SDCA Journal of Tourism Management

Abstract

This study likewise examines the views of the local community on the impact of tourism and the importance of natural resources on the tourism industry. Particularly, this paper seeks to determine the local people’s perception of the importance of natural resources to the tourism industry according to the type of activities that Long Beach Noveleta is offering to its tourists. The results of the study revealed that, undoubtedly, the tourism industry in the area has been a source of income for most of the people living there. More establishments were recently established due to the growing number of visitors in the area. Consequently, the development of the tourism industry in Long Beach Noveleta led to the change of livelihood among local people due to higher compensation offered by the tourism industry. In addition, it has caused a high influx of people because of work opportunities. The local people believe that tourism at Long Beach Noveleta is beneficial. However, environmental protection was seen as the least enumerated positive impact on work opportunities and city development. Nevertheless, residents of Noveleta have a high level of awareness and involvement in the protection of the environment. But because of too much dependence on tourism, most of the respondents became oblivious that tourism in Long Beach is a form of ecotourism, and the environment is the key tourism resource. Tourism puts enormous stress on local land use, and can lead to soil erosion, increased pollution, natural habitat loss, and more pressure on endangered species. These effects can gradually destroy the environmental resources on which tourism itself depends. Governments should be aware of the things that might happen to their place. They should protect them and preserve the nature that they have. This study will enable residents to provide input for their government to put up programs that will help their area to be preserved and to be safer for everyone.

Keywords: Tourism; Tourists; Environment; Local people; Local environment.