E Leisure Sport Tourism
E Leisure Sport Tourism
E Leisure Sport Tourism
1. Leisure
Definitions
Leisure: any freely chosen activity or experience that takes place in non-work time
Recreation: a leisure-time activity undertaken voluntarily for enjoyment. Includes
individual pursuits, organized outings and events, and non-paid sports.
Sport a physical activity involving a set of rules or customs. This activity may be
competitive.
Tourism travel away from home for at least one night for the purpose of leisure. Excludes
day-trippers.
Difficulty in attempting to define they overlap because participation may be
simultaneous
Tourist preference shifting toward Asia-Pacific region due to their rapid economic
development: improved infrastructure, hygiene and knowledge of languages at acceptable
level, whereas underdeveloped places relatively static.
According to Plogs model, most people are of the mid-centric type: do not oppose
adventure and so like new experiences, but will not visit bizarre and remote places
Social
Smaller families making
tourism more affordable
Increase in leisure time
(weekends and paid
holidays)
An increase in life
expectancy allowing
more time to travel
after retirement
New forms of tourism
e.g. medical tourism or
spas.
Major sporting events
e.g. Football World cup
in South Africa
Improving linguistic
skills
Increase in world
population
Increase in computer
ownership and access
to the internet
Increased leisure time
(labour saving devices,
shorter working week,
flexible working hours)
Economic
Increase in
disposable income
Growth of new low
cost airlines
The introduction of
pensions making
travel more
affordable after
retirement
Increase in
advertising
Improvement in
tourist infrastructure
e.g. hotels
Weakening of
currency in tourist
destination making
travel cheaper
Movement away
from subsistence
farming
Wider use of credit
cards.
Increased car
ownership
Simpler booking
methods e.g.
Expedia online
Single currency in
Europe (the Euro)
Political
Removal of
visa
restrictions
Governme
nt
investment
in tourist
infrastruct
ure
Greater
political
freedom
e.g.
Chinese
citizens
Increased
stability of
area e.g
Vietnam
after the
war the of
the 1960s
and 1970s
Environmental
Creation of
new national
parks or the
protection of
certain areas.
Natural
landforms
being
designated a
UNESCO site.
Good reliable
weather
Natural
beauty e.g.
Sahara
Desert,
Himalaya
Mountains or
Great Barrier
Reef
Introduction of
ecotourism
and
sustainable
tourism
FALLING DEMAND
Social
Terrorist
attacks e.g.
Bali
bombings
Economic
Economic recession or
loss of jobs
Increased cost of travel.
Political
Political
instability e.g.
Libya
Environmental
Natural disasters e.g.
Thailand after 2004
Indian Ocean tsunami
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2002 aimed
at tourists
Ethnic
tensions
between
locals and
overseas
visitors
Introduction of
visas, tourist
tax, exit tax
Closing of
borders e.g.
Myanmar after
failed 'Saffron
Revolution'
(now open
again)
Environmental
accidents e.g. Gulf of
Mexico oil spill
Rising sea levels
possible flooding
tourist destinations e.g.
Maldives
Outbreak of disease
e.g. Swine flu
Worries about personal
carbon footprint.
Football is global sport because traditionally played: spread with British Empire
Large government investment by Sports Minister in England for stadiums/equipment to
develop football talent: football success is part of national identity
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Football can be played in state-provided parks whereas golf courses are privately-owned
and expensive.
More wealthy countries do better at golf because leisure time and affluence (membership
in golf club) needed to hone talent.
Female success in golf is dominated by East-Asians as opposed to with males where its
whites: cultural norm of male-domination not ingrained with introduction of golf.
Economic
Accessibility:
- five international
airports in
London.
- Newham located
very close to the
London.
- Good rail
network.
- Newham is
connected by the
underground,
overground,
mainline rail,
Docklands light
railway and
Eurostar.
Many of the venues
were already in
existence e.g.
Wembley, Lord's,
Wimbledon and the
O2 arena.
The government
guaranteed to cover
the cost of the
Olympics.
The UK has a
successful track
record of hosting
major sporting
events, it hosted the
European football
championships in
1996 and the
Commonwealth
Games in 2002.
London is world city,
so it is easy to
attract sponsorship
and advertising to
the venue.
Sociocultural
The Lower Lea Valley
needed regeneration:
hoped higher living
standard for deprived area
(high unemployment, low
income, poor public health)
London and the UK has a
tradition of sport. Lord's is
the home of Cricket,
Wimbledon the home of
tennis and Twickenham the
home of rugby. It also has
many other famous
sporting venues in the
capital like the O2 arena,
the Emirates and Wembley.
London championed the
idea of leaving a legacy.
They said that a poor area
would be regenerated and
venues would be left for
future use.
They had the backing of
celebrities, Lord Sebastian
Coe (former Olympic
champion) and David
Beckham.
The bid team used local
residents to show that it
had the backing of the local
population.
All venues will be used
after the Olympics. They
will either be made smaller
or dismantled and moved
to other parts of the
country.
There are a large number of
hotel rooms in and around
London.
Political
The bid
had the
support
of the
local and
national
governme
nt.
The then
mayor of
London,
Ken
Livingsto
ne, put
aside his
difference
with the
then
Prime
Minister
Tony Blair
to fully
support
the
London
bid.
The
current
Prime
Minister
(David
Cameron)
and
London
Mayor
(Boris
Johnson)
also
strongly
support
the
Olympics.
Environmental
There were
large
brownfield sites
in Newham that
could be used
to construct the
Olympic Village
on.
East London is
built on a
floodplain so
the land is flat
and easy to
build on.
The East of
London should
be protected
from flooding
by the Thames
Flood Barrier.
During July and
August, London
normally has a
good climate
for participating
in and viewing
sport (not too
hot or cold, not
much rainfall).
London and
England are in
Europe, so
close to many
of the Olympics
potential
athletes and
spectators.
London is already a developed city, so selecting London may have taken the opportunity of
other cities like Istanbul or Havana to develop.
London is one of the world's most expensive cities to visit and live. Many potential
spectators will be put off by the expense.
Some businesses had to be closed and relocated to make way for the Olympic village.
There have been questions marks, whether London's transport network can cope with the
influx of visitors.
There is the risk that the Olympics might attract a terrorist attack. In fact the day after
London won the Olympics, it experienced a major terrorist attack.
Impacts
SHORT-TERM
Sociocultural
+ Local residents will
have the opportunity
to go and watch world
class sport on their
doorstep.
+ A new school/college
has been built on the
site of the Olympic
Village. It will be the
media centre during
the games
+ Jobs will be created
selling merchandise,
tickets, food, etc at
Olympic venues
positive multiplier
effect.
Economic
Hotels and
restaurants should
see a massive
increase in business
on the lead up to
and during the
Olympics and
Paralympics
Olympic
merchandise will be
sold across the
world increasing
revenue from the
games
Sponsorship and
advertising should
cover a lot of the
costs from the
games.
Existing land
owners can charge
premium rent
The cost of hotels,
restaurants,
taxis,etc. will
probably increase
during the Olympic
Games.
Some businesses
may have to close
during the Olympics
because of safety or
accessibility
problems
(impossible to make
deliveries)
inflation of land
prices for first-time
buyers (market
exclusion)
Political
+ The British
governmen
t will be in
the
spotlight at
the time
and the
Prime
Minister at
the time
will get
publicity
from
opening
the
Games.
+ There will
be an
increase in
tax
revenue
during the
games.
- The
Governme
nt will
have less
money to
spend on
roads,
schools,
hospitals,
etc. while
it pays for
the
Olympic
Games
Environmental
+ Cars will not be
allowed into the
Olympic Village so all
spectators will be
walking, cycling or
using public
transport. This
should reduce air
pollution in the area
of the Olympic
Village.
There will be an
increase in flights
arriving into the UK
which will cause an
increase in air
pollution. Also more
energy will be used
in hotel and venues.
The increased
number of spectators
and athletes will
increase waste and
litter which will have
to be dealt with.
heavy vehicle
movement.
LONG-TERM
Sociocultural
+ The venues will be
available for the
public to use decades
into the future. Things
like the velodrome,
aquatics centre and
white water centre
should develop
athletes in new
disciplines.
+ The Olympic village's
accommodation will
be converted and
used as affordable
accommodation.
+ Equipment used in the
Olympics will be given
to charities for free.
+ Local residents may
see the value of their
houses increase with
all the regeneration
taking place.
Economic
+ The infrastructure
improvements
(especially public
transport) will benefit
Londoners and
business for decades
to come.
+ The image of London
should be enhanced
making business and
individuals want to
do business in
London.
+ 12, 000 permanent
jobs alone created
(managing facilities
and transport
networks)
+ Boost for tourism
industry in East
London as higher
standards and
international
recognition/improvin
g image
Political
+ If the
games
are
successfu
l then the
governme
nt will be
seen in a
positive
light and
might
have a
better
chance of
reelection.
+ The UK
should
definitely
improve
its
standing
on the
internatio
nal
circuit.
It is estimated that
Londoners will have
an increased tax bill
for the next ten years
to pay for the
Olympics (6 billion)
Many of the jobs
created will only be
short-term (e.g.
construction), so
unemployment may
rise after the games.
Displacement but
relocation of 900
businesses (jobs),
Britains largest
church (Kingsway Intl
Christian Centre),
residents and 500
trees
There may be an
oversupply of hotel
rooms after the
games. London is in
the processing of
adding 15,000 hotel
rooms for the
Olympics.
The increased
demand for facilities
generated by the
games may create
inflation.
The
governme
nt may
be
saddled
with long
term debt
paying off
the
games.
Environmental
+ The improved public
transport should
mean that cars are
removed from the
roads and use public
transport instead.
+ Areas of brownfield
land around London
have been cleared of
pollutants left over
from factories.
+ Previously covered
rivers have been
opened and cleaned.
Areas of parkland
have also been
created.
+ Infrastructural/landsc
ape regeneration:
bridges, roads,
railways to increase
accessibility,
dangerous overhead
power lines moved
underground, land
remediation of
brownfield sites from
deindustrialization
- More structures,
hotels and
accommodations will
increase the
country's carbon
footprint.
- The creation of
impermeable
surfaces may affect
the hydrological
cycle.
Initial primary attractions were climate, long coastline, and distinctive culture
Exemplary of post-1945 growth in tourism: became centre for package tours and
uncontrolled development
Impacts
-
Sociocultural
Culture is diluted e.g. area swamped
by characterless buildings
Perceptual carrying capacity reached
due to overcommercialization: lack of
open space, limited car parking,
crowding of facilities such as bars and
beaches, noise pollution
Many new recreational, sport and
leisure facilities such as bars, discos,
golf courses, retail services and
restaurants for locals as well. Has four
times more of these facilities than
would be expected for a settlement of
its size.
Increased crime rates: drugs,
vandalism and mugging
Economic
Decline in tourism
market during world
recession because
prices were too high
and there were cheaper
upmarket hotels
elsewhere
Initially very rapid
increase in employment
(traditionally farming
and fishing) in
construction, cafes,
hotels but
unemployment when
tourism decreased (up
to 70% employed in
tourism at peak)
Environmental
Pollution of sea
and beaches
- Farmland built on
- Wildlife
frightened away
by development:
migratory birds
looking for
nesting
- Carrying capacity
reached: water
supply and
sewerage
dumping into sea
to toxic levels
-
Great biological diversity (5% of worlds terrestrial species) and many national
parks/nature reserves: especially rainforest
Eco-lodges in tune with local environment e.g. built from wood discarded by loggers, solar
energy heats water, and bio-degradable soups
Locals employed: cooks, waiters, cleaners
Provide activities such as jungle hikes and bird watching educating with a large range
of recreational activities e.g. young single professionals prefer eco-adventure like rafting
Many lodges are actually owned by expatriates from US: leakage.
As tourism grows and is promoted, expectations of tourists have grown and so has the
luxury e.g. electricity, tourists arrive in 4x4s which use petrol and disturb wildlife
Good if lack raw materials but has pristine nature, endowed with
heritage/culture/indigenous tribes: prevents marginalization through being economically
disadvantaged
Diversifies economy with service sector
Makes infrastructural improvements worthwhile
Good because is an export not subject to price fluctuations of commodities on world
market so can overcome balance of payments
Labour-intensive so alleviates unemployment and builds skill and entrepreneurship of
workforce (language, catering, entertainment)
Global shocks depress international tourist demand but domestic demand too weak to
compensate for lost international revenue: dependence
Inflation marginalizes locals: everyday goods, land
Overshoot carrying capacity: not equipped to deal with congestion, power shortage
Emergence of informal economy/black market prevents tax revenue
Economic leakage: increased foreign ownership airlines, international hotel chains, tour
operators
Gambia context
-
One of worlds poorest country with highest population growth rate in West Africa
Huge foreign debt issue due to over-dependence on peanut production
most watched league in the world, watched by half a billion in 202 countries. It is also the
world's richest league generating about $3 billion in income during the 2009/10 season.
The Barclay's Premier League is the only level one league in England so it is top of the
hierarchy in terms of football leagues.
The Barclays Premier League is often considered to be the number one league in the world
as well, because of its viewing figures, average attendances and income generation.
Primary are pre-existing attractions for tourism or recreation (that is not built specifically
for the purpose), including climate, scenery, wildlife, indigenous people and
cultural/heritage sites.
Secondary includes accommodation, catering, entertainment and shopping.
Venice context
-
Located in North-east Italy in the middle of the Venice Lagoon: known as Queen of the
Adriatic.
Total population of only 60, 000, which is steadily declining and 10% of population in
1930s.
Describe the distribution and location of primary and secondary tourist resources
in Venice, Italy
Rialto Bridge, St. Marks Square and St. Marks Basilica; luxury hotels Hotel Canal Grande and
restaurants; located in centre and coast, both densely distributed among each other
Venice problems
-
Charge tax of 5 Euros a day: extra income, but minimal impact on tourist numbers
Limit advertising
Drinking fountains: tourists leave millions of plastic bottles annually
One-way system for certain bridges and walkways in busiest periods
Areas of St. Mark Square blocked off to reduce litter, also increased patrol: addresses
pigeon problem too where tourist feed/waste attracts pigeons which are a pest, carry
disease, and damage/disfigure ancient buildings with excrement
Conclude exemplary of saying loved to death.
Is a honey pot site in Peru, visited for remarkable biodiversity and pristine character
ruins of Inca city
Consists of sanctuary between Andean and Amazonian ecosystems
Government promotes cultural tourism because seen as important strategy for
development and locals escaping poverty: unregulated growth due to open access
System for collection of solid waste and removal by train to landfill sites near Cuzco,
stricter rules for waste disposal imposed
$20/person entrance ticket and Inca Trail generates $10 million a year to protect
important that is for non-residents
Fee for hiking Inca Trail tripled to $50
Number of people on the trail limited to 500: previously up to 1000 daily
All tourists required to trek with registered companies which help ensure hikers keep to
trail conservation rules like no steel tipped walking sticks
Redistribution away from Machu Picchu and Inca Trial being promoted: Tribes Travel
Company advertises nearby Choquequirao trail by pointing out pressure and providing
alternative to trying to see sunrise with 1000 other people
Improved signage to prevent littering, leaving gates open, trampling and ignoring
footpaths awareness of need for being sensitive to locals, or indicating punishment for
actions: more feasible than constant patrolling over vast space of rural areas
Ban cars with park and ride schemes: narrow roads in rural areas prone to congestion
Urban regeneration
Intra-urban patterns
-
From the CBD to rural-urban fringe, the distribution of facilities becomes sparser.
This is because there is a wider range and frequency of facilities higher up the settlement
hierarchy.
- Culture more varied in CBD so wider range of interests
- Land value is higher and competing land use so facilities that dont require much space
- More economically well-off can afford more services e.g. golf
- More accessible so wider sphere of influence/catchment area
Also the nature of those in urban-rural fridge require more space like country parks, garden
centres and nature reserves.
Population size increases from villages, small country town, town, city and capital city
Approaches more threshold populations (minimum number of people for a service to be
provided): worth providing facilities with specialist functions
Larger and varied demand
Greater resources, especially monetary
Overall increase in frequency, size (e.g. Olympic size), range (alternate definition is the
maximum distance someone will travel)
8. Sustainable
tourism
Sustainable tourism that conserves primary tourist resources and supports the livelihoods
and culture of local people
Sustainable tourism includes
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