I disagree with this notion. In fact, it is international tourism that brings together different cultures and deepens connections between societies. Whatever divides or assumed tensions there may be, are not due to tourism directly.
Firstly, tourism, like a cake-mixer or an oven are simply tools that aid in the natural mixing of cultures. Because cultures are not monoliths that are distinctly separate, like oil and water. Rather, they are more akin to a cake, wherein one can observe different colors and layers, but these differences all come together to form the whole product. Likewise, it is these different cultures that are constantly working together to form societies.
Secondly, tourism acts as a bridge between different cultures. Allowing people of various backgrounds, norms or customs to interact with one another. This experience of sharing allows one to appreciate or even integrate these new discoveries into their daily lives, thus deepening one’s understanding of other cultures.
I personally have experienced living in a multicultural setting. When I was younger, I lived in the United Arab Emirates. There, the mix of cultures was clear to see, as you had people coming from all over the world to live and work together. While we often times spoke different languages, ate different foods, and had different religions, there was never a sense of tension or hostility. We all appreciated these differences and often delighted in sharing them with one another. In school, it was not uncommon for friend groups to be brought together by our favorite type of food or video games, rather than cultural beliefs.
To conclude, international tourism does not cause tensions. It simply facilitates the natural process of cultural interactions between them.