IMPACTS OF TOURISM

Impacts Of Tourism

Impacts Of Tourism

Introduction

One does not have to gaze at literature too see that the impacts of tourism has been immense in the world we reside in. Tourism is one of the fastest growing industries, according to WTO (World Tourism Organization) modified approximates total worldwide tourist arrivals worldwide arrive to almost 595 million in 1996. International tourism acknowledgements for 1996 are estimated to be $425 billion (WTO, 1997). An item in the Hutchinson Educational Encyclopaedia (1999) has pointed out that tourism is worlds biggest industry. It sustained 120 million jobs in 1995 accounting for 7% of the international workforce (Hutchinson, 1999). As the figures display Tourism has a foremost influence on the world economy.

One has to realise that along with benefits tourism does also bring many detrimental affects on both the developing and developed countries.

For this essay one will predominantly look at the impacts of tourism in the world we live in. One will also be looking at issues surrounding development of tourism in the world and why the public and private sectors are concerned with developing tourism.

Analysis

One of the most absolutely vital things for tourism to be thriving in a specific location is the value of the environment, both natural and man-made. However tourism engages numerous activities that have a negative effect on the environment. These happen when the level of usage is larger than the allowance of nurturing for the environment. Uncontrolled tourism is intimidating numerous natural areas round the world. It can put large pressure on an locality, and lead to negative ecological influences on air and water quality, vegetation, dirt, wildlife, and many other things.

One of the most significant localities of tourism is transportation. Transport by air, street and rail is increasing gradually because of the expanding number of tourists. One consequence of this is that tourism is responsible for a large amount of air transmissions. These emissions, as well as those from the production of electricity, another important tourist need, are linked to acid rain, chemical pollution and global warming. They contribute to severe air pollution, not only in cities but in natural environments as well. Some of these impacts are directly related to tourism. For example, in very hot or cold conditions, tour buses often leave their motors running while the tourists go out on excursions so that the bus is at a comfortable temperature when they return.

Another negative effect of tourism is water quality. Bushwalkers can damage small streams by walking through them too many times, causing them to be muddy which then in turn makes it difficult for small fish to feed. Also, less experienced bushwalkers sometimes like to pursue activities such as washing their hair in small creeks and streams, sending chemicals in shampoo and conditioner downstream and further damaging the environment.

However, not all effects of tourism are long term. The most common impact of tourism is litter, and its effect is almost instant. Litter is a serious problem in areas with high concentrations of tourist ...