Advantages and disadvantages of international tourism

International tourism has grown quickly in the past fifty years, and millions of people now travel abroad every year. It brings clear benefits to many places, but it also causes problems. In my opinion, the advantages are greater than the disadvantages, provided that tourism is managed well.

The main advantage is economic. Tourists spend money on hotels, food, transport and gifts, and this creates jobs for local people, from guides and drivers to farmers who supply restaurants. In some countries, tourism is the largest source of income from abroad, and the taxes that it brings can pay for roads, schools and hospitals. Tourism also gives people a reason to protect historic buildings and natural parks, because these are the things that visitors come to see.

A second advantage is cultural. Travellers meet people from other countries, and both sides learn about different ways of life. This can reduce prejudice and build friendship between nations.

On the other hand, there are some serious problems. Large numbers of visitors can damage fragile places, for example by dropping rubbish on beaches or wearing away paths in mountains. Prices for housing and food can rise in popular towns, so that local families find it difficult to live there. In addition, a country that depends on tourism may suffer greatly if visitors stop coming, as happened during the pandemic.

However, these problems can be reduced. Governments can limit the number of visitors to sensitive sites, charge a fee that pays for cleaning and repair, and encourage tourists to visit less crowded places.

In conclusion, tourism gives jobs, income and understanding between people, and its disadvantages can be controlled by sensible rules. For this reason, I believe that the benefits are greater.

Why it works

• The opinion is stated in the introduction and repeated in the conclusion, and it answers the question directly.
• The writer gives reasons and examples for each point instead of listing words.
• The fifth paragraph shows that the problems can be reduced, which supports the opinion.