You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
International tourism has become a huge industry in the world. Do the problems of international travel outweigh its advantages?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Sample Answer 1:
At present, international tourism is a huge industry and has touched even distant parts of the world. This trend has created some negative consequences and some people are worried that the problems are overwhelming which even outweigh the benefits this industry brings. I am however convinced that international tourism is definitely more beneficial in numerous ways which exceed the disadvantages it brings.
To being with, international tourism creates transcendent benefits on different levels. First and foremost, it provides individuals opportunities to see a different culture first-hand. According to my observation, visiting another country is a comprehensive experience, which is much more enjoyable than staring at another culture on a computer screen. 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. Thirdly, knowledge gained during overseas trips certainly helps eliminate a range of stereotypes tourists have about the host country. In this way, individuals can expand their outlook and become worldlier.
Of course, non-biodegradable litter left behind by tourists poses a big threat to the host country. Nonetheless, tourist destinations can certainly establish relevant laws and regulations so that this issue can be addressed. Once the economy of the host country has been enhanced by international tourism, it would be easier for the local government to implement effective strategies to solve this problem.
To conclude, even though international tourism may impede the environment of tourist destinations, the advantages of international tourism surely outweigh its disadvantages.
Sample Answer 2:
With the advancement of the faster transportation system, especially air travel, people nowadays go to other countries for personal, business, recreational, official, health and educational purposes. The air travel is cheaper than the past and worldwide communication system, particularly Internet, has opened the doors of international tourism. An overwhelming number of tourists travel to different countries and this number is increasing every year. No doubt international tourism is a very large industry and has some negative aspects. However, I believe that the advantages it offers well exceed the demerits it has.
First, due to global trade, many companies have multiple offices in different geographical locations. Businessmen and office executives can, these days, visit other branch offices for their meeting, training and business needs. This opens the possibility of running a global business or working in a multinational company which has a huge positive impact on a country’s economy. International tourism has made it possible for some medium entrepreneurs and business owners to expand their business opportunity beyond the border. For instance, a huge number of medium-size importers nowadays from my country visit China and some European countries to personally explore the business opportunity there.
Second, people can go to a country where medical treatment is better than 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. Similarly, 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 trend, people have a better understanding of foreign cultures, and it helps reduce the gap among nations. This is an important aspect of maintaining world peace as more people travel and experience other cultures, more their misunderstanding about others reduces. Finally, the tourism industry has created a huge job opportunity and countries like the Maldives, the Bahamas, Thailand, Indonesia, Anguilla, Aruba and Macau depends on this industry.
Admittedly, international tourism has some negative aspects that cannot be overlooked. Damages in biodiversity, increasing environmental damage, more garbage production, the influence of foreign culture and threats of terrorism are some aspects that the booming international tourism industry creates. The amount of danger the air-fuel causes is an alarming issue for many environmentalists.
In conclusion, the international tourism industry has some environmental, cultural and terrorism-related issues. However, the opportunity and potentiality it has already created far outweigh its disadvantages. I believe that in this era of globalisation, international tourism will expand rapidly to bring benefits for all nations.