Tourism has remained a profitable economic activity in many destinations and countries. Tourism has the potential to produce positive economic developments and ideas. Many societies, nations, and communities have embraced the concept of sustainable tourism in order to benefit the most from it. Many scholars “have encouraged the idea of sustainable tourism because it respects the natural environment” (Wall & Mathieson, 2005, p. 18).
Sustainable tourism promotes the best practices in order to conserve natural resources for posterity (Brida & Zapata, 2010). Cruise tourism has become common in many parts of the world. Cruise tourism is “a new phenomenon that can have numerous impacts on the natural environment” (Brida & Zapata, 2010, p. 206). This paper examines the discussions presented in the article “Cruise Tourism: Economic, Socio-Cultural, and Environmental Impacts” by Juan Gabriel Brida and Sandra Zapata.
The Events Happening at the Destinations that Prompted the Article
The authors of the above article focused on the issue of cruise tourism. The researchers wanted to examine several destinations that had recorded diverse changes due to cruise tourism. The article examined the economic, environmental, and socio-cultural implications of cruise tourism.
The authors targeted specific destinations for the three phenomenons to come up with meaningful findings. The targeted destinations included “ports such as Cozumel, Alaska, and Miami” (Brida & Zapata, 2010, p. 211). According to the researchers, many destinations and ports were not complying with the stipulated Environmental Conservation Standards (ECSs).
Most of the ships using the above ports failed to comply with different international policies. Some of these ports did not have effective infrastructure. However, the targeted destinations “promoted cruise tourism without analyzing the sustainability of the surrounding environment” (Brida & Zapata, 2010, p. 219).
Most of the recreational activities embraced in such ports disturbed both plants and aquatic life. Littering and disturbance were common in targeted destinations (Brida & Zapata, 2010). The absence of appropriate environmental strategies affected the sustainability of each destination.
Positive and Negative Consequences
The study identified the negative environmental consequences associated with cruise tourism in the targeted ports. Many citizens in the United States were unhappy with the actions of different shipping companies. For instance, some individuals wanted such companies to act in a responsible manner.
The government also imposed new laws and policies to monitor the actions of different companies. Most of the targeted port destinations were incapable of producing sustainable environments. This development made it impossible for many communities to benefit from the practice (Brida & Zapata, 2010).
According to Brida and Zapata (2010), identified cruise erosion as a leading cause of soil erosion in the targeted destinations. The number of destroyed habitats was also on the rise. The practice was also consuming more geological sites in the targeted regions. Some ports were also under expansion thus destroying different natural landscapes and vegetables.
This move affected “the ecological systems of the targeted destinations” (Brida & Zapata, 2010, p. 213). Some shipping companies were also dumping their chemicals in different ports. Many “ships were also contaminating seawater” (Brida & Zapata, 2010, p. 220). However, some employees did not give accurate reports after witnessing the above events.
The study was also able to record some positive gains. To begin with, the government had managed to implement new regulations and laws. This practice made it easier to monitor the practices of different Cruise Tourism Companies.
The development also established new regulations and practices thus promoting the idea of environmental conservation. Some companies also embraced better strategies in order to produce sustainable environments (Brida & Zapata, 2010). Such practices were becoming relevant thus safeguarding different endangered species.
Negative Impacts and Positive Consequences
The authors have mainly focused on the negative issues associated with cruise tourism. The decision to modify different ports and create new ones has resulted in the loss of many natural habitats. Such expansions have also affected every surrounding natural environment. The increased level of wastes and contaminations has affected many aquatic animals.
Such negative impacts have encouraged the American government to produce better laws and legislation. These laws are currently producing positive results. Many ships “produce large volumes of contaminant wastes” (Brida & Zapata, 2010, p. 219). New ideas have emerged in order to inspect every vessel. This practice has encouraged every ship to comply with different international standards. According to the article, this strategy has produced positive results.
Many municipal departments have identified “several regulations and procedures for port expansion” (Brida & Zapata, 2010, p. 221). For instance, every planner and engineer should address the environmental impacts of such ports. Every port under expansion should identify new strategies in order to deal with the problem of environmental degradation.
Some fines are stipulated “to ensure every cruise line does not break any environmental law” (Wall & Mathieson, 2005, p. 49). This development has been useful in many societies. New rehabilitation programs have begun in different ports and coastlines. New agencies have “emerged to monitor the activities executed by different cruise ships and companies” (Brida & Zapata, 2010, p. 219).
The above practices will be critical in the future. More cruise lines understand the dangers associated with their shipping practices. This understanding will make it easier for them to promote better shipping practices. This practice will eventually produce positive gains. Cruise tourism is a powerful practice that can improve the economy of different regions (Brida & Zapata, 2010).
That being the case, it would be necessary to consider the best practices and ideas that will promote sustainable cruise tourism (SCT). Every government should implement new policies and laws in order to support the changing needs of its citizens.
A Major Trend in the Tourism Industry
Several trends are observable in the tourism industry across the globe. Different forms of tourism affect the natural environment due to continued degradation and overuse of natural resources. For instance, tourism increases the rate of human movement. This practice produces more pressure on different environments and societies. However, this development has resulted in better ideas and practices that can address the issues associated with cruise tourism.
A new trend has emerged due to the negative consequences of tourism. According to Brida and Zapata (2010), many theorists have identified better strategies in order to address the problem of environmental degradation. This powerful move can result in sustainable tourism. This kind of tourism has the potential to support the changing needs of local communities and populations.
A new trend has emerged whereby “many individuals and municipalities are informing the public about the importance of the natural environment” (Wall & Mathieson, 2005, p. 94). Tourism has become a meaningful practice that produces beneficial effects on different environments.
Many governments have formulated better policies in order to conserve the natural environment. Tourism “has become a powerful practice that informs more people about the relevance of various environmental values” (Brida & Zapata, 2010, p. 58). The strategy has become a powerful tool for protecting the natural environment. This practice has made tourism a useful practice that supports the changing needs of different populations.
The above programs have educated more people about the dangers of environmental contamination and overuse of natural resources. Sustainable tourism has also become common in many communities. This new trend is currently becoming common in different parts of the world. The concept of environmental protection “will eventually make tourism a positive practice that supports the living conditions of many individuals” (Wall & Mathieson, 2005, p. 85).
How Tourism Managers Are Handling the Above Consequences
The article “Cruise Tourism: Economic, Socio-Cultural and Environmental Impacts” has focused on several impacts of tourism. According to the authors, tourism has continued to produce diverse implications on the lives of many people. I strongly believe that the authors have examined the issue of environmental degradation in a professional manner.
The authors have outlined the major sources of contaminants that affect different regions. The U.S. government is currently addressing the issues associated with different forms of tourism. Sustainable tourism has become a powerful concept that can address the problem of environmental degradation (Wall & Mathieson, 2005).
Every tourism manager (TM) in the targeted destinations was handling the consequences of cruise tourism in a professional manner. Such managers have been identifying new ideas that can result in sustainable practices. The implementation of new laws and policies has played a significant in the shipping industry.
Cruise tourism “remains a meaningful economic practice whose relevance has been felt in every corner of the world” (Wall & Mathieson, 2005, p. 109). However, new ideas and practices will be critical in the future. The strategy will ensure cruise tourism becomes profitable and sustainable.
Reference List
Brida, J., & Zapata, S. (2010). Cruise Tourism: Economic, Socio-Cultural and Environmental Impacts. International Journal of Leisure and Tourism Marketing, 1(3), 205-226.
Wall, G., & Mathieson, A. (2005). Tourism: Change, Impacts and Opportunities. Upper-Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.