Development
Tourism in LEDCs
Some of the
Worlds most
famous tourist
sites. What and
where are they?
Lesson Aims
• To understand the reasons for the growth of
tourism in LEDCs.
• To look at some examples of countries that are
encouraging tourism.
• To look at the benefits that international tourism
can bring to a LEDC.
• To understand some of the issues arising from the
growth of tourism in LEDCs
• To look at a case study of a need for sustainable
tourism in an LEDC.
Main Ideas
• Development in LEDCs.
• Understanding other places in greater detail.
• Interdependence between MEDCS and
LEDCs.
• Appreciation that if countries are going to
develop, it is important they do it
SUSTAINABLY.
Key Words Revision
• Tourism
• Development
• Interdependence
• Sustainability
Key Words Revision
• Tourism – A trip that is made for pleasure, usually
at least one night away.
• Development – improvement in peoples’ quality
of life.
• Interdependence – countries relying on each other
for the provision of goods and services.
• Sustainability – doing something in a way that
does not cause damage to the environment or
affect peoples lives for the worse.
Improvements in
Changing tastes as
technology and people look for new
communication. and different holidays.
People in
MEDCs have
more money
Why has and leisure time.
Cheaper long there been a
haul flights. growth in
international
Media
tourism? Promotion of
coverage on tourist sites by
TV, film and LEDC
magazines. countries.
Why are so many LEDCs
encouraging tourism?
• Tourism in now the largest employer in the world
and is growing by an average of 9% a year.
• It provides an alternative to cash crops (e.g.
coffee, cocoa) and other exported primary
products that are slowly going down in price.
• Promotes positive links with other countries that
may lead to trade.
• Most importantly it creates a huge amount of
jobs.
Examples of LEDCs with a large
proportion of the population
employed in tourism.
Egypt
• Has a very rich history
with the only remaining
ancient wonder of the
world.
• Hot and dry climate, with
beautiful natural
landscapes and beaches.
• Very popular destination
until recently when
terrorist bombings and the
Gulf War caused
thousands of
cancellations.
Thailand
• Located in South East
Asia, it has a tropical
climate, some of the best
beaches in the world and a
variety of natural
landscapes.
• Films like ‘the Beach’
have increased the
countries profile.
• The government is trying
to rid the country of its
image as a ‘sex’
destination.’
Peru
• Located in South America,
it contains Incan ruins and
the scenery of the Andes
mountains.
• The government of Peru is
trying to make reduce
pressure on its famous
sites, especially the Inca
Trail and Machu Picchu.
In other words create
sustainable tourism.
Benefits and Problems of Tourism in LEDCs
Benefits Problems
The tourist industry involves lots of Most of the best paid jobs go to
services and employs a lot of people. foreigners from MEDCs.
Foreign companies will invest in the Work is often low paid and seasonal.
countries infrastructure (roads, power
lines).
Provides the country with foreign There is often an increase in pollution
income which they can use to import and damage to the natural
goods and services from abroad. environment.
May lead to investment in the Conflicts between local culture and
sustainable use of the environment. foreigners.
Developing Through Tourism in
St. Lucia
We have looked at some of the issues
resulting from tourism in LEDCs. We will
now understand the issues of developing
through tourism in St. Lucia.
1. Where is St. Lucia and what are its main
attractions?
2. What are the main issues?
3. How can they develop sustainably?
St. Lucia
Create a development compass to
show the issues that are resulting
from tourism in St. Lucia
• North – Natural, environmental issues.
• East – Economic, money.
• South – Social concerns.
• West – Who has the power in these issues?
Development Compass
e.g. Destruction
of coral reefs
N
W E
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