Tourism

What is Tourism?

• The word tourism is derived from the verb tour which means to travel around from place to place.

• According to the World Trade Organization (WTO) Tourism comprises of the activities of a person travelling outside his or her usual environment for less than a specified period of time and whose purpose of travel is other than to pursue an activity which brings in an income.

• The term usual environment is used in order to show that any other movements within an area we live are not tourism such as going to work and visiting friends in your community.

• The term less than a specified period of time is included in order to show that migration of people for work on a long term basis is not part of tourism.

TYPES OF TOURISM

• Tourism can be defined into broad categories namely alternative tourism and mass tourism.

• However, these can be further subdivided into many other types depending on the main focus of the visit.

Alternative Tourism• Alternative tourism refers to individually planned activities to

gain and experience firsthand knowledge about local cultures and environments

• Alternate tourism focuses on secluded, it occurs during non-peak travelling times.

• It includes arranging own flights and accommodation. • For a self planned biking in another place while camping or

arranging accommodation as you go.

Mass Tourism• Mass tourism is made up of large groups.• Examples of mass tourism includes trips of school, sporting

teams, churches and colleges.

ALTERNATIVE VS MASS TOURISM

Alternate Tourism• May be singles, families or friends.• It is a recent trend.• Spontaneous decisions are made.• Focuses on “experiences” • Careful planning and research.• Desire for memories/knowledge.• Brings lots of items to give away.• Its often quiet and has little

impact.• Makes use of photography and

painting.• Makes an effort learn the local

language.

Mass Tourism

• Large groups.• Traditional form of tourism.• Has a fixed program.• Focuses on “sights”.• Little or no background research

done.• Strong desire for souvenirs as a

result purchases a lot of items while there.

• May involve loud social activities.• A lot of snap shots and post

cards.• No language preparation.

The Impact of Tourism• Tourism can bring both economic and social benefits

particularly to the rural areas of developing countries but mass tourism is also associated with negative effects.

• Tourism can only be sustainable if it is carefully managed s that potential negative effects on the host community and environment are not allowed to outweigh the financial benefits.

• Tourism can affect the host community economically, environmentally and socially in a negative or positive way.

Economic impacts of Tourism

Positive effects• Creates employment directly in tourism

such as in hotels.• Creates employment indirectly in other

sectors such as retailing and transport.• It creates a multiplier effect in the

economy when people employed directly and indirectly in tourism spent their wages leading to creation of more jobs.

• It provides business opportunities for small scale business enterprises which is specially important in rural areas.

• It generates extra revenue for the country through airport and hotel taxes, which can be used for building schools, housing and hospitals.

Negative effects• There is high initial costs in setting up

infrastructure such as roads, hotels and airports.

• Some jobs created by tourism are seasonal.• Tourism often pushes the prices of property up

in the host country.• It also leads to an increase in the prices of

goods and services.• In most cases revenue from tourism does

benefit the local community but is syphoned away by big hotel chains who invest heavily in this industry.

• Destinations relying on tourism can be adversely affected by terrorism, natural disasters and economic recession.

•

Social impacts of Tourism

Positive effects• There is an improvement in

infrastructure such as roads and leisure amenities which also benefit the locals.

• Encourages the preservation of traditional customs and handicrafts as people cash in on cultural tourism.

• Preservation of culture leads to civic pride.

• Interaction between hosts and guests allows cultural interchanges.

• Helps to create a global awareness on issues such as poverty and human rights abuses.

Negative effects

• Visitors may introduce bad behaviors such as drugs, alcohol and prostitution.

• May result in congestion.• A rise in level of crime.• Abuse of human rights for example

locals forced to move their settlements to accommodate the establishment of tourist operations such as hotels.

• Interaction with tourists can also lead to an erosion of traditional cultures and values.

Environmental impacts of Tourism

Positive effects• Nature and Eco-tourism helps

to protect the environment such as conservation of wildlife and rainforests.

• Helps in raising funds for the conservation of natural resources through entrance and guide fees.

• Creates alternative sources of income thereby reducing problems such as overfishing, poaching and deforestation in developing countries.

Negative effects

• It threatens natural resources such as water supplies, beaches and coral reefs.

• Threatens cultural resources such as heritage sites through overuse.

• It increases pollution through traffic emissions, littering, increased sewage production and noise.