- Economic benefits: Tourism can create jobs, boost tax revenues, and stimulate economic growth in local communities.
- Employment opportunities: Tourism-related businesses provide employment opportunities for people with different skill levels and backgrounds.
- Infrastructure development: Tourism can lead to the development of infrastructure such as roads, airports, and hotels, which can benefit local residents as well as tourists.
- Cultural preservation: Tourism can promote the preservation and revitalisation of cultural heritage and traditional practices.
- Environmental awareness: Tourism can raise awareness about environmental issues and promote sustainable practices.
- Education and understanding: Tourism can provide opportunities for people to learn about different cultures and ways of life, fostering understanding and respect.
Negative impacts of tourism:
- Environmental degradation: Tourism can contribute to environmental degradation, including air and water pollution, littering, deforestation, and soil erosion.
- Overcrowding: Excessive tourism can lead to overcrowding, congestion, and noise, negatively affecting the quality of life for local residents and the enjoyment of tourists.
- Cultural commodification: Tourism can commodify local cultures and traditions, leading to the loss of authenticity and cultural exploitation.
- Dependency: Over-reliance on tourism can make local economies vulnerable to fluctuations in tourist arrivals, leading to economic instability.
- Displacement and gentrification: Tourism-driven real estate development can displace local communities and contribute to gentrification, making it difficult for long-term residents to afford to live in their own communities.
- Negative social impacts: Tourism can lead to increased crime rates, prostitution, and other social issues, negatively affecting the safety and well-being of local communities.
