Geographies of Interconnections · Term 3

Global Production & Consumption

Investigate how goods are produced and consumed globally, examining complex supply chains and the spatial organisation of economic activity.

About This Topic

Tourism: Global Impacts explores the world's largest industry and its profound effect on people and places. This topic (AC9G9K04) examines the economic benefits of tourism, such as job creation and infrastructure development, alongside its environmental and social costs. Students investigate the concept of 'over-tourism' and its impact on iconic sites like Venice, Bali, or the Great Barrier Reef.

Students will also explore the rise of 'eco-tourism' and 'sustainable tourism' as ways to balance the desire for travel with the need for conservation. This unit encourages students to think as 'responsible travellers'. This topic comes alive when students can design their own sustainable tourism plans and evaluate real-world travel destinations.

Active Learning Ideas

Inquiry Circle: The Tourism Scorecard

Groups research a popular tourist destination. They create a 'scorecard' that rates its economic benefits versus its environmental and social impacts.

⏱ 50 min·Small Groups

Generate mission

Role Play: The New Resort Meeting

Students take on roles as a resort developer, a local resident, an environmentalist, and a government official. They debate whether a new 'mega-resort' should be built in a sensitive area.

⏱ 45 min·Small Groups

Generate mission

Think-Pair-Share: Can tourism be truly sustainable?

Students discuss in pairs whether it's possible to have mass tourism without damaging the environment. They share their best ideas for 'sustainable' travel.

⏱ 25 min·Pairs

Generate mission

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Tourism is always good for the local economy.

What to Teach Instead

Often, much of the money spent by tourists 'leaks' out of the country to international hotel chains and airlines. A 'money leak' diagram helps students see this reality.

Common Misconception

Eco-tourism is just a marketing gimmick.

What to Teach Instead

While 'greenwashing' exists, genuine eco-tourism provides vital funding for conservation and local communities. Using 'eco-certification' case studies helps students tell the difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 'over-tourism'?

It happens when there are too many visitors to a particular destination, leading to a decline in the quality of life for locals and damage to the environment or cultural heritage.

How does tourism affect the Great Barrier Reef?

It provides billions of dollars for the economy and funding for reef protection, but it also causes pressure through boat damage, pollution, and the impact of large numbers of people.

What is 'leakage' in tourism?

It is the way in which revenue generated by tourism in a country is lost to other countries' economies (e.g., through foreign-owned hotels or imported food for tourists).

How can active learning help students understand the impact of tourism?

By role-playing the 'stakeholders' in a tourism development, students engage with the complex trade-offs involved. This active approach helps them understand that there are no easy answers and that sustainable tourism requires careful planning and ethical choices.

Browse curriculum by country

• Americas
• US
• CA
• MX
• CL
• CO
• BR

• Europe
• UK
• IE
• FR
• DE
• ES
• IT
• NL
• PT
• SE

• Asia & Pacific
• IN
• SG
• AU