IELTS Writing Task 2/ Essay Topics with sample answer.
IELTS Essay # 572 - International tourism has become a huge industry
- Details
- Written by IELTS Mentor
IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
International tourism has become a huge industry in the world. It has brought enormous benefits to many places. At the same time, there is concern about its impact on local inhabitants and the environment.
Do the problems of international tourism outweigh its advantages?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1:
The global tourism industry has experienced significant growth, bringing both substantial benefits and concerns. While international tourism has contributed to economic prosperity in many destinations, there are also valid concerns regarding its impact on local communities and the environment. This essay will discuss the advantages and drawbacks of international tourism, and outline that its benefits outweigh the potential drawbacks.
The rapid growth of international tourism can strain natural resources and ecosystems. Overcrowding and over-tourism in popular destinations can lead to environmental degradation, threatening fragile ecosystems, wildlife, and natural landmarks. Additionally, tourism can create cultural tensions and disrupt local communities' traditional way of life. For instance, the Galápagos Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, faces challenges from tourism-related pollution and habitat disturbance that endanger unique species.
On the contrary, international tourism has become a key driver of economic growth for many countries. It stimulates local economies by generating employment opportunities, particularly in the hospitality and service sectors. Revenue from tourism can boost infrastructure development, such as airports, roads, and public services, improving the overall quality of life for residents. Countries like Thailand and Spain, for example, heavily rely on tourism income, and it significantly contributes to their GDP, supporting various businesses and livelihoods.
Moreover, international tourism fosters cultural exchange and understanding between visitors and local inhabitants. Interactions with diverse cultures enhance mutual respect and appreciation for global diversity. It is one of the significant contributors to reducing the gaps among nations and bringing their people together.
In pithy, international tourism brings undeniable economic and cultural advantages to destinations worldwide. However, the rapid growth of this industry has raised concerns about its negative impact on the environment and local communities. By adopting sustainable practices and responsible tourism approaches, the benefits of international tourism can be maximized while mitigating its potential problems. Therefore, I believe that its problems do not outweigh the benefits.
Model Answer 2:
At present, global tourism is an enormous industry and has touched and changed even many distant parts of the world. This trend has created tremendous opportunities for many nations while also negatively affecting the traditional aspects of the host nations and environment. This essay will focus on the advantages and disadvantages of global tourism and opine that international tourism's beneficial aspects exceed the disadvantages it brings.
Among the disadvantages of global tourism, non-biodegradable litter left behind by tourists is a big environmental issue. It poses a gigantic threat to the host country. This is why many famous tourist destinations, often limit the number of visitors they allow to enter their country. Moreover, local culture and traditions are often negatively impacted by the foreign culture when this area is flocked with tourists from different countries. For instance, many tourist destinations in Asian countries like Thailand and Cambodia do not look and feel like the rest of the country due to their overexposure to foreign cultures and tourists. This has diminished the area's own culture and tradition, giving birth to an alien culture.
On the contrary, international tourism creates transcendent benefits on different levels. First and foremost, it provides individuals with opportunities to see a different culture first-hand. Visiting another country is a comprehensive experience, which enriches our understanding of the world. Additionally, international tourism boosts the economy of the host country. Take Macau as an example. International tourism has produced numerous employment opportunities, as high as 66%, in various sectors of this country.
In my opinion, international tourism brings significant benefits compared to the demerits it invites. By taking proper measures, local authorities can reduce the negative impacts international tourism might bring with it.
To conclude, even though international tourism may impede the environment of tourist destinations and negatively impacts local culture, the advantages of international tourism, including economic benefits and cultural exchange, surely outweigh its disadvantages.
Sample Answer 3:
Cheap air travel, technological advancements, and globalisation have opened doors for international tourism giving rise to both unprecedented advantages as well as disadvantages. This essay will discuss the benefits and negative consequences brought by the popularity of international tourism and argue that the advantages it offers well exceed the demerits it has.
One major disadvantage of international tourism is the damage caused to the environment due to it. Air travel is a major contributor to carbon emissions and global warming, making it a big concern for many environmentalists. Moreover, the local custom and way of life are influenced heavily by the custom and traditions brought by international tourists, risking the traditional way of life and century-old customs. As a result, global cities look almost the same, and it is hard to tell the difference between a local and an alien culture in many cities around the world.
On the contrary, global tourism has many positive outcomes. It creates huge job opportunities and economic movement, and many countries, including the Maldives, the Bahamas, Thailand, Indonesia, Anguilla, Spain, Aruba and Macau depend on this industry. Global tourism is the main economic driving force in such countries, and without the rise of international tourism, their economy would have struggled. Moreover, people can go to a country where medical treatment is better than in their own country. For instance, a large number of people visit developed countries each year for better treatment, and this is a positive development that ensures quality healthcare for many people. Finally, people travel to other countries to enjoy their holidays, and this is a great opportunity for learning about diverse cultural aspects. With the increasing international tourism, people have a better understanding of foreign cultures, and it helps reduce the gap between nations.
In conclusion, international tourism has some environmental and cultural issues. However, the opportunity and potential it has already created far outweigh its disadvantages. I believe that in this era of globalisation, international tourism will expand rapidly to bring benefits to all nations.
Report