24.5 Master Planned Beach Resort Destination Checklist – Part 5 – Supporting Infrastructure and Services

This subject check list covers the fourth of the 5 main subjects from the Master Check List - Components of the Ideal Master Planned Beach Resort Destination.  These subject check lists are by no means comprehensive, but more like a shopping list with brief explanations as reminders.  This check list series actually goes hand in hand with an earlier series I posted on Integrated Master Planning for Destination Development.  This check list would actually be similar to some of the outlines for the phase of Product Development in the Integrated Master Planning methodology.    

Resort infrastructure both functional and aesthetically planned.

For those from developed countries things like basic infrastructure are taken for granted.  You turn on the tap and water comes out, you plug in the TV it works and flush the toilet and don’t know where it goes, but assume it is properly managed.  In developing countries where the greatest potential exists for new Integrated Beach Resort Destinations most of these basic services do not exist and the local makeshift sources are not sustainable for large scale developments and this is where problems arise that can destroy a destination.  Keeping your site dry may flood another site, a central generator for too many users results in a trip and total black out, septic tanks which are quite common and effective but over stressed in a low lying beach are will cause direct infiltration onto the beach!  So the importance of good infrastructure cannot be over stated.

Services such as police and fire, etc. are expected of governments but this is not always the case in isolated up and coming places and somehow the planners of the destination have to be aware and make sure such services are provided.  In addition to the civil services other commercial services are essential in order to make things convenient and economical for both operators and visitors.  Destination planners need to consciously sometimes seek out operators to fill in these gaps to provide goods and services and of course the most difficult time is in the early stages when critical mass and economy of scales do not yet exist. 

All these supporting infrastructure and services can be bought and built, at a cost.  If the project itself has to absorb all the cost to provide the services to only support the destination, then financial viability needs to be looked at carefully.

D. SUPPORTING INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICES

No.	Aspects	Features	Implications
1.	Infrastructure	Roads	Access roads connecting to source market and the surrounding communities giving access to the destination both for tourists and for support services.
		Power Supply	Power available to connect to for stable service.  Best if a clean source and remote enough to cause no impact, close enough and critical mass to make supply efficient.
		Water Supply	Abundant raw water source from catchment or ground source. Ideal central treatment and distribution.
		Sewerage Treatment	Ideal at least for “core town center” close enough and critical mass to make supply efficient and low beach front areas where septic tanks do not work.
		Telecommunications	Good FOC for data access enhances the possibility of e-businesses.  Good cellular network coverage is essential for keeping travelers connected.
		Solid Waste Management	Proper waste management location is important to keep water source and coastal waters free of pollutants.
		Storm Water Drainage	Important to avoid flooding, erosion and potential coastal runoff pollution.
2.	Civil Services	24 Hr. Emergency Hotline	A multiple language hotline is a real plus point for handling international tourist.
		Police Post	Security is essential for tourism.  Police presence openly and friendly displayed makes a destination more attractive especially for potential residents.
		Fire Department	Large population both transient and long term along with numerous structures will require a regular proactive fire department involved in prevention inspections.
		Life Guards	Important to keep unfamiliar tourists safe in coastal waters.
		Clinic / Hospital	From common illnesses to recreational accidents and to cater to residents and employees.  For long term resort living especially foreigners more sophisticated hospital facilities require.
		Post Office	Ability to send and receive is essential.
		Schools	Local school required in order to keep employees and international schools to cater to foreign workers and foreign residents.  Essential if the property market is part of the overall plan.
3.	Support Services	Tourist Info / Travel Agents	Provide information for tourist on the ground and assist in arranging guides, tours, transport, etc.
		Bank / Money Changer / ATM	Places to draw money, exchange to local currency.
		Laundry Service	Particularly important for long stay guest, i.e. staying over the full Winter months.
		Internet Cafe	Communications for those not traveling with computers but want to keep in touch via email  and internet.
		Hardware / Stationary / Household Provisions	Provisions for business, operators and residents.  Easy access to basic goods keeps the costs manageable.
		Shipping Services	Especially important for the retail industry in order for local crafts, furniture, etc. become a substantial market.

Copyright: Jiwa Studio Pte. Ltd. 2012

Link to other parts of the series:
Master Planned Beach Resort Destination Checklist

Part 1 – Overview

Part 2 – Natural Environment

Part 3 – Access / Proximity

Part 4 – Development Products

Part 5 – Supporting Infrastructure and Services
Part 6 – Destination Management

Jiwa Studio, Singapore

May 2012