Are tourists good for a country?

T his question can be looked from several points of view. Firstly, tourism should be considered in relation to a country’s economy. Secondly it can be seen in terms of its effects on the countryside and environment. Thirdly, the influence of the tourist industry on culture must be taken into account.

T he economy of a country often benefits as a result of tourism; foreign visitors come and spend their money, and this creates jobs for those who run hotels and restaurants. However, there are also certain drawbacks. Whereas the people directly involved in the industry may benefit, other may find that they are worse off. This is because the cost of living goes up and goods become more expensive since tourists are prepared to pay more for them.

A s far as the effect on the environment is concerned, tourism is often a bad thing. While it is true to say that development results in better roads being built and improvements for poorer areas, it is sometimes very harmful. In some countries, huge hotels and skyscrapers have ruined areas of unspoilt beauty.

T he cultural influence of tourism is difficult to measure. In some countries foreign influence can destroy the local way of life. On the other hand, countries which do not encourage tourism may miss the benefits that foreign technology and investment can bring.

I n conclusion, it can be seen that tourism has both advantages and disadvantages; if it is controlled properly, it can be good for a country, but there will always be a danger that it may do a great deal of harm.

A. Fill in the chart with information from the text.

 TOURISM
 ADVANTAGES DRAWBACKS
Economy   
Environment   
Culture   

B. What do the underlined words refer to in the text?

  1. its (§ 1)
  2. the industry (§ 2)
  3. it (§ 5)

C. Find in the text words or expressions that mean almost the same as …

  1. rises
  2. risky
  3. mode of living
  4. the money that has been put into a company or business in order to get a profit

Key

Exercise A

 TOURISM
 ADVANTAGES DRAWBACKS
Economy
  • creating jobs
  • cost of living and goods get higher
Environment
  • building roads
  • improving poor areas
  • spoiling of the beauty of areas
Culture
  • benefit from technology and investments
  • destruction of local way of life

Exercise B

  1. ‘its’ refers to tourism.
  2. ‘the industry’ refers to tourism.
  3. ‘it’ refers to tourism.

Exercise C

  1. goes up
  2. harmful
  3. way of life
  4. investment