Tourism and Impact

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OPINION ESSAY SAMPLE

In recent years, there has been much debate regarding the impact of tourism on the
environment and local communities. While some argue that tourism can have
positive effects, others claim that its effects are mostly negative. In my opinion, the
impact of tourism on the environment and living standards is a complex issue which
cannot be reduced to a simple black-and-white dichotomy.

On the one hand, it is clear that tourism can have a detrimental effect on the
environment. The overdevelopment of popular island and seaside destinations can
lead to the deterioration of natural beauty in these areas. This is especially true in
coastal regions, where construction can cause irreversible damage to fragile
ecosystems. Furthermore, the influx of tourists can contribute to increased pollution,
which can have a devastating impact on wildlife and natural habitats. Therefore, it is
crucial that we take steps to mitigate the negative effects of tourism on the
environment.

On the other hand, tourism can also have positive effects on local communities. In
order to attract and satisfy tourists, investments are often made in facilities and
services that benefit everyone. These may include vital services like healthcare
centers and hospitals, improved public transportation, sports and leisure facilities,
restaurants, and public spaces. These investments can significantly improve living
standards for local residents and provide them with opportunities that they may not
have otherwise had access to.

In my view, the key to ensuring that tourism has a positive impact is to strike a
balance between development and conservation. While it is important to develop
infrastructure and services that benefit both tourists and locals, we must also be
mindful of the impact that our actions have on the environment. We must prioritize
sustainability and responsible tourism practices to ensure that future generations
can also benefit from the beauty and resources that our planet has to offer.

In conclusion, the impact of tourism on the environment and living standards is a


complex issue that requires careful consideration. While it is true that tourism can
have negative effects on the environment, it can also have positive effects on local
communities. Therefore, it is crucial that we strike a balance between development
and conservation to ensure that tourism has a positive impact on both people and
the planet.

1
Vocabulary: travel choices
Place the words and phrases on the left in the most suitable category on the right, according to the context in which we
normally use them.

all-inclusive 1 Source of information:


package deal
travel blog
travel agent
holiday brochure
babysitting facilities
sporting activities 2 Criteria for choosing:
newspaper travel
section friends'
experiences
proximity to airport
coach tour
weekend break 3 Types of travel:
surfing the Net
backpacking
access to
beach/shops

2. Brainstorm other items to add to each list.

3. The sentences below can be expressed in different ways. Replace the words in bold with
one of the words below, and make any other changes necessary. Some sentences have
more than one possibility. Discuss the differences in the use of each word.

impact result consequences spin-off effects repercussions outcome upshot implications

1 Building an all-inclusive holiday village outside the town may have far-reaching effects on
the local economy.

2 None of the class could agree on where to go. The outcome of this was that they decided
not to have a class trip together at all.

3 The consequences of increased travel on the Antarctic have yet to be understood.

4 The town council is meeting today to discuss the possibility of building a theme park but it
is not yet known what the result will be.

5 The decision of the international tour company to take their business to another location
has had serious repercussions for the island's economy.

6 Staying in fully-equipped luxury tents, known as 'glamping’, is an upshot of the idea of


organised camping.

2
GRAMMAR
Emphatic phrases with whether, however, whatever, no matter what/how
a crowded it may be, Calcutta is an
1 Whether you like it ... amazing city.
b might be at this time of the year, we're
2 No matter how ... going camping in the Scottish highlands.
c may sound, I actually enjoyed the chaotic
3 Whatever your reasons for ... bus journey from Delhi to Lahore.
d or not, I'm going backpacking with Jeremy
4 No matter what round Europe.
e happens at work, I'm taking a holiday next
5 Cold though it ... week.
f going to Cape Town may be, I'm not going
to stand in your way.
6 However strange it

Key word transformations

For questions 1-6, complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first
sentence, using the word given. Do not change the word given. You must use between three
and eight words, including the word given. Here is an example (0).

0 Our car is in urgent need of a service. (had)

It's time we had our car serviced.

1 Would you ever consider staying in an underwater hotel?(entertain)

Would ______________________ in an underwater hotel?

2 Whatever happens, you can rely on Simon to turn up. (be)

No matter ______________________ upon to turn up.

3 I have come to a decision about the expedition. (mind)

My ______________________ as far as the expedition is concerned.

4 I'm determined not to miss the start of the lecture (intention)

Come ______________________ of missing the start of the lecture.

5 If I hadn't ignored Gayle's advice, I wouldn't be in this mess now. (paid)

Had I ,______________________ I wouldn't be in this mess now.

6 I know it sounds strange, but I've always wanted to explore the Amazon. (as)

Strange ____________________________________________, I've always wanted to


explore the Amazon.

3
SPEAKING:

1 I think it's a matter of personal taste/choice whether you ....

2 Whichever type of holiday you prefer, the cost may affect ...

3 As far as freedom of choice is concerned, many people prefer ...

4 I feel that it is essential that young families be provided with ....

5Personally, I'd sooner go ...

6 My own holiday decisions are always based on ...

❖ What factors influence your choice of holiday?


❖ Do you usually seek the advice of others when choosing a holiday, or search for
information on your own?
❖ Do you think that people should have access to less stressful jobs towards the
end of their working life?
❖ Discuss the factors which affect people's ability to travel.
Consider the following:
•visa restrictions • socio-economic status • fear off lying

❖ The labour market in Mallorca is heavily dependent on tourism. Are there


possible alternatives to break out of this monopoly?

EXPERT VOCAB

Sustainable travel underlie notion intrinsic


watchdog
slip through the net credentials unwind

Fishbowl discussion
To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement?

'We need to restrict the number of tourists visiting such places as Machu Picchu in Peru, and Petra in
Jordan, as the volume of visitors is eroding the site.'

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