In the last few decades, there has been a significant increase in the opportunities for international travel, with more transport routes and cheaper fares. This development has made it much easier for many people to travel to different countries for tourism.
There are undoubtedly numerous benefits flowing from this growth in international tourism. People now have a greater awareness of other cultures than was the case even one generation ago. Travelling widely to enjoy the art, customs, and cuisine of different countries used to be the preserve of the wealthy classes. Now, even the less well-off have access to these experiences, which fosters greater cultural exchange and understanding. Additionally, tourism can boost the economies of host countries, providing revenue and creating jobs in various sectors, including hospitality, retail, and transportation.
However, the drawbacks associated with this level of mobility are significant. Firstly, a number of resorts, and even whole countries, suffer from over-tourism, leading to severe damage to the culture and environment. Traditional crafts are often replaced by the mass production of cheap trinkets, and local singing and dancing are packaged for tourist consumption. Because tourists stay for only a short time, they often do not care if they behave badly or litter the streets. Secondly, although the hospitality industry brings employment, it tends to be precarious because much of it is seasonal, with long periods of the year offering no work. The income from tourism is unevenly distributed, with a small number of big businesses, such as property developers, making substantial profits, while the majority of people work for low wages as waiters or guides. Furthermore, the money spent by tourists is seldom retained by the local economy, as profits are frequently taken out by multinational corporations. Finally, international travel contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating harmful climate change.
In my view, despite the advantages of travel to both tourists and host countries, these do not compensate for the damage inflicted on the environment, social structures, and individuals by mass tourism. The environmental degradation, cultural erosion, and economic inequalities caused by excessive tourism are significant issues that outweigh the benefits.