IMPACT OF TOURISM

3.03 Discuss the environmental impact of

tourism.

Environment

The climatic, social, and cultural conditions that influence the life of a person or community

Positive environmental effects of tourism

• Preservation

• Revenue

• Education

• Design

Preservation

• Preserving natural resources is most important element in the development of a tourist destination.

Revenue

• Revenues generated may be used to improve animal habitats, wilderness areas, and infrastructure.

Education

• Tourist education about environment and natural resources, leads to understanding and participation in preservation.

Design• Appropriate design of buildings in

terms of color, signage, and landscaping enhances the beauty of an area.

Turtle friendly windows “Green” Buildings

Negative environmental effect of tourism

*An increase in the number of people using an area’s resources will usually have a detrimental impact on the environment.

•Effects on wildlife

•Effects on landscapes

•Pollution of the environment

Effects on wildlife

•Disrupting feeding and breeding

•Killing of animals

•Destruction of habitats

•Restriction of wildlife’s natural movement and migration

Effects on landscapes

•Erosion

•Land development

•Destruction of natural beauty

Pollution of the environment

•Land

•Water

•Air

•Chemical

•Noise

Mt. Everest Tourism Pollution• http://www.nbcnews.com/video/nightly-news/52039252#52039252

Pollution of the environment

Carrying capacity-The number of users that can be accommodated in an area.

-Before visitors perceive a decline in the desirability of the area

-Before ecological damage is done

Factors used to determine carrying capacity

1. The number of visitors

2. The amount of “use” by the average visitor

•How long do they stay?

•Average length of stay in Hawaii = 9.19 Days.

•Hawaii depends on oil for 80% of its energy needs.

3. The quality of resource management and facility development/design

Factors used to determine carrying capacity

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse limits the number of visitors that can climb stairs daily

Factors used to determine carrying capacity

4. The number of residents and their quality-of-life needs

– Tourists use water, sewer, and power

5. The number of other users of the area– Agriculture, ranching, industry

Exceeding Carrying Capacity

• Find alternative solutions

Infrastructure

The foundation and other systems needed to support and accommodate visitors

•Water supply

•Sewage disposal

•Public utilities

•Roads

Superstructure

•Hotels

•Restaurants

•Attractions

Facilities needed to serve specific needs of tourists

Ecotourism• Responsible travel to natural areas that

conserves the environment and sustains the well being of the local people.

• Based on the principle of conserving environment for future generations

Ecotourism

• Fastest growing tourism segment.

• Ecotourists tend to be wealthy and college-educated.

• Found in areas with vast natural surroundings.

Ecotourism

• Provides tourists with info about natural areas and the culture.

• Helps improve local economy.

Ecotourism• Examples:

• Bird Watching at the Outer Banks.

• Trail Building in Australia.

• Canoeing the Amazon River.