IGCSE Geography – Tourism
1. What is Tourism?
Tourism is the movement of people to places outside their usual environment for leisure, business, or other purposes for a limited period of time.
Tourists usually stay in a place for at least one night but less than a year.
Types of Tourism
- Domestic tourism – travel within one’s own country.
- International tourism – travel to another country.
Example:
- A Kenyan visiting the coast of Mombasa is a domestic tourist.
- Someone traveling from Germany to Kenya is an international tourist.
Tourism is part of the tertiary (service) sector of the economy.
2. Growth of Tourism
Tourism has grown rapidly over the last century.
Many people travel today because of improvements in transport, income, and technology.
The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) reports that international tourism has increased significantly since the mid-20th century.
3. Reasons for the Growth of Tourism
1. Higher Incomes
Many people now have higher disposable income, meaning money left after paying for basic needs.
This allows people to spend money on:
- Holidays
- Travel
- Leisure activities
2. More Leisure Time
Changes in working conditions have increased leisure time.
Examples:
- Paid holidays
- Shorter working hours
- Longer retirement periods
3. Improved Transport
Modern transport makes travel faster and cheaper.
Examples:
- Commercial air travel
- High-speed trains
- Cruise ships
Air travel has become cheaper due to budget airlines.
Example airlines include:
- Ryanair
- EasyJet
4. Improved Technology
The internet makes it easier to:
- Book flights
- Book hotels
- Plan holidays
Examples:
- Online booking websites
- Travel apps
Example platforms:
- Booking.com
- Airbnb
5. Better Marketing
Countries promote tourism through:
- Advertisements
- Travel agencies
- Tourism campaigns
Governments often encourage tourism to increase national income.
4. Tourist Attractions
Tourists travel to places because of attractions.
Attractions are features that make a place interesting or enjoyable to visit.
There are two main types:
1. Physical (Natural) Attractions
These are natural features of the environment.
Examples include:
- Beaches
- Mountains
- Wildlife
- Rivers
- Waterfalls
Examples of famous attractions:
- Mount Everest
- Niagara Falls
- Maasai Mara National Reserve
These attract tourists interested in:
- Nature
- Adventure tourism
- Wildlife safaris
2. Human Attractions
These are features created by people.
Examples include:
- Historic sites
- Cultural festivals
- Theme parks
- Museums
- Sports events
Examples:
- Eiffel Tower
- Great Wall of China
Tourists may also visit cities for:
- Shopping
- Culture
- Entertainment
5. Benefits of Tourism
Tourism brings many advantages to receiving areas.
1. Economic Benefits
Employment
Tourism creates jobs in areas such as:
- Hotels
- Restaurants
- Transport
- Tour guiding
Example jobs:
- Hotel workers
- Taxi drivers
- Tour guides
Income and Foreign Exchange
International tourists bring foreign currency into a country.
This helps improve:
- National income
- Balance of payments
Tourism is a major income source in countries such as:
- Thailand
- Spain
Development of Infrastructure
Tourism often leads to improvements in:
- Roads
- Airports
- Water supply
- Electricity
Local residents also benefit from these improvements.
2. Social Benefits
Tourism promotes cultural exchange.
Benefits include:
- Greater understanding between cultures
- Preservation of traditions
- Promotion of local crafts and culture
3. Environmental Benefits
Tourism can encourage conservation.
Examples:
- National parks
- Wildlife protection
- Environmental awareness
Example:
Wildlife conservation in Serengeti National Park.
6. Disadvantages of Tourism
Tourism can also create problems.
1. Environmental Problems
Large numbers of tourists can damage the environment.
Examples:
- Pollution
- Litter
- Damage to wildlife habitats
- Coastal erosion
2. Pressure on Local Resources
Tourists may increase demand for:
- Water
- Energy
- Food
This may cause shortages for local residents.
3. Economic Problems
Tourism income may be unevenly distributed.
Problems include:
- Seasonal employment
- Low wages
- Profits leaving the country (foreign companies)
4. Cultural Impacts
Tourism may lead to:
- Loss of traditional culture
- Cultural conflicts
- Overcrowding
7. Sustainable Tourism
Sustainable tourism means tourism that meets current needs without damaging the environment or harming future generations.
The aim is to balance:
- Economic benefits
- Environmental protection
- Social wellbeing
8. Methods of Managing Tourism Sustainably
1. Protecting Natural Areas
Governments may:
- Create national parks
- Limit visitor numbers
- Protect wildlife habitats
Example:
Visitor limits in sensitive ecosystems.
2. Eco-Tourism
Eco-tourism focuses on responsible travel to natural areas.
Features:
- Small tourist groups
- Minimal environmental impact
- Support for local communities
Example:
Eco-lodges near wildlife reserves.
3. Education and Awareness
Tourists are encouraged to:
- Respect local cultures
- Avoid littering
- Protect wildlife
4. Planning and Regulation
Governments may control:
- Hotel construction
- Tourist numbers
- Waste management
This prevents overdevelopment.
9. Case Study – Area Where Tourism is Important
Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Location
The Maasai Mara is located in southwestern Kenya near the border with Tanzania.
Tourist Attractions
Physical attractions:
- Wildlife safaris
- The Great Migration
- Savannah landscapes
Human attractions:
- Maasai culture
- Cultural villages
- Traditional crafts
The Great Migration involves millions of animals moving between the Maasai Mara and the Serengeti National Park.
Benefits of Tourism
Employment
- Safari guides
- Hotel staff
- Park rangers
Economic growth
- Tourism brings foreign exchange.
Infrastructure
- Improved roads and airports.
Problems Caused by Tourism
Environmental impacts
- Vehicle damage to grassland
- Disturbance to wildlife
Cultural impacts
- Commercialisation of Maasai culture
Overcrowding
- Too many safari vehicles in peak seasons.
Sustainable Management
Measures include:
- Limiting tourist numbers
- Wildlife conservation programs
- Eco-friendly lodges
- Involving local communities in tourism
These help ensure tourism remains sustainable.
10. Exam Tips
Tip 1
Always distinguish between physical and human attractions.
Example:
- Physical: mountains
- Human: historical monuments
Tip 2
For evaluation questions, include both:
- Advantages
- Disadvantages
Tip 3
Use place-specific examples.
Example:
“Wildlife tourism in the Maasai Mara attracts visitors from around the world.”
Tip 4
For 6–7 mark questions, include:
- Explanation
- Examples
- Balanced argument
11. Key Terms to Remember
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Tourism | Travel for leisure or business |
| Tourist attraction | Feature that attracts visitors |
| Eco-tourism | Responsible travel to natural areas |
| Sustainable tourism | Tourism that protects the environment and future resources |
| Infrastructure | Basic services like roads and electricity |
| Foreign exchange | Money earned from international visitors |