Consequences of tourism
The Consequences of Tourism on the Coromandel Peninsula
Report to UNESCO by mary o
8 March 2012
Tourism on the Coromandel impacts people by creating a better economy and more jobs. Kevin Blakeford, editor/publisher of the NZ Travel Memo stated the “Coromandel tourism industry has an estimated annual worth of $360million and is growing at 5% per annum”1. The money being brought in by tourism is creating more jobs, which benefits the community.
The downside is that it creates a bigger strain on the local infrastructure. “The Thames-Coromandel districts usual population of 27,100 grows by six times over the Christmas to New Years day period.”2 This puts a strain on the roads and generates more rubbish which needs to go somewhere.
The Coromandel is working towards being a sustainable tourism destination. It was one of the first regions in New Zealand to make a sustainable tourism strategy3. Businesses are encouraged to join the Sustainable Tourism Group. Tourists can download an Eco-Wise Travel Guide at www.thecoromandel.com. This guide has tips on how to be eco-wise and leave gentle footprints when travelling.
The environment of the Coromandel Peninsula is impacted when tourists damage the flora and fauna in sensitive areas. The flora and fauna are affected when people are not careful about where they travel. Visitors should keep in mind that they could be damaging habitats. For example, it is best if you stay to formed tracks to reduce damage to plants and sand movement. The endangered New Zealand dotterel lives and breeds on the beaches of Port Jackson and Opoutere. There are roped off breading zones which visitors are not to enter.
When enjoying our waterways, tourists should make the effort to keep them clear of rubbish, spills and introduced species such as didymo (freshwater algae).
One of the businesses on the Coromandel that tries to be sustainable is the Cathedral Cove B&B. They work hard to be sustainable
Report to UNESCO by mary o
8 March 2012
Tourism on the Coromandel impacts people by creating a better economy and more jobs. Kevin Blakeford, editor/publisher of the NZ Travel Memo stated the “Coromandel tourism industry has an estimated annual worth of $360million and is growing at 5% per annum”1. The money being brought in by tourism is creating more jobs, which benefits the community.
The downside is that it creates a bigger strain on the local infrastructure. “The Thames-Coromandel districts usual population of 27,100 grows by six times over the Christmas to New Years day period.”2 This puts a strain on the roads and generates more rubbish which needs to go somewhere.
The Coromandel is working towards being a sustainable tourism destination. It was one of the first regions in New Zealand to make a sustainable tourism strategy3. Businesses are encouraged to join the Sustainable Tourism Group. Tourists can download an Eco-Wise Travel Guide at www.thecoromandel.com. This guide has tips on how to be eco-wise and leave gentle footprints when travelling.
The environment of the Coromandel Peninsula is impacted when tourists damage the flora and fauna in sensitive areas. The flora and fauna are affected when people are not careful about where they travel. Visitors should keep in mind that they could be damaging habitats. For example, it is best if you stay to formed tracks to reduce damage to plants and sand movement. The endangered New Zealand dotterel lives and breeds on the beaches of Port Jackson and Opoutere. There are roped off breading zones which visitors are not to enter.
When enjoying our waterways, tourists should make the effort to keep them clear of rubbish, spills and introduced species such as didymo (freshwater algae).
One of the businesses on the Coromandel that tries to be sustainable is the Cathedral Cove B&B. They work hard to be sustainable