26.4 Sustainable Tourism ‘Take only photographs and leave only footprints’
This is the slogan for sustainable tourism. It means that tourism can be used to provide both employment and a source of income, but it must do so without damaging the natural environment, so that future generations can benefit from it.
The Alps „ „
Developing eco-friendlier travel packages with rail operators for arriving and departing guests, or organising buses or vans to pick up groups of guests, thereby reducing carbon footprint
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Reducing the number of new ski slopes created each year
The Mediterranean „„
Measuring and monitoring the environmental impacts of tourism activities on the landscape
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Identifying, protecting and restoring vulnerable and damaged coastal landscapes
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Reducing the number of high- rise hotels built directly on coastlines
Ireland „„
Promoting the ‘Tidy Towns’ competition, encouraging locals to maintain towns and villages throughout the country
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Encouraging travel by rail, bus and bike, and opening up walking routes around Ireland, in an effort to reduce carbon footprint
1. What is sustainable tourism? 2. List two steps each country/region discussed in this chapter have taken to ensure tourism is more sustainable for the future.
3. Which country/region in your opinion has the better approach towards achieving sustainable tourism? Give a reason for your answer.
