Infrastructure and Superstructure

Tourism infrastructure and superstructure are created, tangible components of the tourism industry’s supply side. They differ with respect to the directness of their link to the tourism industry, providers, services offered, investment profile, [Page 648]and profit potential. Infrastructure is created mainly for residents and can be divided into general infrastructure and basic services infrastructure, depending on the provider and type of services offered. The main element of superstructure specifically targeted to the tourist experience is the accommodation sector. The borders between infrastructure and superstructure can be fluid or overlapping, but the two are related and dependent on one another for tourist destination development. The quality of the superstructure depends on that of the infrastructure.