Impacts of Tourism - An assignment about the development of tourism in Majorca

Seminar paper from the year 2009 in the subject Tourism, grade: 2,3, Stralsund University of Applied Sciences, language: English, abstract: Thinking about tourism what first comes to most people’s minds probably has to do with sun, beaches, outdoor activities, shopping trips, exotic food and famous sights. Of course, all these components make a place a touristic destination and are going to be used by the tourists. Infrastructure is needed as well as certain adaptation of locals. If all necessary resources are given, what should argue against tourism as a motor of local economy and way of development? But on the other hand, a not successfully or towards sustainability directed management of a touristic destination may cause impacts destroying all these attractions irreparable. Even with all precautions against negative impacts taken, nothing can prevent a community from them. Is the average tourist aware of water being a rare resource, especially in the country of his or her vacations? Is the government of any country willing to restrict income and tax revenue provided by tourism to prevent nature from damage? And can anybody expect concerns about sustainability if a destination just started its rise in international tourism? By writing this assignment I am going to take a closer look on the impacts, which were caused by the development of tourism on the most famous Balearic Island, Majorca. The first chapter will deal with general information about the island, the second one will give an overview about the history of tourism and finally the third chapter will deviate possible and existing economical, social and environmental impacts of tourism on Majorca. Finally I will give a brief conclusion about Majorca as a destination impacted by tourism.