Physical Features » Landscapes and Natural Attractions

What you'll learn this session

Study time: 30 minutes

Different types of landscapes and natural attractions
How physical features influence tourism development
The appeal of different natural environments to tourists
Case studies of famous natural attractions
How landscapes are managed for sustainable tourism
The economic and environmental impacts of landscape tourism

Introduction to Landscapes and Natural Attractions

Landscapes and natural attractions are among the most powerful draws for tourists worldwide. From towering mountains to pristine beaches, natural features have been attracting visitors long before modern tourism existed. Today, they form the backbone of many tourism destinations and are often the primary reason people choose to visit certain places.

Key Definitions:

Landscape: The visible features of an area of land, including physical elements such as landforms, water bodies, living elements of flora and fauna and human elements like buildings and structures.
Natural attraction: A physical feature formed by nature that draws tourists because of its beauty, uniqueness, or recreational opportunities.
Ecotourism: Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of local people and involves education and interpretation.
Honeypot site: A popular tourist destination that attracts large numbers of visitors, often creating management challenges.

🏔 Why Landscapes Matter in Tourism

Landscapes provide the setting for tourism activities and often define a destination's identity. They can be the main attraction (like the Grand Canyon) or provide a backdrop for other activities (like skiing in the Alps). Natural landscapes often evoke emotional responses and create memorable experiences that tourists seek.

🌏 Tourism's Impact on Landscapes

While landscapes attract tourists, tourism can also change landscapes. Visitor facilities, transport infrastructure and even the presence of many tourists can alter the natural environment. This creates a need for careful management to ensure landscapes remain attractive and sustainable for future generations.

Types of Landscape Attractions

Different landscapes appeal to different types of tourists. Understanding the variety of landscape attractions helps explain tourism patterns and preferences.

⛰ Mountain Landscapes

Mountains attract tourists for their scenic beauty, adventure opportunities and cultural significance. Activities include hiking, climbing, skiing and wildlife viewing.

Examples: Alps (Europe), Himalayas (Asia), Rockies (North America)

🌊 Coastal Landscapes

Beaches, cliffs and islands draw tourists seeking relaxation, water activities and scenic views. The coast is the world's largest tourism destination type.

Examples: Mediterranean coastline, Caribbean islands, Great Barrier Reef

🌲 Forest Landscapes

Forests offer tranquility, biodiversity and opportunities for nature-based activities like hiking, wildlife watching and photography.

Examples: Amazon Rainforest, Black Forest (Germany), New Forest (UK)

🏜 Desert Landscapes

Deserts attract tourists with their stark beauty, unique ecosystems and cultural heritage. Activities include safaris, stargazing and cultural tours.

Examples: Sahara (Africa), Atacama (Chile), Outback (Australia)

🌍 Wetland Landscapes

Wetlands are biodiversity hotspots offering bird watching, boating and photography opportunities. They're increasingly valued for ecotourism.

Examples: Everglades (USA), Okavango Delta (Botswana), Norfolk Broads (UK)

⛈ Glacial Landscapes

Ice-based attractions include glaciers, ice fields and polar regions. Climate change is increasing "last-chance tourism" to these areas.

Examples: Antarctica, Iceland, Patagonia (Argentina/Chile)

The Appeal of Natural Attractions

Natural attractions draw tourists for various reasons, often combining several appeal factors:

Aesthetic value: Beauty that creates emotional responses and photo opportunities
Uniqueness: Features that can't be seen elsewhere (like the Northern Lights)
Recreational opportunities: Activities like hiking, swimming, or climbing
Educational value: Learning about geology, ecology, or natural history
Cultural significance: Spiritual or historical importance to local cultures
Escape from everyday life: Contrast to urban environments

Case Study Focus: The Lake District National Park, UK

The Lake District exemplifies how landscapes drive tourism. This mountainous region in northwest England attracts over 15 million visitors annually who come for its scenic lakes, mountains and cultural heritage.

Key attractions:

16 major lakes and numerous smaller tarns
England's highest mountain (Scafell Pike)
Literary connections (Wordsworth, Beatrix Potter)
Historic villages and traditional farming landscapes

Tourism management challenges:

Traffic congestion in narrow valleys
Footpath erosion on popular walking routes
Balancing conservation with tourism development
Seasonal visitor patterns causing employment fluctuations

The Lake District received UNESCO World Heritage status in 2017, recognizing both its natural beauty and cultural significance. This has further increased its appeal to international tourists.

Managing Landscapes for Tourism

Natural landscapes require careful management to balance visitor enjoyment with conservation. Different approaches include:

🛡 Protection Strategies

Designation: Creating national parks, nature reserves, or World Heritage Sites
Zoning: Dividing areas into different use zones (e.g., strict protection, recreation)
Visitor management: Controlling numbers through permits, fees, or timed entry
Infrastructure: Building boardwalks, viewing platforms to minimise damage

🗺 Sustainable Tourism Approaches

Carrying capacity: Determining how many visitors an area can support
Interpretation: Educating visitors about landscape values and conservation
Community involvement: Including local people in tourism planning
Monitoring: Tracking environmental impacts and adjusting management

Economic Value of Landscape Tourism

Natural landscapes generate significant economic benefits:

Direct spending: Accommodation, food, transport, activities, souvenirs
Employment: Jobs in tourism services, conservation and management
Infrastructure development: Improved roads, facilities and services
Regional development: Economic activity in rural or remote areas
Conservation funding: Entry fees and tourism taxes supporting protection

Case Study Focus: Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe/Zambia)

Victoria Falls demonstrates how a single natural feature can become the foundation for a tourism economy. This 108-metre waterfall on the Zambezi River is one of Africa's most visited attractions.

Tourism development:

Adventure tourism hub (white-water rafting, bungee jumping, helicopter flights)
Gateway for safari tourism in surrounding national parks
International hotels and resorts on both sides of the border
Cross-border tourism cooperation between Zimbabwe and Zambia

Challenges:

Seasonal fluctuations in water flow affecting visitor experience
Political instability in Zimbabwe impacting tourism numbers
Environmental concerns about development near the falls
Climate change potentially affecting the Zambezi River's flow

Despite challenges, Victoria Falls shows how a natural landscape can create economic opportunities across multiple sectors and even across national borders.

Environmental Impacts and Sustainability

Tourism in natural landscapes creates both positive and negative environmental impacts:

👍 Positive Impacts

Economic justification for conservation
Increased environmental awareness
Funding for habitat restoration
Alternative to more destructive land uses
Research opportunities

👎 Negative Impacts

Habitat disturbance and wildlife stress
Pollution (water, air, noise, light)
Erosion and physical damage
Resource consumption (water, energy)
Development pressure on sensitive areas

Future Trends in Landscape Tourism

Several trends are shaping how tourists interact with natural landscapes:

Climate change tourism: Visiting threatened landscapes like glaciers or coral reefs
Virtual experiences: Using technology to enhance or substitute physical visits
Regenerative tourism: Tourism that leaves landscapes better than before
Indigenous partnerships: Involving traditional owners in landscape interpretation
Wellness tourism: Using natural environments for mental and physical health
Adventure tourism growth: Increasing demand for active experiences in natural settings

Understanding these trends helps tourism planners prepare for changing visitor expectations while protecting the landscapes that attract tourists in the first place.

Key Takeaways

Landscapes and natural attractions are fundamental tourism resources that need protection
Different landscape types appeal to different market segments
Successful landscape tourism balances visitor experience with conservation
Economic benefits can justify landscape protection but require careful management
Climate change is affecting both landscapes and how tourists interact with them
Sustainable approaches are essential for long-term landscape tourism viability