The UN’s 2017 International Year tells that sustainable tourism is an important tool for
development, most importantly in poor communities and countries. Today sustainability –
environmental, social, and economic – is increasingly recognised as the benchmark for all
tourism business. As noted by the UN World Tourism Organisation, 57% of international
tourist arrivals will be in emerging economies, by 2030. The various ‘Tourism Terms’ are
defined as follows:
Based on data collected by a survey by Travel Bureau, the following market profile of an
ecotourist was constructed: -
Age: 35 - 54 years old, although age varied with activity and other factors such as cost.
Gender: 50% female and 50% male, although clear differences based on activity were
found.
Education: 82% were college graduates, a shift in interest in ecotourism from those who
have high levels of education to those with less education was also found, indicating an ex-
pansion into mainstream markets.
Household composition: No major differences were found between general tourists and
experienced ecotourists**
Party composition: A majority (60%) of experienced ecotourism respondents stated they
prefer to travel as a couple, with only 15% stating they preferred to travel with their fami-
lies, and 13% preferring to travel alone. (** experienced ecotourists = Tourists that had
been on at least one “ecotourism” oriented trip.)
Trip duration: The largest group of experienced ecotourists- (50%) preferred trips lasting
8-14 days.
Expenditure: Experienced ecotourists were willing to spend more than general tourists,
the largest group (26%) .
Important elements of trip: Experienced ecotourists top three responses were: (a) wil-
derness setting, (b) wildlife viewing, (c) hiking/trekking.
Motivations for taking next trip: Experienced ecotourists top two responses were (a)
enjoy scenery/nature, (b) new experiences/places.
vi. In the market profile of an ecotourist, the information on gender indicates that
a) female ecotourists were more than the male ecotourists.
b) the activity preferences were varied in females and males.
c) the choice of things to do on a trip were quite similar for both the genders.
d) male ecotourists were frequent travellers.
4. includes being
environmentally responsible
1. showcases adventure sports 2. promotes landscape appreciations 3. promises luxurious travel
5. believes in commercializing forests 6. initiates donations for the
underprivileged
vii. The education aspect in the market profile of the ecotourist revealed that
a) mainstream market trends were popular with undergraduates.
b) ecotourists were only those who had basic education.
c) mainstream markets were popular tourist destinations for educated ecotourists.
d) ecotourism was no more limited to the small group of highly educated travellers.
viii. According to the survey conducted by the Travel Bureau, the total percentage of expe-
rienced ecotourists who DID NOT prefer to travel alone was
a) 60%.
b) 75%.
c) 15%.
d) 13%.
ix. According to the survey, one of the most powerful driving forces leading experienced
ecotourism to invest in new trips was
a) setting up work stations in new places.
b) the chance to go camping in the wild.
c) competing with other ecotourists as frequent travellers.
d) the opportunity to travel to new places.
x. Choose the option that lists statement that is NOT TRUE.
a) Economically backward countries will benefit from sustainable tourism.
b) The tourism business currently recognizes sustainability as an important factor.
c) Emerging economies will receive negligible international tourists in the near
future.
d) The sustainability factor in tourism is a significant means for development.
The survey clearly showed that the age range of ecotourists:
a) remained the same for the choice of tourist- attractions to visit.
b) changed with the monetary requirements for the trip.
c) fluctuated due to male-female ratio.
d) was constant across various features of the trip.
Answers
Answer:
months to celebrate and promote the contribution of the tourism sector to building a better world. This is the major goal of the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017 that will start in few days.
The United Nations General Assembly declared 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development recalling the potential of tourism to advance the universal 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The International Year aims to support a change in policies, business practices and consumer behavior towards a more sustainable tourism sector than can contribute effectively to the SDGs.
"This is a unique opportunity to build a more responsible and committed tourism sector that can capitalize its immense potential in terms of economic prosperity, social inclusion, peace and understanding, cultural and environmental preservation” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai.
Accounting for 7% of worldwide exports, one in eleven jobs and 10% of the world’s GDP, the tourism sector if well managed can foster inclusive economic growth, social inclusiveness and the protection of cultural and natural assets.
The International Year will promote tourism’s role in the following five key areas:
(1) Inclusive and sustainable economic growth;
(2) Social inclusiveness, employment and poverty reduction;
(3) Resource efficiency, environmental protection and climate change;
(4) Cultural values, diversity and heritage; and
(5) Mutual understanding, peace and security.
Answer:
1ans c 2ans b 3ans a 4ans b 5ans c 6ans b 7ans d 8 ans b 9ans d 10ans c 11ans b 12ans b