Tourism: blessing or curse?

Tourism is a profitable business that contributes to the economic development and wealth of a country and its people. Although various negative effects regarding tourism have to be acknowledged, the positive aspects cannot be left out.

Two of the main disadvantages of the tourist industry are the damage that excursionists cause to the natural environment and the threat they pose to the culture of local people. Excessive urbanisations as well as the construction of infrastructure are the root causes of many environmental problems such as the destruction of natural areas to build holiday resorts. As for the cultural aspect, it has been proved that local residents suffer greatly from tourism as their cultures and historical heritage are being destroyed by visitors.

However, it cannot be denied that tourism generates major financial benefits. The tourist industry is an important source of revenue to different regions as travellers spend their money not only on hotels and meals, but also on entertainment and recreational facilities. Furthermore, tourism stimulates employment. Owing to the fact that jobs in the tourist industry often do not require advanced training, local residents with few skills can readily work as food servers, retail clerks and hospitality workers. Tourism not only offers business opportunities to local residents, but it can also serve as a vehicle for marketing a place to potential residents and firms, as today’s tourists may retire or start a business in the place they are visiting in the future.

To conclude, tourism has some negative aspects such as the environmental damage to natural areas and the destruction of the local culture. However, it also has the significant advantage of promoting economic growth in an area.