004 - Tourism

Syllabus Point

Examine the opportunities and challenges posed by the development of tourism and any associated settlement and communications in one type of extreme environment.

Examine the impacts of tourism on the environment, such as mass movements and erosion, land degradation, vulnerability to hazards, aesthetic change, water usage and waste disposal.

Taken From: http://www.skimap.info/europe/france/french_alps/chamonix/ski_map_chamonix.jpg

Key Terminology

  • Examine
  • Tourism
  • Erosion
  • Land Degradation

Define the words above using the 'Command Term' posters in the classroom, your 'Geography Course Companion' and the useful links below.

Useful Links

Activity One - Discuss

Taken From: http://www.finest-holidays.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//2016/01/Chamonix-and-Cortina-dAmpezzo.jpg
Taken From: http://www.lucydunnett.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/chamonix_shop.jpg
Taken From: http://christopherco.com/shopping/images/Chamonix_4Seasons.jpg


  1. Using one colour on A4 paper mind map why people would want to visit Chamonix.
  2. Most of you have now been, what services did you see that were available for tourists? Write your answers in a different colour.
  3. Using a third colour what problems did tourist pose for this area?
  4. Using a fourth colour write down the challenges that Chamonix faces as an Alpine tourist resort. Think about your drive into Chamonix as well as what you saw.

If you have already forgotten what Chamonix was like after you visited have a look at the clip below to remind you. Or clip on the link to complete a virtual tour. Or even grab out the 360 VF googles and have a look at the roundme image of the Aiguille du Peigne.

L8 Glacial Landscapes And Tourism from tudorgeog

Activity Two - Impacts

For this activity you will need to use the book 'Final Call' by Leo Hickman, Chapter One 'Two Degrees from Meltdown'. Copy the grid below on to A3 paper and then fill it in by using the resources suggested above. Remember you are focusing on the negative impacts to the Alpine environment.

Impact of Tourism on Alpine Areas

Exam Style Question

Discuss how human activities in extreme environments are unsustainable. (10 marks)