(a) What is tourism? (b) Outline five factors that favor the development of tourism. (c) Highlight four problems created by the tourism industry in developi...

(a) Meaning of tourism

Tourism is the business of travelling to and staying in places away from one's usual home for pleasure, leisure, relaxation, sightseeing or business, and the services provided to cater for such travellers.

(b) Five factors that favour the development of tourism

• Attractive natural features such as beaches, waterfalls, mountains, game reserves and pleasant climate.
• Historical and cultural attractions such as monuments, festivals, ancient sites and traditional arts.
• Good transport and communication - airports, good roads and railways that make the attractions easy to reach.
• Adequate accommodation and infrastructure such as hotels, water, electricity and health facilities.
• Peace, security and political stability that make visitors feel safe.
• Effective advertising and a welcoming, hospitable population.

(c) Four problems created by the tourism industry in developing countries

• Environmental damage - pollution, destruction of vegetation and disturbance of wildlife by large numbers of visitors.
• Undesirable social effects - spread of foreign values, prostitution, drug abuse and crime.
• Over-dependence and seasonal, insecure employment that fluctuates with the tourist season.
• Pressure on local resources and facilities - competition for water, land and services, and rising prices for local people.
• Much of the profit is repatriated by foreign-owned hotels and tour firms, so the host country gains little.