What can be done to solve the problems caused by international tourism - Essay Example

Essay Lecturer Problems Caused by International Tourism International tourism is one of the sectors in the worldeconomy that has continued to experience tremendous growth. International tourism has considerable social, cultural, economic and environmental effects. These effects are both positive and negative (Rabanny, et al., 2013 p. 117). This essay examines the negative environmental effects caused by international tourism and evaluates strategies that can be employed to tackle these problems.

The negative impacts of international tourism can be categorized into two major groups: resource usage and pollution (Faraji & Aghajani, 2010 p. 39). When it comes to resource usage, international tourism puts pressure on the available natural resources due to increased consumption. Water is one of the resources that is overused for swimming pools, hotels and golf courses among other uses. Secondly, resource usage creates pressure on the local resources such as food, energy and raw materials.

Finally, international tourism may lead to land degradation, where the need for recreational and tourism facilities has put pressure on forests, minerals, wetlands and wildlife (Sunlu, 2003 p. 264). The second aspect is pollution, and the main forms of pollution include air pollution, solid waste discharge and sewage pollution. Just as there are varied impacts of international tourism on the environment, so are the solutions. Some of the key strategies that can be used are discussed. First, many have called for the development of Environmental Education, which aims at making the local populations aware and conscious of their environment (Skanavis & Sakellari, 2011 p. 241). Such programs target the tourists and teach them on how best to enjoy their holidays/vacations without causing significant damage to the environment.

This appears to be the most effective way since it places the idea of environmental conservation in the hands of the locals and the tourists themselves who are the major stakeholders in this industry. Secondly, there is need for governments and local authorities to put measures in place that will promote responsible and sustainable forms of tourism (Borelli & Brogna, 2000 p. 8). Through this approach, the government can regulate the types of tourist activities that take place in the country. This will also control the materials/products brought into the country by the tourists which could harm the environment.

Since this is a legislative approach, there is the likelihood that political interference might derail the formulation of necessary laws. If such legislation or laws are past, regulation of tourist activities can be effective. Third, these environmental problems can be managed through proper environmental management of the various tourist facilities. This strategy can help ensure that the materials used in making and maintaining of these facilities is environmentally friendly and are sustainably obtained (Sunlu, 2003 p. 268). This approach can help tackle the problem of waste management and disposal.

This approach however might be more effective for the new facilities as opposed to the existing ones. Finally, direct financial contributions and collections from tourists and tour operators can be used for environmental management and protection (Faraji & Aghajani, 2010 p. 40). In addition, tourists/operators/hotel owners should be fined if found engaging or promoting unsustainable and environmentally unfriendly activities. This approach will make everyone involved in the tourism sector more cautious of their activities.

In conclusion, it is clear that tackling the environmental problems caused by tourism requires the use of a variety of strategies. However, environmental education is the first major step that can be taken in addressing these problems. ReferencesBorelli, S and Brogna, M (2000). Responsible tourism in the Mediterranean. Current Threats and Opportunities. World Wide Fund for Nature, Rome: pp. 1-17Faraji, A and Aghajani, S (2010). The Relationship between Tourism and Environment. Iranian Journal of Tourism & Hospitality, 1(1), pp.

37-48Rabbany, G et al (2013). Environmental Effects of Tourism. American Journal of Environment, Energy and Power Research, 1(7) pp. 117-130Skanavis , C and Sakellari ,M (2011). International Tourism, Domestic tourism and Environmental Change: Environmental Education can find the Balance. Tourismos: An International Multidisciplinary Journal of Tourism, 6(1) pp. 233-249Sunlu U (2003) Environmental impacts of tourism. In :Camarda D . (ed.), Grassini L. (Ed.). Local resources and global trades: Environments and agriculture in the Mediterranean region.

Bari: CIHEAM pp. 263-270