Tourism and the Mediterranean environment

Abstract

The arguments that shall be briefed are to an extent applicable to all countries where international tourism exists, but they are especially pertinent to small islands, because these tend to depend to a very large extent on tourism for foreign exchange inflows and employment.

Many governments, particularly that of islands, have attempted to maximize their island’s potential to attract tourists, and embarked on a policy to develop this industry through promotion campaigns, building of hotels and other tourist facilities, and so on. It is for this reason that many small islands have a very large import bill, and income from tourism is regarded as a very important source of financing this bill, and thus being given priority. However, a characteristics of tourist trade is that while it is generally a good economic proposition, it often leads to abuse of the environment.

In practical terms, this should not take extreme points of view , and instead take a more integrated and a more responsible approach towards economic and environmental well-being. Environmental protection is considered as a good which is conducive towards economic well-being. It is the tourist industry which should be at the head of the queue demanding an end to environmental degradation.