Geoffrey Wall

Ecotourism: towards congruence between theory and practice.

Abstract This paper and its successor examine the gap between ecotourism theory as revealed in the literature and ecotourism practice as indicated by its on-site application. A framework is suggested which, if implemented through appropriate management, can help to achieve a balance between conservation and development through the promotion of synergistic relationships between natural areas, local populations and tourism. The framework can also be used to assess the status of ecotourism at particular sites.

Linkages between tourism and food production.

Abstract The relationships between food production and tourism range from conflict over competition for land, labor and capital to symbiosis where both sectors mutually benefit from each other. This paper reviews the literature on relationships between food production, particularly agriculture and tourism. It then examines the efforts of a resort on the island of Lombok, Indonesia, to increase the amount of local food products used in its restaurants through the establishment of two projects involving local food producers. It is argued that there is potential to increase backward linkages between tourism and local food production but that there are substantial challenges to be overcome in doing so.

Evaluating ecotourism: the case of North Sulawesi, Indonesia.

Abstract Ecotourism can contribute to both conservation and development and involves, as a minimum, positive synergistic relationships between tourism, biodiversity and local people, facilitated by appropriate management. This paper applies a framework for the development and evaluation of ecotourism to three protected areas in North Sulawesi. Due to its spectacular endemic biodiversity, the potential for providing quality nature experiences in North Sulawesi is high and tourism development is occurring rapidly. Site-level evaluations of ecotourism in three protected areas were performed to illustrate the application and the utility of the framework as a tool for evaluation and to assess the status of tourism in North Sulawesi. It is revealed that current relationships between people, resources and tourism in North Sulawesi have yet to provide the mutual benefits necessary for successful ecotourism. The approach and framework used to arrive at these conclusions have wide applicability for assessing the achievements of ecotourism at specific sites and for directing appropriate management strategies for ecotourism in protected areas.

Strengthening backward economic linkages: Local food purchasing by three Indonesian hotels

Tourism is used to generate income and employment in developing countries but the industry has been criticized for having high external leakages. If destination areas are to maximize benefits from tourism development, ways must be found to increase backward economic linkages, including utilizing local food products in the tourism industry. Large-scale hotels in developing countries are often portrayed as importing a large proportion of their food supply and having minimal contact with local economies. The purpose of this paper is to compare food purchasing practices, policies and behaviours of three different hotels (five star, four star and non-star) in two locations in Indonesia between 1994 and 1995, illustrating the possibility of using local products. Research methods included detailed analysis of purchasing records, observation of operating procedures and interviews with hotel staff and local suppliers. Both star hotels were found to have strong linkages to their respective local food supply networks. The non-star hotel relied almost exclusively on local products. Smaller accommodation estab lishments have largely been ignored in the literature with respect to food purchases. With a high reliance on local food, numerous smaller establishments, on a cumulative basis, are just as important as larger hotels. Regression analyses indicates a positive relationship between occupancy rates and food purchases for star hotels with large restaurants. However, other factors such as special events and loca tion, also need to be considered. Future research questions are also presented.

Environmental Management, Environmental Image and the Competitive Tourist Attraction

Studies of competitiveness have been most often conducted at the destination rather than the attraction level. However, a destination is an aggregation of tourist attractions plus supporting infrastructure and services, and many attractions are small-scale destinations in themselves, providing visitors with multiple opportunities. This paper, by examining the environmental strategies adopted in the development process of Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone, the most visited attraction in Hainan, China, shows that the image, and hence the competitiveness of tourist attractions can be enhanced through sound environmental management practices.

Implications of Global Climate Change for Tourism and Recreation in Wetland Areas

Tourism and recreation are important economic activities which are major agents of change globally and, more specifically, in wetland areas. There is a regular round of activities associated with the seasons and anything which influences operating seasons is likely to have substantial consequences for tourism businesses Atmospheric conditions influence both whether or not people will participate as well as the quality of the experience. In marine coasts, wetland recreations may be threatened by rising sea levels but recreation in inland water bodies may be affected more by deficiencies rather than superabundance of water. Marinas and recreational boating are harmed by extremes of both high and low water, particularly the latter which is the most likely situation under global climate change. Two main groups can be considered with respect to the potential to adapt to climate change. These are the participants themselves and the businesses which cater to them. It is argued that the former are likely to be much more adaptable than the latter.

Perspectives on tourism in selected Balinese villages

Abstract This paper examines attitudes towards tourism among indigenous residents of eight villages in Bali, Indonesia. Tourism is generally viewed positively: there is a desire to receive more tourists, and a lack of appreciation of negative side-effects of tourism development. However, attitudes vary spatially with those closest to the resorts and the most familiar with tourism having the most reservations. These findings are consistent with earlier writings which suggest that residents of destination areas usually hold positive attitudes towards tourism in the early stages of tourist development. Questions are raised concerning the difficult challenges of incorporating local inputs into the decision making process.

History and tourism.

Abstract This paper examines the contribution of history to the understanding of tourism. The historical perspective is described and a chronological survey of historical tourism research is presented, with emphasis on the ancient and medieval worlds, the Grand Tour era, and spas and seaside resorts. Developments in British leisure history are examined and European, particularly British, research emphases are compared and contrasted with those of North America. Tourism cycles are also discussed briefly. It is concluded that much European research has been concerned with resorts, whereas North American researchers have devoted more attention to tourism in park and wilderness settings.

Tourism and climate change: an international perspective.

This paper addresses the implications of climate change for tourism through a survey of national tourism and meteorological organisations. While climate change may have far‐reaching consequences for tourism, it is shown that while most respondents felt that climate is important to their countrys tourism industry, very few were aware of climate change research specifically related to tourism. Almost half felt climate change is or could become a significant issue in their country but almost no climate change publications with direct bearing on tourism are available. It is concluded that climate is an important determinant of tourism, and that global climate change may create new challenges, and opportunities, for the tourism industry. However, more awareness, research, and policy analysis are necessary to reduce uncertainties, further understanding, assess implications and enable the tourism industry to adapt to changing circumstances.

Tourism employment: Perspectives from Bali

Abstract It is argued that prospects of tourism employment may be viewed differently in developed and developing countries. Limited alternatives, multiple occupations and a large informal sector mean that many western assumptions concerning employment may not be applicable in the developing world. In addition to an economic dimension, tourism employment has important cultural implications and has different impacts upon women and men. These topics are illustrated by reference to Ball, Indonesia.