Tourism strategies
Eco-tourism
Many governments in developing countries have set up national parks to conserve and protect their fragile environments in order to profit from tourists.
Limited numbers of people are allowed to visit certain places. For example, daily numbers are limited on the Inca Trail in Peru to conserve the beautiful landscape and ancient dwellings.
Tours have to be small scale. Holiday companies have maximum group sizes which can vary from 12 – 24 depending on the fragility of the landscape being visited.
Tourism
National and local governments have a responsibility to manage tourism. Strategies will vary depending on the tourist resort or visitor attraction. Many strategies will apply to all tourist areas, for example:
- tourist information centresA place where visitors can get information about an area. are located in most cities, national parks and areas of tourist interest.
- Signs to advise do's and don'ts.
- designated footpathsPaths that are signposted for people to use as walkways. are built to encourage people away from fragile areas.
- surfaced car parksAreas that have been covered in tarmac to allow cars to park legally. are built to keep cars off the roads and minimise traffic congestion.
- Guides to educate people on responsible tourismWhen visitors are encouraged to cause minimal damage to an area..
Coastal resorts
- Blue Flag campaign to ensure cleaner beaches.
- Installation of more sewage treatment plants to minimise the risk of water pollution and diseases.
- Education – signs up in resorts highlighting the dos and don'ts.
- carbon taxesMoney charged on the carbon content of fuels. to off-set carbon emissionsThe release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere. from flights to coastal resortsA place along the coastline used for leisure or relaxation and provides services for tourists. abroad.
- Holiday reps in resorts advise tourists on responsible tourism.
National parks in the UK
Designating areas as national parks can help to conserve them. The National Trust and National Tourist BoardAn organisation that promotes Britain, both at home and abroad, as a tourist destination. both help to promote responsible tourism while park rangers and guides offer advice to the public. Leaflets are issued to visitors to ensure they follow countryside codes and TV campaigns educate the public on the countryside code.
Restricted areas help to protect fragile landscapes, eg the viewing platform at the top of Cairngorm mountain. byelawsLocal laws made by councils. are introduced and passed by local councils, eg the wild camping ban on the shores of Loch Lomond. 'honeypotsAreas which have many tourist attractions and services to attract people away from fragile places.' attract people away from the most fragile spots, eg Malham in the Yorkshire Dales.
Traffic-calming measures have been introduced in villages to help the flow of traffic. Other measures to try and control the flow of traffic include park and ride schemesCars are parked at a train station and people travel into town using the train. to reduce the number of cars on the roads.
Walks are sign-posted in an attempt to keep people away from fragile areas. designated cycle routesA path the is zoned for cyclists. help to encourage cyclists and to separate them from walkers.
The removal of litter bins aims to encourage tourists to take their litter home and dispose of it sensibly. bird sanctuariesA place where birds are protected. and nature reserves help protect wildlife from the public, poachers and from birds of prey.
Areas of Outstanding Natural BeautyA designated area in the UK which is protected to ensure it remains unchanged. and Sites of Special Scientific InterestA designated area in the UK which is protected. are assigned to protect important landscapes and habitats.
