Tourism - Topic 3

Question 1

Define natural heritage

Answer 1

Natural heritage, geological fromations in an area that constitutes natural beauty, or the habitat of threatened species of animals and plants

Question 2

Define social services

Answer 2

Services such as education, healthcare, job training and community management

Question 3

What are stakeholders?

Answer 3

People who are involved with (has a ‘stake’ in) in a particular project, organisation or industry. In tourism, stakeholders may include governments, international organisations, tourists, local communtieis and businesses.

Question 4

What is sustainable tourism development?

Answer 4

Sustainable tourism development in the tourism industry is achieved when sustainability principles are applied to:
* Economic,
* Social, and
* Environmental aspects of tourism development

The three dimensions need to be balanced to guarantee tourism’s long-term sustainability

An overfocus on one dimension may lead to other dimensions being overlooked

Question 5

How can tourism development ensure economic sustainability?

Answer 5

Tourism development can ensure economic sustainability by:
1. Continually providing employment opportunities and income growth
2. Resulting in more social services that raise standards of living amongst locals

Question 6

How does the continual provision of employment opportunties and income growth ensure economic sustainability?

Answer 6

Employment provided by the industry needs to ensure that locals have stable employment and source of income.

Skills training should be offered to:
* Ensure career progression and income growth for localsd in the long term
* Provide locals who are seasonally employed with a greater variety of skills, enabluing them to find employment during the off-peak season
* This ensures a stable employment and income, leading to economic sustainability

Question 6

How does increased provision of social services that raise standards of living ensure economic sustainability?

Answer 6

• Tourism revnue can be sused to build schools or clinics for the local communities in tourist destination regions
• This enables local communities, particularly the disadvantages to receive healthcare and education opportunties, raising their standards of living
• With more education opportunities, local communtieis can seek better employment and income.
• This increases standard of living and ensures economic sustainability./

Question 8

How can tourism development ensure social sustainability?

Answer 8

Tourism development can ensure social sustainability by:
1. Respecting the authenticity of local communties, practices and art forms.
2. Contributing to intercultural understanding and tolerance

Question 9

How does respecting the authenticity of local communties, practices and art forms ensure social sustainability?

Answer 9

When the authenticity of traditional practices and art forms are respected, they continue to be more meaningful and significant for local communtieis and tourists.
* This leads to continued practice and preservation by locals ensuring social sustainability

When they are disrespected, conflict may occur between locals and tourists, which may discourage tourism
* Visitor attractions could be sensitively developed to showcase authentic local culture. Tourists may also be advised tby toyuur guides on how they may be respectful when interacting with loclas and learning about the local cultures

Question 10

How does tourism development ensure environmental sustainability?

Answer 10

Tourisms development can ensure environmental sustainability by:

• Maintaining essential ecological processes,
• Conserving natural heritage and protecting biodiversity.

Question 10

How does contributing to intercultural understanding and tolerance ensure social sustainability?

Answer 10

Exchanges between tourists and locals should enhance understanding, tolerance and a better appreciation towards each others’ culture.
* This enables local cultures to be meaningful for tourists and locals, leading to the continued practice and preservation of culture ensuring social sustainability

A positive experience between tourists and locals will ensure the continuity of such exchnages and may attarct more tourists to come.

Negative experiences may lead toc onflicts between tourists and locals, which may discourage them.

Question 11

How does maintaining essential ecological processes ensure environmental sustainability?

Answer 11

Ecological processes refer to the biological, physical, chemical processes that sustain ecological systems

They are crucial in providing ecosystem services, such as the supply of natural resources and regulating water and air quality

Strong ecological processes ensure that the environment is able to thrive, ensuring that the present and future demands of people be met. This ensures environmental sustainability.

• Stakeholders in tourist destinations regions can work togethjer to minimise deforestation.
• This partnership helps to maintain ecologicaln processes such as transpiration and photosynthesis
• This ensures ecosystem services, such as the supply of water and food, are maintained and contributes to environmental sustainability

Question 12

Define “ecological processes”

Answer 12

Ecological processes refer to the biological, physical, chemical processes that sustain ecological systems

Question 13

Define “carbon-neutral”

Answer 13

A state in which the greenhouse gas emissions released to the atmosphere by a stakeholdee (individual, organisation, company, country, etc.) have been reduced or avoided and the remaining ones are compensated with carbon credits.

Question 13

Define “greenwashing”

Answer 13

Making people believe that the company is doing more to protect the environment that it really is

Question 14

Define “trade-offs”

Answer 14

Situations in which something bad is accepted in order to acheieve something good.

Question 15

How do stakeholders influence sustainable tourism development?

Answer 15

• To ensure sustainable tourism development, stakeholders such as governments, international organisations, businesses, local communities and tourists need to work together
• They need to have a common understanding of what sustainable tourism development is and how it can be measured
• All stakeholders should have a say and consensus should be reached on how tourism should be developed.

Question 15

How effective are governments in influencing sustainable tourism development?

Answer 15

Governments influence sustainable tourism development by:
* Establishing policies and crearting plans
* Enforcing regulations

Question 16

How does the government, by establishing policies and creating plans, influence sustainable tourism development?

Answer 16

• Governments can set up policies or plans that stakeholders may be required to adhere to
• These can help ensure minimal damage to the environment while maximising benefits to the locals (e.g. channelling tourism revenue to set up and expand national parks and provide social services to locals)

Question 17

Give an example of how a government, by establishing policies and creating plans, influenced sustainable tourism development

Answer 17

Example:
In Singapore, Singapore, the authorities bring together different stakeholders to develop a series of plans to enable the island to become more sustainable. These plans include:
* Conserving Sentosa’s rich heritage.
* Protecting the island’s biodiversity.
* Achieving carbon-neutral status by 2030.

Question 18

How does the government, by establishing regulation, influence sustainable tourism development?

Answer 18

• Governments play a key role in enforcing regulations to ensure sustainable tourism development
• These include enforcing regulations on the types of tourism activity and the number of tourists who can enter.
• Enforcing regulations is crititcla to ensure that the policies and plans are adhered to.

Question 19

Give an example of how a government, by establishing regulation, influenced sustainable tourism development

Answer 19

Example:
* In Bhutan, tourists can only enter the country by organising their trips with licensed tour operators.
* They are tasked with ensuring tourists adhere to laws and regulations to minimise the negative impacts of tourism, such as ensuring tourists only trek on designated trails

Question 20

What affects the effectiveness of governments affecttive sustainable tourism development?

Answer 20

1. Poor enforcement
2. The decision to prioritise economic development

Question 21

Explain how poor enforcement affect the effective of governments to influence sustainable tourism

Answer 21

* In order for regulation to be effective, active enforcement is required * Governments which lack resources or political influence, or face corruption, may not be able to ensure that regulations are adhered to. * This may hinder sustainable tourism development

Question 22

Explain how the decision to priortise economic development affect the effectiveness of sustainable tourism development

Answer 22

* Some governments put economic development first, and may neglect the environmental and social dimensions of sustainability. * This might hinder sustainable tourism development

Question 23

Give an example of how the decision to priortise economic development affected the effectiveness of sustainable tourism development

Answer 23

**Example:** * Every year, Mount Everest recieves hundreds of tourists who wish to scale up the mountain, but poor enforcement of waste disposal leads to the mountain becoming increasingly polluted * Tighter regulations have not been imposed by the Nepali authorities * If tighter regulations were imposed by the Nepali authorities, the flow of tourists might be reduced, affecting the revenue received.

Question 24

How effective are international organisations in influencing sustainable tourism development?

Answer 24

International organisations consists of governmental (IGOs) and non-governmental organisations (INGOs) They often have the knwoledge, financial and technical experience to provide assistance, and can influence sustainable tourism development by: 1. Offering consulting to countries on how sustainable tourism development can be achieved 2. Providing financial assistance to different stakeholders 3. Raising public awareness on how they can contribute to sustainable tourism development

Question 25

Using an example, explain how international organisation influence sustainable tourism via financial assistance?

Answer 25

Financial aid is given to carry out small-scale infrastructural improvements, such as a public toilet and a village information board to support tourism development. **Example:** * UNESCO has introduced the People Protecting Places orgramme, which provides information for travellers on how to protect UNESCO World Heritage Sites as tourists * Wadi Al-Hitan, Egypt saw large tourist arrivals which threatened the safety of highly delicate fossil remains. * With the help of UNESCO, visitors were informed to stay on footpaths while walking to key sites * This helped to preserve the integrity and natural beauty of Wadi Al-Hitan

Question 25

What are the factors that may reduce effectiveness of international organisations in influencing sustainable tourism development?

Answer 25

1. Lack of understanding of local contexts 2. Lack of funding

Question 25

Using an example, explain how international organisation influence sustainable tourism via consultancy and technical assistance

Answer 25

In handicraft villages in Ha Tay Province, Vietnam, the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, an IGO, provided consultancy and technical assistance: * A marketing planwas developed with the villages to encourage independent travellers and tour operators to visit the villages. * Locals received handicraft skills training for them to create handicrafts to be sold to the tourists.

Question 26

How does the lack of understanding in local context affect the effectiveness of international organisations in influencing sustainable tourism development?

Answer 26

* International organisations may comprise members from various countries and backgrounds * They may have different perspectives regarding an issue and may not understand the local contexts of places they work with * Locals may not support their actions, hindering sustainable tourism development

Question 27

How does the lack of funding affect the effectiveness of international organisations in influencing sustainable tourism development?

Answer 27

* Many international organisations tend to be non-profit. It may be challenging when it comes to choosing projects to provide financial assistance for. * Witout funding, some plans may not be able to be implemented hindering sustainable tourism development

Question 28

How effective are businesses in influencing sustainable tourism development?

Answer 28

Businesses have an incentive to pursue sustainable tourism as it can keep them profitable (e.g. by protecting the environment, businesses can ensure that tourists will return, allowing businesses to thrive). They often have the financial resources to inlfuence sustainbale tourism development. Businesses can influence sustainable tourism development by: 1. Seeking advice from other stakeholders regarding sustainable tourism development 2. Participating in decision-making for sustainblen tourism development

Question 29

Give an example of how a business influenced sustainable tourism development

Answer 29

**Example:** Quicksilver Cruises in Australia specialises in tours of Great Barrier Reef It works with: * The planning authorities to promote ecotourism * A research team of marine biologists to observe and monitor the marine ecosystem, which helps the planning authorities in managing the Great Barrier Reef

Question 30

What are the limitation that businesses may face when trying to influence sustainable tourism development?

Answer 30

1. Comprimising sustainable practices to survive 2. Differing understanding and ways of measuring sustainability

Question 30

Explain why comprimising sustainable practices to survive is a limitation that businesses may face when trying to influence sustainable tourism development?

Answer 30

Ultimately, businesses may prioritise profits above sustainability, which may hinder sustainable tourism development by, for instance, polluting the environment or exploiting resources

Question 31

Explain why differing understanding and ways of measuring sustainability is a limitation that businesses may face when trying to influence sustainable tourism development?

Answer 31

* Different businesses may have a different understanding of sustainability and how to measure it * Businesses may end up **greenwashing** - marketing themselves as 'sustainable' when their practices may not be so.

Question 32

How can locals influence and promote sustainable tourism development?

Answer 32

Locals can influence and promote sustainable tourism development by: 1. Seeking advice from other stakeholders regarding sustainable tourism practices 2. Participating in decision-mkaking for sustainable tourism development

Question 33

How does locals seeking advice from other stakeholders regarding sustainable tourism development influence and promote sustainable toursim development?

Answer 33

* Locals may not have the necessary knowledge and experience, which other stakeholders such as governments, businesses and international organisations have, to pursue sustainable tourism * By seeking advice from these stakeholders, locals can adopt sustainable tourism practices that have already been tried and tested. * This will help to protect the environment and ensure that sustainable tourism can continue to grow and thrive.

Question 34

What are some limitations that locals may face when trying to influence sustainable tourism development?

Answer 34

1. Lack of financial or technical assistance 2. Prioritising economic benefots over sustainability

Question 34

Elaborate on why locals having a lack of financial and technical assistance reduces the effectiveness in influencing sustainable tourism development?

Answer 34

* Some locals may not have the information on how to apply for financil or technical assistance, and therefore lack sufficient financial resources to carry out plans for sustainable tourism development

Question 34

Explain how does locals participating in decision-making, influence sustainable tourism development?

Answer 34

* Having local knowledge, the involvement of locals in decision-making is critical. They can suggest ways to minimise the harmful impacts of tourism, such as protecting the flora and fauna in their local community * This can be done through community-based tourism which priortises the participation of the local community and ensures that the benefits gained from tourism stay within the local community

Question 34

Give an example of how locals seeked advice from other stakeholders regarding sustainable tourism development influenced and promoted sustainable toursim development?

Answer 34

**Example:** * In Singapore, locals can seek guidance from the National Environmental Agency to pursue sustainable tourism practices such as waste management and recycling when hosting international events, meetings and conventions

Question 34

Elaborate on why locals prioritising economic benefits over sustainability reduces the effectiveness in influencing sustainable tourism development?

Answer 34

* Some locals may pursue tourism practices that may not be sustainable as long as it brings in a higher income to support themselves and their families

Question 35

How can tourists influence and promote sustainable tourism development?

Answer 35

Tourists can influence and promote sustainable tourism development by: 1. Developing a genuine interest in the tourist destination and seeking to enhance its environment, culture, and economy. 2. Interacting responsibly with the environment and people when they travel

Question 35

How does tourists developing a genuine interest in the tourist destination and seeking to enhance its environment, culture, and economy, influence sustainable tourism development?

Answer 35

* Tourists can choose tour or services which priortise sustainable tourism or channel their revenue toward environemtnal conservation efforts * Tourists can also grt involved in environmental conservation or community projects that benefit the tourist destination

Question 35

Give an example of how tourists by developing a genuine interest in the tourist destination and seeking to enhanced its environment, culture, and economy, influence sustainable tourism development?

Answer 35

**Example 1:** * At the Tiger Tops Elephant Camp in Nepal, an ethical elephant camp, elephants can walk around freely in the jungle with no routine imposed on them. This allows tourists to observe the elephants interacting in their natural state. * The revenue generated bu tourism is used for the conservation and upkeep of animals in the region such as tigers and elephants. It can also be used to invest in the education of local students **Example 2:** * At the sea turtle volunterring conservation programme in Costa Rica, tourists can help care for injured sea turtles and patrol the beaches for sea turtles and their nests to protect them from poaches

Question 36

Explain can tourists influence and promote sustainable tourism development by interacting responsibly with the environment and people when they travel.

Answer 36

Tourists can read up on the local practices and cultures, and be mindful of their attire or behaviour when travelling as a way to show respect to the local customs and cultures

Question 37

Give an example of how tourists interacting responsibly with the environment and people when they travel, influenced sustainable tourist development?

Answer 37

**Example:** * In Bali, Indonesia, tourists should be aware that they have to dress modestly when visiting religious sites * They can look after the environment when travelling such as not littering or vandalising the areas they visit

Question 37

What are the limitations that tourists may face, when trying to influence sustainable tourism development?

Answer 37

1. Some sustainable tourism options may be out of their budget 2. Lack of clear information

Question 38

Elaborate on why some sustainable tourism options may be out of tourists' budget?

Answer 38

Some sustainable options may be more expensive due to the costs required to ensure the tourism experiences are sustainable, such as fees to conserve the environment. Tourists may not be keen to pay their fees.