ABSTRACT
This chapter examines extreme seasonality in tourism with a view to determine if seasonality should be embraced or challenged at the remote locations. The basic causes of seasonal variations in demand are divided into ‘natural’ — due to climate and geographical location, and ‘institutional’ — due to such events as statutory and school holidays. Seasonality in demand is also affected by the introduction of new tourism destinations and the differential pricing of tourism products. For tourism destinations, their management organizations and governments, seasonality in tourism demand is, therefore, a challenging policy issue. Some destinations have attempted to address seasonality in tourism with policies aiming to extend or alter traditional tourism seasons. The locations profiled are for the most part at an early stage of tourism development where they can choose how their destinations can develop. Seasonality, as a positive, can help these societies to preserve their way of life.
