Outline what is meant by the terms:

(i) primary tourist resources; 

(ii) secondary tourist resources.

Using examples, explain three reasons for the growth of tourism in more remote locations.

To what extent do the advantages of ecotourism outweigh any disadvantages?

(i) Primary resources are pre-existing attractions [1 mark].

Award the final [1 mark] for identifying a possible pre-existing attraction: features of the natural environment (climate, landscape, and ecosystems), indigenous people, cultural resources and heritage sites, etc.

(ii) Secondary resources are purpose-built [1 mark].

Award the final [1 mark] for identifying a possible purpose-built attraction: accommodation (hotels, campsites, and guesthouses), catering, entertainment, transportation, and information, etc.

Award [1 mark] for each basic reason that is identified/stated, and a further [1 mark] for explanation of how this leads to growth of tourism in remote locations. (The concept of “remote” may depend on where the tourist’s home is. The same example can be used more than once).

For example:

• internet tourist websites have raised awareness [1 mark] of remote locations where visitors can now go, such as Antarctica [1 mark]
• improved accessibility to remote Pacific islands [1 mark] has been helped by improvements in cruise ship designs [1 mark]
• rising incomes in developed countries [1 mark] means people have the funds for “the trip of a lifetime”, such as Europeans travelling to see South America [1 mark]
• rising incomes in emerging economies [1 mark] means more people have the funds for “the trip of a lifetime”, such as Chinese visitors to Europe [1 mark].
• over-development of some tourist areas [1 mark] has led to a desire to visit less crowded, more remote, areas such as The Maldives [1 mark].

Credit all content in line with the markbands. Credit unexpected approaches wherever relevant.

Good answers should show a sound understanding of the concept of ecotourism (responsibly supporting the environment and local communities). Accept suitable  references to sustainable tourism.

Likely socio-economic themes include: positive impacts such as employment (informal and formal), infrastructure, developing facilities, reduced out-migration, reducing stereotypes. Environmental themes include maintaining biodiversity/local ecosystems, maintenance of genetic materials, climate regulation and flood control. Negative impacts might include loss of culture, clash of cultures and disrespect of local customs; also trampling and habitat loss if not done properly.

The evaluation of the statement might include multiple perspectives (external companies may benefit more from tour packages than locals do) or a temporal perspective perhaps applying a model (such as Butler or carrying capacity ie advantages/disadvantages become more evident over time as tourist incomes or visitor pressures grow.

For band D, candidates must describe one or more ecotourism/sustainable tourism schemes and some effects on communities and/or the environment.

Band E should either provide greater detail about both community and environmental advantages and disadvantages (these need not be perfectly balanced) or offer some more sophisticated evaluation of the statement (eg perspectives or timescales).

At band F, expect both elements.

Good answers with most able to outline primary and secondary tourist resources.

Most were aware of the basic reasons, but too many did not provide examples as required and therefore did not score the second mark in each of the three reasons.

There were a few well-considered and exemplified answers to this question, with good evaluation. However, the majority of responses were rather weak. The problem was that many candidates had an imperfect idea of the concept of ecotourism; many merely equated it with environmental protection, ignoring social and economic issues. Many answers were descriptive, and relatively few considered the advantages and disadvantages. Disadvantages were particularly not well known and tended to focus on tourism generally.