A Need For Planning And Proper Programming Should Help In Reaping Positive Impacts of eco and mass tourism

September 28, 2007

The impacts of eco and mass tourism can be seen in widely differing ways with mass tourism not doing what ecotourism does which is to bring renewed internal consciousness as well as instills pride in the native culture of the destination and maintaining the historic sites as well. Ecotourism brings with it many local arts and crafts being developed and revived while mass tourism may see the renovation of sites of historic importance as also the many monuments that are mass tourist attractions.

Lopsided Distribution Of Wealth

The positive impacts of eco and mass tourism can often be negated by the adverse effects of tourism on the locations and also sometimes on the peoples, especially in the case of mass tourism. Though ecotourism does pay heed to preserving the natural resources, there are often instances when it does negatively impact the host country. A good example of the impacts of eco and mass tourism is that though there is increased inflow of foreign capital, the distribution of this wealth may not be even and fair, with much of it, in the case of mass tourism especially, going into the pockets of foreign investors that have ownership of hotels, communication systems and also transportation means.

One of the impacts of eco and mass tourism is that the wealth created it causes an increase in wage divides among the local population, and also between workers in the tourism industry itself who have access to foreign currency as opposed to those who work outside of tourism industry.

In fact, among the impacts of eco and mass tourism you can find that there is an increase in racial and gender divide with the locals being relegated to the lesser jobs while the cream jobs often may go to the foreigners or their representatives. Also, cited as other impacts of eco and mass tourism is the fact that such destinations may often lack for proper infrastructure which means that local governments are not able to properly control influx of people and goods.

The bottom line is that the impacts of eco and mass tourism can be positive and beneficial to the local peoples and host country if they are properly managed and there are in place well-thought out plans as well as programmes. Otherwise, the impacts of eco and mass tourism can lead to devastation of natural habitats and a great culture shock that can put the lives and survival of the local people in danger.

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