Masters Class: 22/10/2012

In class we talked about alternative forms of tourism and how tourism can be beneficial to host societies.  A homework assignment was assigned which will be due the class on 5/11.

The question: Explain what alternative tourism is and how tourism can be beneficial to host societies. 

Remember to write something new, don't just restate the information that I gave you, write your own opinions.  

Introduction

-       Tourism is a booming industry that is a large source of income for many countries.

-       Every year millions of people travel to new destinations.

-       Typical tourist vacations are often for relaxation or leisure, but today new forms of tourism are becoming increasingly popular.

Problems with Traditional Tourism

Economic Effects

-          Financial burden falls on the local communities.  This burden is to build and maintain a tourism industry.

-          Local housing becomes expensive with the increased demand for tourism properties such as hotels.

-          Often times there is an increase in the price of local goods because the stores know that tourists will pay more.

-          Risk of encroachment of offshore corporations who cater to rich tourists and will bring the biggest profits out of the country.

Environmental Effects

-          Damage to the landscape such as pollution, erosion and fire sometimes completely destroying ecosystems.

-          Traffic congestion and pollution and higher CO2 emissions.

-          Loss of virgin landscape that is unprotected from development.

Cultural Effects

-          Extremely at risk because of the tourism industry.

-          Cultural identity and practices become a tourist attraction and are often exploited.

-          Traditional communities are thrust into the modern world and risk losing their traditional culture.

Social Effects

-          Local needs are forgotten such as in grocery stores, products used by locals are replaced with products used by tourists.

-          Seasonal jobs that are not well paid with long hours. 

-          Locals can feel as though they are on display and are a caricature of who they really are.

-          Families become dependent on the tourist economy and must work long hours limiting their participation in local traditions and cultural ceremonies.

Political Effects

-          Extreme differences in wealth and lifestyle can create tension between locals and tourists.

-          Hawaii is an example of this, the locals often have problems with the tourists and violence does occur. 

http://www.nationalparks.gov.uk/learningabout/ourchallenges/tourism/impactsoftourism.htm

http://www.ehow.com/facts_5244298_positive-negative-effects-tourism.html

Positive Effects of Tourism

Tourism is not all bad, in fact if done correctly it can be a beneficial and productive practice that gives back to local cultures and people.

-          Jobs for local people.

-          Income for local economies.

-          Increased demand for local food and crafts.

-          Promote cultural awareness therefore preserving local traditions and culture.

-          Income from tourism could go towards preserving infrastructure.

-          Could inspire a desire to protect natural features and the environment.

Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism

-          Definition

§  Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people. (TIES) The International Ecotourism Society 1990

-          Uniting conservation, communities and sustainable travel.

-          Based on a desire to minimize the impact of tourism on an area.

-          Goals to promote cultural and environmental awareness.

 How?

-          Minimize impact.

-          Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect.

-          Provide direct financial benefits for conservation and for the empowerment of local people.

-          Raise sensibility to the host country’s culture and political climate. 

Alternative Vacations

-          Spend your “vacation” helping others.

-          Giving back to local communities.

-          Providing relief to disaster stricken areas.

-          Volunteering to as “vacation.”

Trekking

-          A journey on foot where other forms of transportation are not available. 

-          Goal is to explore and leave as little trace as possible. 

-          Get away from typical forms of travelling.

WWOOFING

-          World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms

-          In return for volunteer help on a farm, the owners provide food and lodging during the stay.

-          Opportunities all over the world.

-          Focused on spreading knowledge and promoting the idea of organic farms in an ever increasing GMO society. 

CouchSurfing

-            Opportunities to stay for free in countries all over the world and to share cultures.

-            93,000+ couchsurfers in 207 countries.

§  France is the rated 3rd in number of couchsurfers after the US and Germany. 

-            “Couch surfing isn't just a means of accommodation; it is an entirely new way to travel. You get to see the world through local residents, not hotel concierges or guidebooks. But what is most profound about the whole experience is the trust that naturally exists.”

                                                                                                 -Time Magazine