Article Directory :: Travel & Leisure Articles

A History of Tourism at the Galapagos Islands

By Terry Philips

Republish: EasyPublish™ Published: 10Jan2012 Word count: 527 Viewed: 112 time(s) Get Free Content For Your Site

The Galapagos Islands' first tourist was also its most famous: Charles Darwin, the revolutionary biologist who's incendiary ideas on evolution first shocked and later educated the world. In the centuries following Darwin's visit the trickle of visitors to the islands has grown into a torrent, with people arriving year round to experience for themselves the fascination of a natural habitat that is entirely isolated from the rest of the world; nature's laboratory where some of the secrets of our origins can be uncovered.

Although Europeans had discovered the islands as early as 1535, it was Darwin's arrival in 1835 that led to them eventually becoming famous. Darwin's study of the unique species found there helped him to develop his theory of natural selection and concepts regarding evolution. Indeed, the first tourists in the 1950s were generally scientists.

In 1959, the islands were declared a national park (of Ecuador) leading to tourism beginning in the 1960s. It continued to grow throughout the 70s and, to an even greater extent, in the 80s. From 1991, when annual tourists numbered about 41,000, visitors have continued to make this a favored destination until the current amount of more than 170,000 each year.

In 1978, the park became the first Natural World Heritage Site in the world. About half of the entrance fee to the park goes toward park services which aids in the conservation of the islands. Obviously, travel between the islands is by boat and a large percentage of the visitors to the park do so via a cruise type of tour. The park controls the access that the boats have to each of the islands and some boats will only be licensed to stop at certain islands. Diving is also restricted and guides are required to go with tourists so that they will be kept away from areas that are fragile and from breeding sites.

Although these steps are intended to help with conservation, the continued increase in tourism is creating concern, so much so that in 2007 UNESCO placed the park on its list of World Heritage in Danger. One of the biggest threats facing the islands is that of invasive species that find their way there by stowing away on ships and planes.

The type of tourism has altered as well. Originally, tourists were primarily those interested in nature. Now, however, this has changed to include more tourists who are simply putting the destination on their bucket lists as well as those who are interested in recreational activities such as camping and kayaking. This is creating further stress on the ecosystem which may be harmed by the need for a larger infrastructure.

As with Machu Picchu for Peru, the income generated by the islands is important for the economy of Ecuador. In addition, the park fees supply critical funding for take care of the islands and the many unique species inhabiting them. Fortunately, due to conservation measures taken by Ecuador, the park has been taken off UNESCO's endangered list and additional regulations, such as requiring the park's second airport to be used more, are expected to further aid these efforts.

EasyPublish™ this article - publishers click here

More articles by Terry Philips

Free Report!
Ten Essential Secrets Of Article Marketing ... Grab Your Free
Copy Now:

Need Content?
Regular Top Quality Content for your Blog, Ezine or Website ...
Delivered Direct,
For Free!
Click For Details