International tourism is now more common than ever before. Some feel that this is a
positive trend, while others do not. What are your opinions on this?
Model Answer B : 7+
The past 50 years have seen a considerable increase in global tourism. Despite the
undeniable economic prosperity it has brought to many host countries, I would argue that the
overall impact of international holiday making has in fact been negative. Two of the primary
drawbacks associated with this trend are as follows.
First of all, global tourism tends to export many negative aspects of western culture. Since it
is only the wealthy who can afford to travel abroad, developing countries like Thailand and
Indonesia have become the playgrounds of tourists from more affluent ones. In many such
nations, this influx of mainly western tourists has brought with it problems such as
prostitution as well as alcoholism and drug abuse. Admittedly, international tourism does
have the potential to foster greater understanding and tolerance between people of different
cultures. However, this is unlikely to occur while it remains such a potent symbol of western
cultural domination and moral decadence.
Even more disturbing, though, is the environmental degradation that international tourism
has caused in many parts of the world. One particularly salient example of this is Great
Barrier Reef in Australia – the countless boats, divers and snorkellers that have visited the
reef over the past few decades have gradually destroyed vast sections of coral. Similarly,
world renowned Kuta Beach in Bali has become heavily polluted in recent years. In order to
be sustainable, greater regulation of global tourism is required.
In conclusion, the challenges presented by the booming international tourist industry are
numerous and complex. Although they are by no means insurmountable, it is highly unlikely
that they will be resolved in the foreseeable future.