Extractive Tourism: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re like most people, the term “extractive tourism” probably doesn’t mean much to you. And that’s okay – it’s a relatively new term, and not many people are familiar with it yet. But this type of tourism is an important topic, and one that more and more people are beginning to understand. In this article, we’ll answer some of the most common questions about extractive tourism. What is extractive tourism? How does it differ from other types of tourism? Who benefits from extractive activity? And more!

Defining extractive tourism

This type of tourism can be defined as tourism that has the primary purpose of extractive activities, such as mining, oil and gas drilling, logging, and similar activities. extractive tourism is often contrasted with what’s known as “developmental tourism”, which refers to tourism that is geared towards economic development, such as infrastructure projects or job creation.

There are a few key things to know about extractive tourism:

• It usually takes place in rural or remote areas
• It’s often controversial, due to its environmental impact
• It can have a positive or negative impact on local communities, depending on how it’s managed
• It typically brings in more money than other types of tourism

The problems with extractive tourism

While this type of tourism can bring much-needed economic development to a region, it also comes with a number of problems. One of the biggest problems is its environmental impact. Extractive activities can often lead to pollution and other forms of environmental damage. This can have a negative impact on local ecosystems, and it can also make the area less attractive to tourists.

Another problem with extractive tourism is that it often benefits multinational corporations more than it benefits local communities. This is because extractive industries are typically controlled by large companies, rather than by locals. This means that most of the money generated by extractive activity goes to these companies, rather than staying in the local community.

Finally, extractive tourism can often be disruptive to local communities. This is because it often brings in a large number of outsiders, who can end up putting strain on local resources.

Despite these problems, extractive tourism can still be a positive force if it’s managed properly. When done right, extractive tourism can bring much-needed economic development to a region while also benefiting local communities.

How to make extractive activity more sustainable

There are a few key things that need to be done in order to make this type of travel more sustainable. First, extractive industries need to be better regulated in order to minimize their environmental impact. Second, extractive companies need to do more to benefit local communities, rather than just taking resources out of them. And third, local communities need to be involved in the decision-making process when it comes to extractive tourism.

Only by taking these steps can we hope to make this type of travel more sustainable in the long term. Otherwise, its negative impacts will continue to outweigh its positive ones.

Examples of extractive tourism gone wrong

Unfortunately, there are many examples of extractive activity gone wrong. One of the most famous examples is the Okavango Delta in Botswana. In the early 2000s, a company called Wilderness Safaris began operating extractive activity camps in the delta. This led to a boom in extractive activities, such as hunting and fishing. However, this kind of tourism has had a negative impact on local communities and ecosystems. It has led to environmental damage and has displaced local people from their homes.

Another example is the Mountaintop Removal Mining project in West Virginia, United States. This project involves using explosives to remove the tops of mountains in order to access coal deposits underneath. This extractive activity has caused environmental damage and has also led to the displacement of local communities.

These examples show that extractive tourism can often have negative consequences, even when it’s well-intentioned. This is why it’s so important to ensure that extractive tourism is done sustainably. Otherwise, its negative impacts will continue to outweigh its positive ones.

Alternatives to extractive activity

If this type of travel is not done sustainably, it can have negative consequences for both local communities and the environment. However, there are alternatives to this form of tourism that can be more sustainable. One alternative is community-based tourism. This type of tourism focuses on benefiting local communities, rather than extractive industries. It typically involves locals being involved in the decision-making process, and it often includes activities such as homestays and cultural tours.

Another alternative is nature-based tourism. This type of tourism focuses on sustainable activities such as wildlife watching and hiking. Nature-based tourism can be a great way to learn about local ecosystems and to enjoy the outdoors without causing environmental damage.