Ross K. Dowling

An environmentally-based planning model for regional tourism development.

Abstract The report of the World Commission on Environment and Development (Brundtland Commission) in 1987 advocates the integration of the two in the form of sustainable development However, it makes no reference to the environment and tourism. It is argued here that the two can be integrated through environmentally appropriate planning for tourism development and tourism activities. Area development planning models are briefly reviewed as well as those applicable to environmental conservation and protection planning. A new regional sustainable development framework called the Environmentally Based Tourism Development Planning Model is described. It is grounded in environmental conservation and seeks to advance environmentally compatible sustainable tourism through the identification of ‘significant features’, ‘critical areas’ and ‘compatible activities’. Although incorporating aspects of the rational approach to planning, the role of people as part of the ecosystem is emphasised, and the opinions of man...

Ecotourism in Bako National Park, Borneo: visitors' perspectives on environmental impacts and their management.

Ecotourism potentially provides a sustainable approach to development in Malaysia. However, to realise this potential the adverse effects of visitor activity and associated infrastructure on the natural environment and the tourism experience must be identified to guide management actions and thus to sustain the resources on which ecotourism ultimately depends. This study, conducted in Bako National Park on the island of Borneo, reports one of the first efforts to identify the impacts of ecotourism in Malaysia from the perspective of visitors. Environmental conditions of greatest influence on visitors’ experiences included litter and biophysical conditions such as soil erosion and vegetation damage. These conditions were of greater concern to visitors than social conditions, such as the number of people. These results suggest that management efforts can be directed towards indicators of greatest concern such as litter, soil erosion and vegetation damage. The broad support given by those surveyed for a range of management actions provides managers with a choice of strategies to sustain ecotourism in Bako National Park. This study, with its sociopolitical approach, contributes to a greater understanding of the implications of the ecotourist experience for ecotourism management in Malaysia.

The Scope and Nature of Geotourism

Geotourism sits within a spectrum of definitions (Figure 1.1). For example, Stueve et al. (2002) provide a very broad definition of geotourism – one that encompasses wider geographical, socio-economic and cultural contexts which sit under the umbrella of geographic tourism. Such reasoning probably relates to geology being the basis for the physical environment and therefore ecological systems, with extension into the cultural, spiritual and economic interface. Frey et al. (see Chapter 6) embrace geotourism at the level of social and community development according to the concept of the geopark. However, in our definition of geotourism the ‘geo’ part pertains to geology and geomorphology and the natural resources of landscape, landforms, fossil beds, rocks and minerals, with an emphasis on appreciating the processes that are creating and created such features.

Global Geotourism – An Emerging Form of Sustainable Tourism

Abstract Geotourism is a new form of tourism based on the geological environment. Whilst ecotourism and biodiversity have been described in the academic literature for over thirty years, geotourism and its attendant concepts of geoheritage, geodiversity, geoconservation, and geotours , is relatively new. Geotourism is defined as tourism which focuses on an area’s geology and landscape as the basis of fostering sustainable tourism development. It begins with an understanding of the Abiotic (non-living) environment, to build greater awareness of the Biotic (living) environment of plants and animals as well as the Cultural environment of people, past and present. It is argued that geotourism offers a new form of sustainable tourism which is more holistic than previous niche forms of tourism.

Tourism Planning, People and the Environment in Western Australia

A survey of 109 residents and 218 tourists of Shark Bay, Western Australia, was conducted in 1990-91 to determine their attitudes to tourism and the environment. The results indicate that while general support exists for a symbiotic relationship between the two, the residents place more emphasis on tourism development while the tourists give greater weight to environmental protection. Both groups indicate a preference for small-scale developments and believe that tourism should be integrated with the overall conservation and land management of the region. A number of recreational and touristic activities which are perceived to be environmentally harmful are noted, as well as others which are viewed as being environmentally compatible and therefore acceptable. The findings have direct management applications as the region is undergoing a tourism boom and has also just been proclaimed the first World Heritage Area in the state.

Impacts on Aboriginal spirituality and culture from tourism in the coastal waterways of the Kimberley region, North West Australia

The Kimberley coast in Australia’s far northwest stretches from Broome, Western Australia, for over 3000 km to the Northern Territory border. The largely undeveloped and remote area has gained increasing popularity in recent years for its spectacular scenery, Aboriginal rock art and native wildlife that forms the platform for a strong and uniquely Australian ecotourism experience. This paper examines the cultural impacts of tourism on the area, with focus on the expedition cruise industry. Visitors to the area access many land-based attractions of significance to Traditional Owners. Unlike at other tourist destinations, non-indigenous cruise operators offer the indigenous experience, without any contact with the Traditional Owners of the areas visited. This project worked in close consultation with representatives from the four native title groups, expedition cruise operators and other stakeholders to assess cultural and environmental management practices and identification of current and potential impacts of ecotourism activities. The study found that the issue of cultural and spiritual impacts on sites of Aboriginal significance, coupled with issues of on-site visitor management, requires urgent attention. Impacts included lack of consultation with Traditional Owners, permission not being sought for access and cultural protocols not being followed resulting in a perceived lack of respect for traditional custodians. There are currently considerable variations in operational practices that should be addressed through the development and implementation of good practice guidelines and operational standards. There is also a need for an improved governance framework and the development of appropriate statutory and non-statutory mechanisms to facilitate sustainability in coastal planning and development of the Kimberley coastal area. The appointment of an adequately equipped body to oversee and drive the regional planning and development process, including the development of a coastal planning strategy, could provide the capacity for such a process.

Tourist and resident perceptions of the environment-tourism relationship in the Gascoyne region, Western Australia

This paper reports on resident and tourist opinions of the interrelationship between the environment and tourism in the Gascoyne region, Western Australia. It is a simple, descriptive-level case study whose value lies in its addition to the relatively scant knowledge base. Data was obtained using questionnaires administered by four face-to-face surveys of a random sample of over 1200 residents and tourists during 1990 and 1991. Analysis of the survey data reveals that both groups view tourism as environmentally harmful but consider it to be more environmentally compatible than the other commercial activities of the area, namely pastoralism, fishing and mining. There is considerable support for tourism developments provided they do not conflict with the environment, are concentrated in already developed areas, and are subject to public participation in the decision making process. A number of environmentally harmful recreational and tourism activities are identified and preferred ecotourism activities suggested. The paper concludes that the Western Australia study has confirmed many of the earlier findings in regard to resident views and indicates a close level of agreement between the attitudes of both residents and tourists. It advocates the need for further research especially of a conceptual and theoretical orientation.

Geotourism and Geoparks—A Tool for Geoconservation and Rural Development in Vulnerable Environments: A Case Study from Iceland

Iceland has a unique geology and a dynamic natural landscape which has long attracted a large number of tourists to the island. Owing to the dynamic geological processes which are still shaping the Icelandic landscape, combined with the countrys raw nature, Iceland is often referred to as an open laboratory in geosciences. Geotourism and geoparks are relatively new concepts within tourism. However, both have grown rapidly over the past decade. Geotourism has evolved partially in response to the need to minimize the negative impacts of mass tourism in geologically and geographically situated tourist environments, whilst at the same time providing a catalyst for sustainable rural development. This paper attempts to assess the compatibility of geoconservation and rural development within geotourism by exploring the challenges and potential outcomes of the geotourism development in Iceland; by identifying and analysing the various potential outcomes of geopark development; and by proposing a strategic planning approach for sustainable geotourism planning and management in vulnerable environments. The results indicate nine distinctive sites for geopark development, each of which presents the major challenge of using geological heritage as a basis for informing the areas ‘ABC’ components such that both visitors and locals are given a holistic appreciation of the area based on an understanding of its geology. The results further emphasize the importance of sustainable management in geotourism development. Only when managed in a sustainable manner is geotourism likely to provide long-term improvements for developments in rural areas.

Cruising in the new millennium.

The cruise industry is undergoing a period of rapid growth and remarkable change. In North America particularly the cruise industry is undergoing phenomenal growth with a record 5.5 million cruise passengers in 1998, representing an 8.6 per cent increase in passengers over the previous year. To meet this demand over 30 new ships costing in excess of US

Environmental and cultural implications of visitor access in the Kimberley region, Australia

10 billion are on order for delivery early in the new millennium. The industry body, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), attributes this growth to several factors, including the increased capacity as new ships are introduced combined with a stronger focus by travel consultants on selling cruises. The cruise ships currently being built are designed for a new generation of passengers with broader, more varied interests and these ships embrace a number of innovations such as large multi-level hotel-style atrium-lobbies, fitness complexes, and business centres. The cruise industry has considerable economic impacts, with the US sector alone generating more than 450,000 jobs accounting for US