A. Eco-tourism Creates a False Impression
B. Merits and Demerits of Eco-tourism
C. Doubts about Benefits of Eco-tourism
D. Eco-tourism Leads to Romantic Destruction
E. Eco-tourism Is Environmentally Risky
F. No Local Benefits from Eco-tourism
小题1:_____________________________________
The trend towards eco-tourism holidays, presented as sustainable, nature-based and environmentally friendly, is now subject to considerable controversy. Governments as well as the tourism industry promote eco-tourism, resulting in an estimated world-wide annual growth of 10-15%, with its claims of economic and social sensitivity. But there are well-founded concerns that it lacks adequate scientific foundations, and is not practicable as a solution to the world’s social and environmental problems.
小题2:_____________________________________
Many eco-tourism claims concerning its benefits are exaggerated, or owe more to labelling and marketing than genuine sustainability. Not only are such projects repeatedly planned and carried out without local approval and support, but they often threaten local cultures, economies, and natural resource bases. Critics regard eco-tourism as an “eco-façade”---a strategy concealing the mainstream tourism industry’s consumptive and exploitative practices by “greening” it.
小题3:_____________________________________
Eco-tourism may have some advantages, but one of its most serious impacts is the expropriation(征用) of` “virgin” territories---national parks, wildlife parks and other wilderness areas---which are packaged for eco-tourists as the green option. Eco-tourism is highly consumer-centered, catering mostly to urbanised societies and the new middle-class “alternative lifestyles”. Searching for untouched places “off the beaten track” of mass tourism, travellers have already opened up many new destinations.
Mega-resorts, including luxury hotels, condominiums(公寓), shopping centres and golf course, are increasingly established in nature reserves in the name of eco-tourism. Such projects build completely artificial landscapes, tending to irretrievably(不可换回的) wipe out plant and wildlife species---even entire eco-systems.
小题4:_____________________________________
Diverse local social and economic activities are replaced by an eco-tourism monoculture. Contrary to claims, local people do not necessarily benefit from eco-tourism. Tourism-related employment is greatly overrated: locals are usually left with low-paying service jobs such as tour guides, porters, and food and souvenir vendors. In addition, they are not assured of year-round employment: workers may be laid off during the off-season. Most money, as with conventional tourism, is made by foreign airlines, tourism operators, and developers who repatriate profit to their own economically more advanced countries.
小题5:_____________________________________
Eco-tourism’s claim that it preserves and enhances local cultures is highly insincere. Ethnic groups are viewed as a major asset(优点) in attracting visitors; an “exotic” backdrop to natural scenery and wildlife. The simultaneous romanticism and destruction of indigenous cultures(本土文化) is one of eco- tourism’s ironies. Given a lack of success stories, and sufficient evidence of serious adverse effects, the current huge investments in eco-tourism are misplaced and irresponsible. Research, education, and information for tourists are needed, as well as the countering of eco-tourism’s demeaning of local cultures.