Is Tourism in Australia without Detriments - Case Study Example

Tourism in Australia; is it without detriments? (Name) (Institution) (Course) (Module) (Instructor’s Name) (Date of submission) Introduction Tourism is responsible for economic growth in major regions in Australia and in some countries around the world. In fact, in some countries such as Kenya, Macau, Thailand and Vietnam tourism has in the past been the highest foreign exchange earner (Goeldner & Ritchie 2009). In some regions in Australia such as Gold Coast, tourism and tourism related activities are the main economic activities. This implies that stakeholders in tourism in these specific areas have actively worked towards promoting tourism by introducing core features that encourage and support tourism. The economic benefits of tourism have thus encouraged excessive human activities that impact negatively on the environment on many levels. For example a very high number of tourists in a sport-fishing destination pose danger to some fish species in that particular ecosystem. Proponents of tourism argue that the benefits of tourism such as global cultural and social interactions that promotes globalization supersede the impact on the environment. The argument has been that proceeds from tourism can be used in conserving and protecting the environment rather than ban tourism entirely. This paper explores the balance between the detriments and benefits of tourism in Australia. The paper will cover the impact of tourism on the natural environment, the social-cultural environment, the economic environment and the geopolitical environment of Australia. Natural environment Tourism is synonymous with the natural environment including wild and marine life. In most cases, the connection between these two concepts of wildlife and tourism has been on the impact that each has on the other. Tourism is often cited to infringe on the ecological balance owing to their presence in the wild environments. Their presence often interferes with the lives of wild animals (Elliott & Thomas 2009). However, Wilson and Tisdell (1999) sought to clarify this myth on the interaction of tourism and marine life. They studied how non-consumptive wildlife oriented recreation tourism benefits both the economic cause of tourism and also promotes the conservation of wildlife in Australia, specifically sea turtles in their study. They note that non-consumptive use of turtles promotes their preservation in the natural environment which is also conducive for other species. Such preservation of particular species and its natural environment protects it from extinction and also encourages tourism. Winter tourism in the Australian Alps is one of the most relevant examples of how tourism impacts on the natural environment negatively. Resort based skiing is the major recreational activity for tourists in the Alps that mainly border national parks. For instance, ski resorts in New South Wales operate within the subalpine areas of the Kosciusziko National Park. The National Park and Wildlife Service (NPWS) issues leases to such operators. The industry has been on an upward growth trend estimated to be worth Aus$ 50 million annually as of the late 1990’s (Pickering & Hill 2003). With the NPWS issuing more leases to investors many ski resorts have mushroomed in the region. Occupation of these regions by buildings and human activities has affected the ecological balance in the region. Migration of wildlife in the regions is now hampered as ski resorts sometimes block migration paths. The environmental impact of the ski resorts have been overlooked giving weight to their economic benefits. Their activities also impact the environment negatively. The ski resorts have been involved in snow cover manipulation. Due to global warming, the snow cover in the region has been quickly declining implying low business for the ski resorts. The attractiveness of the ski resorts as tourist destinations heavily relies on the quality of snow cover that they can provided to skiers. As a result, the ski resorts have spent millions of dollars in manipulation of snow cover and by also developing infrastructure that will enhance the snow cover and extent. Majority of the ski resorts manipulate the ski slopes to suit ski conditions. Pickering and Hill (2003) note that there have been reports of low level slope grooming in summer where there is selective removal of trees and rock boulders that protrude above the snow in winter. Native vegetation is also affected. Whinam (2003) for instance note that increasing the depth of snow limits the amount of light penetrating it hence affecting germination of seeds in the soil beneath. Originally, most the sub-alpine woodlands were dominated by snow gums, native heaths, grasslands and bogs which have all been phased out to create better ski conditions for tourists by the ski resorts. This distortion of the natural environment and landscape is carried out without proper assessment of the ecological impact o such activities which are often negative. Some animals rely on such vegetation for shelter and food and hence are negatively affected. The natural environment and scenery is also affected by developments of tourism infrastructural facilities such as roads and hotels. The impact on the natural environment is highest when infrastructural developments are carried out near vulnerable environments such as coastlines and beaches. Davenport and Davenport (2006) investigated the impact of transports systems on coastal environments which are developing at a high rate to growth in mass tourism. They indicate that 63% of European holiday goers prefer coastal breaches. This makes Australia one of the most favoured destinations. This also implies that Australia is a recipient of more negative impacts of tourism on the coastal environment. They note that beach hotels are expansive with large area covered in concrete. In case of poor rain water harvesting techniques, the concrete surfaces create a larger than normal surface runoff. This affects the hydrological cycle of that area. Again, large-scale rainwater harvesting also affects the hydrological cycle which in the long run affects the region’s climate. Nature tourism or ecotourism, as is popularly known has gained popularity on its friendliness towards the natural environment though sometimes it has negative impact on the environment. Whinam and Chilcott (2003) studied the impact on walker trampling on the Tasmanian wilderness world heritage area. In modern times, nature walks such as in this particular site are marketed as the eco friendly tourism that promotes the protection and conservation of the natural environment. However, as tourists take their ‘harmless” walks in the wild; they leave human destructive traces on the environment. One of the traces investigated in the Whinam and Chilcott’s (2003) paper is the effect of trampling. Trampling by walkers tend to create pads of walking tracks that have no vegetation. They noted that bushes and shrubs are often cleared to make way for walking tracks. These walking tracks in the long run developed into bare walking tracks, where vegetation cannot thrive due to the tramping by human feet. Trampling along costal lines and beaches has a negative impact on some animals such as sea turtles. While Whinam and Chilcott (2003) notes that trampling affects the natural vegetation during nature walks, Wilson and Tisdell (1999) note that human presence and trampling by feet can crash turtle eggs that are usually buried in sand along beaches. They therefore recommend that some beaches should not be exploited fro tourism purposes. They argue that while turtles can be easily bred in captivity, it is important to allow such vulnerable animals to breed in the natural environment in order to allow them to adapt best to the changing environment. Social cultural The Australian social and cultural way of life is exposed to many influences emanating from tourism and tourism related activities. In some countries such as Thailand, such untraditional ways of life such as homosexuality thrive nowadays due to external influence brought in by tourists. Although Australia has not experienced such phenomenal influences, there are some noteworthy changes on the social cultural environment. Richards and Munsters (2010) observe that the old cultural tourism practices have been responsible for the developments of museums which reached an all time high in the 1980’s in Europe. They argue that societies use museums not as places to preserve their histories but also as places where foreigners can experience their culture. Traditional artefacts and historical objects are preserved for display to tourists in order to enable them to understand the host society better. Museums such as Museum Victoria have been developed with a mind of attracting both local and foreign tourists. As such, things that matter to the local people take a backseat as things that have the highest potential of attracting tourists are given precedence. This is one of the greatest threats of tourism of the social and cultural identity of the Australian people. Australia is one of the most diverse nations in the western world and the unity of the local people and social understanding is attributed to domestic tourism that enhances social and cultural understanding of one another (Richards and Munsters 2010). For long, Australia has been viewed as a country of two subcategories of people; the indigenous and the non indigenous. The social divide between these two groups of people mainly consisted of cultural differences. However, with increase interaction through tourism, the two groups have initiated harmony and ensured national unity. The non aboriginal Australians, especially former settlers have taken to exploring various aboriginal cultures. Such moves have been sponsored by various governments which have recognised aboriginal heritage lands and religious practices. They have given rise to domestic and international tourism (Smith, 2009). As such tourism in Australia has contributed immensely to social and cultural understanding among its people as recognised by Australia’s strategic plan 2002-2006. Mass tourism has led to the loss of cultural identity. Some aboriginal cultural activities, which were previously carried out at specific times of the year are now carried out in some areas to coincide with the tourism seasons. This is most apparent in areas where heritage conservation and protection falls in the hands of private investors. As noted by the Australian Council of National Trust (ACNT), some hotel owners have used certain cultural events, which remain sacred to some aboriginal communities indiscreetly for commercial purposes (Smith, 2009; Tourism Australia 2011). Such practices are not only an insult to the local communities but also violation of ethics in business. However, with the growth in mass tourism, the practice have become more rampant Economic value Tourism is best recognised for its economic contribution to the host communities and country. As of 2003, tourism contributed $48.7 billion to the economy which translated to 8.6% of Australia's Gross Domestic Product (Significance of tourism 2011). Tourism related exports have surpassed traditional exports such as coal in value. The industry also provides employment opportunities both directly and directly. In Western Australia for example, 6% of all the people in employment is as a result of tourism. The increase in employment in tourism and tourism related industries have been eating on the share of the workforce in other industries, however, economists argue that this shift from an manufacturing based economy to a service industry is a common indication of industrial and economic growth. Tourism has negative economic impact if not well addressed. Most notable is over reliance on the tourism industry thereby destabilising other pre-existing industries such as agriculture and manufacturing. Information from one of the world’s favourite destination, Macau in Asia shows that over reliance on tourism affect other industries negatively especially in terms of government support and labour resources (Tourism Australia 2011). The pre-existing industries have to compete for resources such as labour and government subsidies. Destination marketing is often carried out by governments and players in the industry often receive subsidies and tax relief. On the other hand, other industries are not liable to for similar benefits thus denying them an even field in competing for labour resources. Tourism stimulates development of infrastructure and communication lines in destination areas. Economists often view this as both beneficial and detrimental in one or another. Goeldner and Ritchie (2009) argue that development of hospitality facilities such as hotels and resorts are developed in such a manner that they serve only one industry, tourism. They thus argue that any development that impacts on the tourism industry negatively cancels out the usefulness of such resources. The authors also note that tourism is seasonal in most cases hence the economic viability and economic usefulness of such investments is seasonal. They thus argue that tourism encourages below par returns on investments caused by the seasonality of the tourism industry. Seasonality in this case implies that hotels and other employers in the industry rely on temporary employees rather than fulltime employees. Such as labour industry scenario has far reaching effects on spending capacities and patterns of employees which spread to other industries. When this is compared to the manufacturing industries where production is nearly even through the year, then the negative elements of tourism are visible. Geopolitical Countries that rely heavily on international tourism have to align their international relations policy with that of tourism. This is often hard to attain as the two polices may have different and at times contradictory objectives. Francisco (2007) investigated the case of Latin American countries which largely rely upon the US fro tourism. The preference of the countries as tourism destination is determined by the destinations political correctness in the eyes of the US government. This argument is supported by the dependency theory, largely drawn from Leninist and neo-Marxist economic/social theories, which argues that tourism is a powerful tool for metropolitan manipulation. The Latin American situation can be applied to Australia in one way or another. This pertains to the relationship between Australia and her trade partners notably the UK and the US. Australia is mandated to align itself politically with her partners in order to guarantee her position as the preferred destination. Francisco (2007) argues that some actions by destination governments are usually camouflaged in other terms but are basically initiated by political concerns from other countries that form their niche tourism market. Australia is a developed and economically stable country which should not be manipulated by foreign powers. However, peer pressure seems to have its way in appeasing its fellow developed countries that form the country’s niche tourism market. Take for instance the decision to take part in the war in Afghanistan and Iraq. Australia was drawn into the war not through its own conviction that the two Arab nations were a direct threat to Australia but was a show of solidarity with one of its key trade partners, the US. Such actions point out that Australia is not immune to external influence in changing her political views in order to protect her tourism industry. A contrary argument to this theory is that political alignment of destination countries politics with that of niche countries is a marketing strategy. Destination marketers argue that the marketing process has to be customer oriented from the manufacturing to the packaging of the product itself. As such, aligning the destination’s politics with those of ‘client country’ is nothing but playing by the marketing rules. The assumption here therefore is that destination countries respond to market needs which the dependency theorists view as demands. Whichever, the case, destination countries that rely heavily on tourism can be held ransom by their niche markets. Conclusion The discussion on the relevance of tourism to countries is characterised by different and broad views. The impact of tourism has been discussed giving weight to the detrimental effects hidden behind the popularised benefits of tourism. It is necessary that stakeholders in the industry give a fair consideration to tourism. Where benefits outweigh the detriments, it should be promoted. Where the detriments are high, governments should consider stopping tourism altogether especially where the natural environment is concerned. Nonetheless, tourism has benefited Australia in many ways. Therefore, it is upon stakeholders to make the industry sustainable. Environmental concerns must given weight and any arising negative effects well managed. References Buckley, R. (2009). Eco tourism, principle and practices. London: CABI Collins, B. et al (2010). ‘Multi-method research on ethnic cultural tourism’ in Richards, G. & Munsters, W. (eds) Cultural tourism research methods. London: CABI Davenport, J. & Davenport, L. (2006). “The impact of tourism and personal leisure transport on coastal environments: A review” Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 67 (3) 280-292 Elliott, M. & Thomas, I. (2009). Environmental Impact Assessment in Australia: Theory and Practice 5th ed. Taylor & Francis: Sydney Francisco, R (2007). The political impact of tourism dependence in Latin America” in Huybers, T. (ed) Tourism in developing countries. 2nd ed. Sydney: Edward Elgar Publishing Goeldner, C. & Ritchie, J. (2009). Tourism: Principles, Practices, Philosophies. New York: John Wiley and Sons Historic heritage value, pressures and emerging trends. Accessed online from http://www.pc.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/92373/04-chapter2.pdf Pickering, C. & Hill, W. (2003) ‘Ecological changes as a result of winter tourism: snow manipulation in the Australian Alps’ in Buckely, R., Pickering, C & Weaver, D. (eds). Nature based tourism, environment and land management. London: CABI Richards, G. & Munsters, W. (eds) Cultural tourism research methods. London: CABI Significance of tourism. Accessed online form http://www.tourism.vic.gov.au/strategicplan/plan2002_2006/2_significance_tourism/section2_index.htm Smith, M. (2009). Issues in cultural tourism. Melbourne: Taylor & Francis Whinam, J. & Chilcott, M. (2003). “Impacts after four years of experimental trampling on alpine/sub-alpine environments in western Tasmania” Journal of environmental management. 67 (4), 339-351 Wilson, C. & Tisdell, C. (1999). ‘Sea turtles as a non-consumptive tourism resource in Australia’ Economics, ecology and environment. Accessed online from http://espace.library.uq.edu.au/eserv/UQ:184090/WP_32.pdf Read More