9.3.2

The Butler Model

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The Butler Model of Tourism Growth

The Butler Model explains the stages of tourism development and highlights strengths and limitations in understanding tourism trends.

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Introduction

  • The Butler model shows how tourism grows and changes over time.
    • The model uses a curve called 'the tourism life cycle'.
    • Tourism develops in stages linked to visitor numbers, popularity, and impact.
  • The model helps to explain the rise and fall of tourist destinations.
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Stages (1/2)

  • Stage 1: Exploration
    • Few tourists visit, and tourism is small-scale.
  • Stage 2: Involvement
    • Locals support tourism, some facilities appear.
  • Stage 3: Development
    • Tourist numbers increase rapidly, infrastructure grows.
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Stages (2/2)

  • Stage 4: Consolidation
    • Growth slows, tourism is important economically.
  • Stage 5: Stagnation
    • Visitor numbers peak, the area may lose appeal.
  • Stage 6: Decline or rejuvenation
    • Tourists decrease or the area innovates.
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Strengths

  • The model helps predict changes in tourist numbers and development.
  • The model explains why some destinations lose popularity.
    • The tourism life cycle highlights the need for managing growth sustainably.
    • Teachers use the model to understand tourism's impacts on places.
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Limitations

  • The model assumes all destinations follow the same pattern, but many do not.
  • The model does not account for sudden changes like political issues or natural disasters.
  • Some destinations rejuvenate more than the model suggests.
  • The model focuses mainly on tourist numbers, not environmental or social factors.

Jump to other topics

1Paper 1 - Changing River Environnments

2Paper 1 - Changing Coastal Environments

3Paper 1 - Changing Ecosystems

4Paper 1 - Tectonic Hazards

5Paper 1 - Climate Change

6Paper 2 - Changing Populations

7Paper 2 - Changing Towns & Cities

8Paper 2 - Development

9Paper 2 - Changing Economies

10Paper 2 - Resource Provision

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