Tourism Has Increased So Much Over The Last 50 Years That It Is Having A Negative Impact | Band 8 IELTS Essay Sample

Tourism has increased so much over the last 50 years that it is having a mainly negative impact on local inhabitants and the environment. However, others claim that it is good for the economy. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of tourism and give your own opinion.

Here is a band 8 IELTS essay on this topic written by one of our students. Need help with IELTS writing? Get your IELTS essays, letters and reports corrected by me.

Band 8 IELTS essay sample

According to some people, the tremendous rise in the tourism industry over the last 50 years has negatively affected local inhabitants and the environment. However, other are of the opinion that it is beneficial for the economy. In my opinion, tourism does not have a negative impact on local people or their cultures. However, it is bad for the environment.

On the one hand, tourism has benefitted the economy by helping the development of hotels and restaurants. Similarly, tourism also helps in empowering people as more people get employed in the tourism industry. With the advent of tourism, the local culture is maximally preserved as tourists are attracted to see new cultures, cuisines and so on. The local souvenirs also help in boosting the economy as these are one of a kind works / pieces of art. A boost in economy due to tourism will ultimately lead to the development of a country. For example, countries like Maldives, derives around 70% of its economy from tourism and hence tourism is an indispensable part of their lives.

On the other hand, in order to entertain tourists, most of the forested land are cut down either to build hotels or resorts. Even the water bodies are not spared as water front resorts are built on the beaches. All of these will ultimately lead to climatic instabilities and natural calamities or disasters. There are some other disadvantages too. Being wholly dependent on tourism is not a great plan for the future. For example, the recent pandemic made the whole world shut down for almost a year, and the countries dependent entirely on tourism suffered severely.

In conclusion, tourism is largely beneficial for the economy. However, it is better not to be entirely dependent on tourism as it can affect the environment.

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Manjusha Nambiar

Hi, I'm Manjusha. This is my blog where I give IELTS preparation tips.