Ecosystems

Sustainable turism

Tourism has often been regarded as the most important economical resource in the Tropics. The climate and the reef of the Tropical countries are a nice change of sight for winter visitors coming from higher latitudes. An example are the Hawaii islands, where tourism makes up 35% of the gross domestic product and the number of visitors exceeds 7 million a year. Here, as in many other countries, the spreading of tourism has involved new problems as well: new buildings along scenic beaches, use of farmland for golf courses, increased water requirements in islands where water is a limited resource, increased waste disposal, including sewage waste, resulting in the proliferation of seaweed. But there is also another type of tourism that involves a different way of travelling: sustainable tourism. The purpose of this type of tourism is to organise tours that respect the needs of the destination peoples and countries. Tourism should therefore be planned by consulting the locals, so that it is fair and equitable for the host community, economically sustainable in the long term, does not damage the tourist attractions and the natural environment. Even if it involves great planning efforts and substantial investments, it is absolutely necessary to protect tourism itself.