Describe the trends shown in the graph.

Using a located example, explain two strategies used to develop tourism in low-income countries.

For a country you have studied, to what extent do the economic benefits of tourism outweigh the environmental costs?

• Government expenditure has grown in all areas
• south Asia and Caribbean growth higher than world average, Europe lower
• suggests a developed world/developing world divergence
• the period of divergence begins in mid-2000s
• growth flattened for south Asia around 2008–2009
• there may be other relevant observations.

Award [1 mark] for each valid statement up to a maximum of [4 marks]. Quantification is desirable but not essential given the complex nature of indexed data.

Strategies could include government and/or private initiatives. Examples could range from a local ecotourism initiative in a low-income country to a national-scale promotion. Responsible tourism that safeguards the interests of indigenous people may be another approach. There may be other approaches.

Possible strategies that may be explored include investing in marketing and branding, infrastructure (such as airports, roads, communications etc.), investment in education and training for local people (very important in low-income countries), conserving tourism resources for the future, providing subsidies and financial incentives for tourist developments, specific planning legislation to support tourist development.

Award up to [3 marks] for the explanation of each strategy, provided it is accompanied by a located example.

Answers will vary depending upon the case study chosen, but could include economic advantages such as employment and investment (as well as benefits to overseas tourism operators through leakages, etc.). Increased employment in the hospitality sector provides income (albeit often poorly paid and seasonal – and a good answer may want to comment on the sometimes debatable nature of the economic benefits).

The other side of the debate should focus on the environmental costs (e.g. natural resource consumption), waste (energy and water), loss of habitats (e.g. coral reefs, mangroves, etc.) because of development / visitor pressures. May use carrying capacity concept linked to trampling etc. 

There may be other approaches. Answers are expected to compare the costs and benefits rather than simply stating them and should arrive at an evaluative conclusion at band E. Direct reference to a relevant case study is required to access markbands above band D.

Marks should be allocated according to the markbands.

Graph trends well explained.

Strategies in good answers were well developed and exemplified. In weaker answers, the word “promote” was used with no development or explanation, for example, vague statements such as “develop infrastructure and build hotels” were used. Alternatively, some just concentrated on what the attractions, for example, natural environment, were and made no mention of how the environment was used to gain tourist visitors. Also the “low-income country” part of the question was ignored by some who looked at parts of the UK.

Some excellent answers and a vast range of case studies were used. The question was well-discussed and evaluated with most coming to the conclusion that economic benefits did outweigh environmental costs. The best answers were able to debate the nature of economic benefits.  Weaker answers frequently referred to a city or specific region, for example, Goa. In weaker responses there was little detailed information about benefits and costs other than vague statements about more income and more jobs.