Considerable number of people tend to argue that international tourism could have destructive impacts to local cultures, meanwhile the opposite believes that this notions have positive impacts to local by providing cultural exchange. In this essay, I will discuss both perspectives before presenting my point of view, supported by relevant examples.
Critics tent to against the idea of international tourism because this notion could lead to the erosion of local values. The increase number of tourism also grow the number of foreign cultures, and this is often affects young generation. A prime example of this is Indonesia. Indonesian have strict customs over sex before marriage since nearly 80% of Indonesian is Muslim community. This value begun to decline, since the number of young people begin to having sexual activities before start a family, and starting to change their mindset about the secret of having sex after marriage.
Meanwhile the supporter of this argument say that international tourisms boost cultural exchange. Many attraction could lead to the introduction of Indonesian cultures, as a result this is increase individuals knowledge of Indonesian and broadens perspectives for local people. International tourism come with different cultures, mindsets, and languages which can inspire innovation, open-minded mindset, and global outlook. A research conducted by University of Andalas in 2024 found that international tourisms has declined patriarchy mindset in Indonesia to around 20% in the past few years. As a consequence many couple in Indonesia now start implementing gender equality in household.
In the light of points mentioned above, I hold a firm belief that the beneficial impacts its far outweigh its drawbacks, even thought foreigners tourism could provide harmful impacts by influence people of specific mindset, the beneficial of this notions could lead to far way positives such as decline negative mindset and international exposure. The governments and locals could address this by working together and create stick regulation plus spread awareness among visitors.