Negative Effects of Tourism Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Discussing the negative impacts of tourism.
• Balancing positive and negative aspects is crucial.
• Categories of negative impacts: Economic, Social, and Environmental.

Economic Impacts

• Price Increase for Local Goods
  • Tourists are willing to pay more, inflating prices for locals.
  • Local products become unaffordable for residents.
• Product Availability
  • Tourist areas focus on products for tourists (souvenirs, fashion, electronics).
  • Lack of everyday goods for locals (supermarkets, chemists).
• Housing Prices
  • Popular tourist destinations have expensive housing.
  • Locals may not afford living in tourist-heavy areas (e.g., Malibu).
• Job Market
  • Jobs created by tourism are often seasonal.
  • Low season leads to job loss or reduced income.
  • Tourism jobs can be low-paid with long hours.

Social Impacts

• Erosion of Traditional Values
  • Introduction of foreign elements can conflict with local culture.
  • Traditional values may be compromised.
• Increase in Crime Rates
  • Tourists can become targets for crimes like theft and assault.
• Drug and Alcohol Problems
  • Tourist areas known for partying attract drug and alcohol issues.
  • Examples include Gold Coast, Las Vegas.
• Prostitution
  • Increased demand in tourist areas.

Environmental Impacts

• Strain on Resources
  • Scarce resources like energy, water, and food are further strained.
• Soil Erosion and Pollution
  • Increased traffic leads to more litter, air pollution, and soil erosion.
  • Development along coastlines exacerbates erosion.
• Threats to Animals and Plants
  • Habitats cleared for tourism development (e.g., hotels).
  • Demand for products from endangered species (e.g., ivory).
• Deforestation
  • Forests cleared for development and products, reducing natural forests.

Conclusion

• Importance of understanding negative impacts to manage them.
• Future discussion on managing negative effects through sustainable tourism.
• Next topic: Sustainable Tourism.