Examine why views may differ on the benefits of tourism as a development strategy.

Examine the influence of cultural and political factors on participation in sport at varying scales.

Marks should be allocated according to the Paper 1 markbands (available under the "Your tests" tab > supplemental materials).

There has been a rapid growth in international tourism, especially to low-income countries. Tourism is an important area of economic policy in many countries, stimulating domestic growth and improving international links. However, there is debate regarding the benefits of tourism in economic and social development, and its impact on local cultures.

Possible applied themes (AO2) demonstrating knowledge and understanding (AO1):

• Rapid growth of international tourism, especially towards low income countries; facilitated by rising living standards, growth in communications, and the power of transnational corporations (TNCs).
• Economic advantages might include: earning of foreign currency, growth in gross national product (GNP), development of infrastructure (airports, roads, hotels and resorts), increased employment, rise in living standards.
• Tourist industry may be dominated by foreign TNCs; leakage of profits; tourism develops in small enclaves (core-periphery); employment may be low skilled, poorly paid and seasonal.
• Cultural impacts might include: increasing pressure of numbers in areas of historical/archaeological/scenic importance, resulting in degradation; need for effective management.
• Increasing “westernization” of culture; problems relating to crime, drugs and prostitution.
• Views regarding the benefits of tourism will vary between different stakeholders, from local to national and international.

Good answers may be well-structured (AO4) and may additionally offer a critical evaluation (AO3) of the statement in a way that reaches an evidenced judgment regarding the benefits of tourism as a development strategy. Views regarding possible benefits of tourism will differ between stakeholders in different places, and processes operating at different scales.

For 5–6 marks, expect weakly-evidenced outlining of one or more benefits of tourism.

For 7–8 marks, expect a well-structured account that includes:

• either an evidenced explanation of varying viewpoints concerning the benefits of tourism as a development strategy
• or a discursive conclusion (or ongoing evaluation) grounded in geographical concepts and/or perspectives.

For 9–10 marks, expect both of these traits.

Marks should be allocated according to the Paper 1 markbands (available under the "Your tests" tab > supplemental materials).

Political and cultural influences are important in the increasing participation in international sports by different individuals and societies, for example in the Paralympics and the increasing participation by people of different gender. The globalization of sport has resulted in increased participation by all groups in society.

Possible applied themes (AO2) demonstrating knowledge and understanding (AO1):

• The growing importance of international sporting events, including the Paralympics, with increased numbers of athletes participating from different countries.
• Political influences include training facilities and support by national governments; pride and prestige for governments to host international events, construction of facilities to host international events.
• Cultural influences include: changing public attitudes towards disabilities; changing gender roles and the increasing high profile of female participation in sports.
• Many countries (especially low income) are poorly represented in international sport, partly due to high cost and lack of funding. Discrimination remains a major issue in many countries.

Good answers may be well-structured (AO4) and may additionally offer a critical evaluation (AO3) of the statement in a way that shows understanding of cultural and political factors affecting participation, and that these may differ between places and at various spatial scales. Another approach might be to evaluate the temporal scale over which political and cultural factors view may differ.

For 5–6 marks, expect weakly-evidenced outlining of at least one political and/or cultural factor.

For 7–8 marks, expect a well-structured account that includes:

• either an evidenced explanation of a range of political and cultural factors affecting participation in sport at different scales
• or a discursive conclusion (or ongoing evaluation) grounded in geographical concepts and/or perspectives.

For 9–10 marks, expect both of these traits.

Generally well answered with good exemplification. However, many focused on the benefits and costs of tourism, without emphasizing the development strategy aspect of the question. There were also several weak, generalized, descriptive responses. Many used a festival e.g. Glastonbury, which was not an appropriate case study for this question. Weaker candidates were not able to develop answers beyond economic impacts, to include social and cultural implications, and the views of different stakeholders.

There were some good responses with sound explanation and exemplification. However, many responses were very general, limited and descriptive with weak examples, and ignoring the "varying scales" part of the question.