Danggula Mountain pass is 5,072 metres above sea level. Thus, Qinghai-Tibet Railway is often called as railway on the rooftop of the world. However, although it is more convenient and cost-effective, it is the only railway to reach Tibet. Figure 3: Railway from and to Tibet tibet-railway-map.jpg Air transportation The air route over Tibet is the most efficient way for communications between Tibet and the rest of the world. The first air route was started in Tibet in 1956, which is from Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, to Lhasa (Pan Liu 2006). Till now, air routes between Lhasa and cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xian, and Guangzhou have been established. In addition, the international air route between Lhasa and Kathmandu, Capital of Nepal, has also been open for traffic. However, there are only five civilian airports in Tibet: Gonggar Airport of Lhasa, Nyingchi Airport, Bangda Airport of Qamdo, Ngari airport and Shigatse Airport, among which Ngari airport and Shigatse Airport were first put into use in 2010. Figure 4: Map of Tibet flight routes map-of-tibet-flight-routes.gif Transportation of cities and towns The cities and towns in Tibet all have certain roads connecting each other. But there arent many transportation vehicles. Its hard to predict which part will be the toughest in a trip. In Lhasa, Shigaze, Zetang and other larger cities, mini-buses, taxis, or tricycles can be chosen. Buses with 35 seats run to all major tourism sites and the price is always 2 Yuan each person with in the unban sphere. There are now over 1,200 taxis in Lhasa and its suburbs. In the urban area, a trip by taxi usually costs 10-15 Yuan. In Lhasa, tricycles will cost from 2-5 Yuan for two persons. They are found near the Barkhor Bazaar. In addition, many hotels in Tibet can rent bicycles. Some scenic spots in Lhasa are not connected with buses yet. Across Tibet, many vehicle companies and travel agencies can help tourists rent vehicles for long-distance journeys. The average cost is 2.5-8 Yuan per kilometre and it differs according to the type and function of the vehicle and the condition of the travel route. 3.3 Deficiencies Since Tibets unique  natural geographical and  economic backwardness, its poor transport infrastructure cannot meet the  requirements of  the rapidly growing  tourists. Transportation  restricts the  overall development  of tourism in Tibet.   Transport infrastructure  is seriously lagging behind. Firstly, the total length of road is short and the density of transport facilities is low. The density of roads in Tibet is only 3.36 km each 100 square km, which is the lowest province among the country, comparing 17.82% of the average density of national roads (Cao Lin 2008). These five main highways connecting with other provinces in China are fragile and easy to be affected by natural disasters. In fact, among these five highways, only Qinghai-Tibet Highway can be open throughout the years, others just can be opened seasonally. Furthermore, comparing with Tibets 1.22 million square kilometres of regional area, the number of airport is too few. During tourist season, domestic routes are obviously insufficient. The only international airline is from Kathmandu to Lhasa. Due to the lack  of other international  non-stop flights, most tourists have to choose Beijing-Chengdu-Lhasa or Shang-Chengdu-Lhasa routes, which greatly increased the length of journey to Tibet and the airfare is considerable high. Lastly, railway line is single. Qinghai-Tibet Railway is the only railway transport in Tibet. Since it was constructed on the average of 4,500- 5,000 metre Tibetan Plateau, the maintenance of it is incredible difficult. The development of transportation in the regional area is uneven. Tibets transport is concentrated in the relatively developed middle area. In contrast,  transportation in southern Tibet and north-western Tibet  is extremely backward. Most of roads are in low quality, even fragile and easy to be influenced by natural disaster. Western Tibet is the most isolated area. Some of areas are still undeveloped. It is urgent need to improve the transport conditions. Low quality of transport services The level of transport services directly related to the tourists evaluation of destination (Su Wall 2009). Tourism transportation services not only include tourism projects, information of destinations and choices of transport, but also include accommodation, catering and other related security during the process of travel (Duval 2007). However, when travelling to Tibet, there would be some problem about traffic cannot depart on time and some tourism project and exact security information cannot be provided to tourists. Strategy In order to enable tourism transportation to adapt to the increasing demand of tourists in Tibet, effective scientific strategies should be made to cope with above deficiencies and to assure the transportation system in Tibet would have further improvement. To meet the rapid development of tourism industry, it is necessary to expand the size of transport network to further improve the transport system. In terms of railway transport, fulfil the capacity of railway transport, expend access to and within the Tibet is of importance. It is proposed to construct more railways, like Yunnan-Tibet Railway, Gansu-Tibet Railway and Sichuan-Tibet Railway. The first regional railway, Shigatse- Tibet was proposed to built, which would be complete in 2014. As for road transport, it is suggested to upgrade level of roads, increase management of maintenance of roads to improve disaster-combat capacity. In the national twelfth five-year development plan, regional government decided to made great efforts to develop road transportation in Tibet. In the Fifth Central Discussion Meeting on the Work of Tibet, central government also decided to accelerate construction of road network, with Lhasa as the centre, five State roads as the branches, and the district, county, township and border defence roads as the basis. Currently, the only way from Lhasa to other tourist attractions is road transport. However, some private road accessing to attractions is in the poor quality, which reduces the accessibility and influences the tourists flow. Some scenic spots in Tibet are not connected with roads yet. Thus, it is crucial to increase access level of these places. As to air transport, according to the principles of rational distribution, it is suggested to increase the number of airport to incorporate all major cities and towns into national air routes network. With the increasing number of tourist, it is necessary to open some routes to Hong Kong, Tokyo or New Delhi and some tourism developed cities. Improve the serves of tourism transportation. According to the situation of Tibet, tourism transport sector should improve the level of roads, choose convenient routes, and provide high quality means of transport. In addition, multi-channel and multi-ticket booking service should be provided to minimize transfer time.

The Health Benefits of Exercise :: Physical Exercise Fitness Health

Exercise is important for many reasons. If you do not exercise your body you will eventually loose it. Your body will become weak and you will loose muscle tone. Your organs won't function properly. Doing a few simple exercises each day will not only keep you fit but will also tone your body. Exercising for at least 30 minutes a day will improve your overall health. Not only does exercise help your body, it helps cleanse your mind. The good news is that you do not have to spend money to join a gym. You can achieve the benefits of exercise in the comfort of your own home. Yoga The word yoga originates from the Yuj which is a Sanskrit word meaning to join. It indicates joining all aspects of the human being. It unites the body with the mind and soul to bring fourth a joyful, balanced and useful life. Yoga spiritually combines the person with the principle. Research show that practicing yoga helps control anxiety, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, diabetes, stress, and more. Physically, yoga can increase your flexibility and strength. It can also improve your posture. Yoga – Information on the benefits of yoga and different beginner exercises to try. The Secrets of Yoga - Information on the different positions of yoga. Yoga, As a Lifestyle – A guide on everything you need to know about yoga. 10 Ways Yoga Can Improve Your Life- The different ways that yoga can improve your life. Some Important Aspects of Yoga – The different aspects of yoga such as Hatha Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga, and Raja Yoga. Yoga:Tap into the Many Health Benefits of Yoga – Information on how yoga can help minimize chronic stress. Videos: Yoga – Learn yoga poses and positions. The Yoga Workout for Flat Abs – Yoga exercises that work your abs and heal your body making you feel relaxed. Pilates A system of the of the mind-body exercises are known as Pilates. Pilates were brought fourth by a man named Joseph Palates. Pilates can change the way your mind and body feel by building strength without developing mass, composing a smooth toned body with a flat stomach and slender thighs. Pilates help get your mind in tune with your body. The exercise focuses on proper breathing and helps correct spinal and pelvic alignment. Breathing properly is vital to achieve different movement and power while exercising. Pilates require concentration which allows your body move in a continuous and gentle flow.

Nursing Informatics Essay

Nursing informatics can best be described â€Å"as the integration of data, information and knowledge to support patients and clinicians in decisions across roles and settings, using information structures, process, and technology† (Knight & Shea, p. 93). Nursing informatics has evolved over the last half decade from a system with only a few abilities to a worldwide technological system used in many hospital settings and physician offices in order to unify healthcare, eliminate error, and allow clinicians to spend less time charting and more time fulfilling job duties. In the 1960s, technology entered the nursing profession and the very first computer systems were integrated into hospitals. The early computer systems were implemented in order to process orders promptly and keep an accurate record of charges incurred by patients during their hospital stay (Murphy, 2010). Over the next few years, technology improved and started to revolutionize the nursing profession, documentat ion and communication throughout the hospital went from pen and paper to online databases filled with electronic patient information (Murphy, 2010). The introduction of NI has â€Å"prompted significant transformation in healthcare, along with increased attention to patient safety and outcome† (HIMSS Nursing Informatics Awareness Task Force, 2007, p. 38). Nursing informatics (NI) was finally recognized as a specialty in the mid-1990s (Murphy, 2010) Nursing informatics continued to evolve and the clinical setting began using electronic health records in patient care areas. Electronic health records (EHR) is like the nursing process, in which computer charting uses a hands on approach where the clinician is responsible for physically inputting the data attained into the Electronic Health Record. (McFadden, 2012). EHR was a huge push by President Bush in 2004, he mandated that the electronic health record be worldwide in the United States within ten years and created the Office of the National Coordinator for Health information Technology (HIMSS Nursing Informatics Awareness Task Force, 2007). The concept behind the electronic health record was to redesign the way patient care was delivered so that documentation and data gathering was integrated and automatically uploaded eliminating the room for errors and or misinformation (McFadden, 2012). Today nursing informatics uses technology to improve its clinical nursing  practice as well as to enhance the quality of patient care (Saba, 2001). As patients change, technology in the hospital setting must change and adapt as well. In order to make sure that the Electronic Health Record is as user friendly as possible for the majority of the clinicians using the system, TIGER was formed. â€Å"TIGER which stands for Technology Informatics Guiding Specialties which is a national collaborative of nurses from various specialties† (â€Å"TIGER,† 2010, p. 11). Nurses who are on the front line taking care of patients first hand bring knowledge of how information can be supported and improved upon in the clinical process and decision-making, which ultimately improves quality and patient outcome (â€Å"TIGER,† 2010). TIGER has improved nursing informatics by intertwining technology into the nursing practice, therefore making health information technology the stethosc ope for the 21st century (â€Å"TIGER,† 2010). Along with the continuing development of technology CPOE (Computerized Provider Order Entry) was developed freeing nurses from having to transcribe physicians hand writing and eliminating the need for order clarification made via phone calls improving quality control and patient outcomes. (Thede, 2012). Lab results are readily available through Point Of Care seconds after a test is completed in order for nurses and physicians to have information to review and determine further course of treatment the moment the results become available (Thede, 2012). Nursing informatics has a direct impact on nurses. Nurses spend roughly 50% of their time documenting and as little as 15% at the patient bedside (HIMSS Nursing Informatics Awareness Task Force, 2007). Our role as a nurse is being redefined by computers allowing more time to actually nurse patients to health and less time documenting our measures used to return them to health. As stated by HIMSS Nursing Informatics Task Force (2007) â€Å"this movement toward evidence based clinical practice is designed by a clinical information system which serves as the integrator that supports clinical judgment and client values† (p. 31). Nursing informatics will continue to improve and will become able to process data more quickly than it doe s now (Saba, 2001). In the 21st century, nursing informatics is part of our everyday professional activity. The majority of healthcare professionals are computer literate as utilizing a computer and accessing patient records has become a part of our everyday duties as nurses. (Saba, 2001). As we continue to move toward a more IT world, nursing informaticists will continue to work  with nurses to ensure that our practice is further enhanced by new technology (HIMSS Nursing Informatics Awareness Task Force, 2007). As clinicians is our duty to be prepared and properly trained with the most recent technological advances so we can spend less time finding where to document information or inputting information and more time fulfilling other nursing duties. In summary, according to Murphy (2010) â€Å"nursing informatics has evolved to an integral part of health care delivery and a differentiating factor in the selection, implementation, and evaluation of health IT that supports safe, high-quality, patient-centric care† (p. 207). It is time for nurses to leave the past ways of paper charting and embrace what the future has for us in the ever evolving technological world. Our profession is being transformed to meet the needs of patients and allowing clinicians to keep accurate records but doing so in a timely and safe manner. Nursing informatics is a tool which is in place to make it easier to keep accurate records, spend more time interacting and caring for patients, and have one place to look for information regarding patient care. References HIMSS Nursing Informatics Awareness Task Force. (2007, March). Informatics. Nursing Management, 38, 38-42. http://dx.doi.org/http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.ttuhsc.edu/10.1097/01.NUMA.0000262926.85304.a6 Knight, E. P., & Shea, K. (2014). A Patient-Focused Framework Integrating Self-Management and Informatics. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 46, 91-97. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jnu.12059 McFadden, R. (2012, December). Nursing informatics: A specialty on the rise. , 16, 16-17. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.ttuhsc.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=rzh&AN=2012223758&site=nrc-live Murphy, J. (2010, May-Jun). Nursing informatics: the intersection of nursing, computer, and information sciences. Nursing Economic$, 28, 204-207. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.ttuhsc.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=rzh&AN=2010699607&site=nrc-live Saba, V. K. (2001, September). Nursing informatics: yesterday, today and tomorrow. International Nursing Review, 48, 177-187. Retrieved fr om http://web.b.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.ttuhsc.edu/nup/detail/detail?sid=976b7ae2- 0db7-4ca2-83ce-c7fded8dd419%40sessionmgr112&vid=10&hid=119&bdata=JnNpdGU9bnVwLWxpdmUmc2NvcGU9c2l0ZQ%3d%3d#db=rzh&AN=2001106151 Staggers, N., & Thompson, C. B. (2002). The evolution of definitions for nursing informatics: A critical analysis and revised definition. Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association. The voice of nursing informatics and the future of nursing Technology Informatics Guiding Education Reform (TIGER) (2010). ANIA-CARING Newsletter, 25(4), 11-20. Retrieved from http://web.b.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.ttuhsc.edu/nup/detail/detail?sid=2b530457-f316-4cab-99a1-51bdce7a9464%40sessionmgr115&vid=1&hid=119&bdata=JnNpdGU9bnVwLWxpdmUmc2NvcGU9c2l0ZQ%3d%3d#db=rzh&AN=2010939703 Thede, L. (2008, Aug 18). The Electronic health Record: Will Nursing Be on Board When the Ship Leaves? OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 13. http://dx.doi.org/10.3912/OJIN.Vol13No03InfoCol01 Thede, L. (2012, Janurary 23). â€Å"Informatics: Where is it?†. OJIN: The Online Jour nal of Issues in Nursing, 17(1). http://dx.doi.org/10.3912/OJIN.Vol17No1InfoCol01

Career Internship At Jackson Hewitt - 1954 Words

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