The Extent to Which Tourism Contributes to Sustainable Development - Case Study Example

By Examining the Literature on a Chosen Niche Tourism Segment and By Using Examples, Evaluate the Extent to Which Such Niche Contributes To Sustainable Development Table of Contents Table of Contents 2 Introduction 3 Literature Review 3 Analysis and Evaluation 6 Conclusion 9 Introduction Tourism is a business industry, which provides services as well as facilities to the people having interests in traveling. In a general perspective, tourism is also defined as a travelling activity that includes business purpose, event visiting, recreation and leisure among others. In the present contemporary business scenario, the tourism sector is identified to be segregated on the basis of two segments that include international tourism and domestic tourism (Caribbean Tourism Organization, 2014). With the fluctuation in relation to tastes and preferences of the people, the tourism industry is required to conduct operations with better competitiveness and innovativeness. The niche tourism is considered to be a specified part of the tourism sector, which has been created with due consideration of the demands and likings of the people. Niche marketing is particularly build up depending on the interest of the travellers or tourists. The nature-based tourism is an important part of niche tourism that includes bird watching, wild life tourism and green tourism. As the tourism industry has been growing in a rapid manner, the sector is considered as one of the important economic contributor in the world economy (Ali-Knight, 2011; Sunlu, 2003). Correspondingly, the aim of the essay is to define the niche tourism sector as well as evacuate the importance of the nature-based tourism. The study also focuses on the effectiveness of the contribution of niche marketing in the field of sustainable development. Literature Review According to the Marzuki & et.al. (2014), nature-based tourism is performing as an important economic source for the developing countries. Furthermore, the niche tourism segments i.e. nature-based tourism is identified as an important part of international tourism. Nature-based tourism is one of the key elements of the niche tourism for attracting tourists from global perspective. Nature-based tourism is recognised to be segregated into different segments that include wildlife exertions, original wilderness locations, forest ranging and several adventures opportunities that are considered to be an entertaining activity. In addition, nature-based tourism is recognised to be providing destinations with immense environmental values and development initiatives for the welfare of local community. In this regard, this niche tourism sector is identified to play an important role towards the sustainable growth of the tourism industry. Marzuki & et. al. (2011) elaborated the key significance of the nature-based tourism for the global tourism industry. Nature-based tourist activities are entirely depended on several activities based on natural resources that can be used during the tour. It has been also observed that in the present scenario, people are showing their interest in the natural or green tourism more than commercial tourism. It is also noted that international tourism or global tourism has been succeed due to the popularity of the nature-based tourism to a large extent, as the global people are recognised to be environment conscious (Marzuki & et. al., 2011, Romita, 2007). According to Spenceley (2005), nature-based tourism is recognised to have a bad impact over the environment. As per the study of the author, nature-based tourism is creating an environmental impact for instance, photography in wildlife tourism is considered as one of the negative aspects. Besides that, photography in government restricted areas is considered as disregarding the rules. In a contradictory manner, the report published by Scottish Natural Heritage (2014) implied that nature-based tourism is considered as one of the valuable aspects for niche tourism. The report also elaborated the benefits relating to conservation of wildlife and providing incentives to the communities among others. Additionally, the tourists are able to have better experience of diverse cultural as well as natural resources (Travel and Tourism Publishing, 2015). In this regard, Luzar & et. al. (1995) stated that nature-based tourism, which is better known as ecotourism is depended on urban-based tourism to a certain extent. It also opens the scope of the expansion of this tourism sector in all over the world. As per the view of Luzar & et. al. (1995), nature-based tourism promotes in terms of both cultural and ecological essence of a country. Moreover, the concept of nature-based tourism has been an important consideration for tourism sustainability due to increased interest of global tourists as well as businesses towards eco-friendly products and services. For this reason, nature-based tourism is popular among the people as well as among the world economy in terms of promoting the global tourism industry. In case of long term sustainable economic development, nature-based tourism plays a significant role. It also acts as an influencer for managing the natural resources for long term sustainable development. Luzar & et. al. (1995) further elaborated that tourism in protected or restricted areas reveal natural resources and the wildlife structure to the tourists that will lead to the development in the tourism sector. In this context, Luzar & et. al. (1995) noted that ecological tourism is considered to be the key influencer that will also encourage people to use natural resources. This will also help in conserving natural resources as well as wild animals from further exploitation (Luzar & et. al., 1995; Mirbabayev & Shagazatova, n.d). In accordance with the report of OECD (2008), wildlife plays an important role for the poor people who are suffering from insufficiency. Wildlife helps in providing the necessary products. In this regard, nature-based tourism has reflected high potential regarding sustainable growth in the economy. For the sustainable development, nature-based tourism has been identified to be an effective remedy for saving wild life from extinction. As per the statement of Kiper (2013), it has been identified that sustainable development of ecotourism has provided a huge opportunity and resources for the growth of niche tourism sector. Ecotourism belongs to the wider field of sustainable tourism. In other words, ecotourism is also considered as an alternative tourism that includes visiting to places where the natural resources are found (Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, 2007; Kreag, 2001). In contrast, Neto (2003) noted that tourism or nature-based tourism also has a negative impact on the environment. It is also stated that there are two types of negative impact of tourism has been mirrored on environment which include extensive pressure on natural resources as well as destruction of ecosystem. Neto (2003) further elaborated that there are several places and regions where the natural resources are difficult to be managed. The tourism can make an effect on the availability of natural resources. This negative impact can be harmful for the people who live in such areas. Tourism is identified to be a medium based on which an environment can be affected. The activities of tourist are responsible for creating waste as well as destroying the natural resources (Darowski & et. al., 2007; Neto, 2003; Davies & Cahill, 2000). As per the report of the World Tourism Organisation (2011), sustainable tourism is recognised as the future of the tourism industry. The report explains the destructive approach of commercial tourism has been hampering the environment. In this regard, the report also explains several criteria that can be helpful for the tourism industry. Sustainability in tourism can be helpful to bring back social cohesion and equity as well as it is helpful in marinating economic prosperity on a global basis (World Tourism Organisation, 2011; Pao, 2004, Canty, n.d.). Analysis and Evaluation From the above analysis and evidences of different researchers in relation to niche tourism, it has been observed that the tourism industry is rapidly growing industry. It is also observed that the tourism industry has been played an important role in the development of global economic structure. As per the view of the researchers, nature-based tourism has been playing a significant role for the development process. It has been also stated that nature-based tourism is useful in bringing back the nature and people more closely. In the contemporary business era due to globalization, the popularity of nature-based tourism has been recognised to be an important element for increasing revenue in international tourism industry. In addition, it has been identified that popularity in nature-based tourism is increasing the interest of the people towards environment sustainability. It has been also observed that nature-based tourism is kind of path that connects the people with the nature. It describes that the people who lives in commercial places are mainly attracted by the natural beauty of the environment. In this regard, the people are seeking for nature-based tourism that can give them the prosperity regarding the living nature. In addition, it has been identified that the people who loves to adventure and the wildlife prefer nature-based tourism more as compared to commercial tourism. It has been also stated that nature-based tourism is creating awareness regarding the preservation of wild life and environmental resources. Nature-based tourism also helps the people to understand the importance of proper ecological balance as well as natural resources. It has been identified that forest ranging and photography among others are considered to be one of the most adventurous part of nature-based tourism. In this regard, forest ranging can develop the thinking of people regarding the preservation of the natural resources. As environment and natural resources are important factors for the survival of the people, so the preservation of the natural sources is a vital part of sustainable development. Sustainability in tourism has been able to maintain the heritage of a nation (Sawkar & et. al., 1998). Apart from this, the cultural heritage of a country has been maintained through sustainable development. In this regard, several countries preferred that sustainable tourism would support in establishing harmonious relationship between environment and development of an economy. Respectively, the use of green products during the tour will be beneficial for establishing nature-based tourism in a sustainable way. In order to establish the significance of ecology, an appropriate environment is important for maintaining the ecological balance. Therefore, balancing the environment as well as human activity is important for the people (Rabbany & et. al., 2013, Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity, 2010). In this context, sustainable tourism needs to be planned in an effective way by using the resources efficiently. However, several researchers have stated that the tourism industry has certain negative impact on the ecological factor. The innovation of sustainable tourism in the tourism industry is important for protecting the environment and the future generation. Subsequently, the ecological factor can be significant in assessing the impact of tourism industry on environment as well as on the wild life. Based on the review of nature-based tourism as stated by different researchers, the objective of sustainable tourism is to provide respect and protection to the environment. In this context, sustainable tourism needs to be planned in a very effective manner by involving the resources very efficiently. In addition, it has been recognised that nature-based tourism has been an integral part of the tourism segment for sustainable development in terms of wildlife conservation, economic development and business growth among others (Mróz-Gorgoń, 2013; Mbaiwa, 2002). According to the study of Mróz-Gorgoń (2013), it has been recognised that nature-based tourism is also considered as an important consideration for the growth of an economy. In this respect, this niche tourism segment has been recognised to generate employment opportunities and improve tourist trading among others. Moreover, this segment is an effective medium for the development of a place as a tourist destination. Conclusion From the above discussion, it can be comprehended that niche tourism is beneficial for sustainable development of the tourism industry. It has been also identified that maintaining an ecological balance in the tourism sector is considered as one of the revolutionary steps for further progress and sustainability of the tourism sector. It had been recognised that nature-based tourism is vital for sustainable development. In the present scenario, sustainable factor in the tourism industry has become a focus point, as the niche tourism industry has played an important role for the concept of nature as well as for developing an ecological balance. In this context, it has been also noted that due to globalisation, the tourism industry has become very popular among the people and especially for the niche segment i.e. nature-based tourism, as the people are environment conscious. It has been recognised that tourism industry is an important factor of economic development. In this regard, nature-based tourism is considered as one of the important sources of income for the world economy. Subsequently, sustainable development can be identified in terms of economic growth, attractiveness of a tourist destination, employment opportunities and wildlife conservation. References Cessford, G. R. & Dingwall, P. R., 1999. An Approach to Assessing the Environmental Impacts of Tourism. Department of Conservation, pp. 1-18. Canty, S. W. J., No Date. Positive and Negative Impacts of Dive Tourism: The Case Study of Utila, Honduras. Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies, pp. 1-29. Christensen, A. M. G. & Beckmann, S. C., 1998. Consumers’ Perspectives on Tourism and the Environment. Working Paper, pp. 1-24. Caribbean Tourism Organization, 2014. Developing a Niche Tourism Market Database for the Caribbean. Caribbean Tourism Organisation, pp. 1-84. Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, 2007. Tourism and the Environment. Fáilte Ireland’s Environmental Action Plan, pp. 1-24. Davies, T. & Cahill, S., 2000. Environmental Implications of the Tourism Industry. Discussion Paper, pp. 1-40. Dixon, J. & et. al., 2001. Tourism and the Environment in the Caribbean. An Economic Framework, pp. 1-68. Darowski, L. & et. al., 2007. Negative Impact of Tourism on Hawaii Natives and Environment. Lethbridge Undergraduate Research Journal, pp. 1-13. Egbali, N. & et. al., 2010. Effects of Positive and Negative Rural Tourism (Case Study: Rural Semnan Province). Journal of Geography and Regional Planning, Vol. 4, No. 2, pp. 63-76 Edwards, J., 2009. Challenges in managing and promoting Niche Tourism in the Irpinia Region. School of Services Management, pp. 207-212. Kreag, G., 2001. The Impacts of Tourism. Tourism, pp. 1-20. Luzar, E. J. & et. al., 1995. Evaluating Nature-based Tourism Using the New Environmental Paradigm. Southern Agricultural Economics Association, pp. 544-555. Marzuki, A. & et. al., 2014. Disputes on Nature-Based Tourism Development in Northern Peninsular Malaysia. Tourism Analysis, Vol. 19, pp. 525-530. Marzuki, A. & et. al., 2011. Assessment of Nature-Based Tourism in South Kelantan, Malaysia. TOURISMS: An International Multidisciplinary Journal of Tourism, Vol. 6, No. 1, pp. 281-295. Mróz-Gorgoń, B., 2013. Ecological Innovations in the Concept of Corporate Social Responsibility. Wrocław University of Economics, pp. 703-709. Mekong River Commission, 2010. An Assessment of Environmental Impacts of Tourism in the Lower Mekong Basin. MRC Technical Paper, pp. 1-55. Mirbabayev, B. & Shagazatova, M., No Date. The Economic and Social Impact of Tourism. The Positive and Negative Social and Environmental Impacts of Tourism, pp. 1-5. Mbaiwa, J. E., 2002. The socio-economic and environmental impacts of Tourism development on the Okavango Delta, North-western Botswana. Journal of Arid Environments, Vol. 54, pp. 447-467. OECD, 2009. Wildlife and Nature-Based Tourism for Pro-Poor Growth. The Economics and Politics, pp. 1-159. Pao, J. W., 2004. Recent Developments and Prospects of Macao’s Tourism Industry. Monetary Authority of Macao, pp. 79-95. Romita, T., 2007. Sustainable Tourism: The Environmental Impact of “Undetected” Tourism. University of Calabria, Vol. 2, No. 1, pp. 47-62. Rabbany, G. & et. al., 2013. Environmental Effects of Tourism. American Journal of Environment. Energy and Power Research, Vol. 1, No. 7, pp. 117-130. Spenceley, A., 2005. Nature Based Tourism and Environmental Sustainability in South Africa. Journals of sustainable Tourism, Vol. 13, No. 2, pp. 136-167. Sunlu, U., 2003. Environmental Impacts of Tourism. Ege University, pp. 262-270. Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity, 2010. Tourism for nature & Development. A Good Practice Guide, pp. 1-45. Sawkar, K. & et. al., 1998. Tourism and the Environment Case Studies on Goa, India, and the Maldives. The Economic Development Institute of the World Bank, pp. 1-28. Travel and Tourism Publishing, 2015. Know Positive and Negative Impacts of Tourism on Destinations. National Diploma Level Travel and Tourism, pp. 356-358. UNESCO, 2008. The Effects of Tourism on Culture and the Environment in Asia and the Pacific. Cultural Tourism and Heritage Management in the World Heritage Site of the Ancient Town of Hoi An, Viet Nam, pp. 1-94. UNESCO, 2008. The Effects of Tourism on Culture and the Environment in Asia and the Pacific. Alleviating Poverty and Protecting Cultural and Natural Heritage through Community-Based Ecotourism in Luang Namtha, pp. 1-131. World Tourism Organization, 2011. Tourism and Sustainability. The work of UNWTO, pp., 1-2. Zaei, M. E. & Zaei, M. E., 2013. The Impacts of Tourism Industry on Host Community. European Journal of Tourism Hospitality and Research, Vol. 1, No. 2 pp. 12-21. Read More