Tourism: Growth, Impacts and Sustainable Solutions

What is ecotourism?

• Ecotourism is a type of luxury travel to urban areas.

• Ecotourism focuses solely on adventure sports in remote locations.

• Ecotourism is about visiting theme parks and entertainment centers.

• Ecotourism is responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.

Answer explanation

Ecotourism emphasizes responsible travel to natural areas, aiming to conserve the environment and enhance the well-being of local communities, distinguishing it from luxury travel, adventure sports, or theme park visits.

How does sustainable tourism benefit local communities?

• Sustainable tourism benefits local communities by promoting cultural preservation, creating jobs, and ensuring economic benefits stay within the community.

• Sustainable tourism leads to the destruction of local cultures.

• It increases the cost of living for local residents.

• Sustainable tourism primarily benefits large corporations.

Answer explanation

Sustainable tourism benefits local communities by promoting cultural preservation, creating jobs, and ensuring that economic benefits remain within the community, unlike the other options which suggest negative impacts.

Name one major goal of national parks.

• To promote urban development.

• To increase tourism revenue.

• To provide recreational facilities for sports.

• To preserve natural landscapes and wildlife.

Answer explanation

One major goal of national parks is to preserve natural landscapes and wildlife, ensuring that ecosystems remain intact and biodiversity is protected for future generations.

What are biosphere reserves?

• Biosphere reserves are areas designated for urban development.

• Biosphere reserves are protected areas that promote conservation and sustainable development.

• Biosphere reserves are solely for wildlife protection without human involvement.

• Biosphere reserves are regions that only focus on economic growth.

Answer explanation

Biosphere reserves are designated areas that balance conservation and sustainable development, allowing for both ecological protection and human activity, unlike the other options which misrepresent their purpose.

What are the main parts of a biosphere reserve?

• core zone, buffer zone, trajectory zone

• core zone, buffer zone, transition zone

• core zone, middle zone, transition zone

• central zone, buffer zone, transition zone

Answer explanation

A biosphere reserve consists of three main parts: the core zone, which is strictly protected; the buffer zone, which surrounds the core and allows for limited human activity; and the transition zone, where sustainable development occurs.

How can ecotourism help in wildlife conservation?

• Ecotourism helps in wildlife conservation by generating funds for protection, raising awareness, and promoting sustainable practices.

• Ecotourism leads to habitat destruction.

• Ecotourism decreases local community involvement.

• Ecotourism promotes illegal hunting practices.

Answer explanation

Ecotourism supports wildlife conservation by providing financial resources for protection efforts, increasing public awareness about environmental issues, and encouraging sustainable practices that benefit both wildlife and local communities.

How can tourists minimize their impact on the environment while traveling?

• Using single-use plastics for convenience

• Traveling by private jet to reduce time

• Tourists can minimize their impact by choosing eco-friendly options, reducing waste, and respecting local environments.

• Ignoring local customs and regulations

Answer explanation

The correct choice emphasizes eco-friendly practices, waste reduction, and respect for local environments, which are essential for minimizing environmental impact while traveling.

A national park is declared or owned by the government.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

A national park is indeed declared or owned by the government, which is responsible for its management and conservation. Therefore, the correct answer is True.

What are some negative impacts of mass tourism on local ecosystems?

• Mass tourism can lead to habitat destruction, pollution, and depletion of natural resources.

• Mass tourism helps in the conservation of local wildlife.

• Mass tourism has no significant impact on local ecosystems.

• Mass tourism primarily benefits the local economy without any drawbacks.

Answer explanation

The correct choice highlights that mass tourism can cause habitat destruction, pollution, and depletion of natural resources, which are significant negative impacts on local ecosystems, unlike the other options that downplay these effects.

How does over-tourism affect the cultural heritage of a destination?

• Over-tourism only benefits local artisans and craftsmen.

• Over-tourism can lead to the commercialization and degradation of cultural heritage sites.

• Over-tourism has no effect on cultural heritage.

• Over-tourism enhances the preservation of cultural practices.

Answer explanation

Over-tourism can overwhelm cultural heritage sites, leading to their commercialization and degradation. This often results in a loss of authenticity and can harm the very cultural practices that attract tourists.