Tourism strategies

Ecotourism

• Many governments in developing countries have set up national parks to conserve and protect their fragile environments in order to profit from tourists.
• Limited numbers of people are allowed to visit certain places. For example, daily numbers are limited on The Inca Trail in Peru to conserve the beautiful landscape and ancient dwellings.
• Tours have to be small scale. Holiday companies like have maximum group sizes.

Tourism

National and local governments have a responsibility to manage tourism. Strategies will vary depending upon the tourist resort or visitor attraction. Many strategies will apply to all tourist areas, for example:

• Tourist information centres are located in most cities, national parks and areas of tourist interest.
• Signs to advise do's and don'ts.
• Designated footpaths are built to encourage people away from fragile areas.
• Surfaced car parks are built to keep cars off the roads and minimise traffic congestion.
• Guides to educate people on responsible tourism.

Coastal resorts

• Blue Flag Campaign to ensure cleaner beaches.
• Installation of more sewage treatment plants to minimise the risk of water pollution and diseases.
• Education – signs up in resorts highlighting the dos and don'ts.
• Carbon tax to offset carbon emissions from flights to coastal resorts abroad.
• Holiday reps in resorts advise tourists on responsible tourism.

National parks in the UK

• Designating areas as national parks can help to conserve them.
• Park Rangers and guides offer advice to the public.
• Leaflets and TV adverts help to educate visitors to follow the Outdoor Access Code.
• Restricted areas to protect fragile landscapes, eg viewing platform at the top of Cairngorm mountain.
• 'Honeypots' such as picnic spots attract people away from the most fragile areas, eg Malham in the Yorkshire Dales.
• Traffic calming measures in villages.
• Park and Ride schemes to reduce the number of cars on the roads.
• Sign-posted walks to keep people away from fragile areas.
• Designated cycle routes.
• Removal of litter bins to encourage tourists to take their litter home and dispose of it.
• Bird sanctuaries and nature reserves help protect wildlife.
• Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Sites of Special Scientific Interest are assigned to protect important landscapes and habitats.
• Organised wildlife safaris in Africa's national parks, eg Kenya.