Introducing Amazon as a Travel Brochure - Term Paper Example

Student's Name: Course Name and Number: Instructor's Name: Date Submitted: (Word Count: 2793) ECOTOURISM IN THEBRAZIL A map of Brazil Source: brazil.org.uk Introduction Brazil is one of the most explored countries in the world today .The country has more than 12 heritage as well as environmental sites. More recently, the country has emerged as one of the world’s ecotourism countries due to the presence of a high level of biodiversity .Among the fascinating sites in Brazil include the Amazon rainforest ,the Estrada Real, the Atlantic forest, the Pantanal,Cerrado,Caatinga, the coastal region of Rio de Janeiro among others. The hospitality nature of the local citizens also makes Brazil as one of the most preferred tourist destination .A survey which was conducted in by Waugh & Bushel(2005)Showed that Brazilian cities are the most hospitable cities across the globe. With this regards, Brazil is home to tourists from all corners of the world. To shed more light on the ecotourism, this project seeks to introduce in Brazil as a tourist destination .The project will also explore the impacts of ecotourism on Brazilians. Further, it will investigate the push and pull factors that attract visitors to Brazil. Finally, it will explore the major activities that make Brazil be one of the preferred tourist destinations throughout the world. Brazil’s Natural Environment Natural environment plays a significant role of enhancing the local people’s standards of living. Natural environment usually differs from one country to another. However, Brazil is one of the countries that are endowed with enormous natural resources wealth. Some of Brazil’s environmental zones include the following; The Amazon forest is one of Brazil’s environmental zone covers an approximately sixty percent of Brazil’s land surface. The forest is made up of trees of genetic diversity, which acts as a natural reservoir. According to Moreira, Siqueira & Brussaard (2006) the Amazon forest is regarded as the global lungs due to its effect on global warming. The soil in Amazon rainforest does not absorb water, and this, in turn, causes floods in the area. The rainforest, however, is conducive for exotic trees, which provide habitat and food for wild animals and birds in the rainforest (Moreira, Siqueira & Brussaard, 2006, PP.9). Amazon rainforest is home to indigenous tribes among them the Kayapo tribe. These people are known for massive tree felling .They mainly depend on the Amazon rainforest for shelter ,food and traditional medicine .In recent years, the Brazilian government made plan to build hydro-electric dams in the area and this has resulted to displacements of the Kayapo people. A map of Brazil’s Amazon Rainforests Source: destination360.com The Atlantic Rainforest, which covers approximately 1.5 square kilometers, stretches from South-Coast region of Rio Grande do Norte to Rio Grande do Sul is the other environmental zone in Brazil. The forest is famous for its unique trees like the Brazil wood and uncommon species of ferns. Also, Atlantic Rainforest contains various endangered species such as the small monkeys. Map of Brazil’s Atlantic Rainforest Source: en.wikipedia.org Caatinga is another environmental zone in Brazil. The land is characterized by little vegetation due to its unkind climatic conditions. Annual rainfall is extremely low and occurs haphazardly. Among the main activities in Caatinga include hunting and logging. Thus, animals and birds are seen during the night. The land has plenty supply of natural gas, and therefore, it provides the local people with alternative form energy. A map of Caatinga scrub Source: en.wikipedia.org Other ecological zones in Brazil include the Corrado grasslands, the Pantanal marshland and the hilly section of Southern Brazil.   Major features of Brazilian society Brazil is characterized by a lengthy past of a human being settlement. The history of Brazil’s human being settlement dates back in AD 1450.According Blouet, & Blouet (2009), Brazil is home to more than 195,020,298 people. Blouet & Blouet (2009) in their research studies estimated that the population growth rate in Brazil is about 101%. According to them, people are mainly crowded in major cities such as Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. However, there are a sizeable number of people who lives in rural areas such as the Amazon and Atlantic jungles. The main activities that are carried out in Brazil include logging, agriculture and mining. The Northern part of Brazil is mainly inhibited by people of African origin whereas the southern region is mainly occupied by people of Japanese and European origin. Also, half of Brazil’s population is mainly composed of indigenous tribes. A survey, which was conducted by Moreira, Siqueira & Brussaard, (2006) suggested that Brazil’s is a habitat to more than 80 isolated groups. The Indian reserves form the majority of these indigenous tribes. Other indigenous tribes in the Brazil include the Tupis and the Je. These alienated tribes faced disastrous challenges in the past such as hostility from other tribes, enslavement, and destruction of their habitats among others. This in turn, made them change their attitude towards interaction with other local tribes. Brazil was once a section of the Portuguese empire and thus, Portuguese is the national language. Besides this, there are many local languages still spoken in Brazil’s .Among the native languages spoken in Brazil includes the Nheengatu, Arawak, Yanomamo among others. Brazil’s s heritage resources Brazil has an extraordinary rich heritage of what the ancient people experienced, did and transmitted on to their younger generation. This cultural heritage plays a crucial role of linking indigenous forefathers and mothers with their children. According to scholars such as Barbosa (2000) a rich heritage enables future generation to have a feeling of what their past generations used to do several years ago. Tourists across the globe travel to areas with a rich heritage in search of adventure, archeology, and history and to interact with the local communities. Over the past two decades, cultural tourism heritage in Brazil has become an appeal aspect of tourist destination. Tourists usually visit the land in order to experience the rich heritage. The following are some of the heritage resources in Brazil; the way of life of indigenous communities in the Amazon attracts tourists to visit the Brazil. A tourist who hails from urban centers usually gets attracted with the way of life of local communities in the Brazil. For instance, tourists also throng the Amazon rainforest in order to interact with the Kayapo people. These people are deemed to resemble monkeys and also have a rich heritage (Robison & Robison, 2011, pp.643). According to Robison & Robison (2011), Brazilians loves fun and are very friendly. Visitors come across this hospitality in all places that they travel, whether in rural areas or in towns. Brazilians have a strong obsession of soccer and sport is usually organized along national lines. The country boasts as one of the country’s that has a soccer history. The country has won State Championship on many occasions than any other country in the world. As a result, most admires their passionate about the sport and like to identify themselves with the green and yellow colors of Brazil’s national flag. The history of ecotourism in Brazil Ecotourism in Brazil was not a common phenomenon until recently. Today, the concept of ecotourism has been largely embraced throughput the country as an effective way of land usage .While it is believed that the ecotourism in began in early 1960s, the growth can only be regarded as steady, not impressive (Weaver, 2001, pp.182-186). Good evidence that proves that ecotourism is still an infant industry in Brazil is the preference among tourists to visit environmental zones in other countries such as Peru. Nonetheless, Brazil has made tremendous efforts to develop its ecotourism industry in order to enhance tourism. The Brazilian government has partnered with various global non-governmental organizations like the World Wildlife Fund in order to promote ecotourism. Recently, the country leveraged more than US$300 million from leading USA banks in order to expand ecotourism. Furthermore, the government has spent much in developing tourism that is based on the nature. This in turn, has led to job creation among local people. With this regards, the local people have been able to view the rainforest in a different perspective (Weaver, 2001, pp.182). ‘Push’ factors Push factors relates to aspects that enhance the ecotourism activities. These factors thus push tourists from their native countries. For instance, the Brazil’s Trans-Amazon Highway that integrates the Amazon forest with the rest of the country makes the region be among the most preferred destinations in the world. Also, hotels and restaurants in the land are well managed, and this makes Brazil be popular with Australians, Americans and European tourists who normally prefer to visit areas with good infrastructure. The first thing that meets visitors’ eyes at Brazilians’ national parks and reserves is communication masts of various communication companies. This guarantees visitors that they are not lost (Palhares, et.al, 2012, pp.128). ‘Pull’ factors Pull factors relate to those aspects that enhance a tourism brand by attracting tourists to visit a particular region. The pull factors include such aspects as beautiful scenery, nearness to urban centers, superb road network, excellent customer services, and peaceful coexistence amongst tribes, competitive prices and reputation. The following are some of the main pull forces that attract tourists to travel to Brazil; traditional dancers normally provide visitors with the much needed entertainment. There are numerous geological formations that provide tourists with wonderful scenery. There is an abundance of different species of trees and other plants, some with edible fruits. There is ample security in the country, and this allows tourists to set up tents and spend the night in national parks and game reserves without any fear of being harassed by anyone (Adès & Rough Guides, 2004, pp.296). The Carnival event in Brazil also makes Brazil to be famous. The city of Rio de Janeiro also offers fascinating sites to the visitors. Likely motivational factors The availability of many recreational facilities is among the motivational factors that make the region attract special attention of visitors from all parts of the world. The presence of numerous rivers in Brazil acts as a fishing and hunting ground for the local community. Tourists especially those who have never experienced fishing and hunting before find it as an interesting activity (Bowen &Pallister, 2002, pp.143). Most tourists also prefer to hike in the Amazon and Atlantic Rainforests. The rain forest usually becomes remote as one travels inland, and this provides adventurous tourists with a great challenge (Epstein & Villegas-Remers, 2008, pp.38). The favorable climatic conditions in the country also act as motivational factors. For instance, Amazon and Atlantic rainforests are characterized by humid and hot climate, which varies throughout the land. In order to endure these climatic conditions, trees normally form a canopy. The trees are also homes to hundreds of bird species, and this offers tourists with breathtaking bird-viewing experience (Epstein & Villegas-Remers, 2008, pp.38). Promotion of Brazil as a tourist destination Promotion of Brazil as a tourist destination is mainly done by special agencies such as the Embratur. Embratur is a national agency under the ministry of Tourism and has introduced various measures, which are aimed, at marketing Brazil as preferred tourist destination. Among the measures introduced by Embratur include the Municipalizaton of Tourism, private sector partnership and professional training (Kunkel, 2010, pp.8). Activities of tourists in Brazil Over the last few years, activities of tourists in Brazil have greatly increased. These activities include the following; Tourists mainly pre-occupy themselves with rock climbing in Brazil. Large mountains such as Pico da Neblina provide visitors with spectacular picnic sites. For those in love with camping, the wilderness provides a fantastic camping site. Tourist normally set up their tents and spend nights in the wilderness under the watchful eye of the security provided by park management. Blouet & Blouet (2009) in their studies stated that tourists also prefer visiting the water falls which are found in inland Brazil. The water falls thunderously over a 30m deep slope. Tourists are usually delighted by watching energetic bodies of young divers. The boys enthusiastically drop with gusto into a rather rocky river bed that describes the fall. Boating is another tourist activity in Brazil. Tourists who travel to areas with navigable rivers such as the Amazon prefers boating as their main means of transportation. Hlobil (2009) argued that boating enables visitors to have a clear view of the rainforest as well as the wildlife that resides near the river banks. Another thrilling activity in Brazil is tree climbing that is, canopy tours. Tourists usually find it exciting to climb the leafy canopy of the jungles using safety harness lines. Climbing to the tree tops allows them to have a superb view of the forest cover and the surrounding animals and birds. Also, tourists prefer to use canopy tours to cross through the jungle (Hlobil, 2009, pp.58). The impact of tourism on the people of Brazil A research, which was done by Zeppel, (2007) argued that ecotourism in Brazil has played a prominent role of diversifying and increasing the rate base of the local people. This is because it has encouraged the establishment of new business ventures into country. This injection of new money from outside the country enhances the local economy. Some of the main economic benefits associated with tourism in Brazil include the following; it helps to create employment opportunities. About 460 jobs are created annually in Brazil. Most local people are employed in small firms such as hotels, service stations and tour firms that provide support to the tourism industry. Ecotourism enables the local people to enjoy good infrastructural facilities like the road networks, hospitals, police stations and schools. As the needs of tourist’s increases, the growing local population also benefits from local infrastructure development (Buckley, 2004, pp.293). Zanotti & Cherlena (2008) in their studies suggested that ecotourism in Brazil also help to raise the living standards of the local people. It provides the local people with an opportunity to exchange local goods such as alcohol and food with cash. According to Zanotti & Cherlena (2008), ecotourism in Brazil plays a significant role of protecting and revitalizing the local culture. It also enhances empowerment and community participation, cultural appreciation among other multiplier effects. On the other hand, ecotourism also poses great disadvantages to the local people. Ecotourism usually causes such effects as displacement and resettlements. It also causes conflicts over land and resource ownership, habitat annihilation, pollution, overcrowding, and modification of local culture (Zanotti & Cherlena, 2008, pp.495-521). Accommodation in Brazil There are world class hotels that offer unique services to guests in Brazil. Such 5 star hotels as Aquario in Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro offer comfortable sleep to the weary tourists. Also, some tourists in Brazil prefer to sleep in shelters made of bamboo trees. Others prefer to stay in thatched roof houses. Most tourists usually regard the fantastic accommodations as extra worth paying for and thus, they tend to come back to them (Schlecht, N.E.2012, pp.298). Gastronomic experiments in Brazil Most tourists normally visit Brazil because of the Gastronomic experiences. The guests are offered with an opportunity of savoring various dishes during their stay in the country. Dishes usually range from quick foods to set menus. According to Bowen &Pallister (2002), traditional dishes are also available in many restaurants throughout Brazil. For instance, visitors usually flock the country in order to have the Brazil-nut. The Brazil-nut is a special nut which is used to prepare various foods. Guarana is another fruit that is grows in Brazil. The fruit is found virtually in all settlements throughout the land. The fruit acts as a stimulant that is, it is used in parties by those people who prefers to stay awake throughout the night .Also, tourists tour Brazil in order to eat the manioc food of the Kayapo people (Hammond, 2005, pp.446). Transportation A study, which was conducted by Adès & Rough Guides, (2004) argued that public vehicles are the common modes of transport in Brazil. However, there are other means of transport readily available such as boating and air transport. Certain regions in Brazil such as Amazon rainforest are inaccessible .As a result, visitors are forced to use river in order to move from one point to another. Conclusion Brazil provides ultimate panoramic experience that relieves visitors the hustle and bustle of the noisy and ever fast life. Due to its rich heritage, Brazil’s is home to tens of thousand of visitors. Ecotourism in the region has been given much preference over the last few years. There are world class hotels throughout Brazil that provide guests with accommodation facilities. Ecotourism in Brazil generates both positive and negative impacts on the host community. Through sound management and conservation plan, Brazil will emerge as one of the most preferred tourist destination across the globe. Brazilian leaders should ensure that strong policies and institutions are established in order to support the sustainability use of natural wealth. References Adès, H & Rough Guides.2004.The Rough Guide to South America. London: Rough Guides. Barbosa, L.C.2000.The Brazilian Amazon Rainforest: Global Ecopolitics, Development, and Democracy. New York: University Press of America. Blouet, B.W & Blouet, O.M.2009.Latin America and the Caribbean: A Systematic and Regional Survey.Ed:6.Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons. Bowen, A &Pallister, J.2002.Understanding GCSE Geography.Ed:2. New Orleans. Heinemann. Buckley, R.2004.Environmental Impacts of Ecotourism.London: CABI. Epstein, I & Villegas-Remers, E.2008.Central and South America, Volume 1.Westport: Greenwood Publishing Group. Hammond, D.S.2005.Atlantic Forests of the Guiana Shield: Ancient Forests in a Modern World.London: CABI. Hlobil, H.2009.Transformation and Healing by Ayahuasca Spirit in the Amazonian Rainforest.Philadelphia: Dorrance Publishing. Kunkel, L.M.2010.Ecotourism in Brazil: Case Study of the „Legal Amazon.Munich: GRIN Verlag. Moreira, F.M.S, Siqueira, J.O & Brussaard, L.2006.Soil Biodiversity in Amazonian and Other Brazilian Ecosystems.London: CABI. Palhares, G .et.al.2012.Tourism in Brazil: Environment, Management and Segments.London: Routledge. Robison, A & Robison, G.2011.Brazil Handbook.ED:7.Bath: Footprint Travel Guides. Schlecht, N.E.2012.Frommer’s Peru Day by Day.Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons. Waugh, D & Bushell, T.2005.Key Geography New Places.London: Nelson Thornes. Weaver, D.B.2001.The Encyclopedia of Ecotourism.London: CABI Publishing. Zanotti, L & Cherlena, J.2008.Conflicting Cultures of Nature: Ecotourism, Education and the Kayapo of the Brazilian Amazon.Vol.10, No.4.November, pp.495-521, (online ProQuest) Zeppel, H.2007.Indigenous Ecotourism: Sustainable Development and Management.Vol:3.London: CABI. Read More