Unit 2

Why Tourists Travel

Lesson 10: Tourism Impact

"Responsible travel is not only better for our world, it's also more interesting and memorable. Responsible tourism is the future of travel." ~ Simon Reeve

Job Creation

The 2017 Economic Impact Report by the World Travel & Tourism Council indicates that tourism generates 1 out of 10 jobs worldwide, growing at a pace that outperforms employment in the global economy for the 6th consecutive year. The report also indicates that among new jobs, the sector accounts for one in five.

Sustainable Tourism Education

Education about the reasons for sustainable tourism places a spotlight on responsible planning. As more consumers become aware of the lasting benefits of take only pictures, please, not footprints, we can better respect nature and minimize the impact on any habitat we visit.

Global Attention

A rotating mega event, such as the Olympics, the World Cup, or even a royal wedding will benefit a host destination by attracting global attention. The name of the destination is plastered around the media where the hope is to not only entice visitors today but also motivate the tourists of tomorrow.

Development

Large numbers of spectators visit, injecting significant cash into the local economy. International sporting events also serve as catalysts for longer-term improvements in stadiums, facilities, transportation, infrastructure, and accommodations.

Cultural Knowledge

Tourism has long been cited by world leaders as a driver of peace and security through understanding. Tourism can create civic pride by encouraging cultivation and sharing of local customs, food, traditions, and festivals. Personal exchanges between hosts and guests go a long way towards fostering better cultural understanding. Tour operators are focused on the experiential travel trend, providing more authentic and immersive experiences for their guests. The more knowledge of different cultures around the world, the higher the tolerance of differences within our home country.

Economic Dependency

Unexpected and unforeseeable events such as terrorism, political upheaval, negative weather conditions, and natural disasters can wreak havoc on a region, negatively affecting inbound tourism for considerable periods of time. The more dependent a destination is on tourism, the more the impact will be felt and the longer the recovery will take.

Overtourism

As the quantity of tourist rises, so too is the burden on the destination. Overtourism results when the number of visitors outnumbers the number of residents and it often brings littering, damage to the habitat, and a loss of what made the destination special in the first place.

People, People, and More People

Mega-events also bring large crowds of people, disruption to normal life, and ultra high prices. Often the host city is left with a large bill for the facility and infrastructure that the residents end up paying for in future taxes.

With popularity comes crowds which reach a tipping point, causing tourists to avoid the location. To exemplify this, talk to someone who has ever been to Disneyland during the Christmas holidays? I know! 

Commercialism

While tourism can help preserve cultures, it also has the danger of commercialization and cheapening the experience. Is riding a Venetian-themed gondola through fake canals on the Vegas strip as authentic as journeying through the real canals of Venice, Italy? The commercialized features have none of the social benefits that a truly genuine travel experience can produce.