IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 - Tourism Revenue

 

Tourism is becoming increasingly important as a source of revenue to many countries, but its disadvantages should not be overlooked. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

 

All forms of revenue have advantages and disadvantages and tourism is no exception.  For some countries or regions, tourism may be the major source of revenue and provide employment for local populations that otherwise would be struggling in poverty.  However, many countries should consider the disadvantages of tourism as without careful management large numbers of tourists can be detrimental to local populations and sensitive environments.

 

For example, the unique wildlife of the Galapagos Islands attract thousands of tourists every year but the impact of thousands of tourists is endangering the delicate ecosystems which support the very wildlife they have come to see.  The high visitor numbers have brought problems of erosion and pollution that affect the landscape and destroy the natural beauty.  Tourism is now being restricted to smaller visitor numbers for the protection of the natural environment and thus ensure that the islands will continue to attract visitors in the future. 

 

Another example of tourism becoming overwhelming is Venice, where the local population is being squeezed out of the city centre by the large numbers of tourists and the thousands of passengers disembarking en masse from gigantic cruise ships have become very unpopular.  Many countries are now struggling to manage tourist numbers as they desperately need the financial benefits which provide employment and contribute to the upkeep of local attractions but those same tourists can be inconsiderate and damage the very attractions which drew them there in the first place.

 

Large tourist numbers are not always beneficial despite the financial benefits they bring.  It may be tempting to capitalise on maximum revenues but tourism needs to be carefully managed to ensure its future benefits.  The disadvantages of heavy footfall wearing away the antiquities and coastal pathways could end up being too costly to sustain. (295 words)

 

Introduction

All forms of revenue have advantages and disadvantages and tourism is no exception.  For some countries or regions, tourism may be the major source of revenue and provide employment for local populations that otherwise would be struggling in poverty.  However, many countries should consider the disadvantages of tourism as without careful management large numbers of tourists can be detrimental to local populations and sensitive environments. (65 words)

 

Body Paragraph 1

For example, the unique wildlife of the Galapagos Islands attract thousands of tourists every year but the impact of thousands of tourists is endangering the delicate ecosystems which support the very wildlife they have come to see.  The high visitor numbers have brought problems of erosion and pollution that affect the landscape and destroy the natural beauty.  Tourism is now being restricted to smaller visitor numbers for the protection of the natural environment and thus ensure that the islands will continue to attract visitors in the future. (87 words)

 

Body Paragragh 2

Another example of tourism becoming overwhelming is Venice, where the local population is being squeezed out of the city centre by the large numbers of tourists and the thousands of passengers disembarking en masse from gigantic cruise ships have become very unpopular.  Many countries are now struggling to manage tourist numbers as they desperately need the financial benefits which provide employment and contribute to the upkeep of local attractions but those same tourists can be inconsiderate and damage the very attractions which drew them there in the first place. (89 words)

 

Conclusion

Large tourist numbers are not always beneficial despite the financial benefits they bring.  It may be tempting to capitalise on maximum revenues but tourism needs to be carefully managed to ensure its future benefits.  The disadvantages of heavy footfall wearing away the antiquities and coastal pathways could end up being too costly to sustain. (54 words)