Describe two characteristics of the leisure hierarchy.

Explain three geographic factors that might influence decision-makers in choosing a host city for an international sports event.

Using one or more examples, evaluate the strategies designed to manage tourism in rural areas.

Responses may refer to number, frequency, sizes, spacing, range, catchment areas or cost of installation/facilities.

In each case, award [1] for a valid characteristic and [1] for development or exemplification.

For example: One characteristic of the leisure hierarchy is that there will be many more sports fields [1] for junior/student teams for a particular sport in a city than there are sports fields for professional teams [1] in the same city. In addition, while student team fields will have only a relatively small catchment area [1], the catchment area of the professional fields will be much larger [1].

[4 marks]

Award [1] for the identification of each suitable factor, and an additional [1] for further development/exemplification.

For example: Pre-existing venues, reducing construction costs [1] – eg Rio de Janeiro hosting the 2016 Olympics using venues developed for the World Cup [1].

Other factors might include:

• good international transport links, such as airports, increasing accessibility
• good local transport infrastructure, increasing accessibility
• available accommodation, for participants and supporters
• suitable climate, such as snow for winter sports
• corruption/money/politics.

[6 marks]

Strategies might include:

• designation of areas as National Parks or similar protected zones
• restrictions on use of cars in sensitive areas
• encouragement of cycling by provision of bike hire and cycleways
• improvement of local public transport
• improved education and signage; education and information centres
• increased focus on ecotourism
• limiting tourist numbers
• redistributing tourists from honeypot sites.

Good answers may carefully structure management to encompass minimizing environmental damage, reducing conflict between local residents and visitors and meeting economic needs, maximising carrying capacity, etc. Good answers might also evaluate the strategies from different perspectives of different user groups, or may evaluate the success of strategies in the short and long term, or for different places within the rural area.

Responses that do not name a rural area are unlikely to be awarded above band C.

To access band D, at least one example of a rural environment should be considered and candidates may describe some relevant management strategies.

At band E, expect either a wider variety of strategies discussed in more depth, or some evaluation of their success.

At band F, expect both.

Marks should be allocated according to the markbands.

[10 marks]