back to index ofchapters1. Define the meaning of the term 'tourism'.
Ans. Tourism is what happens when people leave their permanent residencesand workplaces and go to temporary destinations where they usually participatein a range of leisure activities.
2. What is a tourist venue?
Ans. A tourist venue is a place where tourist activities occur.
3. What are the main draw cards to marine-centred tourist attractions?Give an example.
Ans. Economically successful and educate the general public.
Sea World is an example of a theme park which is based on a marine theme.It is a commercial venture that not only entertains but also has an educationalemphasis. As a park, it is unique because of the number of dolphins it hasand because of the park's successful breeding programs. It also has a sharkpool, seals and aquariums for public viewing.
4. What is the whale watching industry based on?
Ans. Whale watching has a become an industry along our coastline. Itis based on the annual migration of whales, particularly humpback whales,as they move north from their summer feeding grounds in the Antarctic totropical waters to breed and then move back south with their babies at theend of spring.
5. Give an example of what happens on a short one-day tour to RottnestIsland.
Ans. A day trip to an offshore island such as Rottnest in Western Australiais an example of a short tour tourists are given morning tea on board aboat, taken for a sightseeing tour or bike ride on the island, followedby lunch overlooking the sea. After lunch, a range of marine-related activitiessuch as snorkelling, fishing or boat rides is organised before the touristis taken home.
6. What substance has made underwater aquariums possible?
Ans. The use of acrylic plastic, as shown in Figure 293.3, allows peopleto be transported under the sea to experience a different perspective onmarine life.
7. Why is zoning necessary on reefs?
Ans. To separate areas with conflicting activities. This means that someareas are zoned for different users while some zones are completely outof bounds to tourists.
8. What is an introductory scuba dive and how is it done?
Ans. An introductory scuba dive is where the tourist is given minimuminstruction which may or may not include a pool dive. The person then scubadives at a dive location with an instructor present
9. Describe a day trip to a reef pontoon and how human impacts are reduced.
Ans. Activities on the reef are varied. You can ride in glass-bottomedboats, feed fish, snorkel or scuba dive, ride in a semi-submersible submarineor visit an underwater observatory.
A very popular activity with tourists is the reef walk during which youcan closely examine life on the coral. But this can impact badly on thereef's communities.
How much impact the large volume of tourists has on our offshore reefsis not clear. However, reef visitors must now follow strict guidelines whenusing the reef in order to minimise damage. The main method used is education,teaching a 'look but don't touch or remove' philosophy, and the adoptionof best practice behaviours. Many resorts have marine biologists on staffto help make reef trips more enjoyable.
10. Why is tourism important?
Ans. Tourism provides jobs and tourism needs to be valued as a resource.
11. Name two important shipwrecks that were restored through tourismdollars.
Ans. The restoration of the Pandora or Batavia would not be possibleif it were not for tourism.
12. How are tourism taxes spent and what are their benefits?
Ans. Tourism taxes, park entry fees and registrations of marine recreationalequipment all go towards paying the wages of park managers, the upkeep offacilities such as boat ramps, walking tracks and supporting marine research.
If an area has a natural attraction, tourists are drawn to that area,which can impact on the quality of the environment. Other tourist facilitieswill generally follow later with further impact.
1. Conduct a survey of a local tourist destination in your area. Yourfriendly tourist operator will help you.
· Find where the tourists came from (use post codes).
· Record how they came to this location and how long they willstay.
Suggestions:
See local tourist development board.
2. Design an Australia- or New Zealand- wide itinerary for a person whowishes to visit:
· the 10 best surfing beaches;
· the 10 best dive sites; and
· 10 varied and interesting tourist locations with a variety ofleisure activities.
Suggestions:
Contact your local travel agent.
3. Research whale watching regulations, with particular regard to thedistance that a plane can approach, how boats approach whales and not herdingor separating whales.
Suggestions:
Contact your local travel agent.
4. Research the different zones that have been established by the GreatBarrier Reef Marine Park Authority on the reef. Assume you were requestedto zone the coastal area where you live. Show the zoning you would use,and give reasons for your choice.
Suggestions:
Contact the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority:
PO Box 1379 Townsville 4680
1. permanent residence
2. species
3. holiday packages
4. venues
5. combined
6. camping ground
7. wilderness
8. marine biologists
9. enjoyable
10. aquacamps
11. ethnic backgrounds
12. customs
13. managed
14. sustained