Tourism is the world’s largest industry, worth $500 billion in 2007. Leisure accounts for ¾ of all international travel. It is increasing in popularity - there was a 6.1% rise in international tourism between 2006 and 2007. There were nearly 900 million tourists in 2007, and this is predicted to reach 1.6 million by 2020. In most countries, domestic tourism is between 4 and 5 times greater than international tourism.
2) Give Examples of Some Types of Tourist Attractions
Many people choose to visit cities to enjoy the culture associated with museums, art galleries, architecture or shops and restaurants. The natural landscape is a major ‘pull’ for tourists particularly mountains such as the Alps in Europe, or the beautiful stretches of coastline found in the Mediterranean or the Caribbean.
3) What are Eight Reasons for the Growth in Tourism?
Greater affluence, greater mobility, improved accessibility and transport facilities, more leisure time, changing lifestyles, changing recreational activities, advertising and TV programmes, Green or sustainable tourism
4) How Could Greater Affluence Contribute to Tourism’s Growth?
People in the UK now earn a greater salary on average. People in full-time employment now receive paid leave for at least three weeks a year, this means they can afford to have more than one holiday a year and more paid holidays.
5) How Could Greater Mobility Contribute to Tourism’s Growth?
An increase in car ownership means that people now have greater freedom to choose where and when to go on holiday. Chartered airlines have reduced the cost of travelling overseas. ‘Budget’ airlines.
6) How Could Improved Accessibility and Transport Facilities Contribute to Tourism’s Growth?
Motorways are urban bypasses that have reduced driving times between places; people can now travel more frequently and quickly. Improved and enlarged airports. Computerised reservations. Package holidays.
7) How Could More Leisure Time Contribute to Tourism’s Growth?
Shorter working week. Longer paid holidays (3 weeks). Flexitime - more people working from home. An ageing population, many of whom are still active.
8) How Could Changing Lifestyles Contribute to Tourism’s Growth?
People are retiring early and able to take advantage of their greater fitness. As stress seems to increase people need longer/more frequent breaks. Changing fashions, e.g. health resorts, fitness, holidays, winter sun...
9) How Could Changing Recreational Activities Contribute to Tourism’s Growth?
Slight decrease in beach holidays due to increased awareness of skin cancer. Increase in active holidays, skiing, water sports.Rapid growth in cruise holidays since 1990s. Importance of theme parks.
10) How Could Advertising and TV Programmes Contribute to Tourism’s Growth?
Magazine adverts. ‘Wish you were here’ &c.
11) How Could Green Tourism Contribute to Tourism’s Growth?
Greater number of people wishing to pursue this type of holiday which has no adverse effects on the environment and local people. Need to benefit the local economy, environment and people.
Mass Tourism
1) What is Mass Tourism?
Mass tourism involves large numbers of tourists coming to one destination. There is usually a particular purpose and a particular type of location, such as skiing in a mountain resort or sunbathing at a beach location.
2) What are the Advantages of Mass Tourism? (4)
It brings jobs, allowing people who previously survived on subsistence agriculture or day labouring to gain regular work with a reliable wage. New infrastructure must be put in place for tourists - airports, hotels, power supplies, roads and telecommunications. These benefit the population. Temporary construction jobs often go to local people (but they are only temporary). New leisure facilities may be open to local people.
3) What are the Disadvantages of Mass Tourism? (9)
The activity may be seasonal - skiing only happens in the winter. Local people may find themselves out of work for the rest of the year. The industry is dominated by large travel companies who sell holidays by brochure or on the Internet. New infrastructure may bring with it pollution and over-development. Lower and middle-income customers are the target market, this type of tourism does not appeal to wealthier people. Few local employees are well paid. The higher level jobs are often taken by companies involved in developing the resort, not by the locals. Investing companies are usually based in countries at further stages of development. Profits therefore go outside the tourist country, so do not benefit the host country. New building developments need land. Local farmers may be tempted to sell their land to developers, or development around them makes farming impossible. Tourists can be narrow minded and often prefer familiar food, instead of that produced locally. Local people may not be able to afford the new facilities put into place for tourists.
Ayia Napa
1) Tell me about Cyprus and Tourism There
It’s the third largest island in the Mediterranean. Since 1974, Turks occupy the northern third of the island, while Greek-Cypriots occupy the south, where they have built up a thriving tourist industry. Approximately ¾ of the population is occupied in the tertiary sector. As of 2013, tourism contributes 12% to the GDP. It received 2.4 million visitors in 2013.
2) What are the Physical Attractions of Cyprus? (6)
Long hot summers, with an average of 30 degrees and only 10mm of rainfall in August. Moderate winters, with 17 degrees and 75 mm of rain in December. The Akamas Peninsula is one of Europe’s last unspoilt forests, and a breeding ground for turtles. Greenpeace is trying to achieve national park status for the area. The Trodos mountains, which are covered in pine forest. Greco peninsula with spectacular caves and cliffs. Cypriot beaches rank among the best in the EU; Nissi beach is one of the best beaches along with its small harbour used for day trips and fishing trips.
3) What are the Tourist Attractions of Cyprus in General? (6)
A growing number of tourists come for special interest holidays. Sports tourism is one increasingly popular area. Cyprus recently hosted several international sporting events including UEFA cup qualifying matches, while overseas football teams hold their winter practice sessions on the island. Golf tourism is also expanding rapidly. Cyprus boasts 4 18-hole international courses, and there are plans to award permits to bring the total number to 11. Other expanding areas include health and wellbeing holidays, with the recent creation of several exclusive spa hotels to pamper visitors. Medical tourism in particular is experiencing unprecedented growth, as Cyprus has world class health care in a technologically advanced environment. A new potential tourism product and area of investment is the development of state-of-the-art casinos. Cyprus has been given the go-ahead to establish a casino industry on the island.
4) Ayia Napa is specifically aimed at young people aged 18-25. What are the Attractions for them?
Bars, clubs and discoes. ‘WaterWorld’ waterpark, with over 25 rides and attractions and a Greek mythology theme. It has received over 4 million visitors. Marine park with dolphins and seals. Makronissos Tombs, first discovered in 1872, but dating back to Roman times. A monastery, one of the few remaining buildings from the original village.
5) What are the Positive Impacts of Tourism on Ayia Napa?
The Cyprus Tourism Association (CTO) has encouraged tourism because it provides 12% of the GDP and employs over 40,000 people in hotels. This figure could be doubled if the multiplier effect has taken effect. The local ‘youth’ population now has better nightlife with entertainment &c. More bus services to/from Ayia Napa than if it were still a small fishing village.
6) What are the Negative Impacts of Tourism on Ayia Napa?
Jobs are seasonal, when not in peak season hotels only let approximately 30% of their rooms, so the same number of staff are not needed. Original inhabitants of the village, most of whom were fishermen, have now moved away to another settlement - they found noise and the poor behaviour of tourists upsetting and distressing. Pressure on services like sewage disposal. Massive hotel construction next to the beach has disturbed the breeding ground of turtles, and excessive litter on the beach has to be cleaned daily.
The Importance of Tourism
1) Why is Tourism Important to France?
France has had more tourists than any other country for many years. (85.7 million in 2013) It ranks fourth in tourist spending (2013). French tourism includes every type of holiday such as city breaks, holiday cottages, camping and skiing.
2) Why is Tourism Important to the USA?
The USA earns more than any other country from tourism ($66,547 million 2005), yet has the largest amount of visitors (100 million to Florida in 2015). This may be because Europeans consider a trip to the USA as more special than staying in Europe, so are more likely to stay longer and spend more.
3) Why is Tourism Important to the China?
China has a variety of unusual landscapes and unique cultures that attract increasing numbers of visitors’ time and money. This trend is likely to continue, however for other the distance makes it a too expensive place to visit.
4) Why is Tourism Important to the Caribbean?
In the Caribbean almost 50% of visitors come from the nearby USA, with nearby France, Canada and the USA also important sources of business. Expenditure per tourist ranges between $324 per holiday in Belize to $2,117 in the Virgin Islands, which attracts wealthier visitors. In the Caribbean, several small island countries rely heavily on tourism to provide national income and employment. Around 80% of Barbados’ income comes from this business.
5) Why can Tourism be Essential?
Essential jobs can be created in all countries from tourism, but the contribution this industry makes to GDP varies greatly between wealthier and poorer countries. Rich countries have a broadly balanced economy, of which tourism is one part. On the other hand, in less well-off countries tourism is essential, for example in Barbados, where it generated 80% of national income.
6) What are the Benefits of Tourism to Poorer Countries? (5)
Many people are employed to serve tourists, such as waiters, souvenir shop assistants and tour guides. In Antigua and Barbados 30% of population work in these jobs, but in Jamaica only 8% do. Tourists make spend their holiday money in the money from their country (e.g. dollars). This foreign exchange is essential to poorer countries as it can be used to buy goods and services from abroad. Many governments tax visitors to help pay for the extra services they use, such as water supply, drainage, electricity and roads. Extra jobs are created indirectly, hotels buy some produce from local suppliers to feed the visitors. Many small businesses have started up to serve the tourists themselves and supply the services they demand. These include taxis, bars, restaurants, builders and maintenance workers.
Tourism in the UK
1) Describe The Change in Domestic Tourism in the UK
Almost all tourism used to domestic, and only the wealthy and privileged were international tourists. Domestic tourism can be cheap or expensive. Camping costs little, but good-quality hotels cost more than similar ones in different countries. Domestic tourism grew quickly in the 1950s and 60s as the growing UK economy provided higher pay and more time off work, meaning an annual holiday became more common. After that, Britain’s seaside resorts declined as: Package holidays abroad grew in number and affordability, and due to guaranteed hot weather (British weather was seen as unreliable). It was often cheaper to go to a Spanish resort like Benidorm than to holiday in the UK. Many small hotels were forced to survive by housing the homeless in the 1980s, which decreased their reputation even more.
2) What is the Contribution of Tourism to the UK economy? (6)
The UK economy earns over £80 billion per year from tourism and leisure, which usually grows slightly annually. Around 27.7 million visitors overseas spend over £13 billion of this sum. Restaurants and hotels make up a large proportion of these earnings, at £20 million and £16 billion respectively. More than 100 new hotels opened in London between September 2004 and December 2005, creating more jobs and income. The London Eye is the most visited paying attraction, with 3.7 million visitors per year.
3) How does Terrorism Affect Tourism in the UK?
The destruction of the World Trade Center in New York on the 11th September had a huge impact on travel. The USA stepped up its security overnight and so did the UK and EU. Airport security checks have multiplied and check-in times increased. London is a terrorist target, e.g. the Underground bombings of 7th July 2005. In the aftermath of such events, visitor numbers decline sharply.
4) How do Exchange Rates Affect Tourism in the UK?
Currency exchange rates control value for tourists on holiday. In 2008 the Euro was high against the pound, valued at around 79p (69p previously) so holidaying in France and other Eurozone countries became more expensive. At the same time, the US dollar was valued at almost 2 to the pound, making the USA a much more attractive holiday destination. In 2009 exchange rates made the UK an attractive destination for visitors from abroad.
5) How do Banking Crises Affect Tourism in the UK?
Banking crises may mean that people have less money to spend, so may reduce the number of holidays they take or even manage without one until the economic situation improves.
Butler Tourist Resort Life-Cycle Model
1) What does Exploration Involve?
Small numbers of visitors are attracted by something particular: good beaches, an attractive landscape, historical or cultural features. Local people have not yet developed many tourism services.
2) What does Involvement Involve?
The local population sees the opportunity and starts to provide accommodation, food, guides, transport and other services for visitors.
3) What does Development Involve?
Large companies build hotels and leisure complexes and advertise package holidays. Numbers of tourists rise dramatically. Job opportunities for local people grow dramatically, but this brings both advantages and disadvantages.
4) What does Consolidation Involve?
Tourism is now a major part of the local economy, but perhaps at the expense of other types of development. Numbers of visitors are steadily making employment more secure. However, some hotels and other facilities are becoming old and unattractive, so the type of customer attracted goes downmarket. Rowdiness becomes a problem.
5) What does Stagnation Involve?
The resort becomes unfashionable and the number of visitors starts to decline. Businesses change hands and often fail.
6) What does Decline/Rejuvenation Involve?
Decline: Visitors prefer other resorts. Day trippers and weekenders become the main source of income. Rejuvenation: Attempts are made to modernise the resort attract different people to enjoy new activities.
Blackpool
1) Where is Blackpool, how many people live there and what percentage of people work in tourism?
Blackpool is the 4th largest settlement in the north-west of England. As of 2011, 142, 064 people live there. 87% of people work in the service sector, and 31.4% of economically active people work in the distribution, hotels and restaurant sector.
2) What are some of the Attractions at Blackpool?
The Pleasure Beach, a theme park. The Blackpool Illuminations, a light show that has been running in the autumn months since 1879, which prolongs the tourist season. Possible political conferences, concerts and shows.
3) What did Exploration Involve at Blackpool?
The practice of sea bathing to cure diseases was becoming fashionable among the wealthier classes in the early 1800s, who began making the trek to Blackpool for that purpose. In the 19th Century people also went to Blackpool to visit its 7 mile beach. The population grew from 473 in 1800 to 2500 in 1850. In 1846 the railway was built, cutting travel costs and time. It became cheaper to travel, so many working class visitors began coming to Blackpool each weekend.
4) What did Involvement Involve at Blackpool?
Central Pier opened in 1868. In the 1870s workers were given annual holidays. Blackpool’s population rose to about 14,000 during this period.
5) What did Development Involve at Blackpool?
The Tower opened in 1894. South Shore’s Fairground in 1904, and was advertised as the Pleasure Beach in the 1900s. Visitor numbers grew from 3 to 8 million.
6) What did Consolidation Involve at Blackpool?
During interwar years (1918-39) Blackpool was recognised as one of Europe’s leading coastal resorts, helped by a new law giving workers holiday with pay. Visitor numbers grew from 8 million to 17 million.
7) What did Stagnation Involve at Blackpool?
After WW2, and from 1960 onwards Blackpool began to stagnate, then decline because of package holidays, cheaper air transport and better climates (e.g. Mediterranean). Visitor numbers remained at 17 million at the end of the period, but fell to 16 million and then rose again.
7) What did Decline Involve at Blackpool?
Blackpool had run down areas and was mainly popular with stag and hen parties. Visitor numbers fell from 17 million to 11 million in 2000.
8) Why did Decline Occur at Blackpool?
Foreign travel grew in popularity in the 1960s and 70s with its more reliable hot, dry and sunny weather and sandy beaches. The expansion of package holidays and cheaper flights, in addition to more competing destinations. The growth of budget airlines and cheaper accommodation from the 1990s onwards. People are changing to self catering and buying time shares or holiday homes abroad. Overcrowding in Blackpool, and a shift in the market to late night drinking, stag parties and hen parties.
9) What does Rejuvenation Involve at Blackpool?
A £300 million rejuvenation project was launched in 2000. Brilliance is a town lighting scheme to encourage visitors to explore the town centre further at night and day. St John’s Square is an important public space in the centre of Blackpool. It has been pedestrianised and new planting, paving and lighting has been added to attract and enhance the character, appearance and atmosphere of the area. A wave sculpture has been added and Wifi included. Houndshill shopping centre has been redeveloped to improve shopping in the town centre. The sea defences at the beach have been replaced with ‘Spanish steps’ leading down to the sea that will protect the coastline and increase public access to the seafront.
National Parks
1) What are National Parks? Give Examples
They are areas of great natural beauty giving opportunity for open-air recreation, established so that natural beauty can be preserved and enhanced, and so that the enjoyment of the scenery by the public can be promoted. They were established as part of efforts in the post-war period to improve quality of life. The first was the Peak District in Derbyshire in 1951. They can be uplands like Snowdonia and the Lake District, but also lowlands like the Norfolk Broads and coastal like Pembrokeshire. There are 15 in Britain.
2) Who Owns the National Parks?
81% of land is owned privately, mostly by farmers. 6% by the Forestry Commision. 5% by the National Trust. 3% by the Water Authorities. 3% by the Ministry of Defence. 1% by Country Councils. 1% by National Parks. Many people live and work on them.
3) How much Land do National Parks Cover?
7% of England (10 parks). 7.2% of Scotland (2 parks). 23% of Wales (3 parks)
The Lake District
1) Tell me about the Lake District National Park (where, type, size, age)
The Lake District is a glaciated upland in Cumbria, north-west England. It stretches 64km north to south and 53 km east to west. It became a National Park in 1951.
2) What Water-Based Activities are there in the Lake District?
The ribbon lakes and tarns are part of a unique and hugely varied landscape, and a recreational resource. Lake Windermere specialises in ferry cruises. Most people sail between the main centres of Windermere and Ambleside. Small boats are allowed on many lakes. Areas are set aside for windsailing and power-boating so the activities do not clash and there are quiet areas. Fishing from the shore or boats is becoming more popular.
3) What Walking Activities and Attractions are there in the Lake District?
It’s one of the main reasons people go to the Lake District. Routes vary from short and flat to extremely long and tough. Public access to the fells is unrestricted. Many guides have been written for walkers and climbers, such as by Wordsworth and Wainright.
4) What Historical and Cultural Activities and Attractions are there in the Lake District?
The Lake District has been occupied since the end of the ice age 10,000 years ago, and evidence of the early settlement remains. The land has been farmed for centuries, leaving a distinctive field pattern with drystone walls. Many 19th Century writers and artists, such as John Ruskin, loved the area. Beatrix Potter’s family had a summer home there, which is why she later settled at Hill Top beside Lake Windermere.
5) How many Tourists visit there annually? How many Residents Live There?
12 million tourists, compared with 42,239 residents.
6) What Traffic Problems can Tourism Cause?
Over 89% of visitors come by car, often just for a day, just many roads, including A roads, are narrow and winding. Buses and delivery vehicles have to use these to service both locals and tourists. Queues are a common problem, especially towards the end of the day when trippers are heading home. Towns like Bowness-on-Windermere were not originally intended for the huge volumes of traffic that arrive in the summer, especially on weekends. Congestion and parking are serious problems. A new car park has been built at Braithwaite Fold on the edge of town, and another has been extended, but capacity is still inadequate. In desperation, some people park on grass verges, causing serious damage.
7) What Damage to Honeypot Sites can Tourism Cause?
Both physical and cultural honeypot sites (beauty spots, small shopping centres and historical houses) all attract hundreds of visitors daily. Cat Bells is quite an easy climb, so many people walk up the smaller mountain, meaning it suffers from serious footpath erosion. Bowness is an extremely busy shopping and recreation centre during the summer. Hill Top (Beatrix Potter’s house) attracts families. Unwitting students are forced to visit the Wordsworth museum in Dove Cottage, his former house.
8) What Pressure on Properties can Tourism Cause?
Almost 20% of property in the Lake District National Park is either second homes or holiday let. Some local people make a good income from owning and letting second homes, but there are several issues with them. Holiday cottages and flats are not occupied all year. This is the same with second homes, where owners are not part of the community full time. Holidaymakers do not always support local businesses, often doing a supermarket shop at home before their trip. (On the other hand, the main supermarket at Windermere is often full of visitors buying food and drink for their stay.) Demand for property from outsiders increases property prices in the Lake District, causing problems for local people who are forced out to find affordable homes in Kendal or Penrith - a most serious problem.
9) What Environmental Issues can Tourism Cause?
Water sports are not allowed on some of the lakes, but Lake Windermere, the largest lake, has ferries and allows power-boating, windsurfing and other faster and more damaging activities. The main issue is the wash from faster vehicles eroding the shore. Fuel spills are not uncommon creating pollution.
10) What Traffic Solutions have been Adopted?
They have aimed to build efficient road networks: country strategic roads, often dual carriageways, are built on the edges of the lake district to help move traffic in and out as efficiently as possible. Distributor roads link the small towns and key tourist villages. Access roads are small and take less traffic. Many people do not drive beyond larger settlements. Some routes are ‘scenic’ and sometimes there is a choice, which splits traffic between routes. Traffic on smaller roads can be slowed by traffic-calming measures in villages, cattle grids in the countryside and an overall maximum speed limit. Heavy lorries should be kept off scenic routes.
11) How are Problems Decreased by Planning Public Transport?
Where possible bus lanes operate in towns, although narrow streets limit this. Park-and-ride schemes encourage people to leave their cars at the edge of national parks and go by bus. Costs are lower than town car parks. Buses in most rural areas remain as roads remain a difficulty as roads are so narrow.
12) How are Footpaths in Honeypot Sites Managed?
Repairing footpaths improves appearance and encourages people to stay on the paths. Reinforcing path surfaces reduces further damage. Signposting routes limits the number of paths.
13) How is Parking in Honeypot Sites Managed?
Fencing off roadsides so people cannot damage verges. Developing several new small car parks and hiding them by landscaping using tree planting. Reinforcing car park services to prevent damage. ‘Waffles’ are large concrete slabs with holes in them. Soil fills the holes and grass grows, making a hard, green surface.
14) How is Litter in Honeypot Sites Managed?
Bins should be provided at key points and emptied regularly. Overflowing bins encourage more litter.
15) How Could Property Prices be Managed?
Local authorities could build more houses for rent and developers could erect more low-cost homes for sale. Possible ban on second homes.
16) How are Environmental Issues Managed?
Speed limit for boats to limit the amount of wash caused - but would have to be very low to prevent erosion, which defeats the point: going fast! Windermere speed limit 18km/h. Limiting the noisiest and most damaging sports to certain parts of the lake can restrict the amount of damage done.
17) What are the Conflicts that Occur with Farming?
Visitors can trample crops and disturb livestock, but signs and education have limited these problems. Tourists have offered hill farmers new opportunities for diversification in difficult economic times. Income can be made from B&B accommodation, holiday cottages converted from farm buildings, camping and caravan sites. Activities such as pony trekking and paintballing can be offered.
18) What are the Conflicts that Occur with Employment?
Many jobs are created and many businesses thrive and create a profit. But, seasonality is a problem. There is low pay and unpredictable visitor numbers.
19) What are the Conflicts that Occur with the Speeding Limit?
In March 2005, there was a ban on boat users exceeding 10mph or 15kmph. It was supported by the South Windermere Sailing Club, the Ambleside Anglers Association, the Cumbria Wildlife Trust, the Lake District National Park Authority. But it was opposed by: ‘Holidays Afloat’, Shepard’s Boatyard. Windermere Lake Cruises, Windermere Water-Ski Authority.
Extreme Tourism
1) What is Extreme Tourism?
Extreme tourism (also known as adventure or shock tourism) is tourism involving dangerous landscapes often with a difficult climate, and places with limited access that are sparsely or not occupied. It is attracting increasing amounts of tourists and is the fastest growing type of tourism.
2) What are some Activities done in Extreme Tourism?
Rock-climbing, paragliding, and white-water rafting, some of which can be undertaken in extreme environments, like ice-walking on ice-caps or glaciers. Paragliding and microlighting are done on the South Downs in Sussex.
3) What are some Extreme Environments and activities done there?
Extreme environments cover a variety of locations worldwide: mountains, deserts, rainforests, caves and ice-covered terrain. It involves an element of risk and giving people an adrenaline rush. Examples include ice-diving in the White Sea, north Russia, in almost freezing temperatures; visiting North Korea and travelling across the Chernobyl Zone of Alienation in Ukraine. In Jamaica, such activities involve climbing waterfalls and cliff diving. Peru, Chile,Argentina, Azerbaijan and Pakistan. Northern Pakistan is one of the most mountainous and difficult landscapes, and its risky political situation as the base of Al-Qaeda adds thrill for some!
4) What are typical traits of adventure tourists?
They look for physical challenge and risks. They are often around 30 years old, have no family ties, have high-powered jobs and no income (the trips are expensive).
5) What are Adventure Tourism Groups and Advertising Like?
Groups are small and distances great, but there are enough wealthy individuals with a taste for something different for this sector to grow. Most companies advertise on the Internet rather than by brochure. Little investment is needed to set up such trips. Hotels and roads don’t need to be built. Part of the experience is to sleep rough and travel over untouched landscapes.
Antarctica
1) Describe the History of Tourism in Antarctica
Small scale tourism began in the 1950s when commercial ships began to take a few passengers. The first specially designed cruise ship made its first voyage in 1969. Some 9,000 tourists in 1992-3 have now grown to 37,000 from 2006-7 and 46,00 from 2007-8. This is thousands more than the scientific workers and their support staff who are temporarily for research purposes. Over 100 tourist companies are involved. In 2006, 89% of visitors were American, 15.4% British, 10.3% German and 8.4% Australian. Tourists from the northern hemisphere usually fly to New Zealand or Argentina, taking their cruise ships onwards for one-two weeks. Smaller ships take them onshore for short visits, mainly to the peninsula or nearby islands. Walking, kayaking, skiing, climbing, scuba-diving and helicopter/small aircraft flights are some of the activities offered.
2) What are the Impacts of Tourism in Antarctica? (7)
The environmental impact of an individual tourist is much greater than that of a researcher. Landing sites are chosen for their special features, so quickly become honeypots. More than 99% of Antarctica is covered in ice, which tourists rarely go on, so little is left for tourist activity. Tourists want to visit the most picturesque and wildlife-rich places, so the impact is great there. Animals like penguins and seals are disturbed by more than a few people, and they do not like to be touched and may abandon eggs or young. There have been accidents when ships have struck uncharted rocks or ice floes. The great majority of shipping in Antarctic waters is tourist-based, and oil spills are becoming an increasing hazard for tourists.
3) How do Travel Companies Attempt to Cope with Tourism in Antarctica?
All tour operators are members of the IAATO, which directs tourism to be safe and environmentally friendly. Around 100 companies are involved. The scale of tourism has to be controlled. Visitors are not allowed to visit Sites of Special Scientific Interest, like Bird Island on South Georgia, in order to conserve precious wildlife and landscapes. A permit must be gained for any activities on the continent. No ship carrying over 500 passengers can land. There is a concern that larger ships will eventually be allowed to land, and the volume of tourists will become unsustainable.
Ecotourism
1) What is Extreme Tourism?
Ecotourism, or ‘green’ tourism is environmentally-friendly tourism that caters for a small but growing niche market of environmentally-aware tourists. It is sustainable, nature based and has some educational or interpretive value.
2) Describe possible features/facilities
Generally small groups. Inevitably the holidays cost more, so only attract people with enough money. Less well-off people may understand the need for sustainable tourism, but be unable to afford it. Ecotourist facilities and activities should not cause the environment to radically change. Water is recycled and waste is treated through reverse-osmosis. Ecotourists prefer small-scale accommodation in lodges that blend in with the environment, and may not even have electricity. Local people act as guides as their knowledge and experience is seen as more valuable. They eat local food.
Cotton Tree Lodge, Belize
1) What is the Lodge Like?
It’s a 250 ha estate between the rainforest and the Moho river in southern Belize. It opened in 2007. Local guides offer visits to Mayan villages, ancient ruins, waterfalls and caves. Bird watching, studying medicinal plants, kayaking, fishing and snorkelling in the Caribbean sea are also available.
1) What are the Sustainable Features of the Lodge? (8)
Tours and activities only involve small numbers of people. An organic garden provides most of food for guests. Wastewater is cleansed by a natural filtration system involving a dense mat of banana roots. Electricity is generated on site using solar panels, batteries and a generator. Local materials such as wood, thatch, and bamboo are used in construction, for example in bedrooms. Large windows help to maximise light and air circulation, reducing the need for electricity. Soaps, shampoos and detergents are biodegradable and reusable plastic bottles are provided to reduce plastic waste. Trees have been planted in previously cleared areas to provide fruit, as well as shade for smaller plants such as the cacao. Sustainable agriculture techniques are taught to local people.