In today’s world, international tourism is undoubtedly generating massive revenue and has become the primary source of income for numerous countries around the world. One school of thought holds that this industry is likely to cause tension. In this essay, while acknowledging the reasons for this thinking, I would argue that it fosters understanding between peoples of different cultural backgrounds.
Granted, opponents of promoting international tourism might argue that cross-cultural travel sometimes creates intense conflicts. Especially when a visitor unintentionally disregards local culture, religious norms, or long-standing tradition, which can be perceived as disrespectful by local residents or authorities. In addition, in some well-known destinations, cultural commercialization and mass tourism has also contributed to overcrowding, the rising cost of local products, or lack of accommodations, gradually leading to resentment among individuals. As a result, when governments solely concentrate on profit, they might undermine the harmony of society.
Given the aforementioned arguments, I am convinced that international travel fosters intercultural understanding among the world rather than leading to conflicts between local residents and visitors. First, tourism offers a wide range of valuable opportunities for cultural exchange and mutual understanding, especially respectful interaction between local residents and visitors, which help both broaden their horizons and promote empathy among individuals. On the other hand, when people do not understand the other tradition and are influenced by misleading videos, they might form a wrong perception toward other countries. And through global travel, this bias can be erased since people are given an insight into other cultures and it can help correct existing prejudices.
In conclusion, I strongly believe that international tourism can foster cross-cultural understanding rather than tensions due to its contribution in removing false notions. Nevertheless, careless travelers may cause some intense conflicts if they are not fully learning the culture of their destination.