Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
subsequent resource analysis is one area where human and physical geographers find
common ground in studying visitor issues (Johnston 1983b; Butler 2000; Mason 2003).
However, another reason is the sheer significance of the physical environment for the
recreation and tourism industry. As Mathieson and Wall (1982:97) commented: 'In the
absence of an attractive environment, there would be little tourism. Ranging from the
basic attractions of sun, sea and sand to the undoubted appeal of historic sites and
structures, the environment is the foundation of the tourist industry.'
The relationship between tourism and the environment is site and culture dependent
and will likely change through time and in relation to broader economic, environmental
and social concerns. As noted in Chapter3, the recognition of something as a resource is
the result of human perception, so it is also with the recognition that there are undesirable
impacts on a environmental resource.
Increasing attention has been given to the impacts that tourism and recreation may
have on the environmental and physical characteristics of a host community since the
early 1970s (Walter 1975; Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development
1980; Murphy 1985; S.L.J.Smith 1995). Interest in this area of applied geography is
partly a response to the growth of tourism and the sheer impact that increased numbers of
visitors will have on specific sites. However, concern has also developed because of the
activities of environmental interest groups which have often provided an advocacy role
for geographers in terms of arguing the results of the research and scholarship in direct
involvement in the planning and policy process (Hall 1992a; Mercer 2000,2004). The rise
of the environmental movement has not only led to improvements in conservation
practices but also encouraged public interest in natural areas. However,
'environmentalism' and 'environmentalist' are oft-used terms that are frustratingly vague.
According to O'Riordan and Turner (1984):
Although environmentalists are not the only people who object to much of
what they interpret as modern day values, aspirations and ways of life, it
is probably fair to say that one of the two things which unite their
disparate perceptions is a wish to alter many of the unjust and foolhardy
features they associate with modern capitalism of both a state and private
variety. The other common interest is a commitment to cut waste and
reduce profligacy by consuming resources more frugally.
Environmentalists do not agree, however, about how the transition should
be achieved.
(O'Riordan and Turner 1984:1)
Nevertheless, despite confusion about what is meant by an environmentally 'responsible'
approach to tourism development, it is apparent that the protection of the natural and
cultural resources upon which tourism is based is essential for the sustainable
development of a location (Hall and Lew 1998).
There is no fundamental difference in conducting research on the effects of tourism on
the natural environment and research on the environmental impacts of recreation. The
footprints of a recreationalist are the same as those of the tourist. The majority of research
has been undertaken on the effects of tourism and recreation on wildlife and the
trampling of vegetation, with relatively little attention being given to impacts on soils and
