Nowadays, the number of people who travel overseas is growing. Although some see this trend as positive, I suppose the negative effects are more notable because of two major perspectives: overtourism and its socio-economic consequences, and businesses that conform excessively to foreign visitors while dismissing local traditions.
It is reasonable to think that there are some positive impacts if travelling abroad becomes increasingly popular. Firstly, a destination country that hosts many travellers can generate a certain amount of wealth through taxes and retail revenues. Those who travel internationally often wish to try local cuisine and purchase products peculiar to their destination. Moreover, restaurants and shops require more staff to serve foreign customers, meaning that employment opportunities are likely to increase, boosting the local economy.
Despite these favorable points, it is evident that this trend also brings significant drawbacks. A prime example is overtourism, which results in a shortage of accommodations and the degradation of local traditions. Tokyo, one of the most popular tourist destinations globally, hosts millions of visitors, causing severe hotel shortages and extraordinarily high room prices. In addition, some tourists disregard local culture, leading to the vandalism of structures at traditional spots. Furthermore, some local businesses suffer by altering their authentic style in hopes of attracting visitors. For instance, some restaurants attempt to implement English menus, but because their staff cannot speak the language, they receive negative reviews online claiming they are unfriendly, ultimately failing to retain customers.
In conclusion, in spite of the undeniable economic benefits of growing tourist numbers, we must not overlook the profound negative impacts on local infrastructure and cultural authenticity