Nowadays tourism generates a significant portion of national income for many countries, but it has certain drawbacks too if it is not properly managed. This essay will demonstrate how tourism can transform the economies of poor areas, but it will also show that it can result in a marked increase in crime. While this problem is significant, the essay argues that the advantages of tourism outweigh the disadvantages.
One of the main advantages of tourism is the number of jobs the industry creates for local people. The many hotels, restaurants, shops, and other facilities provide employment to the residents. With everyone now employed, the general standard of living has greatly increased. The economic boost to these local communities has also had a massive impact on the national economy, which is growing year on year, largely due to tourism. A good example of a country that is taking full advantage of a booming tourist industry is Thailand. Regions that were once dominated by poor fishing villages are now full of thriving holiday resorts.
However, an increase in tourists can lead to some worrying issues, with one of the most serious being an escalation in the local crime rate. This is particularly the case in popular party destinations, where illegal drug use and excessive alcohol consumption, often resulting in unruly behaviour, are an important part of the holiday experience for many visitors. A notable example is Ibiza, which has faced these challenges due to its influx of partygoers. Areas that were once quiet coastal towns and villages with very little crime now require a large police presence to tackle these problems.
In conclusion, although mass tourism can result in a rise in criminal activity, it greatly improves the lives of most local inhabitants and contributes significantly to the national economy. Hence, the positive effects of the tourism industry definitely outweigh the drawbacks.