Transcript Quick recap – issues with the development of tourism…

Quick recap – issues with the development
of tourism…
What are the problems associated with jobs in
the tourist industry?
They are often low paid, seasonal and menial.
Why does tourism greatly increase the demand
for water supplies?
Tourists expect swimming pools, showers,
landscaped gardens etc.
Why might an increase in international tourism
actually increase hunger in an LEDC?
Land is taken up to grow crops to supply hotels
or farmland is built on so less staple food
crops are produced and prices rise.
Case Study – Opportunities created by tourism - Jamaica
Economic Development
Tourism increasing important to Jamaica’s
economy in recent decades.
31% GDP, employs 300,000, earns £2 billion a
year, largest source of foreign exchange.
Development has also lead to greatly improved
infrastructure – roads, power etc.
Jamaica has been determined to learn from the
‘mistakes’ of other countries and ensure that
the population would gain real benefits from
the growth of tourism.
Environmental Development
Jamaican government working to reduce
the environmental impact of tourism.
National Parks – 3 already designated and
a further 6 identified for future
protection.
Entry fees to the parks pay for
conservation .
Marine parks are attempting to conserve the
coral reef environments off the west coast of
Jamaica. They are at risk from over fishing,
industrial pollution and mass tourism.
The Jamaican Conservation and Development
Trust is responsible for the management of
the national parks while the National
Environmental Planning Agency has overseen
the governments sustainable development
strategy since 2001.
Ecotourism developing e.g. raft trips to River
Rio Grande. Tourists go around in small
groups, boats rely on manpower and only a few
boats on river at any one time to reduce the
environmental impact.
Social Development
Considerable efforts being made to promote
community tourism.
Community Tourism – aspect of tourism industry
which fosters opportunities at the community
level for local people.
Money from tourism filters down to the local
population and small communities.
The Sustainable Communities Foundation (SCF)
through tourism programme has been active in
central and south-west Jamaica.
The Astra Country Inn, Mandeville has been
recognised as a pioneer hotel in community
tourism.
Its work includes:
• Promoting B and B accommodation in private
homes.
• Training local guides.
• Developing community based tourist
attractions.
• Encouraging the development of local
suppliers.
Political Development…
Government has set up a range of
agencies to manage tourist development
and make it more sustainable.
Problems in Jamaica…
Tourism has not been without problems. The behaviour
of some tourists clashes with the island’s traditional
morals.
Some people have a negative image of Jamaica because
of the violence and harassment .
Despite attempts from the government, some
environmental damaged has occurred and biodiversity
has been lost.
The high of ‘winter season’ from mid-December to mid
April is the busiest – it is estimated that 25% of
hotel workers are laid off during the low season –
May to November.