(6.2.1 C) Effects of tourism

What is tourism?

Travel to and staying in places outside one’s usual environment for more than 24 hours for leisure/personal business

What has been the global trend of tourism so far?

Globally, tourism has increased with little real fluctuation. Bar a steep drop during and following effects of Covid, the rate of increase has also been rising. In 2024, it was just below pre-Covid levels.

Why has tourism grown since the 1950s?

• Britain is now multi-cultural as immigration increased

• Wages rose in the 1950s, making dual income families more common

• Ageing population gives more people more free time

• Travel firms started to book all-in packages

• People want sun

• Niche markets for specialist holidays develop

• Channel tunnel links Europe + UK

• Internet booking increases access

• Jet aircrafts → faster, cheaper flights

• Mobile tech → independent travellers

• Annual leave is longer→ more holidays

• Young people are paid more

• Fewer countries require visas as borders relax

Which sector down tourism come under?

Tertiary

How can tourism have economic leakage?

Money leaves the destination economy i.e. consuming American products while holidaying in Thailand

What effects can tourism have on the host country’s economy?

Tourism can boost primary/secondary industries too, prompting a positive multiplier effect.

Globally, where is tourism important?

LICs often rely on tourism the most as it contributes to a greater proportion of their GDP

What are the effects of tourism on the informal economy?

Rise in street vendors → less tax paid to the government → reduced funds for investment → cycle of lowered development

Why is the reliance of a country’s economy on tourism a problem?

Diversification = wealth

If an area’s economic survival depends on one industry, any failure can be devastating.

Tourism is a very vulnerable industry.

What are some positive + negative factors that could influence tourism?

• media attention

• landmarks

• global interest events

• activities for all

• historical significance

• politics

• cost of living

• crime rates

• accessibility

• natural disasters

• pollution

• weather

What is ‘enclave tourism?’

All tourist activities are held in one geographical area

(especially with ‘all-in-one’ deals, leading to economic leakage)

What are the LIC and NIC case studies for the effects of tourism?

LIC- The Gambia

NIC- Goa, India

Stats + What attracts tourists to Goa?

Churches, temples, beaches, cuisine, festivals

2023: 81M domestics, 4.5M internationals

Tourism = 17% of state GDP

Tourist season is from October to May, with rains in June to September preventing tourism

Why has tourism in Goa changed since the 1970s?

Growth of middle class → disposable income

Decline in mining + focus on tourism

Increase in global tourism

How does Goa’s GDP compare to other states in India?

Over 15,000- highest bracket

Describe some positive social impacts of tourism in Goa.

- Conservation of cultural sites/events/skills that may have been neglected if not for tourists

- Increased opportunities for women

- 70% of locals say tourism has improved their standard of living

Describe some negative social impacts of tourism in Goa.

Commercialisation of traditions → artificial culture

Tradition of drying fish on the beach banned due to upset tourists

Tourists outnumber locals in smaller villages, leaving some feeling estranged

Rise in population density

Tourists don’t always understand/follow local cultures

75% of residents agreed that tourism increased the crime in the area

60% of residents agreed that tourism led to overcrowding in community places

46% of residents agreed that tourism had changed the culture

Describe some positive economic impacts of tourism in Goa.

Second international airport is being built, capacity of 30M

Earnings from tourists are around $204M/year

Increased tax revenue

Increased employment (1 in 10 are in tourism)

Positive multiplier effect

Describe some negative economic impacts of tourism in Goa.

Cost of living prices have increased for locals

Economic leakage

Describe some positive environmental impacts of tourism in Goa.

Power generation capacity of 550MW

More tax etc. → more ability to invest

Describe some negative environmental impacts of tourism in Goa.

Deforestation for tourism infrastructure

Sand groves + mangrove swaps are being destroyed for hotels + beach access

Water tables depleted for hotel pools, gardens and guests

Has tourism in Goa been positive or negative for the economy?

Positive- local economy has increased and employment has been aided

Has tourism in Goa been positive or negative for the environment?

Negative

• the environment has been eroded to make way for urbanisation

Has tourism in Goa been positive or negative for the culture?

Negative

• although some practices have been conserved, the local culture has been eroded by catering to tourists

Has tourism in Goa been positive or negative for the infrastructure?

Positive

• increased investment has led to more modernised buildings etc.

What attracts tourists to the Gambia?

Beaches, culture, wildlife, nature reserves, UNESCO Heritage site: Fort James Island

How has tourism in The Gambia changed over the last few decades?

Fluctuating around 80000-160000 until 2014

when numbers rose drastically, to above 400,000.

Rose higher throughout 2014-19 before a drop (likely Covid)

How does Gambia’s tourism compare to other West African countries?

In the 1990s, the tourism of WA countries together was much higher than Gambia, rising steadily.

In 2004, it dropped before climbing back up only to drop again in 2011.

Since then, it was steadily climbing up and Gambia’s number are matching closer, even surpassing the WA countries pre-Covid.

How has revenue from tourism changed for the Gambia? (this stat seems dodgy)

5171 USD in 2019

2610 USD in 2020

4899 USD in 2022

6975 USD in 2024

Risen and recovered past pre-Covid levels

What are the positive economic impacts of tourism in the Gambia?

Employment opportunities- around 42,000 people

Revenue- $168M to %333M from 2022 to 2023

What are the negative economic impacts of tourism in the Gambia?

Economic vulnerability:

• collapse of travel agent Thomas Cook in 2019 led to decline in arrivals, highlighting dependency

Seasonal employment in tourism sector → unstable jobs

What are the positive environmental impacts of tourism in the Gambia?

Tourism has promoted the establishment + maintenance of national parks + nature reserves

What are the negative environmental impacts of tourism in the Gambia?

environmental degradation: unregulated tourism → waste, pollution, habitat destruction

tourist infrastructure increasing → increased coastal erosion in some parts

What are the positive social impacts of tourism in the Gambia?

Cultural exchange and global awareness of Gambian traditions

What are the negative social impacts of tourism in the Gambia?

Exploitation- worries of tourists taking advantage of vulnerable locals in need of money

bad experiences of tourists after thieving of passports and valuables

What are the positive impacts of tourism on infrastructure in the Gambia?

Improved roads, airports, communication networks etc.

What are the negative impacts of tourism on infrastructure in the Gambia?

Uneven development as developments are concentrated in tourist heavy areas, neglecting rural communities