In recent years, the issue what can be the possible desirable benefits and unfavourable drawbacks of tourism that has risen dramatically has sparked considerable heated debates and discussions in different communities. While proponents of tourism firmly claim that there may be substantial number of advantages, such as employment opportunities, extra income and culturally-enrichment, others strongly contend that it can consist of several detrimental effects, for example landfilling, globalization and high crime rate. In this essay, I will comprehensively shed light on the merits of both perspectives before indicating my own stance.
On the one hand, there can be a great number of invaluable benefits of tourism to local communities. The most desirable advantage is that it can create job opportunities that dwellers can find a better job and support their families financially. For example, an increasing number of individuals are working at tourism industry in coastal areas. Another favourable merit is that tourism can bring new developments, traditions and customs to hosting countries. Moreover, authorities can enjoy extra income from taxes that are got not only form visitors but also local business, such as hotels, service and restaurants. For instance, Uzbekistan’s government are generating tax revenue from these businesses. Furthermore, inhabitants can exchange cultures, languages and cuisine with people from overseas. Finally, culturally-enrichment can be regarded as a tremendous advantage that can be beneficial for both tourists and local individuals.
On the other hand, despite a number of favourable merits of tourism, there may be significant number of disadvantages. The most undesirable effect is that it can increase the level of landfilling, potentially leading to cascading effects. To explain this point, flora and fauna can disappear at the expense of landfilling. As long as we continue to live in throwaway societies, the environment will continue to worsen. Another severe drawback is that tourism can bring globalization that threatens the local traditions, cultures and customs. Additionally, it can lead to the loss of national identity and cultural norms. Besides, tourism may increase the crime rate, bringing about cities to become dangerous place to live. For instance, petty crime such as shoplifting and pickpockets has gone up drastically in Tashkent. Lastly, the inflation rate may rise, particularly it affects food and accommodation.
In conclusion, whereas there may be a good number of favourable benefits of tourism, such as employment opportunities, extra income and culturally-enrichment, it may include several deleterious effects, for instance landfilling, globalization and high crime rate. Therefore, in my opinion, it may be more harmful rather than useful.