Tourism Topic 1
(Tourism Activity)
(Tourism Activity)
State the three components of a tourist system.
Tourist generating regions, tourist destination regions, and transit routes.
Describe the effects of globalisation on tourism.
It has caused international tourism to grow and tourist generating and destination regions to become more diverse.
Describe the characteristics of Pro-Poor Tourism.
An approach that focuses on improving the livelihoods of the poor through:
Training
Access to micro-finance.
Study Table 2.1, which shows the changes in household disposable income and international tourist departures.
Table 2.1: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Vlmk4VLyiMJmuZFmvBU4zawC8cSZxEbj/view?usp=drive_link
Using Table 2.1, compare the changes between household disposable income and international tourist departures. [3]
[Source: GEOGRAPHY 2279/01 Paper 1 For examination from 2024 SPECIMEN PAPER]
Generally, as the household disposable income increases from 2010 to 2019 by 7.1 thousand usd per capita, international tourist departures increase by 16.2 million.
Specifically, as household disposable income increases from 19.7k in 2010 to 20.4k in 2011, international tourist departures increased from 12.5m to 12.7m.
However, as household disposable income increases from 25.9k in 2018 to 26.8k in 2019, international tourist departures remained the same at 28.7m.
State 2 push factors at tourist generating regions and 2 pull factors at destination regions.
Push (any 2, must be from tourist generating region):
- stressful work environment
- unpleasant living environments (eg: overcrowding & pollution)
- lack of recreational and entertaining options
Pull (any 2, must be from tourist destination region)
- places of scenic beauty
- special events (eg: concerts, festivals)
- attractions, facilities, and amenities that provide positive experiences
Describe how the expansion of public transport networks contributes to tourism growth.
Expansion of public transport networks can help improve tourist’s motivation to travel, as a more convenient and high-quality transport option allows tourists to save time and money to get to their desired destinations.
This can indirectly lead to lower transport costs as there is no need to transfer to another transport line, increasing tourists’ ability to travel.
This directly affects tourists’ mobility in travel, as expanded transport networks gives tourists a wider range of destinations, allowing them to choose locations they otherwise could not.
State and describe 1 positive economic impact of tourism.
*Provision of Employment Opportunities*
Tourism creates a wide range of formal and informal employment opportunities for the local population.
Tourism is a heavily labour-intensive industry that requires a massive workforce with varying skill levels to cater to travelers.
It generates formal jobs with fixed hours and stable monthly wages like hotel receptionists, as well as informal jobs with irregular hours and fluctuating wages like street-side performers.
*Growth in Income and Tourist Spending*
Tourism generates direct income for local residents and tax revenues for the government through tourist spending.
Income for local businesses increases when tourists purchase goods or services directly from them, while government funds accumulate through taxes levied on tourists.
This revenue is channeled into improving public infrastructure, healthcare, and education to raise the standard of living, as seen in the Maldives, which transitioned from being very poor in the 1990s to prosperous after its tourism industry grew.
Describe 1 way on how social sustainability can be achieved through tourism developments.
Respect authenticity of local communities, practices and art forms.
- Meaningful and significant to local communities and tourists.
- Locals’ practices are continued and preserved. (SS)
- Prevents conflicts from disrespectful interactions, tourism less likely to be discouraged. (accept vice versa)
- Sensitively developed visitor attractions to showcase
Contribute to intercultural understanding and tolerance.
Study Fig. 2.2, which shows Tafraoute and its surrounding area. Tafraoute is a town with mountains that are part of Morocco’s Atlas Mountains.
Fig. 2.2: https://drive.google.com/file/d/15AyHXJm0bXvEhuY7_lmCWAOLiDBx9_1U/view?usp=drive_link
With reference to Fig. 2.2, suggest how tourism at the Painted Rocks could damage the local environment.
[Source: GEOGRAPHY 2279/01 Paper 1 For examination from 2024 SPECIMEN PAPER]
carbon emissions from the car rally.
More people attracted to the rally attraction would result in more emissions, which would harm the local environment and degrade air quality, harming the local environment.
Cultural activities may leak to cultural leakage
No entry charge mean less income for locals
This lack of income can result in the local communities having less ability to allocate money to protect their environment from the negative impacts of the tourism in their region.
Geological formations
When people explore these formations, they explore natural areas and people may trample on vegetation and damage plants, furthermore, large masses of people walking over the soil will result in soil compaction. This will lead to surface runoff, which is bad for the environment
What are 3 differences between Dependable-type and Venturer-type tourists?
dependable tourist are more cautious about spending money than venturer tourists who spend more readily
For dependable type tourists, their decisions follow trends , set by venturers, and it is guided by authority figures. But for venturer, their decisions are made by themselves, guided by personal judgement.
Travel activities, dependable type tourists travel in groups to feel comfortable and secure, while venturers travel alone. dependable visit well developed tourist areas while ventures explore less developed and unique areas for new experiences and activities.
Compare the differences between the involvement and exploration stages of tourism destination development.
The difference between exploration and involvement is the presence of government support.
During the exploration stages, the government had not yet provided financial aid for the tourism destination. The tourist destination remains mostly undeveloped, most likely using unique culture, or environment to draw curious and adventurous tourists to visit, and there are minimal contributions to the local economy.
In the involvement stage, the tourist destination has gotten somewhat popular, the government can see a steady flow of tourists, so they decided to invest funds into the development of the tourist destination, developing better transport, facilities, and tourist amenities to allow for a higher quality tourism environment. This often sees a rise in tourism activity.
Explain how economic leakage occurs in a tourist destination region.
Economic leakage occurs when outside expertise is hired rather than local talent/foreign goods and services are imported [1] thus leading to lowered economic benefits for local regions [1].
How can sustainable tourism consumption be managed?
Destination regions manage demand and when tourism is consumed by tourists
- Tourists can make responsible choices about where they stay and the resources they use.
Study Fig. 2.4 (Insert), which shows an island that has been developed with tourist facilities.
Fig. 2.4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RDfSRtmzeVPrIfCG8EMWfauU1FYLNORd/view?usp=drive_link
With reference to Fig. 2.4, suggest how tourism development is likely to impact the island. [3]
[Source: Anglican High School Prelim 2025 Paper 1]
hi hi !
the answer we have is rly long, so look at our google doc (tab 3) :3
Describe the social impact of tourism on places. [3]
increased interest among tourists and local communities in preserving traditional cultural practices and art forms
commodification of traditional cultural practices and art forms resulting in loss of values and conflict among locals
negative attitudes of local communities towards tourists including cultural clashes and tourists as victims of crimes
Explain how the availability of transit routes influences the volume and direction of travel.
The availability of transit routes influences both the volume and direction of travel. Fast and accessible transport options, such as roads, railways, and airports make destinations easier, faster, and cheaper to reach. This encourages more people to visit which increases the volume of travel. Generally, when the availability of transit routes is higher, traffic in the region is higher [1].
Transit routes provide a place for layovers, which saves money compared to direct flights [1]
Tourists may choose to spend a day at a transit point, thus earning the area more money [1].
Transit routes generally have a few attractions, thus are often used to kickstart or finish a trip. [1]
Explain how has the changing demand for tourism led to the creation of second cities. [3]
Changing tourist demand has led tourists to look for less crowded and more authentic destinations instead of popular cities. [1]
As a result, investment in hotels, transport and attractions has increased in second cities, making them attractive alternatives. [1]
This spreads tourism away from major cities and encourages the growth of these smaller urban centres.
How can SG achieve equitable distribution of tourism benefits? State the 2 measures we can take and explain it in SG’s context.
(try your best !!!)
Singapore can achieve a more equitable distribution of tourism benefits by promoting attractions in different parts of the country instead of concentrating tourists only at Marina Bay and Sentosa. By developing and marketing attractions such as Pulau Ubin and Jurong Lake Gardens, more tourists will visit these areas and spend money at local shops, restaurants and attractions. This creates jobs and increases the income of businesses and residents in different parts of Singapore, ensuring that the economic benefits of tourism are shared more evenly across the country.
Study Fig. 2.3 (Insert), which shows an approach to sustainable tourism development.
Fig. 2.3: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xLNZIgAGrf62WRajhGDHelSIQ8Snf7MP/view?usp=drive_link
With reference to Fig. 2.3, identify the type of sustainable tourism development shown and explain the benefits it brings to locals in a country. [4]
[Source: MGS Prelim 2025 Paper 1]
Community-based tourism. (compulsory 1 mark)
It provides employment opportunities for local people (e.g., performing, tour guides), improving their income. [1]
It helps preserve cultural traditions by showcasing local dance, crafts, and customs to visitors. [1]
The income generated can be reinvested in community services like schools or infrastructure, benefitting the wider population. [1]
Compare the perceptions of 2 different stakeholders of sustainable tourism development, and how that can be a challenge. [6]
hi hi !
the answer we have is rly long, so look at our google doc (tab 2) :3
‘Government investment is definitely able to rejuvenate a stagnating tourism destination region.’ To what extent is this statement true?
[Topic 1.3]
Agree:
Improves infrastructure because better roads, airports and public transport make the destination easier and more convenient to reach.
Develops new attractions because the government can build new tourist sites or restore old ones, giving visitors more reasons to come.
Promotes tourism because marketing campaigns and international events increase awareness and attract more tourists.
Encourages economic growth because improved tourism creates jobs and encourages businesses to invest in hotels, restaurants and other services.
Provides large-scale funding and planning because the government has the resources and authority to carry out major redevelopment projects.
Disagree:
External factors affect tourism because events such as recessions, pandemics and natural disasters reduce tourist arrivals despite government investment.
Private sector investment is needed because hotels, restaurants and tour operators provide the services that tourists expect.
Tourist preferences change because visitors may choose newer or more popular destinations instead.
Poor planning can waste resources because ineffective projects may not attract more tourists even if they receive government funding.
Environmental damage may be permanent because polluted beaches or destroyed ecosystems cannot always be restored through investment alone.
(say any 3 points for the points)
‘The negative environmental impacts of tourism outweigh any other positive impact.’ To what extent do you agree? Explain your answer.
[Topic 2.4]
I partly agree because tourism can have serious environmental impacts like pollution, littering, damage to natural habitats, and overcrowding, especially in popular destinations. However, tourism also brings many benefits, such as creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and generating income that can be used to protect natural attractions and improve facilities. If tourism is managed responsibly through sustainable practices, many of its negative effects can be reduced. Therefore, while tourism can harm the environment, I do not think its negative environmental impacts always outweigh its positive economic and social benefits.
‘Ecotourism is the most effective approach in achieving sustainable tourism development.’ To what extent do you agree? Explain your answer. [Topic 3.3]
Agree:
Protects the environment because ecotourism encourages conservation of natural habitats and wildlife while minimising environmental damage.
Benefits local communities because it creates jobs and provides income for local people through guiding, accommodation and handicrafts.
Raises environmental awareness because tourists learn about conservation and are encouraged to behave responsibly.
Supports long term tourism because protecting natural attractions ensures they remain available for future generations.
Encourages responsible tourism practices because visitor numbers and activities are often carefully managed to reduce negative impacts.
Disagree:
Ecotourism is limited in scale because it is mainly suitable for natural areas and cannot be applied to every tourism destination.
Government policies are more important because laws and regulations can promote sustainable practices across the entire tourism industry.
Technology and infrastructure reduce impacts because renewable energy, efficient transport and waste management benefit all forms of tourism.
Mass tourism can also be sustainable because it can adopt measures such as limiting visitor numbers, recycling and protecting natural areas.
Ecotourism can still cause damage because too many visitors or poor management may lead to pollution, habitat destruction and disturbance to wildlife.
(state any 3 points for the points)
Study Fig. 2 which shows two different perspectives about Chinatown.
Fig. 2: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IIe8uzBfd2XI7TdRYbK3vG2SmvvIEpgD/view?usp=drive_link
Using Fig. 2, compare the role of Chinatown in Singapore over time, and explain how this change may lead to cultural commodification if not carefully managed. [3]
[Source: Adapted from SNGS Prelim 2025 Paper 1]
Similarity in role – significant value for the Chinese culture [1]
Difference in role – previously home for Chinese immigrants where they lived, worked, and supported each other now functions more as a cultural showcase for visitors, with festivals, trails, and souvenir shops [1]
Cultural commodification: Chinatown may lose its authentic cultural roots. Over-commercialisation may result in superficial displays that no longer reflect the lived experiences and practices of the Chinese community.[1]
Describe and explain how governments can give attention to locals while still considering tourists.
(try your best !!!)
Local communities can be involved in the process of policy making [1] which enables locals to ensure that the policies meet their needs and demands before they are made [1].
Governments must also at the same time ensure that all tourist needs such as food, water and other resources are met [1].
Governments may sometimes need to choose between locals well being and profit from tourism, thus they should prioritise locals in these situations [1]