Tourism in deserts

This article examines the recent growth in desert tourism, its impacts and the ways in which it can be sustainably managed. It focuses on a case study of Namibia, describing examples of initiatives that have put principles of sustainable development into practice. The article is relevant to A-level options on hot desert environments and tourism, and to IB topics including patterns of environmental quality and sustainability, extreme environments and leisure, sport and tourism.

Briony Cooke

The style of desert tourism has changed a lot in the last 100 years

Long-haul destinations for tourists from Europe and North America have developed as the demand for adventure tourism has grown and the network of global air transport has expanded. Desert safaris attract tourists who are bored with the traditional sun-sea package holiday and want a more exotic experience in a pristine environment. Deserts offer a range of attractions for visitors:

■ striking topographical features such as sand dunes, canyons and inselbergs