The debate over the development of tourism has sparked passionate discussions. While proponents believe that any kind of restriction on tourism yields no auspicious results whatsoever, opponents assert that prohibiting tourism is necessary to safeguard indigenous cultures. This essay will delve into both viewpoints before articulating a considered opinion on the matter.
Opponents argue that overtourism can cause several demerits, chief among them is the destruction of natural ecosystems. This stance is predicated on the unintentional misbehaviour of holidaymakers in certain destinations, such as: littering, trampling on sensitive vegetation, or overusing resources. In some situations, ecological communities have no possibility of redemption or recovery. A case in point is the coral reefs, which are incredibly challenging to restore to their former biodiversity once they are extensively damaged or destroyed. As a result, the devastation of environmental balances is inevitable. Additionally, cultural assimilation is another unavoidable corollary of tourism. Due to the frequent interaction with foreigners, local people show preferences for new cultures and lifestyles, leading to the dilution or disappearance of local livelihoods and inviolability of their cities. In the long run, future generations will not learn to appreciate the values of traditional economies and cultural heritage.
Despite these compelling arguments, one aspect that should not be overlooked is that tourism can facilitate domestic and foreign appreciation of cultural diversity. Tourism allows individuals to immerse themselves in different lifestyles, traditions, customs, and cultural activities, which fosters cross-cultural understanding and promotes mutual respect for each country’s uniqueness and variety in culture. This admiration, in turn, encourages the government to create more campaigns and festivals that celebrate natural pride and beauty, thus instilling a sense of patriotism and national identity in the youngsters. Ultimately, tourism can revamp a country’s image on the global stage. For instance, according to the survey by National University, below 10% of the participants dreamed of traveling to South Africa. The primary explanation lies in its history filled with the detrimental period of apartheid and identity challenges. However, with more tourism sectors and advertising campaigns, people have changed their stereotypes about that country and
To conclude, the question of the prohibition of tourism has remained contentious. I am convinced that this approach would put greater pressure on the individuals and the community. Instead, educating holidaymakers about the impact of tourism would contribute to the preservation of local cultures.