Contemporary issue assignment

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Edexcel/BTEC HND Travel & Tourism Management

Contemporary issue

Individual assignment

Zonova Anna

TT1

Alpine Center 2008

Contents

Introduction……………………………………………………………………1

  1. Tourism in Maldives ………………………………………………………….1
  2. Impacts of tourism on economy, environment and social-cultural……………2

2.1Economic impacts of tourism on the Maldives……………………….,2

2.2 Environmental impact of tourism on the Maldives…………………..4

2.3 Social-cultural impacts of tourism on the Maldives………………….6

3. Suggestions for the future to protect the Maldives............................................9

4. Conclusion ........................................................................................................10

References

For a tourism-based economy to sustain itself in local communities, the

residents must be willing partners in the process. Their attitudes

toward tourism and perceptions of its impact on community life must

be continually assessed. (Allen et al. 1988)

Introduction

 I have been approached by a tourism organisation to assist in researching the current and potential impacts of tourism development in a destination. I chose the Maldives because they have an impressive record of growth, while at the same time rapidly expanding their lodging capacity. There are major factors that have clearly contributed to this phenomenal growth. The remote island nature of the Maldives has been nurtured, even if guests fly in Boeing Triple Sevens and other large aircraft.

1.Tourism in the Maldives

The Maldives consists of a chain of 26 coral atolls straddling the equator south west of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean. The country occupies an area of sea measuring 754 kilometres in length and 118 kilometres wide where there are 1192 islands, only a small proportion of which are inhabited, and almost 80% of land is a metre or less in height (Domroes, 2001). Its distinctive geography and tropical climate are valuable tourism resources and the industry has grown rapidly since the 1970s when the first resorts were constructed on two islands. By 2007, there were 89 resort islands with over 17,000 beds and a further 35 islands were available for development (MTCA, 2007a).

Tourism grew at a rate of 11.6 percent between 1972 and 2005; 26.5 percent between 1972 and 1982; and 6.7 percent since 1982. These rates are well above regional or global growth rates, as might be expected for a successful emerging market. Total bednights exceeded 5 million for the first time in 2004 and the Maldives has shown steady growth since the late 1980s. The three key original markets were Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom and these continue to be the core of the Maldives travel industry. However, new markets are also emerging regularly. While recent growth has been noted in markets such as Russia, China, Japan, and Australia, Europe still accounts for 80 percent of Maldivian tourism and Asia for 10 percent.

Tourists to the Maldives have tended to be couples in recent years. The honeymoon market has been strong, but there are signs that family travel, in spite of the cost, is becoming more frequent. Originally, Maldives was a diving destination and still is, but now many travel simply for the "sea and sand" and the opportunity to unwind.

2. Impacts of tourism on economy, environment and social-cultural.

A goal of developing the tourism industry in a community is maximizing selected positive impacts while minimizing potential negative impacts. First, it is essential to identify the possible impacts. (Cooper C, Fletcher J, 2008)

2.1 Economic impacts of tourism on the Maldives.

Tourism, Maldives' largest industry, accounts for 28% of GDP and more than 60% of the Maldives' foreign exchange receipts. Over 90% of government tax revenue comes from import duties and tourism-related taxes. Fishing is the second leading sector.(Tourism sector and its potential 2007)

Positive impacts

Particularly in Maldives tourism increases employment opportunities. Additional jobs, ranging from low-wage entry-level to high-paying professional positions in management and technical fields, generate income and raise standards of living. Maldives has the highest ratio of international tourism receipts to GDP (49.8 percent) (WTO 2002)

 Especially in rural areas, the diversification created by tourism helps communities that are possibly dependent on only one industry. As tourism in Maldives grows, additional opportunities are created for investment, development, and infrastructure spending.

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Tourism in Maldives improved public utilities such as water, sewer, sidewalks, lighting, public restrooms, litter control, and landscaping. Such improvements benefit tourists and residents alike. Likewise, tourism encourages improvements in transport infrastructure resulting in upgraded roads, airports, public transportation, and non-traditional transportation (e.g., trails). (Kreag G., 2001) For example tourism help to develop the first two resorts  Kurumba and Bandos both on islands in close proximity to Hulhule Airport and Male. (A report on the WTO 2002) Tourism encourages new elements to join the retail mix, increasing opportunities for shopping and adding healthy competitiveness. It often increases a community's tax ...

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