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Simien National Park

You are here: Home / All featured sites / Simien National Park
EXPLORE ETHIOPIA’S SIMIEN NATIONAL PARK with this slideshow, check the location
map and get all the facts and information below.
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THE SLIDESHOW provides a comprehensive overview of Ethiopia’s Simien National Park world
heritage site, showing the area’s spectacular mountain landscapes, wildlife habitats, endemic plants
and animals, Walia ibex, Ethiopian wolf and other threatened species, conservation management
issues and local community livelihoods.
REVIEW OF WORLD HERITAGE VALUES: The specific attributes which qualify this site for
world heritage status can be summarised as follows:
Dramatic mountain scenery: The park occupies a stretch of about 35 km along the dramatic
northern escarpment of the Simien massif, with a high plateau at around 4,000m altitude, dropping
precipitously through a series of steep forested gorges, massive cliffs and spectacular outlying
inselbergs and rock outcrops.
Endemic plant communities: The flora is exceptionally diverse and includes communities
characteristic of different altitudinal zones from around 1,800 to 4,000m altitude. Communities
include montane forests, tree heather forests, high altitude grasslands and Afro-alpine communities.
The higher Afro-alpine communities are especially rich in endemic species, including the
conspicuous giant Lobelias and red-hot pokers (Kniphofia spp.), while 10 species of grass (19% of
the total) are endemic to the Simien.
Endangered large mammals: Flagship species of large mammal include the Walia ibex, Ethiopian
wolf and Gelada baboon, all endemic to the Ethiopian highlands. The endangered Walia ibex is
restricted to the Simien Mountains, where populations are recovering and may now number around
1,000 individuals. The endangered Ethiopian wolf is the world’s rarest canid and although it occurs
elsewhere in the Ethiopian highlands, Simien is one of its last remaining strongholds.
Rare and endemic birds: Over 137 species of birds are recorded in this Birdlife Important Bird
Area, including 16 species endemic to the Ethiopia/Eritrea highlands. There is an important
population of the rare lammergeyer (an unusual vulture)
CONSERVATION STATUS AND PROSPECTS: Simien Mountains National Park was one of
the first African sites to be inscribed on the world heritage list, and its outstanding scenic and
biodiversity values have never been in doubt. However, the property has always faced extreme
challenges arising from its location in the densely populated Ethiopian highlands where people live
close to nature and rely on its bounty. The area was settled before the park’s inauguration and this
legacy presents the greatest threats to its long-term future. It remains under intense human pressure
with settlements remaining inside the park, a fifth of its area under cultivation and most of the rest
subject to intensive grazing pressure from domestic livestock. Poaching of the highly endangered
endemic Walia ibex and Ethiopian wolf has greatly diminished in recent years, and there are
advanced plans to increase the park’s size from 136km2 to 400 km2, but these developments will
only really be of lasting value if the level of human activities within the park can be brought to
within sustainable limits.
MANAGEMENT EFFECTIVENESS: Despite significant recent improvements in protection and
management which have resulted in an increase in populations of the park’s highly endangered
large mammals and real progress with community relations and tourism, there remain very serious
challenges. Most of the park is subject to high levels of grazing by domestic stock, about 17% of it
is under illegal cultivation, and there are 600 resident households in nine illegal settlements.
Management lacks the resources to tackle these issues effectively. Furthermore, most of the detailed
provisions in the General Management Plan remain to be implemented.
REVIEW OF CONSERVATION ISSUES AND THREATS: The following issues represent
specific threats to the ecology, conservation and values of the world heritage site.
Over-grazing: With the exception of a few ‘no grazing’ zones at the top of the escarpment around
Chenek and Sankaber, the entire park is subject to heavy grazing pressure from massive numbers of
sheep, goats and other stock belonging to herders around the park who bring their animals into the
park. The constant presence of high densities of domestic stock, and the resulting overgrazing
reduces the amount of habitat available for key wildlife species (e.g. Walia ibex avoid disturbed
areas) and diminishes its capacity to support key species such as the Ethiopian wolf (whose rodent
prey require rank grass).
Cultivation: About 23 km2 (17%) of the property is under cultivation by about 600 households
living within the park and a further 1500 households around its periphery. There is little attention to
soil conservation measures and sheet and gulley erosion commonly occur in areas subjected to
cultivation.
Settlement and human presence: 586 households (3,223 people) were established in 9 villages
within the park at the time of a household survey in 2006 and many others residing nearby use the
park’s land and resources for cultivation, grazing and resource collection.
Road and infrastructure corridor: A main (unpaved) road runs through critical wildlife habitat in
the middle of the park, along the top of the escarpment, linking Debark with Mekane-Birhan.
Electricity transmission lines were being installed along this road at the time of the last monitoring
mission in October 2009.
Tree cutting and firewood collection: The high density of people living in (or near to) the park
and the local scarcity of wood resources, combine to create enormous pressure on forests and trees,
especially the tree heather forests and Hypericum thickets at higher altitudes.
Soil erosion: Extensive sheet and gulley soil erosion is the result of poor cultivation techniques and
overgrazing.
Poaching: Poaching of large mammals for subsistence use is reported to be less of a threat than
used to be the case, but it was responsible for a very severe reduction in Walia ibex numbers during
the 1980s and early 90s.
Invasive alien plants: The threat from invasive exotics has not been properly assessed, but was
observed during an official IUCN/UNESCO mission in 2009.
Climate change: The expected long-term trend towards global warming is expected to shift plant
and animal communities to higher ground, and is likely to reduce the amount of suitable habitat
available to species that presently occur at the higher elevations, particularly the Ethiopian wolf.
Human population increase: The human population in and around the property is increasing at
one of the fastest rates anywhere in the world, creating ever-increasing resource pressures. These
can only be mitigated through the provision of alternative livelihoods, preferably in towns away
from the property.
Tourism infrastructure: Badly planned tourism infrastructure could easily affect the visual
aesthetic along the top of the escarpment. Although this is not yet a problem, careful planning is
required.
Institutional and legal issues: Agreement has been reached with local communities to extend the
park from its present 136 km2 to around 400 km2, and the new boundaries have been marked with
300 concrete beacons. However, there has been a delay in getting the new boundary mapped and
gazetted which could jeopardize the desired park extension and the ecological sustainability benefits
it will bring.
Factfile

Website category: Mountains

Area: 220 km2

Inscribed: 1978

Values: The Simien Mountains National Park includes one of the most dramatic mountain

landscapes in Africa, and is home to some of the continent’s rarest fauna and flora, including

the endemic Walia ibex, Simien fox and Gelada baboon. The park covers the northern

escarpment of an ancient mountain massif of igneous basalts, deeply cut by forested gorges
and sheer cliffs, some 1,500m high. The Park was one of the first four sites to be inscribed on

the World Heritage List in 1978, but has been on the List of World Heritage in Danger since

1996 because of a decline in the population of the Walia ibex due to human settlement,

grazing, agriculture and road construction. The ibex population is now on the increase but the

Ethiopian wolf remains extremely rare. The Ethiopian authorities are currently working on a

plan to extend the site to include more of the critical habitat for these highly endangered

species. A comprehensive review of the world heritage values of the site is provided below,

together with details of the area’s conservation status and the threats it faces.

Links:

Google Earth

Official UNESCO Site Details

IUCN Conservation Outlook

 UNEP-WCMC Site Description

Birdlife IBA

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Surrounded by cultural and historical sites, the Simien massif was traversed as a trade route
between Askum, Lalibela, Mekele and Gonder. For over 2,000 years, the Simien Mountains became
home to immigrants, settlers and cultivators, of which some of the first recorded were the Ethiopian
Jews. However, following the decline of the Jewish kingdom in the 14th century, many Ethiopian
Jews converted to Orthodox Christianity. Small populations of Jewish settlers remained in the
Simien massif, with another 30,000 living in the immediate vicinity of North Gonder Zone. In the
late 1990’s the remaining Jews emigrated to Israel. Today the majority of the population are
Orthodox Christians although there are a number of long term resident Muslim communities.
The people of the Simien Mountains live predominantly by agriculture but many also own some
livestock, mainly sheep and goats, but with cattle. Oxen or equids are used as beasts of labour, with
horses often used for ploughing. Over the years the human population has increased beyond the
productivity and carrying capacity of the land, at least what can be realized through traditional
agricultural methods. As a result of subdivision over the generations. land holdings for each family
are now very small and many households are food insecure and receive food or other assistance
under the Government’s Productive Safety Net Programme.
The problems of settlement and uncontrolled human use have been present since the park was
gazetted as a number of villages and tracts of land used by local communities were included within
the park’s boundaries. The World Heritage List nomination document explicitly mentions settlement
as an issue and when attempts were made to forcibly relocate seven villages from the northern
escarpment, tensions and conflicts increased between those communities and park management.
The human population has, however continually grown over the years, doubling in size every 35
years. For example in 1967/8 there were 122 households (610 people) at Gich rising to some 360
households in 2006 (~1,670 people). Realignment of the park boundary in 2003/2004 excluded
some villages at the edge of the park and reduced the human population and by 2012 around 436
houses were counted in the park. Around 2,280 hectares of the park, about 3.6% are estimated to be
cultivated, mainly in the Gich area.
In 2009, 167 households were voluntarily resettled from a newly formed village at Arkwasiye,
located in a critical wildlife corridor to a newly extended park area. In 2013 a voluntary
resettlement scheme is being offered to the Gich inhabitants by the Ethiopian Government and it is
probable that the number of households in the area may decrease in future years.
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•

Challenges To Conservation And Protected Area Management

Ethiopia is exceptionally high in biodiversity but exceptionally low in capacity for biodiversity
conservation or protected area management. Critically, there are over 80 million people in Ethiopia,
85% in rural areas, 80% in the highlands. The vast majority are almost completely dependent on
natural resources for their livelihoods. Consequently, 97% of the original highland vegetation has
already been lost in recent decades due to encroaching agriculture, grazing and settlement by agro-
pastoral communities. Impoverished resource-dependent local populations are still increasing in
Ethiopia, both within and adjacent to National Parks and other areas with high biodiversity value.
Finally, montane ecosystems are the most vulnerable on the planet to climate change over the next
50-90 years. Implementing sustainable and climate-smart conservation for the benefit of
biodiversity and people alike is of utmost importance.
Unfortunately, Ethiopia’s capacity for conservation management is one of the lowest in the world
after decades of underinvestment by the international community and Government alike. The
Ethiopian Wildlife Authority’s budget for protected areas is the third lowest globally (just 0.5% of
the average) and is 3% of that considered necessary for effective management. However in recent
years the link between the environment and poverty are becoming higher profile and this has
elevated the environment up the political agenda and there is substantial increase in political will for
biodiversity conservation. Even so, the legal framework for conservation is poor, with most
National Parks still ungazetted and only an emerging framework for community-managed
conservation areas. Whilst Ethiopian wildlife policy advocates the right for stakeholder
participation in resource management, in reality there is little participation from local government
or communities. Thus, the sector of society most dependent on natural resources has no ownership
and little involvement in their management. Aside from SMNP, protected areas receive little income
from tourism or other sources, thus monetary benefits to communities are also limited. Additionally,
Government and community agencies are understaffed, undertrained, under-rewarded and have
little experience and thus have low capacity for conservation or engagement with communities.
The situation in the Simien Mountains Ecosystem (SME), with the Simien Mountains National Park
(SMNP) currently typifies these issues. Nearly 4% of the park is under agricultural land and an
estimated 436 households living within the park boundary. Local communities depend on the park’s
grazing land and a recent 2012 dry season census suggest that livestock densities are about 3 times
that recommended for such high altitudes, at 1.6 TLU (tropical livestock units) per hectare. This
amounts to some 300,000 head of livestock, mostly sheep or goats. Although this settlement issue
dates back to the time of the park’s creation and the 2008 boundary realignment removed most
settlements, the use of natural resources is currently unsustainable. Resource degradation is evident
with extensive soil erosion, poor yields and depauperate grassland diversity. Intrinsic population
growth in these communities is accentuating the issue year on year, (for example the Gich
population has increased four-fold in 40 years) and food insecurity is increasing in these already
impoverished communities. Whilst tourism in the park has grown with around 17,000 visitors in
2012, and it is providing substantial benefits to local communities and the central treasury, the scale
of its expansion is now threatening to degrade the resources on which a positive visitor experience
depends.
That said, both commitment and capacity are steadily increasing to deal with the threats to the
continued existence of the Simien Mountains World Heritage Site and additional partners are
becoming involved to support an integrated approach to conservation management in the Simien
Mountains.
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• There are nine campsites in the Simien Mountains National Park as well as three community
lodges. There is generally a toilet and source of water at each campsite, although there are a
few exceptions: Ambiko has no water source, Sona has no toilet and Arkwasiye has neither
water nor a toilet. All water should be treated; water purification services are not provided.
At the campsites, you can usually buy eggs, sheep and sometimes bread from local
communities. The campsites at Sankaber, Gich and Chennek have cold showers.
Community lodges also provide toilets and running water as well as simple Ethiopian food. Beds
and blankets are also provided. The community lodge at Gich has a cold shower, although you can
pay extra to have warm water.
There are also options for more luxurious accommodation at the Simien Lodge and the forthcoming
Limalimo Ecolodge. You can find more information in the directory at the back of this book.
View directory here.
•

Welcome to Simien Mountains National Park . We hope you

enjoy your stay!
You can contribute to the conservation of this unique and living heritage and the beautiful
surrounding environment by observing a few simple, responsible travel tips. These are designed to
limit your impact on the area and neighbouring communities, as well as enhancing your own safety
and enjoyment.
Visitors Code of Conduct: Golden Rules of Tourism in the Simien Mountains:
Following these Golden Rules will minimize your impact on the park and communities, as well as
enhance your safety and enjoyment. Remember that everyone in the park, including you, has a
responsibility to adhere to and enforce these Golden Rules. Don’t be afraid to gently remind other
park visitors, including park staff.
• Be safe: Do not take risks with your personal safety by climbing or walking in dangerous
areas. Follow the advice of your guide and stay in designated areas.
• Respect other park users: Other people have a right to use SMNP, whether scientists, local
inhabitants or other visitors. Please ensure that your interactions with other people are
respectful of their work and culture.
• Don’t forget to pay your park fees: These help park management conserve this unique
place. Make sure you pay only at officially designated sites and provide all required
information to help with record keeping and your safety. Accept only officially stamped and
numbered receipts.
• Drive carefully: If viewing wildlife from a vehicle, keep to tracks, drive slowly and do not
drive when the ground is very wet. Wild animals always have right of way.
• Allow animals to behave naturally without disturbance: Many wild animals become
distressed when approached too closely by people or vehicles. Keep noise to a minimum and
never try to attract an animals’ attention.
• Do not bring any domestic or exotic animals or plants into the park: Ensure that you do
not unknowingly bring any exotic plants or their seeds into the park. Non-native species are
a major threat to the environment.
• Do not consume wildlife or purchase wildlife products when in the park or in park-
associated communities.
• Make sure your environmental impact is minimal: Do not damage any vegetation or
animals and do not collect any native plants or animals. Stay on trails at all times.
• Remember to take out all of your litter: Litter can harm both animals and people, and is
also unsightly. This is especially true of cigarette butts, which often kill birds that mistake
them for food. Please dispose of rubbish at your accommodation or at designated collection
points.
• Camp only in designated areas.
• Take care with fire: Be very careful with cigarettes and matches, or when lighting fires.
Accidental fires are a major threat to much of the mountain vegetation. Campfires are only
permitted at authorized campsites.
• Do not use non-biodegradable soaps or detergents in the natural water bodies.
• Use toilets where provided or bury waste at least 50m from water.
• Do not hand out water bottles or other items including expensive gifts or money to
individuals. This will encourage begging, may cause local conflict and will encourage
negative interactions with future visitors. If you wish to make a donation to community
projects please email info@simienmountains.org for up-to-date information.
• Please follow set prices for services such as horse hire: Negotiation will create uncertainty
and unpleasant relations. Prices can be obtained from the park office or at (link to rates page
coming soon)
• Ask permission before you take photographs: Please do not pay for photographs as this
encourages begging.
 • Only buy everyday handicrafts such as baskets, mats, and spoons: Do not buy family
heirlooms as these are an important part of the cultural heritage and are sometimes stolen to
be sold to tourists.
Tipping:
For taxi, bajaj or gari drivers, it is best to agree on a price in advance. Tips are not mandatory but
5 birr is appreciated. Keep in mind that money goes a lot further in rural areas.
For guides in the national park, if you feel that their service was satisfactory, a tip is appreciated. If
you feel that they’ve gone above and beyond feel free tip more generously. The amount of the tip
should depend both on the level of service and on the number of days they have spent with you. A
rough guideline is anywhere from 10 to 40 percent.
However, please do not hand out things such as money, empty water bottles, pens or other objects,
as this will encourage begging.
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•

Gonder
The gateway to the Simien Mountains, Gonder is only 95km from the park. The 16th century
Ethiopian capital is home to a group of castles found in an enclosed park. The first castle was built
during the reign of King Fasilides (1632 - 1667) and the remaining castles were built by his
successors. Sometimes described as ‘Africa’s Camelot’ these castles have been a UNESCO World
Heritage Site since 1979.
Also found in Gonder is the Debre Birhan Sellasie Church (which means Trinity Church of the
mountain of light) poised on a hilltop on the outskirts of town. The church has a particularly well-
preserved ceiling of frescoes.

Market days
Markets are a great way to get insight into the local way of life and give you a chance to socialize
with the locals. The largest markets in Debark are a cattle market held on Wednesdays and a general
market held on Saturdays. The market is located on the gravel road from town towards the park.

Welleqa (Felasha Village)

Situated 5km from Gonder along the Debark-Axum road is the Felasha Village. The village was
established by Ethiopian Jews who were believed by many to have been descendants of the lost
tribe. Although there are no longer any Ethiopian Jews remaining, you can buy local souvenirs here.

Kossoye Viewpoint
Kossoye viewpoint is about 38km from Gonder on the way to the Simien Mountains National park.
At a height of about 2,300m, this beautiful spot provides magnificent views of the Simien Mountain
range and as well as views of the lower ridges and valleys. Queen Elizabeth II once stopped here
while traveling to Axum.

The church of Daresge Maryam

The church of Daresge Maryam, located 15km outside of the park boundary was consecrated in
1852. The 19th century in Ethiopia was a time where regions were ruled by warlords, some who
claimed to be descendants of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. After thirty years of warfare
Prince Webe was on the verge of being crowned emperor of the capital (Gonder) during that period,
known as “Zämäna Mäsafint” or the “age of the princes”. Unfortunately, he lost the final battle to a
young warrior named Kasa. Although it was Webe who built this church, it was Kasa who was
crowned there. The paintings that you see in the church today probably began at the time of his
coronation.
Kasa took the name of Emperor Tewodros II and, after initial military successes, became more
ruthless and cruel then ever before. He dominated the highlands of Northern Ethiopia. During his
reign, there were no roads over the mountains, only small foot tracks. Eventually he moved his
capital from Debre Tabor in the east to Magdala – the goal of the military expedition by British
forces in 1868 and the scene of the famous battle involving the troops of Queen Victoria.
Massive hardwood double doors, each weighing half a ton, guard the interior of the church.
Colorful paintings cover over 30m2 per wall. The church is also home to other treasures
commissioned by Webe: golden crowns, processional crosses, swords, and cups embroidered with
gold and silver threads and encrusted with medallions.
The church is found 15km southeast of the park boundary. You have to travel through the park to
get there. For more information about visiting this church please visit email
info@simienmountains.org.

Gondar to Axum by Road

The drive from Gonder to Axum is one of the most scenic drives in Ethiopia. The trip takes around
8 hours in a good private vehicle. One of the highlights is the viewpoint at Lemalimo that travels on
one of the steepest roads in the country. The spot provides breathtaking views of the Simien
Mountain range, lower ridges and Tekeze valleys.
There is no direct bus from Gonder to Axum. However, there are buses from Gonder to Shire (also
known as India Sellasie), which take approximately 10 - 11 hours. From there, minibuses for Axum
leave throughout the day and take about 1.5 hours.
Buses leave from the Gonder bus station where you are advised to purchase your tickets the day
before you plan to travel. To locate the specific ticket window, listen for people calling for Shire.
Buses are scheduled to leave at 6am although they don’t always leave on time. You are advised to
arrive around an hour before departure. Buses stop for a brief lunch break. If you want to be picked
up from Debark ask your guide or broker to order a ticket on your behalf. There is also the
possibility that the bus will have open seats when it passes through Debark. However, it is
recommended to have someone help you to reserve a seat
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• For more information, please contact us

Email: info@simienmountains.org

Simien Mountains National Park Office Hours

Open 8:30am to 5pm Monday – Friday and 8:30am to 12pm on Saturday
Telephone: +251 (0) 581170422/581170407

Other Contacts
Chief Warden: chiefwarden@simienmountains.org
Warden: warden@simienmountains.org
Deputy Warden: deputywarden@simienmountains.org
Ecologist: ecologist@simienmountains.org
Tourism: tourism@simienmountains.org
Community: community@simienmountains.org
Law Enforcement: lawenforcement@simienmountains.org

Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority

Telephone:
+251 (0) 115514389
+251 (0) 115151426
+251 (0) 115546810
+251 (0) 115502480
•

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Biodiversity Conservation

Photo by: Hakan Pohlstrand

The 2009 General Management Plan lays out strategy and actions required to address the threats to
the SMNP, including the strengthening of park management capacity. More broadly, recognizing
that local communities are generally impoverished with few livelihood options, a holistic and
coordinated approach is required in the Simien Mountains Ecosystem that will tackle the proximate
and ultimate drivers of environmental degradation and food security and thus reverse the trend of
unsustainable natural resource use. Biodiversity and the ecosystem services provided by the area
will be conserved, thereby supporting the livelihoods of the local and wider communities.
This approach must include some key components.
• A strong SMNP authority at the ecosystem core:
To act as a catalyst and coordinate the development of the whole SME together with Amhara
region, north Gondar Zone, woredas and kebele authorities, whilst protecting the core
natural assets of the World Heritage Site
• Eco-agriculture and sustainable land management:
To build climate-change resilience by intensifying production on existing agricultural land
thereby preventing further agricultural expansion into grazing land, whilst conserving soil,
water, pollination services and nutrients and critical areas inside the park.
• Settlement Reduction inside SMNP:
Some households in the park have volunteered for resettlement in the nearby town of Debark
and requesting compensation from the North Gondar Zone of Amahara National Regional
State and the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority. The development of diversified
 conservation-compatible livelihoods (particularly small businesses/off farm activities),
thereby also building livelihood resilience and encouraging movement of individual park
residents to peri-urban areas
• Enhanced SMNP tourism management:
A key livelihood and sustainable financing initiative, but with limits on the impact of
tourism in the park, thereby optimising revenue for park management and communities.
• Grazing Management:
To reduce and eventually remove the impact of livestock in the SMNP and Ecosystem,
landuse planning will be undertaken in surrounding woredas, zonation of the SMNP and
agreements formed with local communities to reduce grazing
• Animal husbandry and disease control:
To improve livestock productivity and associated income, but without increasing herd size
and thus reducing overgrazing
• Education:
To ensure that the next generation, acquire the qualifications and skills to pursue alternative
non natural resource dependent livelihoods. Efforts should focus on on secondary level
education and girls.
• Improved maternal, child and reproductive health:
A core long term strategy focussing on maternal and reproductive health to increase food
security and reduce population growth, the primary driver of land conversion and
environmental degradation
• Alternative fuels and building wood:
To reduce deforestation and the pressure on natural fuels within the ecosystem, by
developing household woodlots and fuel-efficient technology.
• Empowerment of women and youth and development of good governance and civil
society:
To improve well-being and environmental and community security, participation in
ecosystem management in the long term
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• The Simien Mountains are important not just for biodiversity, but also as a
water catchment area. Several rivers rise in SMNP and form tributaries to
the Tekeze River, which provides a source of water for millions of users downstream in
Ethiopia as well as Sudan and Egypt. Most rivers in this area flow only after the rainy
season, therefore the rivers that rise in Simien and flow year-round are a particularly
important water source.
If the flow of these rivers is altered in any way, for example through highland deforestation,
overgrazing or abstraction for irrigation - all of which are occuring at present – a highland/lowland
imbalance results with loss of perennial water in the lowlands. If such a situation arises, the dry
season range of the people and their livestock reduces dramatically and they congregate around
whatever water source remains. Rangeland degradation then occurs, with a shortage of fodder and
soil erosion which can be both rapid and difficult if not impossible to reverse. Downstream users
are likely to become increasingly food insecure and aid dependent if the water catchment areas of
the Simien Mountains are insufficiently protected.
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The Advantages and Disadvantages of Tourism

Updated on March 27, 2019

Paul Goodman
more

Since completing university, Paul has worked as a librarian, teacher, and freelance writer. Born in
the UK, he currently lives in Florida.
Does tourism have a negative or positive impact on a travel destination? | Source

Many places in the world rely heavily on tourism as a key source of income and employment.
Unfortunately, tourism can also be a source of problems, especially if it is not managed well. A huge
influx of visitors can gradually deplete the beauty, uniqueness, character, environment, resources,
and social coherence of a tourist destination over time.
It is easy to underestimate the scale of tourism. Every year, about a billion tourists take trips: That
makes 30 tourists arriving every second. There were around 76.9 million tourists visiting the US In
2017. That many travelers can easily present huge challenges for many destinations. Transporting,
providing places to stay, feeding, entertaining, policing, and cleaning up after that many additional
people is not a simple or straightforward task. Is it worth it?
This article lists the main advantages and disadvantages of tourism.

The Advantages of Tourism

• Economic. It brings in money. This is probably the main advantage of tourism and the
reason why it has been promoted so much, especially in developing countries. The income
generated can make up a significant proportion of both private, local, and national incomes.
• Opportunistic. It provides jobs. Hotels, bars, transport, activities, shops, and restaurants all
need staffing. Tourism can provide much-needed employment for people.
 • Infrastructural. It provides a means and an incentive for investment in infrastructure such
as roads, rail networks, and local medical and education facilities.
• Environmental. It can provide economic incentives for a place to preserve, maintain, and
regenerate the environment in both urban and rural settings.
• Cross-Cultural. It promotes international connections which can bring more business and
cultural collaborations in the long term. It also promotes cross-cultural awareness for both
locals and tourist and builds bridges of understanding between cultures.
• Promotional. It "puts a place on the map": Tourism gives the locality a chance to show itself
off and raise its profile in the world.

Did You Know?

° The money generated by tourism accounts for 5% of global GDP.
° For every job created in the core tourism industry, around 1.5 extra, indirect jobs are created in the
wider tourism-related economies.
° Tourism provides jobs for 1 out of every 12 workers in advanced and emerging economies.

Mardi Gras in New Orleans usually draws about 1.4 million people... and their garbage. It takes
weeks for the city to recover. | Source

The Disadvantages of Tourism

• Environmental. Tourism can often cause environmental damage with risks like erosion,
pollution, the loss of natural habitats, and forest fires. Even if tourists behave responsibly,
the sheer number of them can cause damage. Ancient buildings, monuments, and temples
often struggle to cope with increased traffic and suffer inevitable wear-and-tear. Reefs and
other natural tourist attractions can suffer permanent damage.
 • Cultural. The commercialization of culture can undermine the soul of a tourist destination.
Local traditions that have a rich cultural heritage are reduced to wearing costumes and
putting on acts for the tourists in return for money.
• Culture Clashes. Tourists often lack respect for local traditions and culture, refuse to follow
local dress standards, get drunk in public, or behave rudely or inappropriately towards
locals.
• Service Economy. Although jobs are created by tourism, most are relatively low-level such
as bar work, hotel service, restaurant serving, and so forth. These low-wage, low-skill
workers have little prospect for advancement or promotion.
• Seasonal Fluctuations. Tourism jobs are quite commonly seasonal and insecure, with no
extra benefits such as pensions, sick pay, or healthcare. Some areas can be inundated with
visitors during busy times, and then virtually deserted for many months.
• Imbalanced Funding. Money can end up being directed to tourist areas when it could be
used more effectively elsewhere in a country. The locals who don’t live in specific tourist
areas miss out and suffer relative decline.
• Foreign Poaching. Oftentimes, most of the tourism industry in a developing country is
owned by big foreign companies. They make the major profits, leaving local businesses with
relatively little benefit.
• Tourism Dependence. Sometimes, tourism becomes so focal that other forms of income-
generation are neglected and an economic dependence on tourism forms. This is fine in good
times, but it can leave the country vulnerable to economic ruin in the long run and can
contribute to political upheaval or natural disasters.

Even when tourists behave responsibly, their sheer number can cause damage. | Source

Economic Pros and Cons of Tourism

 Benefits Detriments
Tourism-generated income can be hugely Money can end up being spent only on touristed
beneficial both private and public concerns. areas while other places and industries suffer.
It can provide employment opportunities for Most tourism jobs are relatively low-level and
people who can work in tourism-related low-skilled, and these jobs may have drastic
industries. seasonal fluctuations.
Tourism promotes international connections Attracted by opportunity, foreign companies begin
which can increase business opportunities. poaching business away from local businesses.
The area may become dependent on tourists'
*
dollars and risk loss and damage as a result.

Bangkok is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Approximately 20.5 million
tourists visited in 2017 and they contribute to the city's air pollution. | Source

Negative Environmental Impacts of Tourism

Although tourist money might be put to good use in preserving environments, tourism does put
burdens on natural resources and often promotes overconsumption and unfair allocations of
resources in places where resources are already limited. When tourism becomes unsustainable, it
can permanently damage the environment. Tourism impacts the wildlife, vegetation, air quality, the
quality and supply of water, and natural phenomena.
Pollution. When huge numbers of people visit, they invariably burden the transportation system
and contribute to pollution—locally and globally. Flying one mile in a plane produces about 53
pounds of carbon dioxide, and tourists account for almost 60% of air travel. Some estimate that
cruise ships to the Caribbean create over 70,000 tons of annual waste.
Environmental Damage. Many tourist activities have negative ecological impacts. Snorkeling,
hiking, and fishing all affect and deplete the local scenery. There's a trail in the Himalayas that's
nicknamed the "toilet paper trail.” A tropical golf course requires the amount of water that would
feed 60,000 locals... plus over 3,000 pounds of chemical pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides per
annum.
"Ecotourism." Oftentimes, even environmentally savvy travelers have a negative impact. By
traveling to witness remote natural sites like rainforests and other dwindling and at-risk spots,
tourist often damage the things they came to see.
Invasive Organisms. Tourism can spread non-native species. The increased human presence from
many diverse geographical regions has a detrimental affect on native plants and introduces non-
native species in these areas.
Negative Effects of Human Interaction With Wildlife. Increased human presence can severely
damage the delicate balance of the food webs, ecological communities, and keystone species of an
area.
Depletion of Natural Resources. Tourism can put pressure on natural resources and encourages
over-consumption. This is particularly damaging in spots where resources like food and water are
already scarce.

Environmental Pros and Cons of Tourism

Benefits Detriments
If managed properly, it can provide economic
Tourism often causes environmental damage
incentives for a place to preserve, maintain, and
to both the local infrastructure and the flora,
regenerate the local history, infrastructure, and
fauna, and historical sites in a location.
environment.
Tourism depletes natural resources, which can
Ecotourism might promote environmental awareness
be dangerous in areas where resources are
and activism.
scarce.
* Tourism contributes to pollution.

The fact that television and tourism have made the whole world accessible has created the illusion
that we enjoy intimate knowledge of other places, when we barely scratch their surface. For the vast
majority, the knowledge of Thailand or Sri Lanka acquired through tourism consists of little more
than the whereabouts of the beach.
— Martin Jacques

Cultural Benefits of Traveling

The Opportunity to Challenge Stereotypes
When you visit another culture, you have the opportunity to be exposed to unfamiliar traditions and
perspectives and to gain a broader, more informed, and kinder view of both the people and places
you meet and of humanity and the world as a whole. Preconceptions and stereotypes might be
replaced by complexity, empathy, and first-hand knowledge.
On the other hand, those that travel with a group and don't interact with locals or merely visit tourist
sites and never wander off the beaten path may not enjoy this benefit at all. Merely visiting a place
is not enough to expose a person to culture. Learning about people takes effort.

Gaining Cultural Sensitivity

An important part of understanding a culture is getting to know its unique social manners and
etiquette. Things that you think are normal or benign might be interpreted as offensive, and vice
versa. Wearing shoes indoors, showing skin, pointing with your index finger, and making certain
sounds might be considered rude in some places, so it's wise to do your research on the local
customs and morays ahead of time.

An Authentic Experience of Culture

Experiencing a community's traditions, rituals, festivals, celebrations, and rites can be a wonderful
way to gain insight into a culture. When the local people get together to observe a tradition that has
been performed for many generations, it is a great opportunity to understand that culture more
deeply.
However in many touristed places, you'll find traditional dance, music, and other rites performed
merely for entertainment and profit. For example when staged for tourists, the Hawaiian luau,
Spanish flamenco dances, and Balinese ceremonies may lose their original meaning, energy, and
purpose and become merely spectacle.

Cultural Pros and Cons of Tourism

Benefits Detriments
It promotes cross-cultural connections, When tourists don't understand or respect local culture
appreciation, and understanding. and traditions, culture clashes result.
The commercialization of a culture can undermine its
*
meaning and detract from tradition.
 Object 1

Top 10 Tourist Destinations (Cities)

According to MasterCard's Global Destination Cities Index, the top 10 tourist cities for 2018 were:
1. Bangkok, Thailand, with 20.05 million tourists.
2. London, England, with 19.83 million visitors.
3. Paris, France, with 17.44 million people visiting.
4. Singapore, with 13.91 million tourists.
5. New York, USA, with 13.13 million visitors.
6. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 12.58 million visitors.
7. Tokyo, Japan, with 11.93 million tourists.
8. Istanbul, Turkey, with 10.7 million.
9. Seoul, South Korea, with 9.54 million.
Cheap air travel has made it much easier for lots of people to travel to different parts of the world.
The subsequent boom in tourism has pros and cons. | Source

Do you think that overall, the advantages of tourism outweight

the disadvantages?
•

See results

Questions & Answers

• What are the benefits of tourism?

Tourism can bring with it economic gains, jobs, investment, improvements to travel
infrastructure, as well as an increase in a location's international visibility and standing.
Helpful 54
• What are the disadvantages for the host of a tourist destination, that is, if tourists don't
respect the locals?
In some tourist destinations, there can be problems with tourists not respecting local customs
and laws. For instance, drunken or lewd behavior, dressing inappropriately in a conservative
country, illegal drug use, or child prostitution can cause issues. As well as causing public
upset and opening up wider social problems, it can lead to issues regarding the policing and
 control of such behavior. In extreme cases, some destinations have opted to either limit or
even curtail tourism altogether, rather than endure its negatives.
Helpful 45
• What are the challenges of relying on tourism as the primary economic activity?

Being overly reliant on tourism might result in a number of problems such as:
1. Broad economic difficulties if there is a natural disaster, terrorist attack, or some other
event which diminishes the number of visitors.
2. Damage and wear to cultural sites due to too many visitors.
3. Local employment becoming seasonal and mainly low paid service industry positions.
4. Social problems such as crime, drunkenness, and sex tourism may increase.
Helpful 22
• What are the environmental advantages of tourism?

Environmental advantages of tourism might include the funding of environmental projects

or maintenance of wildlife protection and habitats. Travel infrastructure can be developed
that benefits both tourists and the environment. As tourism expands, less environmentally
friendly industries can be phased out, and local eco-friendly crafts can be promoted. Workers
who might otherwise be tempted to earn their money from things like logging, poaching,
and other potentially environmentally damaging roles can be employed in tourism. Tourism
also provides an incentive for beaches and areas of natural beauty to be maintained.
Helpful 11
• What makes a country a good tourist destination?

Common features of a popular destination might include: desirable climate, cultural and
historical sites of interest, entertainment and leisure facilities, iconic architecture or
landscape, a safe environment, good value for money, friendliness towards visitors, relaxed
atmosphere, developed infrastructure for travel and hospitality.
Helpful 19
show more
© 2012 Paul Goodman

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Comments

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Agbor E. Ojong Noble

11 days ago
what are the reasons for tourism taking a centre stage in national economy?
•

scott
2 weeks ago
thanks

angeles
2 weeks ago
thank you very much it helped me do my assigment

Jack
4 months ago
Good job
•

alamin
4 months ago
very useful in doing my hand out
•

lolzer
4 months ago
Use this website,
it is pretty good
•
 lawal ideraoluwa
5 months ago
thanks it is very helpful
•

smile
7 months ago
this article is very much helpful for me.... special thank to author
•

chelsea
11 months ago
It,s very helpful but not to me
•

KitKat gal
11 months ago
Very helpful! Thanks for the article
•

Jack Jones
12 months ago
A very good article
•

amol.singh
13 months ago
nice
•

Anna haihambo
14 months ago
The article is very interesting and helpful , but still need someone to give me more
information on tourism history
•

Nishanth
16 months ago
 I support for disadvantage because it is important to protect resources than money.isnt it?
•

student
18 months ago
very helpful in doing my sba
•

Ryan N.
20 months ago
Racism is also one of the problems. Pls include that their as well. It is a major problem in the
developing countries. Pls look into it.
•

Ryan N.
20 months ago
I totally agree with the disadvatages of the tourism industry. It is very rare in Sri Lanka that
we get disrespectful foreigners but its a very annoying presence! It has to stop. I don't think
that its fair of the locals.
•

Ryan N.
20 months ago
I loved the definitions and it certainly helped me with my assignment. This website was very
helpful and provided a vast amount of imformation. Thank u.
•

amanda mutara
21 months ago
its true tourism is now the source of income in most developing countries and also local are
now being employed although some of the jobs are seasonal but its better for the locals
•

Gary Anderson
21 months ago from Las Vegas, Nevada
Tourism is important because it acts like an export. Cut off tourism and you cut off the
exporting effect on the economy. Great article but I am amused that Las Vegas is not at the
top of total tourists list.
•
 kezy
23 months ago
nice one
•

Qpalzm
23 months ago
I got 30 marks because of this website
•

Bakajikaye Abel.
23 months ago
Tourism have the both effects, bad and good but as long as it have the good effect, all i think
is the good of it.
•

Caralee W Davis
2 years ago
So useful and this is really good
•

Sujan Rai
2 years ago
"Although often jobs are created by tourism, most are relatively low level, such as bar work,
hotel service, restaurant serving, and so forth. They also have little prospect for promotion"
Well I think that everyone has a role to play, and that every job fulfills a need.every job is
equal.
•

hi
2 years ago
hong kong is not china ok?????????????
•

shama
2 years ago
can I ask about who is the publisher of this article ??
•

Bhagya
2 years ago
TOURISM does both good and bad to a country..However, it is indeed a major source of
income to a country.....
•

Ezile
2 years ago
Tourism does more
•

heather
2 years ago
how does the tourism effect new York in a positive and negative way
•

Coryn
2 years ago
Would there be a way of having tourism without the disadvantages such as loss of culture?
•

bijay
2 years ago
thanks man
cheers up
•

Archie
2 years ago
thanks
•

Wizz jug
2 years ago
Tourism does more
harm than good
•

Venkatachari M
2 years ago from Hyderabad, India
Very informative and intelligent analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of the tourism
on our economy.
•

Jeremy
3 years ago
so helpful
•

zahra
3 years ago
the ad was useful thank you!
•

Crissta
3 years ago
i found it quite useful, THANKS!
•

mukasa samson
3 years ago
thank u for this article.
•

adeola
3 years ago
Nice article
•

lavender
3 years ago
good article
•

Jennifer.Stone
 3 years ago
tourist may bring disease into the country.
•

peachy
4 years ago from Home Sweet Home
true, tourism brings in money from outside but there are pros and cons for every country.
The citizens will face price fluctuation which is one of the disadvantages
•

Nishi
4 years ago
good article
•

soolaf
4 years ago
Thank so mich this article help me :-)
•

Mariam
4 years ago
Tourism has some how improved
•

aysha
4 years ago
can someone put it in easier and shorter word i don't get big adult words please
•

lili
4 years ago
true
•

pramodgokhale
6 years ago from Pune( India)
Sir,
 I am an Indian, Indian government encouraged tourism and hospitality industry has grown
since 7Os , generated wealth and employment.
In the third world , tourism is promoted to earn foreign exchange and flow utilized for
essential imports.
Tourism and tourist, it's multicultural concept and i feel it's good cosmopolitan world
without borders, short term assimilation with territory other than homeland.
employment and revenue are the important issues of the tourism but at the cost of grass root
people. In large cities star hotels consume more water and electricity and local people suffer
the most.
Small nations without resources, then tourism is the only source to run the economy.
If there is recession then flow of tourists reduce and affecting business and employees lose
the jobs.Human resources development
suggests that the people should be more technical and blue collar workforce is always
necessary to run economy.Hotel ownership change hands then they recruit new people and
sacking old
employees. It causes social unrest if wages to unemployed not provided by government in
that country.
pramod gokhale
•

tanveerbadyari
6 years ago
it destroys the beauty and serenity of a that place.
•

waz
6 years ago
helpful
•

zeyad hosny
6 years ago
thankyou
•

tanveerbadyari
6 years ago
 mass tourism is the biggest disadvantages.
•

lovely
7 years ago
good to know about
• AUTHOR

Paul Goodman
7 years ago from Florida USA
You can link to it, but please do not copy it.
•

Nirajan Chaulagain
7 years ago
100% true hub, am taking your article in my web. can i?
ch_online15@hotmail.com
actually am from Nepal.
•

Anastasia Kingsley
7 years ago from Croatia, Europe
Great article. This is true. Tourism bring in money, especially in poorer countries, but the
majority of work in these industries is done by women and children. Opportunities are there,
but controls must be in place to avoid long term social problems, like teenaged drunkenness,
employee abuses and so on. Voted up and interesting.
•

Chankeylong
7 years ago from Banana Republic
I never thought of tourists as of the potential hazard to the nature and local culture, but yeap,
you are definitely right.
Are there any ways to avoid the damage tourists can cause?
•

pmccray
7 years ago from Utah
Truthful hub. Voted up, marked useful and interesting.
 •

Stclairjack
7 years ago from middle of freekin nowhere,... the sticks
good article
•

IndiePharm
7 years ago from Niš, Serbia
But generally, tourism is a desire for both sides - tourists and inhabitants. Although there are
bad sides of tourism, and there will always be, I believe that tourism is a modern-day profit,
like agriculture and industry during last couple of hundred years. Tourism is great. :)
•
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