Development of environmental indicators for tourism in natural areas: A preliminary study

Ward, J. C. & Beanland, R. A.

Lincoln Environmental, Lincoln University & Massey University: commissioned by the Tourism Policy Group of the Ministry of Commerce

1995

Lincoln University

Roger Dawson, Research Collections Librarian, Lincoln University: roger.dawson@lincoln.ac.nz

info@lincoln.ac.nz

www.lincoln.ac.nz/Research-Centres/LEaP/Tourism-Business–Communities/

Tourism is both a major contributor to global, regional and local economies and a contributor to human stress on the environment. It can provide an economic justification for conservation and, by enabling people to enjoy protected areas and diverse environments, tourism can promote public awareness and support for the conservation of natural areas and attractions. However, when uncontrolled or overdeveloped, tourism can endanger natural resources, cause visual or cultural pollution, and destroy the very resource on which it is based (Simmons, 1990).

The growth of “eco” or “nature” tourism worldwide suggests that recreation and tourism in natural areas will increase in importance in future years (Booth, 1993). The New Zealand Tourism Board aims to achieve three million visitors per year by the year 2000, much of this by marketing New Zealand’s “clean, green image”, in order to capitalise on growing interest and awareness of the environment (Tourism Board, 1994).

However, the long term future of the New Zealand tourism industry is closely linked to sustainable management of the environmental qualities that make this country a unique tourism destination. “Sustainable tourism means achieving growth in a manner that does not deplete the resource, cheat the visitor, or exploit the local population”. Better information is needed to aid decision-makers to deal with the concept and implementation of sustainable tourism. Clear indicators are required which provide information on: 1) The links between the tourism industry and the natural and cultural environment. 2) The effects of environmental factors on the tourism industry. 3) The impacts of the tourism industry on the environment. The Tourism Policy Group (formerly the Ministry of Tourism) is currently undertaking a number of projects aimed at achieving sustainable tourism, including this particular project which involves the development of “environmental indicators for tourism in natural areas”.

Keywords:

Tourism, Conservation, Tourism impact, Environment, Outdoors, Walks, Tramping, Tracks, Great Walks, Impact, Nature,

For information on how to access the full text of this article, go to http://hdl.handle.net/10182/1143 or contact your local or organisational library for assistance

Review

National

Outdoor Recreation, Recreation

Tourists

Outdoors

Coast and beach, Commercial, Events, Mountains, National Parks, Non-organised, Organised, Parks - remote/backcountry, Parks - rural, Parks - urban, Rivers and lakes, Travel and Transport

Barriers, Benefits, Capability, Impacts - economic, Impacts - environmental, Impacts- social, Participation, Planning, Tourism

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June 21, 2012