Final answer:
The characteristic of tourism services that necessitates the presence of guests during service delivery is known as inseparability. This trait means that the production and consumption of such services occur simultaneously, requiring tourists to be present at the location where services like hotel stays or guided tours are provided.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characteristic of tourism services that explains why guests need to be present when the service is being performed is inseparability. Inseparability is a key trait of services in the tourism industry, meaning the production and consumption of the service occur simultaneously. For services like those in a hotel or during a guided tour, the tourist's presence is required for the service to be delivered. Hence, the guest or client must be present at the location where the service is offered, such as the islands mentioned in the reference, which strive to enhance their infrastructure to facilitate such services.
For instance, when staying at a hotel, the guest experiences the service by using the hotel's amenities and interacting with the staff. Similarly, for a guided tour to occur, tourists must be present to receive the information and experience the attractions firsthand. This characteristic also highlights the importance of adequate infrastructure, like airports and reliable transportation, which are crucial for tourism development, particularly in remote locations that rely heavily on tourism for their economy.