The development of the tourism industry forces travel agents to utilize all of the resources to approach new experiences. There is some debate whether or not commercializing cultural traditions is destroying them. From my perspective, both views have their own justification.
On the one hand, the expansion in culture tourism has several profound effects. The first negative impact is that uncontrolled mass tourism can damage cultural heritage sites. For instance, the massive influx of tourists in the ancient town of Hoi An carved their names on rock art, which vandalized ancient monuments and caused irreparable damages. Additionally, the growth of tourism has resulted in the deterioration of the environment and the demolishing of natural resources. A typical example is the construction of large hotels near Angkor Wat, which has affected the water table beneath the temples.
On the other hand, some argue that selling cultural tours is one of the most effective methods to keep them from disappearing. First, the increase in the number of visitors provides funds for restoration and protection efforts. Without the financial support, various attraction sites may fall into disrepair. Hence, creation incentives help local communities to support conservation. Another reason is that cultural values can be promoted through tourism activities. Tourists can visit historical exhibits or talk to indigenous people to gain in-depth understanding about the area’s culture. This encourages the revival of traditions and restores heritage sites and monuments.
To sum up, it is unquestionable that developing tourism brings both merits and demerits. The government and the authorities should take careful consideration before making the decision of expanding the tourism industry.