The Himalayas

The Himalayas – home to the world’s tallest mountain, Everest – has become increasingly popular in recent years. Whereas before World War II very few people could even reach Everest, now thousands of people fly to the nearby cities and enjoy walking holidays in the foothills, many of them climbing the mountain itself.

This huge rise in visitors has brought in much-needed revenue for the local people, but at a cost. New roads have been built through previously pristine wilderness, campsites have sprung up in the meadows, and many visitors leave huge quantities of litter and human waste. The local wildlife has been forced into ever-smaller areas of wilderness and many local people who previously worked with the land are now totally reliant on tourism to survive. New strategies are being put in place to try to ensure that this area of outstanding beauty is preserved, while still allowing visitors to appreciate the mountains – and for local people to benefit.

How can ‘ecotourism’ aid sustainability?

As awareness grows of the impact of humans on our planet, many tourists are choosing ecotourism as a way to see new places without having an adverse effect on that environment. Ecotourism means taking great care not to spoil the location; not to leave waste, or build new resorts, or disrupt the fragile nature systems that exist.

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Case study: Scarborough

Scarborough has passed through many phases since it was established over a thousand years ago by Viking raiders as ‘Skaraborg’. It has been a fishing village, a resort for the rich, a resort for the urban working classes, and in recent years has been reinvented as a trendy and tasteful holiday destination with a strong cultural identity. Scarborough was popular with the middle classes from the early 17th century due to the discovery of a stream of acidic water, which led to Scarborough Spa, water from which was said to cure minor ailments.

In the 1840s new railway links made the town a popular destination for mill workers from across the north. Situated as it was close to the north east, Yorkshire and beyond, the town became accessible to huge swathes of workers in search of a day out beside the sea.

As package tourism grew in popularity after World War II the fortunes of Scarborough, like many other resorts, began to decline. However the area had several points in its favour. It is situated in a spectacular setting, has some large, famous hotels, and is easily accessible.

Another aspect of town that gives it an advantage is its cultural scene. Famous playwright Alan Ayckbourn is based in the town and is director at the famous Stephen Joseph Theatre. Each year the town also hosts the National Student Drama Festival and hundreds of artists have made the town their home.