TOURISM'S THREE MAIN IMPACT AREAS

5232 Words11 Pages

TOURISM'S THREE MAIN IMPACT AREAS

=================================

* Three main impact areas: natural resources, pollution, physical

impacts

* Environmental impacts at the global level

* Other industry impacts on tourism

* How tourism can contribute to environmental conservation

Negative impacts from tourism occur when the level of visitor use is

greater than the environment's ability to cope with this use within

the acceptable limits of change. Uncontrolled conventional tourism

poses potential threats to many natural areas around the world. It can

put enormous pressure on an area and lead to impacts such as soil

erosion, increased pollution, discharges into the sea, natural habitat

loss, increased pressure on endangered species and heightened

vulnerability to forest fires. It often puts a strain on water

resources, and it can force local populations to compete for the use

of critical resources.

DEPLETION OF NATURAL RESOURCES

------------------------------

Tourism development can put pressure on natural resources when it

increases consumption in areas where resources are already scarce.

Water resources

Water, and especially fresh water, is one of the most critical natural

resources. The tourism industry generally overuses water resources for

hotels, swimming pools, golf courses and personal use of water by

tourists. This can result in water shortages and degradation of water

supplies, as well as generating a greater volume of waste water..

In dryer regions like the Mediterranean, the issue of water scarcity

is of particular concern. Because of the hot climate and the tendency

of tourists to consume more water when on holiday than they do at

home, the amount used can run up to 440 liters a day. This is almost

double what the inhabitants of an average Spanish city use.

Golf course maintenance can also deplete fresh water resources. In

recent years golf tourism has increased in popularity and the number

of golf courses has grown rapidly. Golf courses require an enormous

amount of water every day and, as with other causes of excessive

More about TOURISM'S THREE MAIN IMPACT AREAS

Open Document