COASTAL TOURISM.

   Tourism as an important and growth economic sector in the Western Indian .The area attracts more than two millions visitor per year, most of tourists are attracted by the prospects of sun, sea and sand ,a friendly and safe atmosphere and perhaps exotic seafood. Through tourism is often hailed as an economic bonanza for financially depression countries, it bring with it many complex problems which potentially have a major impact on both local and regional environment and socio-economic development status

Environment degradation caused by tourism is sadly a feature of the industry in the region. Examples includes the clearance of mangroves forests for beach access, uprooting of near-shore sea grass beds for the convenience of wading tourists and use of long pesticides in gardens and on beaches to control sand flies and mosquitoes. Rapid hotel development accompanied by local population increases to services the industry create serious problems with sewage and wastes. These are usually exacerbated by the lack of infrastructure and relevant legislation. Indirect environment damage has resulted from the demand for construction materials, notably mangrove poles and coral to produce limestone. The influx of tourists into an area often result in local increase in the cost of living, forcing those not directly involved in the industry to move to the cities for work or to resort to unsound ecological practices to supplement their income. Coral reefs which in most places ironically provide many of the factors by the visitor (e.g seafood and good snorkeling), have been serious affected by unregulated and careless tourists boat anchoring, scuba diving, snorkeling and trampling by foot. Addition, collection of marine life and breakage of corals by careless or uninformed tourists can severely degrade coral reefs. The need for fresh seafood may place the local artisan reef fishery under severe pressure as local fishermen to demand by hotel.

Tourism can be divided into two main types participatory tourism which contributes to the local economy  through interaction and involvement of the local communities and non participatory tourism where  the majority of the profit  remain the country of origin , which  the hotel chain  or travel agent with relatively low benefits to local communities. Non participatory tourism development  often lead to conflicts between  tourists and local population, the worst examples of being  increases  in crimes, prostitution and drug related problem. It is important that the tourists themselves recognize their responsibilities when interacting with local population as well as their role as a pressure group which can encourage hotel to be more participatory and environmentally responsible. The rapid growing coastal tourism industry must also acknowledge that the marine resources on which it depends are finite and also vital to neighboring villages. It must attempt to develop methods which assist all users. Ecotourism is    a new and budding industry in the region which aims to assist both the local environment and socio-economic situation. It attempt to minimize detrimental impacts, encourage environmental and cultural awareness among visitors, develop alternative source of power where appropriate and safe and ecologically  sound disposal  of wastes . Eco tourism also strives to be participatory .Many tourism developers consider local arts, food and traditions to be of little interest or value to the visitors. Care should be taken to avoid weakening the cultural fabric of the coastal region instead operators should promote local arts, crafts and culinary tradition.

        Generally tourism is strongly influenced by the developer in most cases a foreign investors catering specifically for tourists, usually from his or her home country. Governments in the Western Indian Oceans region have traditionally welcomed large hotel, as they attracted by large-scale investment and the prospect of immediate tax return and tourist levies. The benefits of each type of tourism and the kind of tourists associated with each should be carefully examined. The development of tourism facilities such as golf course which require vast quantities of freshwater for irrigation or coastal marinas should be very carefully assessed .Coastal tourism certainly can, and does contribute to local economies. Examples of benefits to local communities directly related   to tourism activities are numerous, including new job opportunities for which the hotel often provides training  , an increased  of international understanding  and awareness ,the development of infrastructure, notably road, water and electricity and improved coastal and marine conservation through revenue collected from tourists .Prior to further expansion ,the industry and government  should carefully consider the points discussed above , undertake thorough Impact Assessment studies and follow the resulting recommendations, bearing in mind that situations do change and monitoring of effects should be considered.