You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
In the recent years, there is a trend of ‘responsible tourism’, which pays attention to both local culture and environment. However, there are still people who think that ‘responsible tourism’ is impossible to implement in reality. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give your opinion and examples from your own experience.
You should write at least 250 words.
Sample Answer 1:
Tourism is a unique human activity, experienced by millions of people worldwide every year. As people differ in their attitude towards almost everything in life, the same applies also to tourism; where some treat tourism globally as the focus of their act without scrutinising the other related activities pertaining to it. Hence, the term ‘responsible tourism” emerged; in order to pay a sufficient attention of the tourist to the local cultural values of the destination country, and – more globally – to the environment. From my point of view, tourism must be labelled as a “responsible activity”; even if it is mandatory to issue as many local and international legislations to make it so.
While making tourism, should the tourist carry his culture with him to the foreign country? Obviously, the answer is “No”. If the tourist insists on doing this, he will sure subject himself to great dangers especially in communities with intolerant local citizens. One of the best examples of this is the “Thump Up” sign which is greatly practised in many countries; where this sign is USA means “OK or very good”; while it is considered as very crude and impolite in Greece (which is a famous touristic destination). Thus, it is crucial to teach the tourists a list of common practices that they must refrain from doing, explaining the reasons behind this.
When it comes to the environment, it is indeed very unfortunate to find that the touristic areas are those with the greatest pollution and litter output! A few years ago, it was really surprising that an international campaign of volunteers aimed to clean the Himalayas from the trash left by the climbers.
In conclusion, tourism should be dealt with in the same way as freedom; that it must be “responsible”, respecting both the local cultural and environmental values of each society.
[ Written by – Mamod ]
Sample Answer 2:
In the twenty-first century, we are constantly confronted with the issue of ‘responsible tourism’ which is a current trend in front of the tourism that focuses mainly on the traditions and environment on newspaper. Some people, nevertheless, are if the opinion that it is nearly impossible to be implemented in this modern world. This essay will examine both sides of the argument before reaching a reasonable conclusion.
Admittedly, ‘responsible tourism’ is difficult to be promoted in every country around the globe. It is, possibly, due to the reason that tourists come from everywhere of the world and some of them may not be well-educated which cause them to behave badly when they visit a new country. For example, I have seen some foreign tourists who visited my country do not take care of the Mother Nature and they plucked flowers along the way to a museum. By doing so, their naive acts can destroy the beautiful scenery of a specific tourist spot.
However, I am not convinced by others that the ‘responsible tourism’ can never possible to be implemented owing to several reasons. To begin, tour guides have the obligations to advise or give information to the tourists about the local culture. It is the key for the tourists, especially those from overseas to respect the cultures and traditions of the locals. It is also given them an opportunity to know about the cultures of other countries so as to broaden their views. It is crucial for individual to learn the cultures of other races around the world in order to avoid culture shock and be more open-minded. In addition, government, undoubtedly, plays an indispensable role in ensuring the ‘responsible tourism’ runs smoothly. They can, for instance, to organise more campaigns with the aim to promote the local culture and environment to both the local and foreign tourists. More noticeable should be placed in every corner of the tourist attractions to encourage the tourists to keep the place clean as it is the most effective and direct way to take care of the environment.
In conclusion, I strongly disagree with the idea that ‘responsible tourism’ is impossible to implement as they are a handful of useful preventive measures that the individuals and government can take to promote this kind of tourism without causing any harm to the local cultures and environment.
[ Written by – Lee Wing Qeen ]
Sample Answer 3:
All around the world, tourism is losing its glitter, due to the lack of responsibility by the government, tourists and local people. Some people consider taking responsibility in tourism by each individual is essential for the better environment, preserving cultures and improving the economy, whereas others think, this cannot be achieved in reality. In my opinion, tourism responsibility is required for better future of the world and this can be achieved with proper implementation.
People travel to different places but never show any attention or responsibility towards its improvement. To make this world a better place to live in, one should take it as one’s responsibility. First of all, the government should take a step, releasing more funds towards tourism and for providing much security. For instance, we find filthy guest houses, restrooms and no cleaning of surrounding places. People travel to enjoy the beauty of nature, but if they find this kind of dirty places, their enjoyment which lead to a bad memory. Even, local people and tourists who travel should obey the guidelines and policy of tourism for a better world.
However, there are some people who think when it comes to implementation of this; it is like a day dream which cannot come into reality. It is difficult for poor and developing countries to utilise more funds towards tourism. On the other hand, it is difficult to provide security and neatness at tourist spots unless every tourist shows attention as his responsibility. For instance, if there are sign boards which shows ‘please use right direction, danger at left direction’, they use only left and if there are any dustbins with ‘please use me’ , they do not use them at all. Thus it is very difficult to make it into reality.
In conclusion, better tourism can be achieved only if every individual takes the responsibility towards tourism. One should think, how much one is contributing, instead of just arguing and blaming the government. But the government should take the first step in achieving this. With this, not only it increases blissfulness of tourists but also increases economy of the country.
[ Written by – Nishath Begum ]