Currently, the action of traveling is becoming not only a simple distraction, but an element of training, interaction and relationship with another natural, social and cultural environment other than the usual one.
Advances in communications provide all the necessary information about the places and destinations that you want to visit for their culture and attractions. Evidencing the use of new information and communication technologies (ICTs), the computer media play a fundamental role in informing us.
The clients, in addition to leaning towards the tourist attractions of the region that they see and the comfort of the accommodation; They are interested in the type of animation that is offered in the place as, added value. Attending that it is closely linked to the culture of the country and the place you visit.
The word animation is widely heard today, but not all people define it the same, the wide variety of its content allows everyone to identify it differently. Researchers like; Abreu (2010, 2011,2012), Labollita and Farré (2008), Castro (2012), Valencia ( 2012), Badesa Miguel (2008), Villagrán and Arévalo (2010), Crosby, A. (2009), Casanovas (2008), Cenamor (sa) and Gil (2012) make a valuable characterization of tourist animation. UNWTO (2012) proposes that tourist animation is "any action carried out in or on a group, a community or a medium, with the intention of developing communication and guaranteeing social life".
In other queries made to online magazines they coincide in important aspects for the conceptualization of tourist animation.
All point out that tourist animation is a specialty of service that seeks to make entertainment effective and meaningful for visitors, through learning with the objective of creating a favorable environment in which in a fun way everyone participates as protagonists and very rarely Be spectators, allowing them to make better use of their free time, in a healthy and creative way.
This author, after analyzing the criteria of different researchers on the subject, was able to conclude that Animation is any action carried out on a group of people with the intention of developing communication, promoting social life and creating an ideal environment in a tourist establishment, whose final objective is to revitalize and promote the business economy.
This discipline is formative and enriching of human life, making it necessary to better specify its scope.
Development
Since 2000, the main motivations in the hotel industry focus on the interaction of clients with the environment and culture of the country they visit, providing a break related to entertainment and the possibility of enriching exchange of cultural values among clients. and the place visited.
Visitors are interested in learning about the history of the country or region that they visit, the evolution of its economy, its natural beauties, artistic expressions, its culture in general. All this, expressed with professionalism, cordiality, respect, that is, with culture, becomes one more incentive and, in fact, an element of animation.
The tourist animation allows a cultural approach between different individuals; through it we can patent the human and social values that are part of our cultural heritage.
To carry out all the aforementioned, the animation department must be made up of professionals in the activity and who are duly involved in the general operation of the establishment, creating animation programs in accordance with the market orientation defined by the facility and capable to satisfy their consumers.
An animation that identifies with the autochthonous roots of its region, implies a diversification of proposals that place value on history and the present; that shows not only the natural wealth, but also the social future, that enhances the gastronomy, the traditions, the music, the values of the country, those that form the basis of the political-social project.
Hence, its main objectives are:
- Create a relaxed and relaxed atmosphere in the establishment. Ensure that the majority of customers feel linked to the establishment and its environment. Satisfy current customers and achieve higher levels of repetition, this being an effective method of promoting and advertising the facility..
They are elements of the programming that must be used at least once a week in all establishments where the infrastructure, material and type of client allows. It is about thematizing the activities of the day, generally doing them.
Even today, some animation teams see little use of activities that include artistic, recreational and cultural events. Lack of passive activities for clients who prefer it. Insufficient promotion of program activities. There is not a wide variety of activities for the children's segment. Insufficient knowledge of national and international culture, as well as little command of the language. Presence of empirical animators in the department. Poor quality equipment and materials for the development of activities. All this results in a decrease in the level of customer satisfaction in terms of entertainment activities.
The aforementioned is reflected in the programmed activities that are offered to clients, in order for them to live a new and unforgettable experience every day in our facilities.
The entertainer of today must be able to design programs of tourist animation activities appropriate to the objectives and resources of the entity and to the public to whom they are directed, to creatively develop programs of recreational, artistic-cultural, physical-recreational activities, shows animation or artistic talent and others in mother tongue and foreign. Knowing how to promote and disseminate the activities programmed to promote and motivate the participation of clients with ethics and professionalism, with special emphasis on the values of Cuban culture.
The Cuban within the tourist entertainment activities should not be seen as a straitjacket, of mandatory compliance. Our main advantage is that the client who visits us is very interested in delving into Cuban culture. Knowing beforehand the positives and negatives that in this regard spread on social networks. Being this a weapon to motivate to know the reality of our culture.
For which the animation team must be able to awaken in customers the desire to acquire and live our culture. In all animation activities in one way or another, the above can be evidenced.
It is necessary to diversify the offer to visitors with actions that not only promote rest, but also turn their vacation period into a fruitful and enriching experience.
In many of our tourist facilities, entertainment programs clearly reflect the loss of creativity and systematic innovation, as well as the cultural and indigenous values of our region. There are dissatisfactions with regard to cultural projection and Cuba, in the design and conception of the activities that are carried out. There is a lack of diversity, coherence and representativeness of the facilities and their environment. Observing in the activities the distortion, to a greater or lesser extent, certain elements of Cuban culture and, therefore, its image.
Therefore, it is essential that the animation programs of the hotel facilities are comprehensive, which can be summarized in a correspondence between their characteristics and the type of client who visits the facility. In addition to reflecting variety and creativity in their proposals.
The activities within the animation program can be designed according to:
- Hotel areasSpecial partiesThematic days
Thematic Days within the animation department.
Its importance lies in the possibility of creating a different, special day. Arousing the stimulation of the client to participate in the animation activities, on an atypical day for him. By introducing variety in terms of; a theme for the whole day and how to organize the activities during the day.
The animation team is in charge of setting and characterizing the places chosen for the celebration. In the same way they will use an allegorical wardrobe a day and that allows them to carry out the programmed activities.
An important aspect to guarantee the success of the day is the promotion, this must be done days before the event. Using all possible forms of promotion that the establishment has. It can be supported in the customer service departments that exist in the facility.
Most important aspects to take into account when conducting a theme day:
- Promotion and image: The promotion of the event is essential to obtain the desired participation of customers. In addition to attractive promotional posters, the use of the microphone. Loose delivery is recommended. Involvement of other departments: a theme day should be an event where all hotel staff are involved. Guests should note throughout the complex that something special is happening this day. The front desk delivers flyers to new customers; the clerks and waitresses will carry a special detail in their Organization: all actions are organized from the animation team, so there must be perfect communication between the board of directors and the people involved. It is suggested to use a checklist to ensure that nothing is missed.One issue that fails often and is highly appreciated by customers is punctuality; It is necessary to be before the start of the activity with all the necessary material to correctly comply with the schedule.Decoration: a good atmosphere is influenced by many aspects, the places where actions and activities of the thematic day are carried out must be decorated according to the theme Ambient music: Music is a factor that greatly influences the atmosphere of the day. Let's make a good selection of background music for the activities.the places where thematic day's actions and activities are carried out must be decorated according to the theme of the day.Environmental music: music is a factor that greatly influences the atmosphere of the day. Let's make a good selection of background music for the activities.the places where thematic day's actions and activities are carried out must be decorated according to the theme of the day.Environmental music: music is a factor that greatly influences the atmosphere of the day. Let's make a good selection of background music for the activities.
Although the realization of a special day means a lot of organization and planning, it is important to take care of all the details of the event. A well-developed theme day can become a different vacation memory and influence the next choice of vacation destination; without forgetting that that day would generate a large amount of comments on social networks.
The Cuban Day backbone animation department within the facility.
The animation department should remain open - minded and optimistic since it is responsible for providing to the customer l to fun and achieves this enjoy it, to convey emotions, joys which generates pleasure and allows the relationship to other customers within the facility For this reason, it becomes the vital and indispensable column for the development of the Cuban day or any other thematic day.
The schedule of activities must be well designed with attractive proposals. It is recommended that the activities to be presented have already been verified to be to the liking of the clients. The characteristic of this program is reflected in a strong varied and representative theme of Cuban Culture. In the schedule of the day there must be activities that are linked to the departments of the facility.
Night animation should keep the same rhythm as day animation.
So a series of activities is proposed below in order to raise the level of satisfaction of tourist entertainment in an installation.
Proposal for activities to enhance Cuban culture in tourist entertainment activities.
- Cuban games for the children's segment. Spinning games.
It is quite common practice among the little ones of these neighborhoods.
In their execution they use different ways of acting because while some make him dance on the ground, the others show all their skill by juggling either by sliding on the rope that serves as a propeller or in the palm of their hands.
Generally, the game consists of a skills competition where it is clearly about demonstrating the mastery achieved by each player.
- Quimbumbia.
Generally it is played with two or three bases and a cylindrical stick with sharp ends, which is about hitting with a longer one.
While some go on the offensive trying to connect on the peculiar implement, the other players try to capture it from fly or rolling.
Despite being spotted in Matanzas and Varadero, this recreational practice is much less widespread here than balls and spinning tops.
- The kites.
During the days when the breeze blows more strongly, especially at the time of the ephemeral winter season, children of both sexes, accompanied or not by adults, give themselves to the pleasant occupation of raising kites in parks or other areas discovered of these cities.
There are a few more modest than their counterparts, lacking such a harmonious and solid structure, as well as such efficient materials for making them, which children often refer to simply as chiringas.
The delight of flying such objects does not appear in the text "Cuban Games", but it is undoubtedly part of the traditional leisure activity of these regions.
- Chivichanas.
Although quite dispersed, urged to build wheels from disposable skates, the presence of a fairly rustic means of locomotion appears in the cities studied, consisting of a table attached to two long arms, in which the aforementioned elements are inserted rolling. This modality not picked up by Alfaro Torres, is enjoyed by children preferably in pairs, since one of them usually encourages the other, although it is possible for them to move alone as well.
The denomination of chivichanas to such objects, gives name to the playful expression. Although reiterated its practice among men, it is possible to find children of both sexes dedicated to it.
- Yaquis games.
With more participation than representatives of the opposite sex, girls engage in a very ancient game, practiced by the Greeks under the name of pentalite.
Although in the work of Alfaro Torres a wide range of forms is shown when executing them, in these neighborhoods the variant called «Tiquitear» was fundamentally appreciated, consisting of throwing a small ball into the air and first catching each of the Yaquis, after two by two, three by three, up to six by six. At the end it is common that some other expression in the little ones, which distinguishes their triumph. Above all, it is carried out here "fine", that is, without moving any Yankees while trying to catch the other. If such a move occurs, the player will end up giving his turn to the next partner.
- Pilgrim or yew.
This playful activity is quite shared between boys of both sexes, not without a certain predominance of girls.
In the neighborhoods under study it was noticeable in its most common variant, that is, from a diagram drawn on the floor, towards which the children throw an escaped can, trying to reach the boxes that make it up progressively.
If they achieve this goal, they must advance by one foot to the following tables and return in that order to the beginning and exit. If the can falls on the line or outside the intended box, the players give their turn to the next competitor. The similarity of the graphic to an airplane gives the game its name.
Other variants such as "The Nine" and "The Snail", which appeared in "Cuban Games", were not appreciated during the investigation.
In the case described, the one who, having thrown the can into box twelve, will go to that one and after taking it out, will be able to descend to the first.
- Games with the Swiss.
It can be said that this way of playing turned out to be the most widespread among girls, even though it is also practiced by boys.
Its execution usually occurs in different ways, although it usually occurs alone, repeatedly trying to jump the rope attached to its ends by each hand. Another variant is the one where the competitors when jumping, assume different positions with arms and legs.
Many of the Swiss ways of dancing, described by Alfaro Torres, were not appreciated in the investigation.
- Running games.
Of the so-called "running games", shared with equal satisfaction by representatives of both sexes, some of those described by Alfaro Torres and others not appearing in the book "Cuban Games" could be recognized. They stood out for their level of coincidence in the aforementioned places "The hidden ones", "Hidden dog", "The handkerchief or scarf", "Burrito 21", "The little blind chicken" and the classic "Races in sacks" and "Races on stilts ».
"Hidden", a very old way of playing is still present in many children today.
It consists of leaving a previously selected child in a godmother (tree, post or other object), while the rest try to hide in the surroundings. The one who stays will count consecutive numbers and at the end of this one, he throws a phrase almost always concluded in: The one who did not hide breaks! Next, he tries to discover his companions and to find one, he will shout his name and try to catch up with the godmother. The discovered child who manages to reach said object before, will be able to exit or win, otherwise he will be the next one left.
For the game called «Hidden Pooch», the children here use a thin branch of short length, which they will try to hide from the rest of the competitors, grouped around a fence or godmother. Once you have hidden the branch or pooch, the person in charge of that mission will let the others know by shouting: Now, while the others will try to find it. The one who hides the pooch will use the terms: cold !, warm! Hot! or it burns !, to announce the proximity of some of the children to the hidden object. With the shout of burned !, everyone runs towards the fence, while the owner of the pooch tries to hit the rest by the legs.
"The handkerchief or scarf" consists of dividing into two groups or teams a group of children, who will be conveniently located on both sides of a line drawn on the floor, on which a handkerchief is placed.
Competitors will receive consecutive numbers, so that they have a similar among their opponents. The one who directs the game will sing a number and the aforementioned will approach the handkerchief, trying to get hold of it, but avoiding after that action being touched by his rival. To avoid friction, they will try to reach their formation, while being chased. Those who arrive untouched will add units to their respective teams and the group with the highest score will win.
To carry out the game "Burrito 21" a group of children is divided into two teams, with the same number of members. Each member of one of the sides, passes his arms in front of the waist of the next partner. The first one makes a support against a wall or a tree, so that the entire row is supported. Each of the second team from a safe distance, runs and jumps on the back of the last in line and tries to fall on the first who has no other on top. Those at the top try to keep up and the ones at the bottom try to shake them off. The one who falls out of the game. The team that manages to get rid of its opponents wins.
The blind chicken. It consists of choosing a child from a group, who is blindfolded, while the others form a circle around them. The little blindfold, who is called the "blind hen" is forced to roam the place, in order to disorient him. A dialogue is held and the chicken tries to catch some of those in the circle, but they flee taking advantage of the fact that she is bandaged. When catching one, that becomes the chicken.
"Racing on sacks" and "Racing on stilts" are fun competitions that are well liked by children. The first, as its name implies, consist of trying from the inside of a sack and taking it by its ends, to run cross country to reach a goal before one or more rivals. "Racing on stilts" although less depleted in their performance were appreciated in those two cities. The use of such implements is essential for the execution of said games. Both expressions are not registered in the text "Cuban Games".
Other games, albeit on a smaller scale and not coincidentally in the cities investigated, appear as a result of the investigation. Among them we can mention: "Sweet dog", "Bandits and police", "Squirrel without a house", etc.
- Various games.
Among these playful variants, the games "Pasito ingles", "Cuatro esquinas" and "rabo del burro" stood out due to their repetition and systematicity, even though the last two were not recorded in the city of Cárdenas during the course of the investigation.
The first of them does not appear in Alfaro's classification. It is played with two godmothers, one to count and the other where the other children are, who will try to reach the one who counts, without being seen.
"Four Corners" is a playful variant that was not recorded in the text "Cuban Games" and consists of four players who are held by a single rope tied at their ends to which they form a quadrilateral and separated them approximately one meter behind of an object placed on the floor. The first to manage to capture this garment is the winner.
For its part "The tail of the donkey" is one of those games that comes from yesteryear, played by children from many countries. It consists of placing the tail to a cardboard or cardboard donkey, blindfolded.
To a lesser extent and in isolation, games such as "The fruits", "Dwarf fight", etc. were seen. The existence of some not previously described in the aforementioned Cuban book is also evident in these games.
- Games with rounds and songs.
Among the main games where rounds and songs appear in their execution, some well-known by various generations of Cubans were appreciated. "Wheel wheel", "Alánimo", "La señorita", and "El patio de mi casa". They are characterized by the circular movement of the little ones, while they sing allegorical songs to those names.
Very sporadic were the possibilities of appreciating playful variants of clothing sets, as well as the well-recognized piteos and what was achieved here in a very meager way, corresponds above all with the work of some children. The limited nature of these expressions, and of many others that were previously enjoyed by parents and grandparents, are reliable evidence of the deterioration that such forms are experiencing today.
Activities with marked Cuban to execute in the hotel facilities.
- Craft Classes:
Crafts is one of the artistic manifestations that occupies a place of prime tourist interest. The role of the entertainer is to schedule visits to museums and craft fairs where you can find representative samples of local and national crafts.
Classes must be held within the facility and with the support of a craftsman, although the entertainer must always be present. This will have knowledge on this matter. The premises must have tools that facilitate the making of handicrafts by customers. The objective of this activity will be to learn about the different indigenous artisan manifestations through the elaboration of artisan objects.
The works will be prepared taking into account the security measures mainly with children and clients with disabilities. Once the work is finished, exhibitions can be held in the lobby or other area or an exhibition area decorated with the best works can be created in a visible place within the reach of all visitors.
- Plastic arts:
In one area of the installation you can see some of the manifestations of contemporary art by various artists that are for sale, however with this activity it is proposed to create a space for exhibitions or workshops by renowned authors in a regional, national and international. These activities can be developed in correspondence with artistic events or periodically with prior promotion of this space.
The author also proposes to allocate a space in the installation that functions as a library or reading room where they find titles and non-alcoholic cocktails, not only to promote sales promotion, but also to please tourists who are regulars of literature. Have a space to learn about national works. Book launches are suggested, as well as shared readings, poetic contests, dramatizations and comments on the life and work of writers in the country.
Providing good service to customers has become a challenge for hotels. This is only possible by gaining their trust through our training, authority and punctuality, together with our creativity. Our duty is to understand and entertain guests, giving them the security and satisfaction they deserve.
Team games are highly accepted by customers, promoting the fun of the participant and the customer who is observing the activity. It can be games like; The shared orange that consists of moving an orange without it being touched by hands, the team that manages to pass it all its members, will be the winner. The orange can be exchanged for another typical Cuban fruit. Another game can be The balloon rope, each team will have a rope as a clothesline, in which one end can be fixed to some support (wall, column) and the other end can be held by a member of the team, in a drawer can be placed balloons of different colors. The game will consist of each member of each team, by relay to in turn, search among the balloons one of the color of their team, inflate it,tie it and hang it on the clothesline with the help of a clothesline stick, win the team that manages to place more balloons on their clothesline. There are multiple games on equipment that can be used since the objective of the activity is customer entertainment.
Dance games are also of interest to clients. They are those games that have to do with music, dance, that may or may not be used by musical groups or by the animators themselves behind the mixing table, this type of game is competitive, although there may be some individual variant, among the We have: the broom, the lantern, the limbo, the newspaper, the musical chairs, the dancing hat.
The games in the water like the waxed stick using the variants that the animation team determines can be attractive to customers.
- Night activities:
It is the one with the best results in customer participation and depends on the promotional work carried out by the animation team during the day.
They can be performed, evening, participation show, dances with groups or recorded music. It would be a good occasion to invite groups or prominent personalities of Cuban culture. The proposals will depend on the management of the animation department.
The stage to be held will be both outdoors and in covered premises provided that there are adequate conditions for its execution.
The nightly animation is the finishing touch of a happy day. It is contemplative and participatory. It includes musical shows and participation games and dance competitions, etc.
Other actions aimed at promoting Cuba:
- Carry out participation games in which the winners receive Cuban crafts as prizes. Deliver a greeting card with Cuban motifs as a souvenir to repeat guests. Include the Night of the Amateur in the nightly show where anyone who wants can show their artistic talent. Organized in a show related to Cuba. Prepare cultural shows where the roots and traditions, Cuban costumes and songs are shown. Teach dance classes where Cuban rhythms such as chachachá, mambo, son and other rhythms are taught. Schedule activities where Get to know cities, sites of historical and cultural interest, fostering the approach of customers to Cuban heritage, customs and traditions. Introducing traditional Cuban games, such as yo-yo,the ball and skills games such as the chair dance, the dancing broom, the dance of the matchbox, the balancing banana. Conduct knowledge competitions on Cuban themes. Eg: who knows more about Cuba, who knows more about…, what do you know about sports, etc.…. Make a Cuban night inside the buffet restaurant that includes show cooking in such a way that the client witnesses the preparation of some traditional dishes such as roasts, among others. which implies the client's relationship with the customs and traditions of the Cuban nation. Organize sports games (Cuban Olympics) with a recreational nature such as: competitions, simultaneous,friendly meetings between groups that can form spontaneously or be previously selected and exhibition of different sports. They can be aquatic or terrestrial.Promote Cuban characteristic drinks in all bars, and train employees about their origin, also check the quality of their preparation several times a week
Conclusions.
Our country is rich in culture and the clients who visit our facilities want to enjoy Cuban activities and interact with the animation team.
It is necessary to delve into the studies of tourist animation as a way of contributing to the new trends and demands of tourist activity, as well as enriching animation programs taking into account the demands and wishes of our clients, taking into account this elaborated proposal, use this research as referenced bibliographic material for future research.
We also wanted to show some examples of activities that can be carried out on thematic days, especially Cuban Day. We leave it up to the entertainers to search for other activities that stimulate the participation of clients on this day and make their stay in our country more pleasant.
Bibliography
- Abreu Hernández, PP (2004). Animation is more than… Theoretical-practical manual of Tourist Animation. Ed. Región.Abreu, Hernández, PP (2009). Tourist Animation. Magazine. Fiesta consulting. Available at http: //www.animacion-turistica.comBadesa Miguel (de) S. (2008). Sociocultural animator profile. 1st, ed. Madrid Editorial Narcea. 150p. Bargh, JA (2003). Personality & social change: attitude and social formation in a student communityBarkett, I. (2009). Theories of the social formation of personality.. Available at: http: //www.related inform.netBarrantes Echavarría, Rodrigo (2012). Long distance education. EUNED. San José de Costa Rica. Editorial Pedagogía. Collective of authors (2008). ANIMATION of Physical and Sports Activities: Training Cycles p 499Crosby, A. (2009). Re-inventing Rural Tourism Gil, Ignacio (2012).Leisure and Tourist Animation. Available at: HTTP://WWW.ACTTIV.NET/BLOG/CREANDO-EXPERIENCIASMsc. Maria Silvina Cobas Perez. (eaeht) Msc. Yunia espinosa garcés. (eht ij) Support material for the physical-recreational activities workshop (2015).
