Tourists help save the world
Ecotourism is tourists travelling to natural areas and enjoying themselves without spoiling the places they visit. In fact, ecotourists help look after areas of great beauty. It sounds a very good thing.
The United Nations says that ecotourism is important for three things: to conserve animals and plants, to help conserve the environment by bringing in money, jobs and business and to share these out to local people
Ecotourism is popular with students. They want to travel cheaply, they want to help the environment, they want to visit exciting places and they are able to spend some months away from home. They also bring their own knowledge. Some of the work volunteers do, is to find information about the area. Scientists and governments use the information to make plans. Other work is looking after animals, building bridges and clearing lakes.
This may not sound like a holiday, but the volunteers have a great time. They live in exciting places. The work is part of the holiday. 'I liked hard work and getting dirty,' said one student, who stayed free in Hungary for a year and worked on a farm.
A group called Earthwatch have worked in 118 countries in 30 years. It has trained teachers, scientists and volunteers and helped, for example, turtles in the Virgin Islands. The money that Earthwatch receives, goes to local people in different ways. Of the money from a volunteer, 58% goes towards a scientist's work.
Botswana's second largest park, Chobe, collects $1.5 million a year from tourists. Ecuador gets Ј100 million a year from visitors to the Galapagos. Governments welcome tourists because they bring money and employment to their country. But some governments are more interested in tourists than the local people. Homes were destroyed by the Taal volcano in the Philippines so that ecotourists could stay there. In Bangladash, in Moulvibaza, 1,000 families are losing their land to make way for an ecopark.
Other problems are in the news this summer. Monkeys in east Africa are catching illnesses from humans. At Chobe, the animals are thought to have become ill from rubbish outside the building where tourists were staying.
Ecotourism is very important and will become more important after 2002, as more people travel. Ecotourism helps us to find the balance between man and nature and between business and looking after the environment.
Assignment 6.7 Find sentences in the text to support these facts.
1. The United Nations says that ecotourism is important.
2. Students like ecotourism.
3. Groups like Earthwatch help local people.
4. Governments make a lot of money from tourists.
5. Some governments do not look after their people.
6. Some wild animals are ill because tourists live near them.
7. Ecotourism is a good thing.
8. Tourism is a bad thing.
Assignment 6.8 Retell the text
Assignment 6.9 Points to discuss
1. Imagine that you are a leisure tourist. Say what facilities you would like to have at the resort hotel for a good rest.
2. Speak on the policy of the tourist company providing services for business tourists.
3. You are a tarvel agent. Elicit advantages and disadvantages of different types of tourism to your client.
4. You are an executive director of a new conpany. Present activities of your company. Speak about: types of tourism offered, tour packages and included services, popular traveling programmes.
5. Compare and contrast different types of tourism. Choose your favourite one.
PART III. TRANSPORTATION IN TOURISM.
TEXT 1. TRAVELLING BY RAILWAY
VOCABULARY TO USE
A mode of transportation, efficient, extensive, the Eurail pass, to be valid, specified periods, outside, speed, seating areas, to make the different class choice, a bunk, wagon-lit, passenger vehicle, overall, transit time, reliability, adverse weather conditions, bullet train, virtually, intercity trains, carriage, to convert, sleeping accommodation, to vary, considerably, availability, accommodation safety, validity, to change, to confirm, place of issue.
Assignment 1.1 Read and translate the text:
In many countries in Europe, Asia, In the United States and Canada trains present a major mode of transportation. Most foreign trains are run by their governments, which view efficient and extensive passenger train service as necessary to their people. This is a very popular form of mass transportation. In the European countries rail transportation is rather economical. In Europe tourists usually buy The European rail pass (Eurailpass), which is used for traveling in the 16 European countries of Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, Austria, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Sweden, Belgium, Finland, Norway, Denmark and Ireland. The Eurailpass is valid for specified periods such as 15 or 21 days or one or three months. The pass is sold to tourists only outside Europe usually through a travel agent. European residents are required to purchase a local pass.
European trains differ from trains in North America in speed, seating and sleeping areas. For example, The Tres Grande Vitesse (TGV), a long-distance train, operates between Paris and Lyons and on to Mrseilles at speed of 175 to 250 miles per hour. Even at high speeds, the train is smooth enough for a glass of wine to sit on the table undisturbed. In seating and sleeping areas, most European trains are divided into first- and second class sections, with price and comfort making the different class choice. Passengers can pay an additional fee to reserve a couchette or a bunk in a second class compartment or a wagon-lit, which is a private sleeping compartment for one or two people in first class.
The Eurotunnel which opened in 1993 in Europe is a tunnel between 25 and 45 meters below the sea bed. It operates between Folkestone in the United Kingdom and Sangette in France. Passenger vehicles and their occupants are transported through the tunnel in enclosed wagons which are brightly lit and airconditioned. The overall transit time for passenger vehicles through the system from entrance to exit of the terminal is between 50 and 80 minutes. Speed and reliability appeal to many travelers because the Eurotunnel trains are not effected by adverse weather conditions.
The Japanese National Railroad (JNR) began the bullet train in 1964 between Tokyo and Osaka for the Olympics. The bullet trains called MAGLEV (Magnetic Levitation trains) travel faster than 100 miles per hour and they have reduced the normally 18-hour trip to 3 hours and 10 minutes. The service and speed of the Japanese railroads have virtually stopped the airline industry from making any headway in Japan. The bullet and intercity trains are the only trains in the system which operate in the black. As a result JNR was divided into six regional passenger companies (collectively called Japan Railways) in 1987. A separate company leases the three bullet trains.
Other popular foreign railways are the Orient Express from Paris to Istanbul, “The Palace on Wheels” in India which is a deluxe train made up of the original carriages used by Indian princes, and the Blue Train from Capetown to Pretoria in South Africa.
In Russia there is the Trans-Siberian Special from Moscow to China. The trains in Russia have got “Soft class” which is equivalent to first class providing upholstered seats and “Hard class” equivalent to second class with plastic or leather seats which convert to sleeping accommodation for night travel as sometimes it takes several nights to get to the destination.
For travel in foreign countries rail provides the opportunity to view the land and people from comfort of a train while reaching the final destination rested and relaxed. Generally most countries around the world offer rail travel but the class of services varies considerably from country to country. Travel agents should always check frequency of service, availability of accommodation, safety and standards before recommending the rail service to their clients.
To make a reservation requiring a seat or sleeping accommodation the travel agent would use a computer, checking availability and making the reservation by telephone, fax or E-mail.
Often a reservation is not required but a railway ticket is necessary. The clerk is required to complete each information section of the ticket stating the name of the section of departure and arrival, date of travel, validity of ticket, class of travel, description of fare, for example, ordinary single, city saver. ordinary return, number of adults and children, total of fare charged and your travel agency code number confirming place of issue.
Assignment 1.2 Answer the following questions:
1. Where do trains present a major mode of transportation?
2. Whom are most foreign trains run by?
3. In which countries is the Eurailpass the tourist´s answer for traveling?
4. Where and how is the pass sold?
5. What are European residents required to purchase?
6. In what way do European trains differ from trains in North America?
7. Is the Tres Grande Vitesse smooth enough?
8. Into what sections are most European trains divided in seating and sleeping areas?
9. What makes the different class choice?
10. What can passengers reserve?
11. What did the JNR begin in 1964?
12. What are the bullet train´s specifications?
13. What has virtually stopped the airline industry from developing in Japan?
14. What trains operate in the black in Japan?
15. Why was JNR divided into six regional passenger companies in 1987?
16. What are the other popular foreign railways?
17. What are the Russian popular railways and trains like?
18. What does railway provide for travel in foreign countries?
Assignment 1.3 Use the appropriate words from the list:
The European rail pass, an additional fee, valid, a major mode of transportation, view, mass transportation, to purchase, passenger vehicles, a tunnel, seating and sleeping, reliability, lit and airconditioned.
1. In many countries in Europe, Asia, In the United States and Canada trains present ….
2. Most foreign trains are run by their governments, which … efficient and extensive passenger train service as necessary to their people.
3. This is a very popular form of ….
4. In Europe tourists usually buy … (Eurailpass), which is used for traveling in the 16 European countries.
5. The Eurailpass is … for specified periods such as 15 or 21 days or one or three months.
6. European residents are required … a local pass.
7. European trains differ from trains in North America in speed, … areas.
8. Passengers can pay … to reserve a couchette or a bunk in a second class compartment or a wagon-lit, which is a private sleeping compartment for one or two people in first class.
9. The Eurotunnel which opened in 1993 in Europe is … between 25 and 45 metres below the sea bed.
10. Passenger vehicles and their occupant are transported through the tunnel in enclosed wagons which are brightly ….
11. The overall transit time for … through the system from entrance to exit of the terminal is between 50 and 80 minutes.
12. Speed and … appeal to many travelers because the Eurotunnel trains are not effected by adverse weather conditions.
Assignment 1.4 Match the beginnings and the end of the sentences:
| 1. In many countries in Europe, Asia, In the United States and Canada trains present | a. outside Europe to tourists usually through a travel agent |
| 2. Most foreign trains are run by their governments, which view efficient and extensive passenger train service | b. enclosed wagons which are brightly lit and airconditioned |
| 3. In Europe tourists usually buy Eurailpass, which is | c. as necessary to their people |
| 4. The pass is sold only | d. to purchase a local pass |
| 5. European residents are required | e. used for traveling in the 16 European countries |
| 6. In seating and sleeping areas, most European trains are divided into | f. a major mode of transportation |
| 7. The Eurotunnel which opened in 1993 in Europe is a | g. the Orient Express from Paris to Istanbul, “The Palace on Wheels” in India and the Blue Train from Capetown to Pretoria in South Africa |
| 8. The trains in Russia have got “Soft class” which is | h. tunnel between 25 and 45 meters below the sea bed |
| 9. Passenger vehicles and their occupant are transported through the tunnel in | i. equivalent to first class providing upholstered seats |
| 10. Other popular foreign railways are | j. first- and second class sections, with price and comfort making the different class choice |
Assignment 1.5 Translate the following sentences from Russian into English:
1. Во многих странах Европы, Азии, в США и Канаде поезда являются одним из основных средств перевозки.
2. В большинстве зарубежных стран железнодорожными компаниями управляет правительство, которое рассматривает надежную и разветвленную систему пассажирских перевозок железнодорожным транспортом как одну из самых необходимых для населения. Это одна из самых популярных форм массовых перевозок.
3. Европейские поезда отличаются от поездов в Северной Америке скоростью, местами для сидения и спальными местами.
4. По зонам для сна и сидения большинство европейских поездов делятся на вагоны первого и второго класса, которые отличаются ценой и уровнем комфорта.
5. Пассажиры могут дополнительно оплатить бронирование спального купе или полки в купе второго класса или в купе первого класса.
6. Евротуннель, открывшийся в 1993 году в Европе, находится на глубине от 25 до 45 метров ниже уровня моря.
7. Пассажиры путешествуют через туннель в закрытых вагонах, которые ярко освещены и оборудованы кондиционерами.
8. Общее время проезда пассажирских поездов через систему туннеля от въезда до выезда из терминала составляет от 50 до 80 минут.
Assignment 1.6 Read the dialogues and translate them:
MR. BROWN: I want to book two first-class tickets to Paris for tomorrow.
CLERK: Sorry, we are all booked up.
MR. B.: When is the next train to Paris?
C.: On Monday. Will that do?
MR. B.: What time does it leave at?
C.: At 7 a. m.
MR. B.: On what track does it leave? And what platform does it start from?
C.: I am sorry, I haven´t got such information. You should look out this train. The timetable is over there. You may also consult in the information office.
MR. B.: Thanks. I´ll get consultation later. Can I have an upper and a lower berths?
C.: Yes, please. Singles or returns?
MR. B.: Singles, please.
C.: Here you are. Sleeper 5, compartment 8.
MR. B.: Thanks. Can I pay by credit card?
C.: Of course.
MR. PARKER: We shall have to hurry if we are going to catch the train. What´s Robert doing?
MRS. PARKER: Robert´s gone to the station with some luggage. He´s meeting us on the platform.
MR. P.: Don´t pack that book, you´ll want it in the train.
MRS. P.: I wonder whether we shall be able to buy something to eat there.
MR. P.: It´s going to be a lovely day. Are you ready?
MRS. P.: Yes, come along now. Are you sure you´ve got the tickets, Helen?
MR. P.: Oh, I think I´ve left them on the table.
MRS. P.: I´ll go in and get them.
MR. P.: No, it´s all right, here they are in my pocket.
John: Oh, it´s a pity. The train has pulled out. We´ve missed it. We might train as far as London, and walk the rest of the way… You´ve looked out a train, of course?
FRED: No, I meant to look trains up, but I couldn´t find my timetable.
J.: It´s a pity you didn´t. I don´t see the joke of waiting three quarters of an hour at the station.
F.: There is no need to worry. Trains run every few minutes.
J.: No, they don´t go to London… I´d better go to the booking service and get tickets.
(They arrive at the station)
Passengers are requested to arrive at platform No.4, train No56 to London. The departure time is 3 p. m.
J.: I´ve just booked single tickets for the 3 o´clock train to London. Our train is due in ten minutes, so we shall have to be quick about it.
F.: I´m going to take our luggage from the cloak-room. wait for me please. I´ll be back in a minute.
J.: Come along! Jump up! Well, we´ve just made it!
F.: This is our compartment. Where shall we put our luggage?
J.: Under the lower berth. And that bag can be put on the luggage rack.
F.: That´s right. What time do we arrive at?
J.: According to the timetable at 9. 15 a.m. I hope our train will keep to schedule.
F.: I don´t think so. Trains can be behind schedule. Where are the tickets? We must produce them to a ticket collector.
J.: Don´t worry. They are in my pocket.
