The Phases of Tourism Development and Their Impacts on Economy, Environment, and Culture

Exploration: Tourism Development Phases

Tourism is limited. The social and economic benefits are small. Tourist attractions are likely to be focused on nature or culture.

Involvement

The beginning of tourism development. Governments may be under pressure to develop transport infrastructure and community resources.

Development

New roads, train stations, and airports may be built. New tourist attractions may emerge. Hotels and hospitality provisions will be put in place.

Consolidation

Tourism growth slows, to keep tourist products and services exclusive.

Stagnation

Decline in tourism, numbers may have reached their peak and varying capacities may be met.

Rejuvenation and Decline

Possible outcomes for the destinations along the spectrum between rejuvenation and decline. The outcome of this will depend upon the plans and actions of the stakeholders of said tourism development project.

Economic Impacts

Positive:

• Contributes to income and standard of living
• Improves local economy
• Create job opportunities and new business

Negative:

• Increase price of goods and services
• Increase price of land and housing
• Seasonal tourism creates high risk, unemployment issues

Tourism Impacts on Residents

1. Euphoria: The population of the destination might feel euphoric at the prospect of tourism in the area. Associated with the initial development of the destination.
2. Apathy: Still erring on the side of positivity, and more formal contact with tourists starts to develop. Residents will begin to see these tourists as a source of both income and investment.
3. Irritation: Negative emotion. Residents see the negative side of tourism: overcrowding, too much traffic, littering, investment spent on tourist activities/amenities…
4. Antagonism: Residents express their irritation in different ways, tourists are seen as a cause of a problem.

Environmental Impacts

Positive:

• Preserve historic buildings and monuments
• Improve areas appearance
• Protection of selected natural areas

Negative:

• Pollution
• Loss of natural landscape and agricultural tools to tourism development
• Loss of open space
• Destruction of flora and fauna

Social/Cultural Impacts

Positive:

• Improves quality of life
• Promotes cultural exchange
• Facilitates meeting visitors, increases demand for historical and cultural exhibits

Negative:

• Language and cultural effects
• Negative changes in values and customs
• Exclusion of locals from natural resources