Positive & Negative Effects of Tourism

Tourism has environmental and cultural consequences, as well as economic benefits.

Due to the size, strength and impact of the tourism industry on local economies worldwide, the debate over the positive and negative effects of tourism is little more than a mental exercise. But to develop sustainable tourism policies, a thoughtful consideration of these effects is necessary.

Economic Effects

Tourism's primary benefit is the profit it brings the local and regional area. But the financial burden shouldered by a community to build and maintain a tourism industry is also a consideration. Tourism development also opens communities to encroachment by offshore corporations providing services to affluent tourists, funneling the biggest profits away from locals.

Environmental Effects

Although tourism itself can disrupt or destroy ecosystems and environments, tourism can also be the very impetus for conserving an unspoiled landscape otherwise vulnerable to industrial development.

Cultural Effects

"Culture" is one of the chief consumables of tourism, and experiencing unusual cultures can be educational for the visitor and highly profitable for the community. But tourism is a necessarily invasive process that thrusts traditional communities into the modern world, threatening their distinct lifestyles and cultural products.

Social Effects

Tourism employment brings new streams of income into a community but also inhibits individuals from performing traditional tasks, making families dependent on cash income from tourism and therefore less likely to participate in time-honored work and social activities.

Political Effects

Travel is touted as a means to close gaps between peoples, cultures and religions, but the extreme differences of wealth and lifestyle between locals and tourists in some areas can cause resentment.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Read this Article in Portuguese