Fieldwork Tourism: From ‘Sun, sea and sand’ to Responsible Tourism

CASE STUDY: MALLORCA, SPAIN
1. Examination requirements
2. Subject overview 
3. Fieldwork
4. References 

1. Examination requirements  
This field study is designed for all geography students including those studying:

Cambridge International A Level Geography
3.4 Paper 4 Advanced Human Geography Options
13. Global interdependence
13.3 The development of international tourism
13.4 The management of a tourist destination

EDUQAS A Level Geography
APPENDIX C: Opportunities for fieldwork
Component 1: Changing Landscapes and Changing Places
Field survey of impact of tourism on honey pot sites

IB Diploma Geography
Option E: Leisure, tourism and sport
1. Changing leisure patterns
2. Tourism and sport at the local and national scale
3. Tourism and sport at the international scale
4. Managing tourism and sport for the future

Pearson Edexcel A Level Geography
Using the Extended Project to support breadth and depth
Widening perspectives – where the student’s project spans different subjects. A student studying geography with business may wish to research the impact of tourism on a particular region or locality.

The field study is always tailored to the particular requirements of individual schools and colleges.

2. Subject overview
Mallorca has been welcoming tourists since the nineteenth century. However, mass tourism started in the 1960s. In 2010, 5,9 millions tourists visited Mallorca. The total for  2016 was 10.9 million. As well as offering around 300 days of sunshine a year, the island can offer a wide variety of holidays catering for all ages and all budgets. Hotel accommodation or self-catering apartments are available in the city of Palma, in small rural villages and in coastal resorts. Many tourists enjoy traditional beach holidays (the ‘sun, sea and sand’ package) with the possibility of sightseeing trips if required. However, there are many activity-based holidays available as well including cycling, golf, water sports, climbing, hiking, caving, cooking and wine tasting.

Tourism-Sineu

In addition, the Balearic Island government now promotes Responsible Tourism (sometimes referred to as sustainable tourism). This is tourism which, according to the 2002 Cape Town Declaration:

  • minimizes negative social, economic and environmental impacts;
  • generates greater economic benefits for local people and enhances the well-being of host communities;
  • improves working conditions and access to the industry;
  • involves local people in decisions that affect their lives and life chances;
  • makes positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage embracing diversity;
  • provides more enjoyable experiences for tourists through more meaninful connections with local people, and a greater understanding of local cultural, social and environmental issues;
  • provides access for physically challenged people;
  • is culturally sensitive, engenders respect between tourists and hosts, and builds local pride and confidence.

3.Fieldwork 
Tourism is a wide-ranging subject with many aspects that can be studied. Our field study will be tailored to the particular requirements of individual groups. Possible topics for investigation include:

Honeypot sites – Case studies: Valldemossa and/or Sa Calobra
Rural tourism – What techniques are rural villages using to attract tourists?
Urban tourism – Why and how should holiday apartment rentals be controlled?
Cruise ship tourism – What are the advantages and disadvantages for cities welcoming cruise ship passengers?
Sports tourism – How has Mallorca established itself as a leading cycle tourism destination over the past decade?
Package tourism – How is Mallorca’s ‘sun, sea and sand’ model of tourism being developed to compete with alternative, cheaper destinations?
Accommodation – What different types of accommodation are available on the island?

Other topics are available on request.

4. References 
http://www.caib.es/sites/estadistiquesdelturisme/es/inicio-23165/?campa=yes