Secondary resources “It is inevitable that the use of secondary resources will detract from the quality of the visitor experience of tourist resources” Discuss.

Purposes of secondary resources The purpose of secondary resources is to support or enhance the visitor experience at a primary resource. They will improve or restrict access, educate, maintain safety, increase comfort, entertain, etc. Primary resources may provide the initial attraction but secondary resources are becoming increasingly necessary if the economic potential of the resource is to be reached. Mass tourism is associated with secondary resources. Secondary resources such as signposts, information boards, fences, car parks, footpaths, guides, etc are necessary to protect physical primary resources. The over-use of secondary resources is often thought to “spoil” the primary resource.

A beach in Majorca. To what extent is it appropriate to develop secondary resources here to support the climatic and scenic attraction?

Cost or benefit?

Eyesore or positive reinforcement? Tourist providers have the task of providing information not only to enhance the current visitor experience but also to restrict access or modify tourist behaviour. There is a fine balance between sufficient provision of resources and over- exploitation. Planning authorities therefore have an important role to play.