Changing pattern and nature of tourism - EduqasButler's life cycle model

Tourism is rapidly increasing and the nature of modern tourism in changing. There are various types of attractions, at many different tourist destinations. Sustainability is a concern.

Part ofGeographyTourism

Butler's life cycle model

A model is a simplification of the real world used to better understand reality.

Professor Richard Butler suggested a model for the life cycle of a tourist destination which has a number of stages:

Butler's resort life cycle model: exploration, involvement, development, consolidation, stagnation. From there, the resort either goes into decline or rejuvenation.

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Stage 1 - Exploration
Few tourist facilities, visited by only a small number of adventurous travellers
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Stage 2 - Involvement
Local people start to provide some facilities for tourists. There starts to become a recognised tourist season
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Stage 3 - Development
Tourist facilities and accommodation built, the number of tourists increases. The area becomes recognised as a tourist destination
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Stage 4 - Consolidation
Tourist facilities and hotels, (often owned by large multinational companies) support large numbers of tourists. Tensions develop between the host population and the tourists
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Stage 5 - Stagnation
Tourist numbers peak, large numbers of tourists cause environmental damage, the resort begins to become less fashionable, facilities for the tourists may decline as they become old and run down
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(either) Stage 6 - Decline
Tourist numbers decline as they seek new, unspoilt and exciting destinations
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(or) Stage 7 - Rejuvenation
Investment, advertising, new facilities and attractions attract new visitors

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Changes in tourism

Mass tourism to honeypot sites

Factors affecting the growth and nature of tourism

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