POSITIVE EFFECTS & ADVANTAGES
- Builds environmental awareness:
Ecotourism means
education; for both tourists and residents of nearby communities. Before
departure tour operators should supply travelers with reading material
about the country, environment and local people, "as well as a code of
conduct for both traveler and the industry."
- Job Opportunities:
The tourism industry includes
international and domestic airlines; railway, bus, and taxi operators;
hotels, restaurants, and clubs; and manufactures and retailers of
souvenirs providing many jobs for people. "1 emp/1000 tourists". (David
Mozer, 1995-2006).
- Infrastructure development:
Tourism helps with the
income of money for communities and places that attract the tourists.
Therefore it gives opportunity to build roads, better water supplies,
electricity, and protection for the area and work on other necessary
needs. "The tourists they attract expect and pay for a number of
services that might not necessarily be commercially viable such as
helicopter services, luxurious yachts, etc." (Paul Chow, 2003)
- Cultural preservation:
Ecotourism strives to be
culturally respectful and have a minimal effect on both the natural
environment and the human population of the country. "This is not easy,
especially since ecotourism often involves travel to remote areas where
small and isolate communities have had little experience interacting
with foreigners." (Martha Honey, Ecotourism and Sustainable Development:
1999). Therefore the tourists will have to obey the rules and the
superficial elements of a culture.
- Environmental protection:
"Ecotourism helps raise
funds for environmental protection" (Mike Merg, 1999). The money can be
used to preserve nature, wildlife and urban cleanliness.
- Generates tax revenues:
Taxes on tourism increase
government revenue. Financial planning is very important in order for
tourism programs and projects to be successful. "The most common methods
of fund raising are implementing a lodging tax which is often chosen
because it is paid by travelers." (Mike Woods, 1972).
- Increased foreign exchange earnings:
Travelers get
familiar with cultures and get interested in what they have to offer,
and vise-versa, therefore generates resources to import food,
pharmaceuticals, technology, and consumer goods" (David Mozer, 1995)
- More economic activities:
Stimulates and
diversifies economic activities in other sectors such as "local craft,
revival, manufacturers, services and agriculture." (David Waugh, pg.
590)
- Status of women in society:
Tourism may enhance
role and status of women in society, as opportunity for goals in tourism
is created and outlook widened. Women have to opportunity to become
familiar with other culture and gain more knowledge and respect in the
community. "A valuable contribution to tourism studies, women's studies,
and the literature of economic development." (Linda K. Richter)
- Encourages Education:
Tourism and ecotourism
educate the tourists and others about other cultures, tradition and
societies, giving people an open eye about the other environments.
- May save aspects of indigenous culture:
Due to the
interest of the tourists, some cultures may be saved by the money they
gain from this action. Tourism "supports the indigenous tribes of Borneo
who have lived in harmony with their rainforests for thousands of
years." (Eco Info)
- Enrichment of domestic cultures:
Contact with other
cultures may enrich domestic culture through new ideas and customs being
introduced.
- Increases international understanding:
By educating
people about different cultures, an international understanding is
developed between the hosts and the visitors.
- Improved landscaping:
With the interest the
landscaping and architectural standards will improve in resort areas,
including increased local funding for improvement of local housing, etc.
- Nature reserves:
Allows Establishment of nature
reserves and National parks; growing tourist's interest and awareness
protects areas from economic building encroachment.
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