Travel and Tourism in Society: Blue Mountain Destination Analysis

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the Blue Mountain as a significant tourist destination in Australia, situated near Sydney. It begins with an introduction highlighting the mountain's natural beauty, including its rugged terrain, eucalyptus forests, and various attractions like gardens and galleries. The literature review explores the complex ecosystem and the impact of human interaction, including challenges like insect damage and wildfires. The report then discusses observations regarding tourist signs, climatic conditions, and the lack of development in nearby towns like Katoomba. An analysis of these observations reveals the importance of the ecosystem, the impact of pollution, and the need for environmental conservation. The findings emphasize the importance of multi-lingual tourist signs, the role of the National Park, and the influence of the environment on tourist behavior. The report concludes by emphasizing the Blue Mountain's potential, the need for improved outdoor activities, and the importance of local tourism development and ecosystem protection, including fire prevention measures.

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TRAVEL AND TOURISM IN SOCIETY
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Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................2
Literature review..............................................................................................................................3
Discussion of observations..............................................................................................................4
Analysis of observations..................................................................................................................5
Findings...........................................................................................................................................6
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................7
References........................................................................................................................................9

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Introduction
The Blue Mountain is one of the best tourism destination in Australia. It is located 50
kilometers from Sydney CBD. It covers an area of approximately 4402 square miles. It has a
rugged terrain with a wonderful view. This mountain is also known for its dramatic scenery,
steep cliffs, and beautiful waterfalls. There are wonderful guest houses dotted all over the village
to accommodate tourists. The Blue Mountain also has a big eucalyptus forest. This tourist
destination is well designed in such a manner that it has gardens, galleries, and wonderful
bushwalking trails. This tourist destination is constructed in a way that it incorporates the socio-
cultural aspects of the neighboring community. This is essential as it gives tourists a taste of the
local lifestyle and culture. The Blue Mountain borders Katoomba area and a National Park. All
this adds to the beauty of destination as a tourist attraction.
The huge acreage of the eucalyptus tree gives the blue mountain a blue haze hence the
name blue mountain. There are also underground rivers, limestone crystals among others. This
mountain is not short of beauty. This tourist destination is constructed in a way that it can host
various outdoor activities for tourists. Rock climbing is one of the activities. Tourist can also go
hiking. From Sydney central station, it takes just around two hours by train from one to arrive at
Katoomba. From Katoomba, there are several bus services to assist visiting tourists to access
their preferred destination. There are wonderful village constructions where tourists can purchase
some of the area's best art at galleries. As a tourist attraction, Blue Mountain has excellent
restaurant constructed purposefully to serve tourists. All the tourists’ needs are comfortably
addressed at the Blue Mountain.

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Literature review
The ecosystem of the Blue Mountain is highly variable and very complex. This is due to
the fact that there is a complex interaction between the mountains land, water, air and the
vegetation (Hall, et al., 2013). The intensity of the interactions is seriously influenced by human
beings (tourists). It is very much evident that the human interaction with the mountain is closely
woven going by the landscape process present in the Blue Mountain. It has been observed that
the forest has a challenge when it comes to damage by insects, human activity and natural plant
diseases among other factors (Harris & Leiper, 2012). This, therefore, calls for the input of
every concerned authority to initiate vigorous environmental conservation initiative. This is
important given that as a tourist attraction, the blue mountain brings in a lot of money to the
economy of the nation and improves the lives of the local people around the tourist attraction
site.
The blue mountain management has to deal with challenges that it normally face such as
wildfires. Conservation is key in all this aspect. A balance must be achieved between tourists
spending and the conservation of the Blue Mountain. The numerous number of tourist often
flock to this site and it is important therefore that proper conservation procedures are laid down
to secure the tourist attraction for future generations (Griffin, 2014). Even though the blue
mountain is a beautiful an attractive tourist destination, it is a park that is under a lot of pressure.
A huge number of species that are vulnerable are present in the Park. Therefore maintaining the
wilderness is some a challenge to the authorities. This requires proper conservation measures to
be put in place to help curb potential challenges well in advance.

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Discussion of observations
The tourist signs used to direct tourists in the Blue Mountain are often written in one
language which is English. This ought to be improved. It is essential to have other languages as
well to give a tourist a sense of belonging and to make them feel at home (Anon., 2017). This is
important since tourists need to feel that they belong. Besides, it makes the life of tourist much
easier as they can travel on their own even in the absence of a tour guide or an interpreter
The entire Blue Mountain is endowed with different climatic conditions. Parts of the Blue
Mountain especially the northern parts of the tourist attraction destination experiences some sort
of a relatively cool climate. It has disparities in topography as well. A climate that is slightly
moist and a bit cool is found within the mixed zone of the forest (Hall, et al., 2013). The southern
part of the forest experiences a warmer and a bit dry weather most parts of the year. The driest
zone is the southern part of the forest. The effects befalling some parts of the Blue Mountain are
hindering tourism. There has been a decline in the number of tourist in the Blue Mountain owing
to the challenges faced by the forest.
Innovation and development are still lacking in some parts of the Blue Mountain.
Katoomba is one of the towns that could have some of the world’s most vibrant conference
venues. Being the main tourist town that is situated in the Blue Mountains, it could serve as one
of the getaway destinations for top diplomats to unwind. It is just an hour’s drive from Sydney
which is another big town yet it is not getting much attention from the locals (Williams, 2015).
Katoomba is situated between some of the best parks in the world and as such should be more
appealing even to the local population. Local tourism needs to be boosted by changing the

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mindset of the local people through the development of towns such as Katoomba. The lack of
interest from local Sydney people to frequent Katoomba is due to lack of development by the
tourism management body of Blue Mountain.
Analysis of observations
The ecosystem is the driving force behind the huge number of tourists flocking the Blue
Mountain. By comparing the three physiographic zones of the Blue Mountain, it is evident that
there is less of fir forest. Pollution is also evident in other parts of the forest. These are some of
the negative acts that negatively influence the tourists’ behavior (Griffin, 2014). Due to
environmental pollution, tourists may be less outgoing as they fear contracting diseases from a
dirty environment. This further affects even the sales of food items. In order for the Blue
Mountain to remain as a preferred tourist destination, it is important to have the environment
cleaned.
These pollutants may find their way into the streams and endanger the lives of the
wildlife in the National Park as well. The Park must be protected by protecting the mountain.
This requires proper work and planning.
The number of eucalyptus trees that give the forest its blue color is also at risk due to
forest fires. In many instances it is evident that various elements that contribute to the attractive
nature of the Blue Mountain can only be managed by such activities such as tree planting
especially in areas that timber harvesting might be taking place, forest fire control, restocking of
certain fish species in the streams among others. This is essential as it contributes to the
wholeness of the blue mountain (Anon., 2017). The main reasons why Blue Mountain experience
high tourist demand arises from the fact that it has a majority of the various climatic conditions

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under one places. Moreover, the beautiful sceneries give it a completeness that can only be found
at this destination. It has rivers, a National Park, and a variety of outdoor activities. From
observation, it could be seen that a majority of the river basins especially to the southern parts of
the mountain show that the rivers experience some level of high ponderosa density (Anon.,
20017). As a result, the river basins exhibit high levels of fuel availability than is natural. It is
possible to return all processes to their natural state by taking care of the Blue Mountain
ecosystem. It is possible for this ecosystem to regain its strength, power and beautify in some
affected area naturally if proper care is taken to avoid tourist activities that might affect the well-
being of the forest.
It also evident that apart from the issues to do with the ecosystem that is contributing to the
decline in tourists numbers, there is another factor. The lack of proper development of adjacent
town Katoomba as well as the inadequate travel service.
Findings
This report reveals that tourist signs are written in just a single language which is not
encouraging for those who are non-English speakers.
The National Park contributes a lot in increasing tourist revenues. It is one of the best tourist
attraction. As such it needs to be safeguarded against harsh climatic conditions that may lead to
the death of the wildlife.
Tourist behavior is influenced by the environment greatly. It is thus important to ensure
that environmental pollution is controlled in order to appeal to more tourists.
The Blue Mountain has varied climatic patterns in its various zones. These zones need
proper care from the management authority since they are endowed differently.

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Lack of development in the nearby town Katoomba is hindering tourism. The locals have little
interest in the blue mountain. Local tourism is not properly promoted.
Conclusion
The Blue Mountain has a lot of potential as a tourist attraction site. It has various
attractive sites such as the Eaglehawk Lookout which gives a wonderful view of the three sisters
as it is commonly known. Outdoor activities which help tourists to unwind need to be improved
and more brought onboard. With the vast area available, there is room for other outdoor activities
to be initiated. Local tourism also needs to be promoted. This can be achieved through the
initiation of development projects in the area in order to stir the interest of the locals to frequent
the Blue Mountain.
The ecosystem needs to be protected. It is thus important that fire stations be put up
within The Blue Mountain to help in putting out forest fires as soon as they are noticed.
Preparation of this kind is very important given the value of the blue mountain to the regional
economy as a tourist attraction site.

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Appendix
Figure 1 Tourist Sign
Figure 2 Tourist gaze and viewpoint

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References
Anon., 20017. Nothern Territory. [Online]
Available at: http://northernterritory.com/uluru-and-surrounds
[Accessed 19 October 2017].
Anon., 2017. The Blue Mountains. [Online]
Available at: http://www.visitbluemountains.com.au/
[Accessed 19 October 2017].
Anon., 2017. The Blue Mountains. [Online]
Available at: https://int.sydney.com/destinations/blue-mountains
[Accessed 19 October 2017].
Anon., 2017. Blue Mountains Australia. [Online]
Available at: https://www.bluemts.com.au/info/towns/katoomba/
[Accessed 19 October 2017].
Anon., 2017. Blue Mountains Sydney. [Online]
Available at: https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/blue-mountains
[Accessed 19 October 2017].
Anon., 2017. Parks Australia. [Online]
Available at: http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/uluru/index.html

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[Accessed 19 October 2017].
Donn, N. & Leyne, S., 2015. Tourism in Australia: A global Perspective. 2nd ed. California:
Butterworth-Heinemann.
Griffin, T., 2014. Tourism Today. Chicago: CRC Press.
Hall, F., Knapp, W. & Henshaw, J., 2013. Restoring Ecosystems in the Blue Mountains: A report
to the regional forester and the Forest Supervisors of the Blue Mountain Forest, Chicago: CRC
Press.
Harris, R. & Leiper, N., 2012. Sustainable Tourism: An Australian Perspective. 4th ed. Texas:
Penguin.
Weaver, D., 2014. Sustainable Tourism. 2nd ed. UK: Oxford University Press.
Williams, P., 2015. Sustainable Tourism: A Global Perspective. UK: Oxford.