International tourism 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 disadvantages of international tourism outweigh the advantages?

 Academic Writing Sample Task 2B WRITING TASK 2 

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. 

Write about the following topic:

International tourism 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 disadvantages of international tourism outweigh the advantages? 

Give reasons for your answer and include relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. 

Write at least 250 words. 

Although visitors who come from different countries play an extremely crucial role in the host country’s economy, they also cause massive environmental damage. I believe the tourism industry could improve local people's income, and this advantage far outweighs any potential disadvantages. 

The massive popularity of the tourism industry and the large amounts of income it generates have negative effects on local people and their territory. To provide special facilities, they expand accommodations and arrangements for visitors. Farmland and open areas are being captured and have been transformed into resorts and restaurants, including refreshment rooms or clubs. That would raise pollution and put more pressure on native species. Consequently, they leave large carbon footprints. For instance, Poland's Krakow is one of the most popular destinations for travellers and was recently declared the most polluted city in the world.

On the positive side, the tourism industry could provide several employment opportunities for local people and entrepreneurs who play a vital role in boosting their national income because it is one of the most diverse service sectors of any other business. That is to say, it covers many business associations such as travel and tours, hotel lines, food items, and multiple income-related business activities, which can only continue with proper correlation and cooperation. As a result, it brings a lot of job opportunities to any host country and their citizens. 

In conclusion, although mass tourism can lead to pollution, carbon emissions, and a negative impact on the people, it helps to improve the living standard of life as well as contributes considerably to the national economy. Hence, the positive effect of developing a tourist industry definitely outweighs the drawbacks. 

*278