INDUSTRY, ENERGY AND TOURISM

SUB-TOPIC: METHODS USED TO CONTROL THE

IMPACT OF TOURISM.

Notes(Geography Year 11A)

Introduction

For decades tourism industry growth has been a major

contributor to increased economic activity throughout

the U.S and the world.

It is the dominant economic activity in some

communities.

Yet, the impacts of tourism to community are not widely

understood.

Impact of tourism

The impacts of tourism (positive and negative impacts) can be categorized into:

1. Economic

2. Environmental

3. Social and Cultural

How to reduce the negative impact of tourism?

Despite, the importance of tourism from its positive impact is always on the economic aspect.

On the other hand, there is also greater concerns on the negative impact of tourisms.

Negative impacts can be reduced or avoided by effective use and implementation of, for example the tool of Environmental Assessment.

How to reduce the negative impact of tourism?

Several effective ways or measures in order to reduce the impact of tourism are :

1. Diversification of product range.

2. Reduce the tourist numbers in some areas.

3. Eco-tourism.

4. Green tourism.

5. Implementation of strict law.

6. The need for management and stewardship.

1.Diversification

It is important to diversify their countries product range by opening up new adventures.

Examples of new adventures are rafting, sailing and canoeing.

This is to achieve a better distribution of tourist activities throughout the country.

In addition, to reduce some of the environmental issues created at tourism hotspots.

2. Reduce tourist numbers in some areas

To reduce tourist numbers in some areas by putting limitations to the number of tourists allowed to visit a specific area per year.

Moreover, the government should also double the entry fees.

This can maintain the income from these area.Despite that, the limitation in the number of visitors

per year also means to reduce the environmental impacts on the natural eco-system.

3. Eco-tourism

Putting an increased focus on eco-tourism so that they can help to preserve the wildlife and the environment.

This also hoped in reducing social conflict between authorities and other groups such as tribal people and farmers.

Example : Eco-tourism in Kenya and Sabah.

4. Green Tourism

Green tourism is a term widely used to convey what we mean by responsible, ethical or sustainable tourism.

It is not only places an emphasis upon protecting the environment, but also involves the local people in making decisions that affect their land and living.

It can improve the preservation and transmission of cultural and historical traditions.

4. Green Tourism

It can bring chance to protect local heritage or to revitalize native cultures, for instance by regenerating traditional arts and crafts.

Apart from that, the visitors can enjoy unspoiled nature and landscapes, environmental quality of goods or services.

However, green tourism is different from eco-tourism, whereas, eco-tourism is part of green-tourism.

5. Implementation of strict law in conservation areas

The marine environments and its natural

resources should be managed more

efficiently in order to minimize the

environmental effects on coral reefs,

mangroves and all other threatened habitats.

6. The need for management and stewardship

The pressures from the growth of tourist

numbers have increased the need for

management everywhere.

In most cases effective management only

begins after tourism has begun and some

damage has already occurred.

For example : Tourism in Antarctica

Case study : (1) Tourism in Kenya

Kenya is an African country that has been

affected by tourism in both positive and

negative way.

One of the most important positive factors is

the effect on the countries economy.

It generate incomes to all Kenyans. This

income inspired the government to put

additional effort into preserving its wildlife.

Case study : (1) Tourism in Kenya

The negative effects are that the economic influence

of tourism can be unstable.

The environment and wildlife can be damaged

through tourism.

Tourism can create social conflict between different

groups of people.

Thus, the Kenyan government has created

strategies for the future that they hope will reduce

the negative impacts of tourism on their country.

Case study:(2) Tourism in Antarctica

However, there is one exception – Antarctica.

It offers tourists magnificent scenery, icebergs

and nesting penguins by the millions.

In the summer of 1995 tourist numbers passed

10 000 for the first time.

Thus, the cruise operators comply with the

guidelines from the International Association

of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO).

6. The need for management and stewardship

Visitors must not:

Disturb wildlife in any way.

Go within 5metres of penguins.

Walk on the lichens.

Leave litter or waste.