State the range of number of visitors, in millions, for the 15 major tourist hotspots.

State the median number of visitors, in millions, for the 15 major tourist hotspots.

Outline one way in which investment by transnational corporations (TNCs) can help places grow as tourist destinations.

Suggest two reasons why further visitor growth at major tourist hotspots such as these could be unsustainable.

20.0–8.3 (or 11.7).

12

Award [1] for a valid way and [1] for explanation or developed exemplification.

For example: TNCs organize/advertise package/all-in holidays [1] to destinations that people would otherwise not be aware of [1].

Other possibilities:

• A TNC/MNC might hold a conference in a city [1] helping to raise its profile and attracting visitors [1]
• Developing resort complexes (hotels, swimming pools etc.) [1] attracting package holiday makers [1].

In each case award [1] for a valid reason and [2] for further development / explanation / exemplification (with a link to sustainability).

For example: There may already be a shortage of accommodation in these hotspots [1] so prices are forced up further by increasing numbers [1] becoming unaffordable for local communities [1].

Other possibilities for the contexts shown include:

• Over-tourism
• Threats to culture
• Exceeds carrying capacity
• Increase in pollution.

This seemed straightforward for candidates.

Most stated the median correctly, but some incorrectly calculated the mean.

There was the ongoing issue of not reading the question carefully and simply stating what TNCs might do; but not relating investment to the growth of tourist destinations for the second mark. Some looked at TNC investment generally in a country rather than investment in the tourist sector.

Most could identify problems caused by visitor growth, but the reasons given were often either very general or not developed. Few responses were explicitly linked to sustainability. Many responses were repetitive and some listed multiple reasons without developing any.

Estimate the percentage of older adults playing basketball in 2008.

Identify the year in which 50 % of children played basketball.

Outline one factor that can influence the location of a sports stadium.

Explain why participation in basketball or other sports might increase over time for women.

Explain why participation in basketball or other sports might increase over time for low-income groups.

22 (allow 21–23)

2018

Award [1] for the factor and a further [1] for development / explanation/exemplification.

For example: A basketball stadium needs to be easily accessible to supporters[1]; this favours a central urban area with good transport accessibility [1].

Other factors include, but are not limited to:

• land availability
• cost of land
• car parking
• noise
• population density
• culture and history
• government and private investment.

Award [1] for each relevant explanation/exemplification point.

For example: Gender equality rights are being legally enforced [1]; this results in changing attitudes and mindsets towards women in sport [1]; women are more empowered to participate in sport, for example, in the FIFA World Cup [1].

Award [1] for each relevant explanation/exemplification point.

For example: Civil society organizations [1] are working with poor communities by providing equipment and access to facilities [1], such as youth rugby in townships in South Africa [1].

Few got this correct as the reading of triangular graphs proved tricky for most.

Most got this correct.

Most were able to find one factor (eg land value, accessibility) but some did not develop it sufficiently.

This was well answered with good explanation about gender equality rights.

Few could back up their explanation with evidence. There were a lot of general comments regarding more time and money.

Estimate the number of hours per day that people aged 65+ spend watching TV.

Estimate the percentage of leisure time that 15–24-year-olds spend on non-screen activities.

Outline one possible reason why people in this high-income country have a large amount of leisure time.

Explain three factors not shown in the graph that may affect the amount of leisure time for different groups of working people in a country like this.

About 4.5 (allow 4.4 to 4.6). Accept 4 hr 20 min to 4 hr 40 min

33.3% (allow 33.0 to 34.0%).

Award [1] for a valid reason and [1] for further development.

For example: People in HICs are usually expected to work only 7–8 hours per day [1] because laws have been established regarding working conditions [1].

Other possibilities include:

• Larger numbers of retired people
• High income means more people can work from home or part time.
• High unemployment rates.

Award [1] for identifying the factor and [1] for further development using applied knowledge of leisure, tourism and sport.

Do not credit mirror responses, or anything to do with education or stages of life cycle.

Factors can be socio-economic (who the groups are), or geographic (where they live).

For example: Place of residence – living at the edge of an urban area [1] may leave people with less leisure time because of commuting [1].

Other possibilities include:

• Affluence/income – people on a low rate of pay may need to work longer hours to meet living costs.
• Gender – some women may find there is a cultural expectation for them to care for children and/or the elderly in addition to working.
• Culture – some cultural ethnic groups may have differing attitudes towards leisure/work time balance.
• Health/mobility – some working people may have health issues that restrict leisure participation.

Examine why views may differ on the benefits of tourism as a development strategy.

Examine the influence of cultural and political factors on participation in sport at varying scales.

Marks should be allocated according to the Paper 1 markbands (available under the "Your tests" tab > supplemental materials).

There has been a rapid growth in international tourism, especially to low-income countries. Tourism is an important area of economic policy in many countries, stimulating domestic growth and improving international links. However, there is debate regarding the benefits of tourism in economic and social development, and its impact on local cultures.

Possible applied themes (AO2) demonstrating knowledge and understanding (AO1):

• Rapid growth of international tourism, especially towards low income countries; facilitated by rising living standards, growth in communications, and the power of transnational corporations (TNCs).
• Economic advantages might include: earning of foreign currency, growth in gross national product (GNP), development of infrastructure (airports, roads, hotels and resorts), increased employment, rise in living standards.
• Tourist industry may be dominated by foreign TNCs; leakage of profits; tourism develops in small enclaves (core-periphery); employment may be low skilled, poorly paid and seasonal.
• Cultural impacts might include: increasing pressure of numbers in areas of historical/archaeological/scenic importance, resulting in degradation; need for effective management.
• Increasing “westernization” of culture; problems relating to crime, drugs and prostitution.
• Views regarding the benefits of tourism will vary between different stakeholders, from local to national and international.

Good answers may be well-structured (AO4) and may additionally offer a critical evaluation (AO3) of the statement in a way that reaches an evidenced judgment regarding the benefits of tourism as a development strategy. Views regarding possible benefits of tourism will differ between stakeholders in different places, and processes operating at different scales.

For 5–6 marks, expect weakly-evidenced outlining of one or more benefits of tourism.

For 7–8 marks, expect a well-structured account that includes:

• either an evidenced explanation of varying viewpoints concerning the benefits of tourism as a development strategy
• or a discursive conclusion (or ongoing evaluation) grounded in geographical concepts and/or perspectives.

For 9–10 marks, expect both of these traits.

Marks should be allocated according to the Paper 1 markbands (available under the "Your tests" tab > supplemental materials).

Political and cultural influences are important in the increasing participation in international sports by different individuals and societies, for example in the Paralympics and the increasing participation by people of different gender. The globalization of sport has resulted in increased participation by all groups in society.

Possible applied themes (AO2) demonstrating knowledge and understanding (AO1):

• The growing importance of international sporting events, including the Paralympics, with increased numbers of athletes participating from different countries.
• Political influences include training facilities and support by national governments; pride and prestige for governments to host international events, construction of facilities to host international events.
• Cultural influences include: changing public attitudes towards disabilities; changing gender roles and the increasing high profile of female participation in sports.
• Many countries (especially low income) are poorly represented in international sport, partly due to high cost and lack of funding. Discrimination remains a major issue in many countries.

Good answers may be well-structured (AO4) and may additionally offer a critical evaluation (AO3) of the statement in a way that shows understanding of cultural and political factors affecting participation, and that these may differ between places and at various spatial scales. Another approach might be to evaluate the temporal scale over which political and cultural factors view may differ.

For 5–6 marks, expect weakly-evidenced outlining of at least one political and/or cultural factor.

For 7–8 marks, expect a well-structured account that includes:

• either an evidenced explanation of a range of political and cultural factors affecting participation in sport at different scales
• or a discursive conclusion (or ongoing evaluation) grounded in geographical concepts and/or perspectives.

For 9–10 marks, expect both of these traits.

Generally well answered with good exemplification. However, many focused on the benefits and costs of tourism, without emphasizing the development strategy aspect of the question. There were also several weak, generalized, descriptive responses. Many used a festival e.g. Glastonbury, which was not an appropriate case study for this question. Weaker candidates were not able to develop answers beyond economic impacts, to include social and cultural implications, and the views of different stakeholders.

There were some good responses with sound explanation and exemplification. However, many responses were very general, limited and descriptive with weak examples, and ignoring the "varying scales" part of the question. 

Estimate the range of costs shown for the Winter Olympics, in billions of US dollars.

Estimate the total cost shown for the Summer Olympics between 2004 and 2016, in billions of US dollars.

Outline one possible reason why some higher-income countries have chosen to host the Olympics on multiple occasions.

Explain two ways in which participation in international sporting events became more diverse during the years shown in the graph.

21 (allow 20–22 or 22–1 / 22–2 / 23–1 / 23–2).

29 (allow 27–31).

Award [1] for the reason and [1] for development linked to hosting on multiple occasions.

Award a maximum of [1] for the simple reason that “they can afford it and infrastructure is expensive” (this does not address the choice to hold events on multiple occasions).

For example: Some wealthy countries hope to gain political influence [1] and are prepared to commit high amounts of money regularly to achieve this [1].

Other possible factors include:

• re-use of existing infrastructure
• legacy / regeneration
• highly advantageous physical conditions
• economic benefits if linked to tourism
• nationalism / patriotism.

In each case award [1] for identifying the way diversity has increased (e.g. more women participating) and up to [2] for further explanatory development.

Responses should focus on who is affected and what has happened to make sports more inclusive. Award up to a maximum of [4] for a response dealing with an increase in the number of countries participating (which may imply diversity).

For example: There has been an increase in participation by disabled athletes (at the Paralympics) [1]. The Paralympics have been invested in and received large amounts of financial sponsorship [1] and high-profile media coverage [1].

Other possibilities include:

• women participating
• religion
• transgender inclusion
• economically disadvantaged people.

Most were able to identify the correct costs although some got their final calculations wrong.

Most were able to identify the correct costs although some got their final calculations wrong.

Overall, many scored one mark but failed to get the second mark by not making the link to multiple occasions.

There were many responses in which the answers related to hosting rather than participating, for example, why more countries were hosting the Olympics as opposed to why there is a diversity of participants. Those who discussed the roles of gender equality and the Paralympics, for example, scored well.

Examine how people’s participation in leisure activities can be affected by their country’s level of human development.

Examine how different tourism strategies might contribute to the development of one or more countries.

Marks should be allocated according to the Paper 1 markbands (available under the "Your tests" tab > supplemental materials).

The focus of the question is on the link between levels of human development and participation in leisure activities. Level of human development includes not only economic factors such as affluence, but also attitudes to gender and disability, demographic characteristics, changes in work habits and leisure time.

Possible applied themes (AO2) demonstrating knowledge and understanding (AO1):

• There has been a significant growth in people’s participation in different types of leisure activities in recent years.
• The growth in participation is linked to human and economic development, such as increases in personal affluence and disposable incomes.
• Some leisure activities are associated with more affluent people, while other activities may be associated with poorer groups.
• Social and demographic factors are also important. These include ageing populations and retired people with more leisure time; changes in the workplace, with more paid holidays; changing attitudes towards gender and disability.
• Participation in leisure activities varies spatially, both within and between countries at different levels of human development.

Good answers may be well structured (AO4) and may additionally offer a critical evaluation (AO3) of the statement in a way that examines the relationship between various human factors and participation in leisure activities from different perspectives or on varying time and spatial scales. Another approach would be to examine changes in participation for different places at differing levels of development.

For 5–6 marks, expect weakly evidenced outlining of the relationship between human development and participation in leisure activities.

For 7–8 marks, expect a structured account which includes:

• either an evidenced explanation of the relationship between human development and participation in leisure activities
• or a discursive conclusion (or ongoing evaluation) grounded in geographical concepts and/or perspectives.

For 9–10 marks, expect both of these traits.

Marks should be allocated according to the Paper 1 markbands (available under the "Your tests" tab > supplemental materials).

The focus of the question is on how different tourism strategies, such as ecotourism, heritage tourism, and adventure tourism might contribute to development. The costs and benefits of different tourism strategies should be considered, including various economic and social/cultural effects. The growth of tourism has had significant impacts on the economy and communities in countries at varying levels of development.

Possible applied themes (AO2) demonstrating knowledge and understanding (AO1):

• There are various types of tourist strategy, including ecotourism, heritage tourism and movie-location tourism.
• The growth of tourism has had significant economic, social and environmental costs and benefits.
• The relationship between the growth of tourism and development is complicated, and varies at different scales from local to national.
• The relative success of different tourism strategies for sustainable development should be examined.

Good answers may be well structured (AO4) and may additionally offer a critical evaluation (AO3) of the statement in a way that examines the contribution of different strategies from different perspectives or on varying time or spatial scales. Another approach might be to examine countries at different levels of development, and why some places have benefitted more than others, and the varying power of different stakeholders.

For 5–6 marks, expect weakly evidenced outlining of how a tourism strategy contributes to the development of one or more countries.

For 7–8 marks, expect a structured account which includes:

• either an evidenced explanation of how different tourism strategies contribute to thedevelopment of one or more countries
• or a discursive conclusion (or ongoing evaluation) grounded in geographical concepts and/or perspectives.

For 9–10 marks, expect both of these traits.

This was generally poorly answered with few able to go beyond the differences in time and money available to individuals. There was limited understanding of the broader concept of "human development" (going beyond economic factors to other social and demographic influences). Exemplification was weak and was often a general comment about the difference between two countries. Stronger candidates considered demographic factors such as gender and age.

Again, this was poorly answered, with many merely writing about tourism as a development strategy, rather than looking at the relevance of different tourism strategies. There were also many general, superficial accounts of the importance of tourism to development. Stronger candidates were able to use ecotourism, gorilla watching, movie location and adventure tourism as examples of strategies undertaken by countries. Some did not read the question correctly and used urban areas like Venice or Oxford rather than countries.

Examine reasons why the growth of tourism hotspots can become unsustainable.

Examine ways in which international sporting events have become more inclusive over time.

Refer to Paper 1 markbands (available under the "Your tests" tab > supplemental materials).

The focus of the response should be on the problems associated with the recent rapid growth of tourism in rural and urban hotspots.

Possible applied themes (AO2) demonstrating knowledge and understanding (AO1):

• Rapid growth of tourism has focused on rural and urban hotspots. Urban hotspots include cultural tourism, such as museums, art galleries and architecture; rural hotspots include areas of outstanding landscape value, national parks and wildlife parks.
• Considerable increase in tourist numbers, often for short periods of time, results in the environmental and perceptual carrying capacity being exceeded in both rural and urban areas.
• Problems include various types of stress: overcrowding and congestion, noise, loss of amenity, litter and pollution and environmental damage.
• These are unsustainable in the long-term, and there needs to be management strategies for a more sustainable future.

Good answers may be well-structured (AO4) and may additionally offer a critical evaluation (AO3) of reasons for the growth of tourist hotspots, and how this might have adverse consequences and become unsustainable. They may show understanding that perspectives of various stakeholders may differ on the costs and benefits of urban and rural tourism.

For 5–6 marks, expect some weakly evidenced outlining of problems associated with tourist growth in urban and/or rural areas.

For 7–8 marks, expect a structured account that includes:

• either evidenced examination of a range of issues/costs associated with the growth of tourism in rural and/or urban areas, and how growth might become unsustainable
• or a discursive conclusion (or ongoing evaluation) grounded in geographical concepts and/or perspectives.

For 9–10 marks, expect both of these traits.

Refer to Paper 1 markbands (available under the "Your tests" tab > supplemental materials).

Political and cultural influences are of importance in the increasing participation in international sport by different individuals and societies. For example, there has been a significant increase in the inclusion of numbers of disabled athletes, from a variety of countries, participating in the Paralympics. The focus of the response should be on the various reasons for, and dimensions of, this inclusion. Another approach might be to look at how more countries have been included over time, and why.

Possible applied themes (AO2) demonstrating knowledge and understanding (AO1):

• The growing importance of the Paralympic Games, and similar international sporting events; numbers of athletes, from an increasing number of countries.
• Cultural influences include: changing public attitudes towards disability and gender roles; recognition that participation in sport is a human right; acceptance of wider issues regarding equality – religious, gender, sexual orientation or race.
• Increasing media coverage, national and international.
• Political influences include the role of the IOC and IPC. Chosen cities should host both the Olympic and Paralympic Games Funding, training facilities and support given by national governments.
• At the national scale of inclusion, more countries are participating in events than in the past, linked with trends in development.

Good answers may be well-structured (AO4) and may additionally offer a critical evaluation (AO3) of the statement in a way that reaches evidenced judgment and shows understanding that perspectives of different stakeholders may differ on who is allowed to participate in sporting activities. Another approach might be to evaluate the spatial or temporal scale over which participation has changed and the differing perspectives of stakeholders.

For 5–6 marks, expect some weakly evidenced outlining of changing inclusion over time.

For 7–8 marks, expect a structured account that includes:

• either evidenced explanation of changing inclusion over time in international sport
• or a discursive conclusion (or ongoing evaluation) of the success of these influences grounded in geographical perspectives.

For 9–10 marks, expect both of these traits.

Examine the contribution that ecotourism can make to the sustainability of tourism on local and global scales.

Examine the geographic relationship between the hierarchy of teams and the distribution of supporters for one named national sports league.

Marks should be allocated according to the Paper 1 markbands (available under the "Your tests" tab > supplemental materials.

Ecotourism is a form of sustainable tourism that aims to reduce the impact on the natural environment and sustain the economic and social wellbeing of local people. However, in recent years, considerable doubt has been cast on whether the aims have been fulfilled and on the negative environmental, economic and social impacts. Ecotourism may not be entirely sustainable, especially on a global scale.

Possible applied themes (AO2) demonstrating knowledge and understanding (AO1):

• Ecotourism has gained in popularity as a form of sustainable and responsible tourism. It aims to conserve the natural environment and promote the economic and social wellbeing of local people.
• However, the aims may not always be realized, and ecotourism may do more harm than good in certain places.
• Poor management may harm the environment by introducing people to ecologically sensitive areas; the carrying capacity may be exceeded.
• As a destination’s popularity grows, resources suffer from overuse.
• Human activity might disrupt wildlife; encourage soil erosion and habitat loss, and put pressure on limited water resources.
• Ecotourism is promoted and advertised in the media as responsible tourism, resulting in a large increase in tourist numbers globally.
• Many ecotourism destinations are in remote areas, requiring extensive air and vehicle travel and creating large carbon footprints.
• International developers may divert money away from the local community; corrupt governments may take a large cut of the profits.
• There may be threats to indigenous cultures. However, the promotion of ecotourism may educate people of the need for responsible and sustainable tourism.

Good answers may be well structured (AO4) and may additionally offer a critical evaluation (AO3) that show a good understanding of sustainable tourism, and may examine how ecotourism works well in particular places, but does not necessarily translate to a global scale.

For 5–6 marks, expect some weakly evidenced outlining of ecotourism as a form of sustainable tourism locally and/or globally.

For 7–8 marks, expect a structured account which includes:

• either an evidenced explanation of ecotourism at local and global scales (do not expect balance) and its contribution to sustainability
• or a discursive conclusion (or ongoing evaluation) grounded in geographical concepts and/or perspectives.

For 9–10 marks, expect both of these traits.

Marks should be allocated according to the Paper 1 markbands (available under the "Your tests" tab > supplemental materials.

The position of a team in a hierarchy is shown by its position in that league. The team’s position will go up and down in the league, depending on success, over different timescales. The relative success of a team is partly related to economic power and influence. An example of a national sports league should be clearly identified.

Possible applied themes (AO2) demonstrating knowledge and understanding (AO1):

• The hierarchy of teams includes: the position of teams in the sports league, their economic wealth, and the value and importance of players.
• Teams at the top of a hierarchy, such as in the English Premier Football League, are often located in major urban areas and have a large number of supporters from a wide sphere of influence.
• They may attract supporters from a local, national and international scale.
• Teams lower in the hierarchy will attract fewer supporters, mainly from a local scale. They will have much less wealth and power.
• Reference could be made to factors such as the role of the media, sponsorship and advertising in influencing the sphere of influence.

Good answers may be well structured (AO4) and may additionally offer a critical evaluation (AO3) of the statement, recognizing that the economic power of the top tier gives rise to a truly global scale of influence. Another approach would be to question how the relationship changes over time.

Award a maximum of [4] if a non-national league is discussed e.g. Champions League, Super Rugby.

For 5–6 marks, expect some weakly evidenced outlining of the hierarchy of a national sports league and/or the distribution of supporters.

For 7–8 marks, expect a structured account which includes:

• either an evidenced explanation of the relationship between team hierarchy and distribution of supporters in a named national league
• or a discursive conclusion (or ongoing evaluation) grounded in geographical concepts and/or perspectives.

For 9–10 marks, expect both of these traits.

There were many weak responses where candidates gave a descriptive account of an ecotourism case study (often confused with nature tourism) without connecting it to sustainability of tourism or considering the economic and social impacts. The end result was a narrative attempting to link ecotourism to sustainable tourism. Global scale proved difficult and many just ignored this part of the question. On the other hand there were some high-scoring excellent responses, especially those that used local or national examples.

There were many good responses, with a clear understanding of the concepts of hierarchy and good case study material being shown. These candidates provided detailed evidence of a national league and showed they had a strong grasp of the range of issues that affect the spread of the fan base. Weaker responses were generalized and descriptive accounts of one or two high ranking teams in a league. There were a few incorrect national league choices but far less than seen in previous sessions.

Examine how international sporting events bring social and economic benefits to different places.

Examine the physical and human reasons why some rural areas have become important for leisure activities.

Refer to Paper 1 markbands (available under the "Your tests" tab > supplemental materials).

International sporting events include the Olympics, the FIFA World Cup and the Paralympic Games. These can have significant economic and social benefits to communities and countries around the world.

Possible applied themes (AO2) demonstrating knowledge and understanding (AO1):

Economic benefits might include:

• urban renewal, for example the development of brownfield sites
• development of infrastructure and transport to accommodate sporting events competitors and visitors
• job creation, which may be only temporary.

Social benefits might include:

• sporting legacy – increasing participation in sporting events
• inclusion via changing gender roles; increased female participation
• inclusion of disabled people through growing importance of paralympic sporting events
• community cohesion linked with national/local pride
• housing supply increases post-event, eg reuse of athletes’ villages.

Good answers may be well structured (AO4) and may additionally offer a critical evaluation (AO3) of the statement in a way that examines the economic and social benefits from different perspectives or on varying time or spatial scales. Another approach might be to examine why some places have benefited more than others from hosting the same events and the varying power of different places to maximize benefits for themselves.

For 5–6 marks, expect some outlining of how a sporting event brings some social and/or economic benefits. The response is partial, narrow or lacks supporting evidence.

For 7–8 marks, expect a well-structured account, which includes:

• either a well-evidenced explanation of one or more sporting events and the social/economic benefits for different places
• or an ongoing evaluation (or discursive conclusion) grounded in geographical concepts and/or perspectives.

For 9–10 marks, expect both of these traits.

Refer to Paper 1 markbands (available under the "Your tests" tab > supplemental materials).

The focus of the question mainly concerns primary tourist/recreational resources in rural areas. Secondary tourist/recreational resources, such as accommodation and entertainment, might also be discussed.

The question is relatively broad and a wide range of responses is possible. The term “leisure activities” might include tourism, recreation and sport. The scale of the rural areas is not specified; it might be a large national park or small village.

If an inappropriate example is used, award up to a maximum of [4].

Possible applied themes (AO2) demonstrating knowledge and understanding (AO1):

• The importance of physical reasons in rural areas, including outstanding landscapes, attractive climates and unique ecosystems (such as coral reefs, tropical rainforests).
• Human factors in rural areas might include important heritage sites, areas of distinctive cultures, and indigenous populations.
• Human factors might also include secondary resources, such as accommodation and entertainment.
• Some of these areas have been specially designated as national parks or UNESCO sites, which will further attract tourists.
• This may result in the creation of tourist “hotspots”.
• Activities in rural areas might include hiking, enjoying the wilderness, or visiting heritage sites.
• Reasons why some rural places become music/religious/other festival sites.

Good answers may be well structured (AO4) and may additionally offer a critical evaluation (AO3) in a way that examines the interactions between physical and human processes in different rural places. Another approach might be to examine who has power over rural areas (to allow or block touristic developments). Another approach might be to explicitly examine rural areas at varying scales.

For 5–6 marks, expect some outlining of physical and/or human reasons for leisure activities in rural areas. The response is partial, narrow or lacks supporting evidence.

For 7–8 marks, expect a well-structured account which includes:

• either a well-evidenced explanation of a range of physical and human reasons why rural areas are important for leisure activities
• or a discursive conclusion (or an ongoing evaluation) grounded in geographical concepts and/or perspectives.

For 9–10 marks, expect both of these traits. 

A very popular question. Most candidates were able to discuss an international sporting event (the London and Rio Olympics were commonly used) and to focus on positive socio-economic impacts in different places. The best answers compared two or more sporting events and evaluated the extent to which each brought long- and short-term benefits to their respective communities. Weaker candidates either wrote generalized comments about the Olympics of choice and/or failed to address the 'different places' element of the question. A few used non-international sporting events like the Premier League or NBA.

- This was a less popular question choice. Successful responses followed the wording of the question and included well-explained and evidenced physical and human reasons.  Many  candidates,  however, failed to include physical reasons, such as climate, landscape and ecosystems, focusing rather on how certain areas have 'space' for music festivals (e.g. Glastonbury). Others misinterpreted the question and examined the pros and cons of rural tourism.

Referring to the photograph, describe the distribution of two touristic activities.

Using photographic evidence, suggest one physical reason why this destination may have reached its environmental carrying capacity.

Explain three local human factors that could reduce the number of tourist arrivals at a destination such as the one shown in the photograph.

Award [1] for each valid description. Accept facilities and/or activities.

For example:

• sports in the complex between two highways/main roads
• swimming pools/water parks scattered throughout the tourist centre
• playing golf / golf course west of the highway
• large marina along the eastern coast
• playing tennis on courts next to the highway.

Award [1] for a valid reason based on photographic evidence and [1] for a suggested link with environmental carrying capacity.

For example:

• Large areas of un-vegetated arid land are visible south of the settlement [1], suggesting that water supplies cannot be increased further [1].
• Tourist activities shown, such as the swimming pools, [1] may already be exhausting finite water supplies [1].

Maximum [1] if no clear reference is made to the photograph.

In each case, award [1] for a valid local human factor, and [1] for an explanation of how this could reduce the number of tourist arrivals.

For example:

• Terrorist activity targeting tourists may mean fewer long-haul arrivals [1] because of widespread reporting on (social) media in tourist source countries [1].
• Increased arrivals could mean perceptual carrying capacity is reached [1] when the beaches and marina become too overcrowded for tourists to enjoy themselves [1].

Other possible factors include:

• increased prices at destination
• local withdrawal of supporting TNC
• conflict between relatively poor local people and the rich tourist enclave
• local exchange rates / world recession.

There were few problems identifying activities, although distribution was sometimes overlooked.

This question generally scored very poorly. Candidates either gave a reason that was not physical, or one for which there was no photographic evidence. There was limited understanding of the term "environmental carrying capacity".

This was reasonably well answered, although often the explanation of the factor was often not fully developed. Weaker candidates used factors that were not human, were not applicable as local factors, or were not linked to existing tourism in the area.

Examine ways of managing the negative impacts of tourism’s rapid growth in some urban environments.

Examine the advantages and disadvantages of the site used for one or more festivals.

Marks should be allocated according to the Paper 1 markbands (available under the "Your tests" tab > supplemental materials).

The rapid growth of tourism in cities of cultural/historical importance has resulted in increased physical, economic and social stress for both residents and visitors. This may decrease the quality of life and make the city a less desirable place to visit. Management strategies need to be implemented for a more sustainable future and to increase site resilience. Credit should be given where “rapid” is implied but not necessarily explicitly stated.

Possible applied themes (AO2) demonstrating knowledge and understanding (AO1):

• Negative impacts of urban tourism include overcrowding/reduction in perceptual and physical carrying capacities, increased pollution, and congestion.
• Management strategies may be at different scales, from local to national and international.
• Strategies for both visitors and residents.
• Strategies include restricting access (eg, Venice), reducing vehicular traffic, pedestrianization, bicycles.
• Encourage localization, and reduce the power of TNCs.
• Improving infrastructure, such as water supply and waste disposal.
• Restricting ownership and letting policies (housing strategies).
• Improved education of visitors and residents.

Good answers may be well structured (AO4) and may additionally offer a critical evaluation (AO3) that examines conflicts between, and the power and perception of, different stakeholders (residents, tourists, TNCs, governments). Management strategies may vary spatially, and at different scales, for a sustainable future.

For 5–6 marks, expect some weakly evidenced outlining of one or two management strategies dealing with rapid urban tourist growth.

For 7–8 marks, expect a structured account that includes:

• either an evidenced explanation of two or more management strategies dealing with impacts of the rapid growth of tourism in urban environments
• or a discursive conclusion (or ongoing evaluation) grounded in geographical concepts and/or perspectives.

For 9–10 marks, expect both of these traits.

Award up to a maximum of [4] if a non-urban environment is used eg Machu Pichu.

Marks should be allocated according to the Paper 1 markbands (available under the "Your tests" tab > supplemental materials).

Festivals are increasingly important as a leisure and tourist activity. A wide variety of different festivals are held in many different locations, attracting large numbers of visitors. They may be in urban or rural areas, and range from large open-air music or sporting festivals to smaller, more intimate, literary and artistic festivals. Site is an important factor when choosing the location of a festival.

Possible applied themes (AO2) demonstrating knowledge and understanding (AO1):

• Site factors will vary according to the type of festival, its duration, and numbers of participants.
• Site factors might include area/size (may affect carrying capacity).
• Geology and soils, relief and drainage.
• Provision of water supply, food, and disposal of waste.
• Accessibility of the site (may be important for large festivals) – affects sphere of influence and catchment area.
• Urban or rural (will vary with the nature of the festival).
• Landscape/scenery (might be important for literary/artistic festivals).
• Proximity to settlements (noise pollution).

Good answers may be well structured (AO4) and may additionally offer a critical evaluation (AO3) that examines accessibility and different scales – some festivals attract millions, others hundreds. Disadvantages could be based around a stakeholder analysis, including different power perspectives. Another approach is to look at the advantages of places that are very well connected compared with other places, thereby allowing interaction.

For 5–6 marks, expect some weakly evidenced outlining of advantages and/or disadvantages of one or more festival sites.

For 7–8 marks, expect a structured account that includes:

• either an evidenced explanation of the advantages and disadvantages (do not expect balance) of one or more festival sites
• or a discursive conclusion (or ongoing evaluation) grounded in geographical concepts and/or perspectives.

For 9–10 marks, expect both of these traits.

There were some good responses although many were often descriptive rather than explanatory. Too many considered non-urban areas like Machu Picchu or whole countries, but Venice, Oxford and Barcelona were the popular urban case studies. Weaker candidates did not focus on the management of negative impacts and turned their responses into an evaluation of tourism in Venice rather than a focus on the question.

Many candidates lost marks by misreading the question. The emphasis was on the site rather than the festival itself and many wrote answers simply describing the benefits and disadvantages of the festival itself. There were a good range of case studies used, with Glastonbury the most popular, but the best responses used other or local examples, for example, Port Fairy folk festival, Victoria; Burning Man, Nevada; Enga cultural show in Papua New Guinea.

Using the photograph, identify two characteristics of this area that may reduce accessibility for visiting football supporters.

Outline one reason why some city stadiums have a large sphere of influence.

Suggest how large numbers of visitors in an area such as this could have one positive economic impact for local communities.

Suggest how large numbers of visitors in an area such as this could have one negative economic impact for local communities.

Award [1] for each characteristic inferred or identified.

Possibilities include:

• parking-no parking spaces shown
• congestion-narrow streets
• lack of main road / railway / public transport.

Award [1] for a valid reason relating to the sports or leisure hierarchy and [1] for development/explanation/exemplification.

For example: The team that plays there has a high status [1] people are prepared to travel long distances to see them play [1].

Other possibilities include:

• city is well-connected therefore people can travel from long distances
• stadium is used for other events e.g. music festivals attracting international visitors.

Award [1] for a valid impact and up to [2] for development / explanation/ exemplification.

For example, employment opportunities [1] as a result of multiplier effects built around the stadium e.g. catering jobs [1] providing long term economic sustainability [1].

Other impacts include:

• improved transport leading to more visitor spending
• increased income to local businesses

Award [1] for a valid impact and up to [2] for development/ explanation/ exemplification.

For example: rental prices for houses increase due to Airbnb [1] placing them beyond reach of some local people [1] resulting economic costs of relocating elsewhere [1].

Other possibilities include:

• increased costs for security / police / waste management
• increased congestion increases cost of transport
• TNCs are attracted to such venues and may take income away from local businesses.

Many were able to note two characteristics relating to accessibility but many incorrectly referred to high population/housing density or whether there was accommodation available. A surprising number thought that this was a rural area.

Many had no idea what the sphere of influence meant but those that did were able to use an example to demonstrate the reason. Several candidates confused threshold with sphere of influence.

Some very descriptive answers with most understanding the positive economic impact but struggling with the negative economic impact, often citing an environmental impact.