Types of Tourism (SQA National 5 Geography): Revision Note

What is Mass Tourism?

• Mass tourism is when large numbers of tourists visit the same destination

• Large tour operators sell package deals, making holidays easier and cheaper to plan

  • These are often all-inclusive, so people pay for the flight, hotel, transfer, food and drink before they travel

• Most people travel during peak season

  • This means that the destination is extremely busy for part of the year, and much quieter for the rest of the year

• Examples of mass tourism destinations include:

  • Benidorm, Spain – nearly 3 million visitors per year

  • Orlando, USA – around 75 million visitors per year

Causes of Mass Tourism

Economic factors

• Higher wages and disposable incomes mean that more people prioritise frequent overseas trips

  • Many people take more than one foreign holiday per year  

• Cheap package holidays and low-cost airlines make travel more affordable

Social factors

• People tend to work fewer hours and can take paid annual leave, meaning they have more free time to travel

• People often want guaranteed sunshine during their holiday

  • They are more likely to travel abroad to avoid a cold or rainy British summer

Improved transport and infrastructure

• Improvements to airport facilities and increased flight availability make it easier to travel

• People now have a wider range of travel options, including:

  • High-speed rail networks

  • Larger cruise ships

  • Improved road networks 

• An increase in purpose-built resorts and hotels means there is a wider range of accommodation choices

Technological developments

• The rise in advertising and social media makes people more aware of tourist destinations

• Online booking platforms and package holiday websites make it easier to plan and book online

What is Eco-Tourism

• Eco-tourism is a type of sustainable tourism 

  • It is small-scale, with a limited number of visitors at one time

  • It focuses on the enjoyment and conservation of natural areas

  • It supports local communities

• Accommodation is often owned by local people rather than large international companies

  • This means that local communities benefit more financially

• Buildings and activities are designed to reduce environmental impact and protect wildlife

  • An example of this is the use of renewable energy or reducing waste

• Tourists often learn about the local culture and environment

  • This promotes understanding, respect and conservation

• Sometimes there are rules to follow to reduce negative impacts

  • E.g. Do not pick plants or flowers, do not feed animals

• Examples of eco-tourist destinations include:

  • Rainforest lodges in Costa Rica

  • Gorilla trekking in Uganda

Causes of Eco-Tourism

Increasing environmental awareness

• As people become more concerned about environmental issues, they look for ways to travel more sustainably by reducing their carbon footprint and supporting conservation

• Developing countries look for ways to promote economic growth without damaging the environment

Disillusionment with mass tourism

• Some people are tired of overcrowded and inauthentic mass tourism destinations, which offer very similar holidays no matter where you are in the world

• Many people look for more unique experiences where they can:

  • Participate in adventurous activities

  • Meet local people

  • Learn about the culture and environment

Improved transport and infrastructure

• Increased numbers of small airports in remote regions and the building of eco-lodges make it easier to access and stay in more remote destinations

Economic factors

• Higher wages and disposable incomes mean that people can afford more expensive and exclusive eco-tourism holidays 

Technological developments

• Rise in social media inspires people to visit eco-tourism destinations and encourages more sustainable travel

• Small eco-resorts can reach global audiences online without expensive marketing campaigns