In Lourdes, the area of the esplanade around the religious buildings has been kept clear of development. Using a programme such as Google Earth, investigate the difference between the features to the west and south of the river Gave de Pau and those to the east over the bridge. The two images below show the contrast.
Full ScreenEVIDENCE LOG 5 - A good example of Sustainable Tourism?
From the evidence provided by the images on the two pages above, do you think Lourdes provides a good example of sustainable tourism? Record your opinions on the Evidence Log.
Another impact associated with religious destinations such as Lourdes is that of specialist tour operators which provide visits to the destination. Each of the crosses in the image below was left by a church group who visited Lourdes. Many of these groups would have used the services of a specialist tour operator.
EVIDENCE LOG 6 - Specialist Tour Operators
Summarise the products and the destinations served by either of the two tour operators below: