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=Tourism Terms=



=Nepal=

Some of the highest mountains in the world are in Nepal. This means that many people want to go there and climb up them. The highest peak in the world Mt Everest is located in Nepal. New Zealander Sir Edmund Hilary was the first person to climb it in 1953. Construction of airports in Nepal's main cities have meant that it is more easily accessible for tourists compared with the past. Many tourists are interested in Nepal's culture and history as well as the mountains located there. As well as tramping many tourists go white water rafting and kayaking. The large number of tourists in Nepal have had an impact on both the people and the environment.

Impact on the Environment
In order to meet the need of the tourists visiting Nepal local people have had to:
 * Build places for the tourists to stay such as lodges.
 * Provide hot water for washing
 * Provide food for people visiting
 * Provide warmth because much of Nepal is at high altitude

To meet the needs of the tourists Nepal has had to rely on wood because they do not have enough electricity to do so. This has meant that many of the forests have been cut down for wood. The other major problem Nepal faces is pollution especially in the Himalayas. Many tonnes of rubbish are left on the tramping trails by tourists. These trails have been names the 'Kleenex Trails' because of all the toilet paper left behind.

Impact on the People:
Tourism is a major source of income for Nepal. However, very few local people benefit from tourism. Most of the money is spent on imported goods from overseas. Many people in the villages speak English, wear European style clothing and eat European food.

Annapurna Conservation Project:
The Annapurna region is the second largest tramping region in Nepal. A conservation area has been established there to try to combat the negative impact on both the environment and the Nepalese people. The Annapurna Conservation Project is an Eco-tourism concept designed to prevent the destruction of the land and forests and protect the rights and culture of the Nepalese villagers.

The project suggests:
 * limiting the cutting down of the forests.
 * removing rubbish.
 * keeping the local water ways clean.
 * allowing plants to grow in their natural environment.
 * respecting people privacy when taking photo's.
 * respecting places of worship.
 * following local customs for eating, drinking and greeting people.
 * leaving plants to grow in their natural environment.

=Kenya=

Many people visit Kenya for its diverse wild life, sandy beaches and warm weather. Kenya is located on the east coast of Africa north of Tanzania. Its landscape is diverse and includes beaches, mountains and the Rift Valley. Nairobi is the capital city and Mombasa is the main port. People from many tribes inhabit Kenya the most famous of which is the Maasai.

Benefits of Tourism

 * Tourism creates much needed jobs for the local people.
 * Money from overseas is brought into Kenya.
 * Markets are larger for products farmers produce.
 * Tourists buy souvenirs the local people make.
 * Schools and hospitals can be built from money earned from tourism.
 * Money from tourists helps build better roads and more houses.

Problems of Tourism

 * People can not live in the national parks.
 * Money from tourism goes to the government not the local people.
 * Because drivers get as close as possible to the animals they often have problems feeding, drinking and mating.
 * Hot air balloons used by tourists disturb the wildlife.
 * Increased soil erosion because drivers do not stick to the tracks.
 * Natural vegetation and farm land has been cleared to make way for hotels and resorts.
 * Beaches are becoming polluted.

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