In the pat traveling abroad meant entering a completely unfamiliar an new environment. People except to see different tyles of architecture, traditional markets and modern forms of transport. However, nowadays many cities around the world becoming extremely similar. While there are a number of reasons why this is the case, including growing influence of globalization and rapid development of technology, it is largely a positive development for both individuals and governments.
This can be mainly attributed to the increasing influence of globalization and advancement of digital technology. As international trading networks develop, international companies have become increasingly willing to operate in foreign markets, establish branches in major cities across the world and bringing similar products, services and business practices. Given these circumstances, it comes as no surprise that people living in different countries are increasingly exposed to the same commercial environments and encounter the same international clothing stores, cuisines and hotel chains that they have at home. Another contributing factor has to do with the development of technology. With the advancements in digital devices, people find it easy to follow consumer trends, watch same films and follow the same celebrities and influencers regardless of geographical distances. This can ultimately lead to increasingly similar lifestyles and culturally and socially similar cities. This is particularly popular among young people as they are more likely to be in social media platforms.
When it comes to benefit, socially and culturally similar cities create greater convenience for international travellers. When people visit a foreign city, familiar services and business help them to navigate new surroundings easily and integrate into the local community by making the experience less stressful, thus bringing sense of security in an unfamiliar environment. Moreover, international similarity contributes significantly for economic growth. By setting multinational corporations, governments can create employment opportunities, attract foreign investment and improve infrastructures particularly in industrial cities. This can ultimately lead to increased government revenue and stimulate economic activity by reducing financial burden on governments in urban areas. In a world where individuals are neglecting similarity and becoming socially independent, encouraging them to exchange ideas and improve international connections is more important then ever before.
In conclusion, although this can be largely attributed to globalization and development of technology, I believe that national and social similarity makes a big difference to economic development and bring convenience to people during their travel.