The Ups and Downs of Tourism
Tourism is like a giant wave that washes over countries, bringing both good things and bad. It's a
big deal because it affects a place's money, culture, environment, and the people who live there.
Think of it as a double-edged sword: it can help a community grow, but it can also cause
problems if not handled carefully.
One of the best things about tourism is the money it brings. When tourists visit, they spend money
on hotels, food, transportation, and souvenirs. This spending helps businesses grow and creates
jobs for local people. In fact, in 2018, tourism generated a whopping $8.8 trillion for the global
economy, which was more than 10% of the world's total money. In 2024, Travel and Tourism's
contribution to the global GDP totalled US$ 10.9 trillion. For some countries, especially those with
less money, tourism can be a major source of income.
But it's not just about the money. Tourism also brings people from different cultures together.
Tourists get to experience new customs and ways of life, while locals can learn about other parts
of the world. This can lead to a better understanding and appreciation of different cultures.
However, sometimes the values and beliefs of tourists and locals can clash, causing tension and
misunderstandings.
Unfortunately, tourism can also harm the environment. Popular tourist spots may neglect taking
care of the environment in order to please tourists. This can lead to pollution, deforestation, and
damage to natural habitats. However, tourism can also encourage people to protect the
environment by raising awareness of environmental issues and providing money for conservation
efforts. Ecotourism is a type of tourism that tries to minimize negative impacts on the
environment and local people.
Tourism can also affect the health and well-being of local people. On one hand, it can bring better
healthcare and more social interaction. On the other hand, too many tourists can lead to
overcrowding, traffic jams, and even higher crime rates. It can also increase the risk of diseases
spreading.
To make sure tourism is a force for good, it's important to manage it responsibly. This means
finding a balance between the needs of tourists, the needs of local communities, and the need to
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protect the environment. It requires everyone to work together – governments, businesses, and
local people – to make sure that tourism benefits everyone involved.
In conclusion, tourism is a powerful force that can have both positive and negative effects. By
understanding these impacts and working together to manage tourism responsibly, we can make
sure that it brings more good than harm to the world.
Summary
Tourism brings money and jobs to local communities.
Tourism can cause damage to the environment.
Managing tourism responsibly can help balance the needs of tourists, communities, and the
environment.
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Vocabulary
Review key vocabulary words from the reading.
Tourism
noun
The business of providing services such as transport, accommodation, and entertainment to
people who are visiting a place for pleasure.
The island's economy relies heavily on tourism, especially during the summer months.
culture
noun
The customs, arts, social institutions, and achievements of a particular nation, people, or group.
When you travel to a new country, it's exciting to experience a different culture.
environment
noun
The surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates.
We need to protect the environment by reducing pollution and conserving natural resources.
souvenirs
noun
A thing that is kept as a reminder of a person, place, or event.
When we went to the beach, we bought souvenirs like seashells and postcards to remember our
trip.
customs
noun
A traditional and widely accepted way of behaving or doing something that is specific to a
particular society, place, or time.
In some countries, it is a custom to remove your shoes before entering a home.
deforestation
noun
The action of clearing a wide area of trees.
Deforestation can harm the environment by destroying animal habitats and increasing soil
erosion.
Ecotourism
noun
Tourism directed toward exotic, often threatened, natural environments, intended to support
conservation efforts and observe wildlife.
Ecotourism helps protect natural areas by bringing in money that can be used for conservation.
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Multiple Choice Questions
Answer the following multiple choice questions about the reading.
According to the passage, what is one of the primary economic benefits of tourism?
A. Increased revenue for local businesses and job creation
B. Reduced need for infrastructure development
C. Lower crime rates in tourist areas
D. Decreased environmental regulations
What is a potential negative impact of tourism on local cultures, as mentioned in the
passage?
A. Promotion of local languages and traditions
B. Clash of values and beliefs between tourists and locals
C. Enhanced cultural exchange programs
D. Increased understanding and appreciation of different cultures
According to the passage, what does responsible tourism management involve?
A. Ignoring the environmental impact of tourism
B. Finding a balance between the needs of tourists, local communities, and environmental
protection
C. Focusing solely on maximizing economic profits from tourism
D. Prioritizing the needs of tourists above all else
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Short Answer Questions
Answer the following short answer questions about the reading.
Besides financial gains, how does tourism contribute to cultural exchange, as described in
the passage? Explain how this exchange can be both beneficial and potentially problematic.
In what ways can tourism negatively impact the environment, and what is one approach
mentioned in the passage to mitigate these negative effects?
How can tourism affect the health and well-being of local populations, according to the
passage? Provide examples of both positive and negative impacts.
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Think Pair Share
Instructions: Read and answer the question independently. Compare your answer with your partners. Work
together to prepare what you will share.
The passage discusses both the positive and negative impacts of tourism. Can
you think of a time when you experienced or witnessed tourism affecting a place,
either positively or negatively? Describe the situation and how it made you feel.
I think...
Before talking to your partner,
answer the question using what
you learned from the reading and
your own background knowledge.
My partner thinks...
Take notes on your partners
response. How is it different from
yours? How is it the same?
We will share...
Decide together what you will
share aloud with others.
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Compare and Contrast
Instructions: Take notes on the two topics in the boxes provided.
Notes on Topic A Notes on Topic B
Instructions: Compare the two topics, be sure to include the following vocabulary in a way that
shows you understand the meaning of each word.
Vocabulary
Tourism culture environment souvenirs customs
The business of The customs, arts, The surroundings A thing that is kept A traditional and
providing services social institutions, or conditions in as a reminder of a widely accepted
such as transport, and achievements which a person, person, place, or way of behaving or
accommodation, of a particular animal, or plant event. doing something
and entertainment nation, people, or lives or operates. that is specific to a
to people who are group. particular society,
visiting a place for place, or time.
pleasure.
Unique to Topic A Similarities Unique to Topic B
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