On our way back to Brisbane, we stopped at Bond University in the Gold Coast to meet Professor Robert Nash. Teaching tourism and hospitality management at Bond University, Professor Nash's research focus is peripherality and development issues related to destinations in peripheral locations.Professor Nash lectured us on economic and environmental impacts to tourism all over the world. It was different to be at a university… in a lecture hall… with a professor… lecturing class. Well, I can now tell my Mom I technically went to school while studying abroad.
Professor Nash's lecture was interesting to say the least. I would classify Professor Nash as an extremist due to his unrealistic expectations. He practically laughed when we said we ventured to Lady Elliot Island: an Eco Tourist Resort. He believes there is no such thing "eco tourism". Since we were present on the coral reef, he knew we had to have damaged it. Okay, well maybe I did possibly hit the reef with my knee a couple of times… causing a scar here and there on my knees… but just maybe.
How are we supposed to learn about our environment if we cannot venture out to see it? There needs to be a balance, and I truly believe Lady Elliot Island is a justifiable example of a balance between eco-friendly and tourism. The island has it's own sustainability program, protects the wildlife and closely monitors their guests to ensure there is no foul play. Professor Nash did not give a justifiable solution. He blatantly said, do not go. Sorry Professor Nash, but I'll have to disagree with that method of travel.
Economic benefits: direct and indirect employment, quickest way to build a poor economy, brings in taxes, infrastructure investments, household income, re-investment within local economies
Economic drawbacks: opportunity costs (ex. sporting events-->money goes to tourism instead of social needs), local population pays price for developments, over dependence on tourism, inflation/rise in land prices, local businesses close due to competition (mcdonalds), large corps come and $$$ goes to their corps and not to local community
Negative impacts of tourism on the environment: change in character of a building, overloading of roads/water supplies/electricity grids, deforestation (ex. nepal for trekking), polution, over development along coastlines/ski resorts, distrubance of wildlife during safaris (Kenya), destruction of coral reef, aesthetic pollution, 'loud clothes' pollution, litter, air, noise
Positive impacts of tourism on environment: infrastructure development, conservation of natural/archaelogical/historical areas, restoration of buildings, accesibility to remote areas, environment management for tourist uses--canals, sea walls, land reclamation, cleaning up of environment, wildlife management projects
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