The Exploration stage is characterized by small numbers of tourists making individual travel arrangements and following irregular visitation patterns. They can be expected to be non-local visitors who have been attracted to the area by its unique or considerably different natural and cultural features. At this time there would be no or very little specific facilities provided for visitors. The use of local facilities and contact with local residents are therefore likely to be high, which may itself be an attraction for some visitors. The physical fabric and social milieu of the area would be unchanged by tourism, and the arrival and departure of tourists would be of relatively little significance to the economic and social life of the permanent residents.