Should Countries Encourage Tourism?

Nowadays, it is almost a routine, that people every year go to holydays. Often they travel to the places abroad. These places are often very popular and well-known. Even though these places are popular, the countries still promote them and want more people to come. This is because tourism is very important for the economy but not in all cases for the citizens. If so, should countries encourage tourism? Firstly, tourism leads to the development of the country. The desire to attract tourists to a certain area often encourages governments to improve local facilities which is beneficial for both, citizens and tourists. On the other hand, the development of the country must be somehow controlled and planned in such a way, it does not destroy the natural beauty of the country. Over-development leads to ugly, crowded tourist spots and environmental damage. Consequently, the development if necessary but is has to be done thoroughfully. Secondly, tourism has some positive and negative effects on a country’s economy. Many people claim that tourism is an important source of income. This is illustrated by the fact that in the touristic countries are very few possibilities to find a job not connected with tourism. Nevertheless, country’s economy may become so dependent on tourism that it is weakened and when something unexpected happens, for example a natural disaster, that tourist do not arrive for a long time, the country is helpless because of lack of resources. Thirdly, tourism greatly influences the citizens’ culture. Tourism allows people to experience other cultures. They may see how foreigners behave, what clothes they wear or what are their customs. However, this impact of tourism may destroy the local way of life. For instance the customs of the local people may simply disappear and be displaced by those brought by the foreigners and the local uniqueness changes into cultural mixture. To conclude, there are arguments to both, that countries should and should not encourage tourism. On the one hand, we have economic advantages and possibilities to experience other cultures. On the other hand, tourism overused may lead to the economic weakness of a country and to permanent changes of the local culture.