ENVIORNMENTAL REGULATIONS Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

ENVIORNMENTAL REGULATIONS - Coursework Example The absence of minimum wage rate in Singapore is a matter of concern especially for migrant workers. Due to increasing problems of environmental pollution caused by several industries and by industrialization policies pursued since the late 1960s, Malaysia developed its first framework environmental legislation called the Environmental Quality Act 1974. During the start of its life, the act took major steps to curb the ever increasing pollution in the country and it was not until 1987 that the environmental impact assessment (EIA) procedures were introduced to undertake preventative measures as well. Section 34A of the Environmental Quality (Amendment) Act 1985 makes it obligatory for anyone who wishes to undertake some activity to conduct a study to weigh the environmental impacts that the activity will have and the measures to be undertaken. The Malaysian EIA procedures are comparable to the National Environmental Policy Act 1969 (NEPA) model of the USA (Memon, n.d.). The number of environmental laws has grown rapidly and may be sufficient in number but not in quality. These laws have been unable to curb the ever increasing pollution in Malaysia. One of the reasons is that the legislation was mainly passed to cover and address situations as they arose with time, not to address the core environmental issues. There are also a significant number of breaches of environmental law but enforcement action is extremely low: to date only 5 cases are reported in the law reports of Malaysia under the heading of environmental law (Bt. Maidin, 2005). Singapore’s environmental issues are typical of an urbanized city. The issues relate to pollution from industrialization and urbanization and the protection of nature areas. The overall environmental management lies with the Ministry of Environment (ENV) established in 1970 which has become a full-fledged ministry and is responsible for a number of areas such as providing infrastructure for waste management, and

Friends of the Earth Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Friends of the Earth - Research Paper Example The organization asserts that the right to a clean and healthy environment is concurrent with the right to justice for every individual. This organization aims at not only changing the world for the people dwelling on Earth but also aims to preserve the natural blessings from complete deterioration. The key areas of the organization’s focus involve the promotion of economic justice and increasing resistance related to neo-liberalism, preservation of natural resources including forests, promotion of bio-diversity, steps to promote autonomous food availability and environmentally sound activities as well as preserving the energy resources which are getting scarcer in the modern age. The organization follows a fixed procedure to manage the tasks and project. Friends of the Earth International organize bi-annual meetings to prioritize projects and campaigns. The organization under review does not only aid environment and life locally but extends its activities at an international level. Its major international efforts relate to desertification, water, maritime, nuclear powers etc. MISSION The mission of the organization as described on its official website is â€Å"To campaign on today’s most urgent environmental and social issues by challenging the current model of economic and corporate globalization, and promote solutions that will help to create environmentally sustainable and socially just societies† [1]. The organization’s mission involves several deep concepts which extend the scope of its work areas and extent of its activities. Globalization, for instance, requires the organization to work in different areas like labor relations and issues, environmental issues and so on. HISTORY Friends of the Earth organization was started in 1969 by David Ross Brower (1912-2000), a prominent environmental enthusiast with also a passion for mountaineering. In 1971, the organization went international by collaborating with groups belonging to S weden, UK and France and over the years, the number of member groups in different countries increased to a number of 76. Among their early battles was the law suit against building a pipeline in Alaska going from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez Alaska. According to the Friends of the Earth, this was in conflict with the National Environmental Policy Act and an incursion into America’s last wilderness. They were also keen to tackle supersonic aircrafts due to its sonic boom and higher potential for damage to the ozone layer. This resulted in the ban of all overland commercial flight. Friends of the Earth was also one of the first organizations to challenge the construction of Nuclear Plants for generating energy in the United States. In 1986, Brower resigned to be succeeded by Erich Pica, a leading expert on the way federal tax dollars subsidize pollution and took the work forward of holding corporations accountable to the social and environmental impacts of their practices [1]. INFLUEN CES OF FRIENDS OF EARTH Giving voice to issues that favored the earth’s environment and lobbying aggressively for the correct government action has led to many governmental policies that curb if not prevent corporations and industries to violate the health and safety of our environment. These policies, legislations and checks not only benefit the subjects but are beneficial to the entire population of the Earth and its

How do the concepts of networks and the network society contribute to Essay

How do the concepts of networks and the network society contribute to the understanding of the contemporary media landscape Ill - Essay Example In the modern 21st century, we find that this field of information and communication is undergoing a series of changes, arising from various technological innovations, and forming a new setting for the access, subject matter, formatting, and interactive sessions, adding a new dimension to the socio-political world (Huntington, 1997). Under such conditions, various social movements, and revolutionary politics are able to interpose with greater force and in lesser time, within this new interactive space, leading to the convergence of the horizontal communication networks and mass media. This has led to an unparalleled shift in history, where the public sphere is fast moving away from the realms of various institutions, to this new space that mainly comprises of mass self-communication, and communication networking, through the Internet and the wireless networking modes (Klinenberg, 2007). This article will examine this new age communication space, and will study to find out how the con cept of networks and network society, contribute to the overall understanding of the contemporary media landscape. ... , Jan van Dijk first coined the term ‘network society’  in his book De Netwerkmaatschappij   (van Dijk, 2005), and was later used by Manuel Castells in 1996. Castells analyses this new concept of ‘network society’ and conceptualised that such societies formed owing to certain factors: The creation of the innovative Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and the formation of global computer networks that helped in the global integration. The lowering of communication costs as in transnational transports, making it possible for the global migration to take place. The breakdown of the Berlin wall and the subsequent rise in global capitalism; The rise of various new forms of social movements like the human rights, civil rights, women’s rights, environmental rights, etc., (Castells, and Gustavo, 2005). In an interview, Castells defined the term network society as â€Å"a society where the key social structures and activities are organized aro und electronically processed information networks...It's about social networks which process and manage information and are using micro-electronic based technologies" (History; Institute of International Studies, UC Berkeley, 2001). Castells further adds that technology is not the only aspect that defines modern societies, but other factors like economy, culture, and politics also form the framework of network societies, while religion and social status, help in shaping these societies. A network that collectively forms the societies, are actually series of links between basic unitary social elements, known as the nodes. When a single link between two unitary elements is established, the formation of a ‘relationship’ takes place, and many such relationships form a complex web, known as network societies. Van Dijk in

Friends of the Earth Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Friends of the Earth - Research Paper Example The organization asserts that the right to a clean and healthy environment is concurrent with the right to justice for every individual. This organization aims at not only changing the world for the people dwelling on Earth but also aims to preserve the natural blessings from complete deterioration. The key areas of the organization’s focus involve the promotion of economic justice and increasing resistance related to neo-liberalism, preservation of natural resources including forests, promotion of bio-diversity, steps to promote autonomous food availability and environmentally sound activities as well as preserving the energy resources which are getting scarcer in the modern age. The organization follows a fixed procedure to manage the tasks and project. Friends of the Earth International organize bi-annual meetings to prioritize projects and campaigns. The organization under review does not only aid environment and life locally but extends its activities at an international level. Its major international efforts relate to desertification, water, maritime, nuclear powers etc. MISSION The mission of the organization as described on its official website is â€Å"To campaign on today’s most urgent environmental and social issues by challenging the current model of economic and corporate globalization, and promote solutions that will help to create environmentally sustainable and socially just societies† [1]. The organization’s mission involves several deep concepts which extend the scope of its work areas and extent of its activities. Globalization, for instance, requires the organization to work in different areas like labor relations and issues, environmental issues and so on. HISTORY Friends of the Earth organization was started in 1969 by David Ross Brower (1912-2000), a prominent environmental enthusiast with also a passion for mountaineering. In 1971, the organization went international by collaborating with groups belonging to S weden, UK and France and over the years, the number of member groups in different countries increased to a number of 76. Among their early battles was the law suit against building a pipeline in Alaska going from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez Alaska. According to the Friends of the Earth, this was in conflict with the National Environmental Policy Act and an incursion into America’s last wilderness. They were also keen to tackle supersonic aircrafts due to its sonic boom and higher potential for damage to the ozone layer. This resulted in the ban of all overland commercial flight. Friends of the Earth was also one of the first organizations to challenge the construction of Nuclear Plants for generating energy in the United States. In 1986, Brower resigned to be succeeded by Erich Pica, a leading expert on the way federal tax dollars subsidize pollution and took the work forward of holding corporations accountable to the social and environmental impacts of their practices [1]. INFLUEN CES OF FRIENDS OF EARTH Giving voice to issues that favored the earth’s environment and lobbying aggressively for the correct government action has led to many governmental policies that curb if not prevent corporations and industries to violate the health and safety of our environment. These policies, legislations and checks not only benefit the subjects but are beneficial to the entire population of the Earth and its

Pr campaign brief Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Pr campaign brief - Coursework Example We shall stress on the advantages of building the bypass and at the same time try to counter any adverse reaction. My firm will present its ideas to the relevant authorities with the full realization that while it may not be their responsibility to buy these ideas, it is our responsibility to sell them. We will therefore try to have these authorities interested by stressing on the importance and urgency of the project (Deegan, 2001). Our petition to the House of Commons will be aimed at facilitating any kind legislation needed to undertake this process. We shall present the risks posed to the inhabitants and the vehicle drivers by the numerous vehicles passing through the village centre. We shall particularly present the risk of fatal accidents to the residents, school children, senior citizens and other members of the Ponteland and Darras Hall community as well as the drivers. In addition, we shall present our concerns about the centre’s pollution, traffic congestion and the traffic slows down; leading to longer travel time, fuel wastage and loss of timing for the vehicles. We shall also present the overwhelming support this proposal has received, not only from the community, but also other organisations such as AA, RAC, the British Coach Operators Federation and the Freight Drivers Association. To achieve this goal, will create awareness through methods such as radio talk shows, protest meetings and media coverage to increase pressure on the MPs. Moreover, we shall use posters, stickers and other methods to publicize the issues and carry out door to door canvassing to enrol more and more members. From our cost-benefit analysis, we shall show the Department of Transport and the ex-chequer that even though the bypass will cost some amount of money, its long term benefits will be much more than the cost of building it. We shall bring to their attention the immense saving they will make in

The Great Gatsby Essay Example for Free

The Great Gatsby Essay The novel, The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald argues that the novel is a perfect example of the great American love story, but that is a negative. The Great Gatsby is not a tale about perfect love, throughout the story we follow multiple corrupted relationships. Tom and Myrtle they are both objects to one another. Daisy chooses Tom over Gatsby when the wait is longer than expected and he’s offering her fortune. This is a tale of love and lust corrupting individuals, and of an American dream that is never fulfilled. Many people dream of being rich and famous in this time era because they want to be honored and idolized by people. This is the goal of Jay Gatsby, the protagonist in The Great Gatsby. Jay Gatsby throws all these parties to get known as this â€Å"big timer† a well-known rich man he thinks that will attract Daisy. â€Å"If love is only a will to possess, it is not love†, there are three main relationships in â€Å"The Great Gatsby† and they are all unsuccessful because they are not based off of love, but on materialism. An example of an unsuccessful relationship in The Great Gatsby is the adulterous affair between Myrtle Wilson and Tom Buchanan. Tom and Myrtle meet on a train when Myrtle was on her way visiting her sister that lives in New York and the two were both infatuated with each other’s appearances, and neither of them could take their eyes off one another. Myrtle is married to a man unsuccessful man named George B. Wilson. She joins into a conversation with Catherine explaining how she feels about her marriage , which I feel makes it so easy to cheat with Tom Buchanan. â€Å"Well, I married him,† said Myrtle, ambiguously. â€Å"And that’s the difference between your case and mine. † â€Å"Why did you, Myrtle? † demanded Catherine. Nobody forced you to. † Myrtle considered. â€Å"I married him because I thought he was a gentleman,† she said finally. â€Å"I thought he knew something about breeding, but he wasn’t fit to lick my shoe. † â€Å"You were crazy about him for a while,† said Catherine. â€Å"Crazy about him! † cried Myrtle incredulously. â€Å"Who said I was crazy about him? I never was any more crazy about him than I was about that man there. † She pointed suddenly at me, and every one looked at me accusingly. I tried to show by my expression that I had played no part in her past. â€Å"The only crazy I was was when I married him. I knew right away I made a mistake. He borrowed somebody’s best suit to get married in, and never even told me about it, and the man came after it one day when he was out. ‘oh, is that your suit? ’ I said. ‘this is the first I ever heard about it. ’ But I gave it to him and then I lay down and cried to beat the band all afternoon. †(F. Scott Fitzgerald 34-35). Myrtle is unsatisfied, annoyed, and aggressive. She is disgusted with everything about her marriage because she has so much hatred towards her husband, he is poor man. Myrtle is a superficial materialistic vacuous bitch! That’s the only way I can put it. Myrtle deserves every bad thing that comes to her for the betrayal of her husband. Tom only uses Myrtle for sex that’s all she’s good for and in return she receives gifts and money, not because Tom cares about her, but because he just have money to blow. Myrtle believes Tom will leave his wife for her, but to Tom she’s just a sexual toy, sexual object, nothing just being used. Tom makes it pretty clear that he isn’t leaving Daisy for her from the way he treats Myrtle at the party, especially when he breaks her nose for having the nerve to mention his wife Daisy’s name. Daisy! Daisy! Daisy! shouted Mrs.  Wilson. Ill say it whenever I want to! Daisy! Dai Making a short deft movement, Tom Buchanan broke her nose with his open hand (Fitzgerald 43). The pathetic nature of their relationship is reinforced when she dies. After a fight with her husband, Myrtle runs away towards a golden car that she thinks is Toms. The gold color of the vehicle symbolizes money, the fortune that Myrtle craves for. When Tom hears that she was hit by the car he has no emotional reaction to her death. He hurries to tell her husband that he was not the one driving the car so he can get away from the situation clean. The relationship between Tom and Myrtle is best symbolized by an expensive dog leash Tom bought for Myrtles puppy. It deliberates on the fact that Tom is her master, the one who controls his pet with money. As the dog, Myrtle is rewarded treats (gifts and money) for acting accordingly. The unequal status of Tom and Myrtle demonstrates that their relationship was bound to have a lack of success from the inception. Daisy and Tom Buchanan marriage is also a complete failure. Daisy only marries Tom because the war separated her and Gatsby. However, the most important reason for her marring him is because he comes from money. Tom is from a wealthy family and has statues. He also wins Daisy over by giving her everything she wants, especially at their wedding ceremony. â€Å"In June [Daisy] married Tom Buchanan of Chicago, with more pomp and circumstance than Louisville ever knew before. He came down with a hundred people in four private cars, and hired a whole floor of the Muhlbach Hotel, and the day before the wedding he gave her a string of pearls valued at three hundred and fifty thousand dollars (Fitzgerald 82). †

The Background Of Food Tourism Tourism Essay

The Background Of Food Tourism Tourism Essay This chapter will explain the background of food tourism. The researcher will explain why food tourism is a niche activity and what the benefits of niche tourism are. This chapter will also outline the interaction between food and tourism. Furthermore, the researcher will describe the trends shaping the tourists interest in food. This chapter will then analyse the recognition of food tourism internationally, most notably within countries such as Canada and Whales. Finally, the researcher will investigate the food tourism industry in Ireland and examine how Ireland measures up as a food destination when compared to international standards. Food tourism, which can also be referred to as gastronomy or culinary tourism is increasing as an area of research among tourism scholars (Hall, Sharples and Mitchell 2003; Smith and Xiao 2008). In 1998, folklorist Lucy Long first defined the relatively new term food tourism as intentional, exploratory participation in the foodways of another participation including the consumption, preparation and presentation of a food item, cuisine, meal system, or eating style considered to belong to a culinary system not ones own (Chrzan 2006; International Culinary Tourism Association 2010; Long 2004). This definition indicates travelling with the intention of experiencing other cultures through their food (Chrzan 2006). However, Smith et al (2008) argue that Long`s definition is exclusive and narrow, limiting food tourism to food experiences belonging to another culture. In contrast to Long`s definition, the International Culinary Tourism Association (ICTA) (2010) define food tourism as the p ursuit of unique and memorable culinary experiences of all kinds, often while travelling, but one can also be a culinary tourist at home. This definition explains food tourism in its broadest sense and includes all culinary experiences from Michelin star restaurants to local bakeries or cookery schools (Chrzan 2006; ICTA 2010). Furthermore, the ICTA (2010) explain that local residents can be culinary tourists in their own town simply by breaking their routine and trying out new restaurants. Erik Wolf, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the ICTA explains that true culinary tourists are perfectly happy at a roadside cafà © in the middle of nowhere, as long as there is something positively memorable about their dining experience (Wolf 2006, p.2). 2.3 Food Tourism as a Niche Activity According to Novelli (2005) niche tourism or special interest tourism is one of the fastest growing areas within the tourism sector. Douglas, Douglas and Derrett (2001) concur and believe that the growth of niche tourism is seen as a reflection of the increasing diversity of leisure interests among the twenty-first century tourist. The traditional two week sunbathing holiday abroad has given way to niche tours catering for peoples special interests (Collins 1999). The term niche tourism is largely borrowed from the term niche marketing. In marketing terms, niche refers to two inter-related ideas. First that there is a place in the market for a product, and second, that there is an audience for this product (Novelli 2005, p.4). Therefore, the clear premise of a niche market is a more narrowly defined group, whereby the individuals in the group are identifiable by the same specialised needs or interests, and are defined as having a strong desire for the products on offer (Novelli 2005) . This can be customised to refer to a specific destination tailored to meet the needs of a particular market segment, for example, a wine growing region can position itself as a niche destination offering tours of its specific wines. The size of a niche market can vary considerably, however it allows the market to be broken into relatively large market sectors macro-niches; for example cultural, rural or sport tourism which can then be divided into precise market segments micro-niches, for example geo, food or cycling tourism (Deuschl 2006; Novelli 2005). Niche tourism has been frequently referred to in tourism policy and strategy documents in recent years in opposition to mass tourism (Hall et al 2003; Novelli 2005). The connotations of a more tailored and individualised service carries its own cachet relating to features like the small scale of operations, implied care and selectivity regarding discerning markets, and a suggested sensitivity of tourists (Novelli 2005, p.6). Such features provide a more suitable fit with planning and development policies relating to environmentally sustainable and socially caring tourism. For these reasons, organisations such as the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) view niche tourism consumption as more of a benefit to the host communities when compared to the more traditional forms of mass tourism (Hall et al 2003; Novelli 2005). Furthermore, niche tourism is also seen as a mechanism for attracting high spending tourists. Take for example the concept of cookery school holidays, a market which is expanding year by year (Sharples 2003). Google Insights (2010) show a consistent web search interest in cookery holidays over the years 2004 to 2010, with particular interest from the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (US). Ballymaloe Cookery School, located in one of the most scenic areas of Ireland, East Cork is one of Europes foremost cookery schools. The school which is run by well known cooks Darina and Tim Allen has attracted people of all ages and abilities, from all over the world since its opened in 1983. The courses range from simple one (average price à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬125) to two day courses (average price à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬575), based on a certain theme, such as baking, finger food, salads or pasta dishes, to more lengthy week long courses (at an average price of à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬895). An analysis of their website showed that some cookery courses are booked out with an option to join a waiting list (Ballymaloe Cookery School 2010; Sharples 2003). 2.4 The Interaction between Food and Tourism Although it is agreed that food tourism is a niche activity, Novelli (2005) categorises food tourism as a subset of rural tourism due to its roots in agriculture. Wolf (2006, p.6) contradicts and illustrates food tourism as a subset of cultural tourism because cuisine is a manifestation of culture. Everett (2008, p.337) agrees with Wolf and suggests that food tourism provides a conceptual vehicle for pursuing a more culturally aware tourism agenda. It can be assumed that food is representative of a culture, take for instance Italy, a country which is known throughout the world for its pizza and pasta dishes. Nevertheless, food tourism is a newly defined niche that intersects and impacts on the long entwined travel and food industries (Wolf 2006). Food is a vital component of the tourism experience. Selwood (2003) suggests that food is one of the most important attractions sought out by tourists in their craving for new and unforgettable experiences. A growing body of literature sugge sts that food can play an important role in the destination choice of tourists, and more significantly, in visitor satisfaction (McKercher, Okumus and Okumus 2008). The food consumed by tourists in a place is part of the tourists memory of their visit to that particular holiday destination (Failte Ireland 2009a; Fitzgibbon 2007). Henderson (2009) explains that food and tourism have a very close relationship as food is a critical tourism resource. Food is vital for physical sustenance and all tourists have to eat when travelling. However, both Henderson (2009) and McKercher et al (2008) declare that the desire to try different foods may act as a primary motivator for some, or part of the bundle of secondary motivators for others. Culinary tourists are drawn by the opportunity to consume, and dining out is a growing form of leisure where meals are consumed not out of necessity but for pleasure (Smith et al 2008). Much of the literature on food tourism refers to the concept of visualis m as epitomised by Urrys tourist gaze (Urry (1990) as cited in Everett 2008, p.340). Everett (2008) discovered that viewing windows are being built in food tourism sites in an effort to meet an increasing demand for a more embodied, immersive and authentic food tourism experience. Theses viewing windows bring the producer closer to the consumer and allow the tourist to gaze into the backstage of food production activity (Everett 2008, p. 340). As previously mentioned, all tourists have to eat when travelling. Therefore, from an economic point of view, 100% of tourists spend money on food at their destination (Wolf 2006). Yet, data on food tourism appears scarce. Selwood (2003, p.178) explains that food is a very much overlooked and unsung component of tourism literature. Hall et al (2003, p.1) agree and cite food, just like tourism, was for many years a fringe academic discipline, and was frowned upon as an area of research by students. Typically, food is placed together with accomm odation in collections of tourism statistics, partly because it is almost always part of another attraction, and also because of it being a necessary element of survival no matter where a person is located (McKercher et al 2008; Selwood 2003). As the ICTA (2010) point out, the more that food is accepted as a main stream attraction by destination marketers, the more research that will be done to further develop and justify this niche activity (ICTA 2010; Wolf 2006). Hashimoto and Telfer (2006) refer to the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) who has recognised the growing interest in cuisine and have begun to promote Canada as a food tourism destination. The CTC (2010) highlight local Canadian cuisine as one of the top five unique selling points on offer in the country. Furthermore, dining out is one of the most popular activities undertaken by Canadian tourists (Selwood 2003). Hashimoto et al (2006) cite that Canada has approximately 63,500 restaurants and Canadians themselves spend CAN$39 billion annually in restaurants, eating out on average 4.7 times a week. The contribution of food to the Canadian tourism economy is of considerable importance and, because of their intensive use of labour, food preparation and food services also contribute very heavily to the tourism employment sector. In Canada, nearly a million people work in the foodservice industry and the promotion of local cuisine is therefore an effective way of supporting local economies along with agricultural production (Hashimoto 2006; Selwood 2003). The importance of food to the tourism industry has increased significantly within the last ten years, according to the Welsh Assembly Government (2009). They believe that the availability of high quality, local food has become a key driver for tourists when selecting a holiday destination. A Food Tourism Action Plan has been drawn up to promote W ales as a destination where high quality and distinctive food is widely available. Currently visitors on short breaks in Wales spend 18.7% of their holiday spend on food and drink whereas visitors on longer holidays spend 17.8% (Welsh Assembly Government 2009). Research carried out by the Travel Industry Association in conjunction with the Gourmet Tourism Association and the ICTA reported in March 2007 that over the previous three years 27 million travellers engaged in culinary or wine related activities, while travelling throughout the world. Therefore, the Welsh Government believe that there is a clear demand for culinary experiences, and outlets which promote and market high quality Welsh food and drink for consumption or purchase (Welsh Assembly Government 2009, p.3). 2.5 Travel Trends As previously mentioned, some tourism agencies such as the CTC have begun to recognise the growing interest in food and have embarked on the promotion of their destination as a food tourism location. However, the question arises as to the trends which are shaping the tourists interest in food. Nowadays, modern food tourists are better educated and have travelled more extensively, therefore they are culinary savvy and want to experience individualism as they search for local, fresh and good quality cuisine that reflects the authenticity of the destination (Chon, Pan, Song 2008; Yeoman 2008). Moreover, the influence of the media and the emergence of niche food programmes have influenced the tourism industry as celebrity chefs such as Gordon Ramsey and Jamie Oliver increase our interest in good quality food. Furthermore, the media is now full of magazines, such as Food Travel, Intermezzo, Cuisine, Gourmet Traveller, Australian Gourmet Traveller; radio shows and even entire lifestyle channels, such as Good Food or the Food Network which clearly connect food and tourism. In addition, the world is online. Whether through computers or mobile phones people can constantly read and talk about food, nowadays people blog about it, online restaurant reviews are instantly available and Tripadvisor now produce a list of the best places to eat in each country (Yeoman 2008). According to Chon, Pan, Song (2008) travel trends are becoming more activity-interest based rather than destination based. More and more travellers are deciding what activities they want to take part in first and then choosing the destination which offers them. Many of todays leading destinations offer superb accommodation and attractions, high quality service and facilities and every country claims unique culture and heritage. A s a result, the need for destinations to promote a differentiated product is more critical than ever in order to survive within a globally competitive marketplace (Morgan and Pritchard 2005). Food tourism shapes culinary destinations such as France, Italy and California whereas in emerging destinations such as Croatia, Vietnam and Mexico food plays an important part of the overall experience. Food is essential to the tourist experience, it can change the image of a destination, take for example the city of Las Vegas which was a renowned gambling destination where cuisine was barely an afterthought. This changed dramatically in 1992 when Wolfgang Puck became the first celebrity chef to come to Las Vegas when he opened Spago at the Caesars Palace Forum Shops.   He started a growing culinary revolution in Vegas which paved the way for fine dining restaurants.   At present, majority of the hotels and/or casinos in Vegas have celebrity chef restaurants attracting many tourists eager to sample the best cuisine money can buy (Wolfgang Puck 2010).   There are currently sixteen Michelin Star restaurants in Las Vegas, with Joel Robuchons Restaurant at the MGM Grand currently holding three Michelin stars (Quezada 2010). 2.6 Food Tourism in Ireland According to a Mintel report on Ireland, published in 2009, the food tourism market outperformed the overall tourism market between 2003 and 2007, however, neither has been immune to the effects of the global economic slowdown which has caused the value of the food tourism market to decline by 4% in 2008, and the value of the broader tourism market to decline by 3%. The market for food tourism in Ireland was worth à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬2.23 billion in 2008. Nonetheless, this figure was a decrease of 4% on 2007 figures and brought an end to a 26% increase between the years 2003 to 2007 (Mintel 2009; Fitzgibbon 2009). According to Tracey Coughlan (2009) from Failte Ireland, the most appealing activities for tourists in Ireland stand as heritage, natural amenities and sports. Sinead OLeary (2002) agrees and in her study of Qualitative and quantitative images of Ireland as a tourism destination in France, French visitors to Ireland were asked to describe their image of Ireland in terms of commo n attribute-based components and holistic aspects. Her findings show that the key images of Ireland remain the welcoming people, the beautiful scenery and the relaxed pace of life. Unfortunately, food did not get a mention, however, beer; most notably Guinness was cited by 37% of French Tourists as an image which is most readily associated with Ireland. This suggests that food has a lower priority when it comes to the primary purpose of visits and as Coughlan (2009) illustrates this is not just among French tourists. Nevertheless, as demonstrated above, the food tourism market is strong; therefore a gap exists in Ireland for a strategic approach to food tourism and the more demanding culinary tourist. As mentioned in the introduction Failte Ireland proposes to develop a Food Tourism Ireland strategy in the future. However, no report has of yet been published by Failte Ireland in relation to Irelands approach to the development of food tourism. Ireland has a wealth of natural opportunities at its doorstep, for example food festivals, fine artisan producers, food trails, high quality local farmers markets and world class cookery schools such as Ballymaloe Cookery School or Dunbrody Cookery School. It can be assumed that such images of Irish food festivals or Irish farmers markets would be beneficial from a food tourism perspective. Tracey Coughlan of Failte Ireland stated that The quality of our food ingredients is recognised worldwide as excellent in terms of both quality and authenticity. While Irish cuisine may not be as renowned as those of our neighbours on the continent, the strength of our basic ingredients beef, lamb, and dairy are a strong selling point. It is therefore suggested that in these challenging times, continuing to create demand for our tourism product is vital. Specialist areas like food and annual events like Harvest Feast are very important in this regard (Failte Ireland 2009). Furthermore, Mintel (2009) report that the quality of food coupled with the availability of local produce are the most influential factors for tourists w hen choosing somewhere to eat. Mintel (2009) also point out that online reviews and guides such as the Michelin guide, the Michelin Pub Guide, and the Bridgestone Guide can be exceptionally influential on tourists choices. However, it must be realised that Ireland face challenges in its task to stimulate further demand from a food tourism perspective. The perception that Irish food is expensive, service related issues (a consistent level of quality is required), Irish food cost issues and the lack of innovation to create new food experiences are of concern (Coughlan 2009). It is therefore suggested that Ireland must build on the success of its food export market and take advantage of its natural opportunities. All the relevant agencies and bodies in Ireland must work together in order to develop a food tourism Ireland strategy which will fully integrate into and support the broader national and regional tourism development objectives. 2.7 Summary According to the literature, food tourism is increasing as an area of research among tourism scholars. However, data on food tourism is scarce. Although primarily a niche activity with a defined and reachable market, food tourism can have an extensive impact on every holiday experience as all tourists have to eat. This creates a connection between the food source and the food destination, as the food consumed by tourists in a place is part of the tourists memory of their visit to that particular holiday destination. As explained, travel trends are becoming more activity-interest based rather than destination based. Furthermore, modern food tourists are better educated and have travelled more extensively. It is apparent from the research that the influence of the media has a major part to play in the recognition of food tourism. Online reviews and guidebooks can be exceptionally influential on tourists choices. As demonstrated above, the food tourism market in Ireland is strong, despi te the lack of a food tourism strategy. Although some issues arise, overall, Ireland has a wealth of natural opportunities available, all of which could be used for the promotion of food tourism. Some tourism agencies such as the CTC have begun to recognise the growing interest in food and have begun to promote Canada as a food tourism destination. It is evident that the interest in food tourism spans across all age groups and the size of the potential market is large. Further analysis of the culinary tourist will be examined in the next chapter.