environmental impacts of tourism
As an environmentally dependent industry (Hall, 2007), tourism can have significant impacts upon the natural environment. Because of this, tourism must be developed in a way that focuses on sustainability so that the infinite life of tourism can be ensured while preserving the natural resources provided by the environment (Bramwell, 1993).
The impacts that tourist, particularly in large numbers, can have upon the environment, if not managed, are often negative. This can include damage to vegetation through high levels of traffic (Eg; overuse of walking tracks, etc), pollution, especially from air travel and the changes to the ecology of an area through the removal of key species. While tourism often has detrimental impacts on the environment, tourism can also benefit the environment in a number of ways. These can include; an increased awareness of environmental issues and the need to act responsibly, it can act to preserve historic sites and can also induce clean up programs.
Symbiotic relationship:
Because tourism relies so heavily upon the environment, the industry must work to help preserve the environment the best it can, this may be through a symbiotic relationship. A symbiotic relationship can be described as a mutually beneficial relationship between the tourism industry and nature conservationists where the natural attractions are still accessible by tourists, but damage to the environment is minimal or avoided (Budowski, 1976). A symbiotic relationship between tourism and the natural environment is an important aspect of ensuring the long term existence of tourism, as natural resources act as attractions for tourists, and if it is not preserved, the life of tourism can be limited (Romeril, 1985; Budowski, 1976).
It can often be hard to develop a symbiotic relationship because finding a balance between using natural resources to attract tourists and preserving them long term can often be challenging. This must be overcome and dealt with to allow for the best possible outcome for both parties.
The impacts that tourist, particularly in large numbers, can have upon the environment, if not managed, are often negative. This can include damage to vegetation through high levels of traffic (Eg; overuse of walking tracks, etc), pollution, especially from air travel and the changes to the ecology of an area through the removal of key species. While tourism often has detrimental impacts on the environment, tourism can also benefit the environment in a number of ways. These can include; an increased awareness of environmental issues and the need to act responsibly, it can act to preserve historic sites and can also induce clean up programs.
Symbiotic relationship:
Because tourism relies so heavily upon the environment, the industry must work to help preserve the environment the best it can, this may be through a symbiotic relationship. A symbiotic relationship can be described as a mutually beneficial relationship between the tourism industry and nature conservationists where the natural attractions are still accessible by tourists, but damage to the environment is minimal or avoided (Budowski, 1976). A symbiotic relationship between tourism and the natural environment is an important aspect of ensuring the long term existence of tourism, as natural resources act as attractions for tourists, and if it is not preserved, the life of tourism can be limited (Romeril, 1985; Budowski, 1976).
It can often be hard to develop a symbiotic relationship because finding a balance between using natural resources to attract tourists and preserving them long term can often be challenging. This must be overcome and dealt with to allow for the best possible outcome for both parties.
example
After traveling to the Gold Coast earlier this year and experiencing the lengths to which organisations are going to, to reduce their environmental impact, I believe that tourism is definitely helping to raise environmental awareness and reduce the damage caused to the environment. An example of this was the carbon offsetting fee that I could elect to pay when I purchased my plane ticket and although this does not directly offset carbon, it does go towards research and some offsetting costs.