Tourism and
Hospitality Studies
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
OF TOURISM
, ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF TOURISM
The quality of the environment, both natural and man-
made, is essential to tourism.
However, tourism's relationship with the environment is
complex - many activities can have adverse environmental
effects.
Many of these impacts are linked with the construction of
general infrastructure such as roads and airports, and of
tourism facilities, including resorts, hotels, restaurants,
shops, golf courses and marinas.
The negative impacts of tourism development can
gradually destroy the environmental resources on which it
depends.
On the other hand, tourism has the potential to create
beneficial effects on the environment by contributing to
environmental protection and conservation.
It is a way to raise awareness of environmental values and
it can serve as a tool to finance protection of natural areas
and increase their economic importance 2
, ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF TOURISM
3