Final answer:
A systems approach is necessary in tourism to manage interdependent components such as the local economy, environment, and culture, helping to make tourism sustainable and beneficial. It involves strategic planning and management, especially in ecotourism, to balance economic benefits with environmental and cultural preservation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The need for a systems approach in tourism arises from the sector's closed nature, as it involves various interdependent components including the environment, local communities, and businesses. This approach helps to address the complex issues that can arise, such as multiplier leakage, where money spent by tourists doesn't stay in the local economy, environmental degradation, and the potential for cultural harm. Proper management, such as in ecotourism, can help ensure tourism is sustainable and beneficial to both local populations and the environment.
For example, tourist destinations like Cozumel, Mexico may suffer when the infrastructure to support tourism causes environmental damage, and profits are not retained locally. In contrast, Yosemite National Park showcases how tourism, when managed with a systems approach, can preserve natural resources and generate economic benefits. The systems approach also emphasizes the importance of careful planning and management to prevent the destruction of attractions that visitors come to see, as is often the case in ecotourism projects.
With the rise of tourism as a significant sector in many economies, islands and remote locations face challenges in developing the necessary infrastructure to attract tourism. These challenges, including the significant costs involved, highlight the importance of a strategic approach to planning and managing tourism to balance the benefits with the preservation of the local environments and communities.