justIELTS

Write better, score higher.

IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

International tourism has brought enormous benefit to many places. At the same time, there is concern about its impact on local inhabitants and the environment. Do the disadvantages of international tourism outweigh the advantages? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

😩 Feeling stuck? View sample answers below ⬇️ or get another random Task 2 topic.

🤩 Sample answers

Model Essay #1:

International tourism has brought enormous benefit to many places. At the same time, there is concern about its impact on local inhabitants and the environment. Do the disadvantages of international tourism outweigh the advantages?

International tourism has become a major source of income for many countries, bringing numerous benefits to local economies. However, there are concerns about the negative effects it may have on local communities and the environment. In my opinion, while international tourism has its disadvantages, the advantages far outweigh them.

One advantage of international tourism is the boost it provides to the local economy. Tourists spend money on accommodation, food, and souvenirs, creating jobs and stimulating growth in the hospitality and service industries. This helps improve the standard of living for local residents and provides opportunities for small businesses to thrive.

On the other hand, the influx of tourists can lead to overcrowding and congestion in popular destinations, causing inconvenience for local inhabitants. Additionally, the environmental impact of tourism, such as pollution and strain on natural resources, is a growing concern. For example, famous landmarks like the Great Barrier Reef and Machu Picchu have suffered damage due to the high number of visitors.

Despite these drawbacks, the benefits of international tourism cannot be ignored. Many communities rely heavily on tourism for their livelihoods, and the revenue generated supports infrastructure development and public services. Furthermore, exposure to different cultures through tourism promotes understanding and tolerance among people from diverse backgrounds.

In conclusion, while international tourism may have negative effects on local communities and the environment, its overall benefits in terms of economic growth and cultural exchange are substantial. It is essential for governments and stakeholders to implement sustainable tourism practices to mitigate the disadvantages and ensure that the positive impacts continue to outweigh the negative ones.

Model Essay #2:

International tourism has brought enormous benefit to many places. At the same time, there is concern about its impact on local inhabitants and the environment. Do the disadvantages of international tourism outweigh the advantages?

International tourism has undoubtedly brought economic benefits to many destinations, but the negative implications on local inhabitants and the environment cannot be overlooked. In my view, the disadvantages of international tourism outweigh the advantages.

While international tourism does generate revenue and employment opportunities, it often leads to the exploitation of local resources and cultures. In many cases, the influx of tourists has resulted in the commercialization of traditional practices and the displacement of local communities to make way for tourist developments. For instance, in popular beach destinations, large-scale resorts have encroached upon coastal areas, causing environmental degradation and threatening marine ecosystems.

Moreover, the increase in tourist activities contributes to environmental degradation through pollution, deforestation, and habitat destruction. The environmental impact is particularly evident in fragile ecosystems, such as national parks and wildlife reserves, where the influx of visitors disrupts the natural balance and threatens the survival of indigenous species.

In addition, the unequal distribution of tourism benefits often leads to economic disparities within local communities. While some individuals and businesses profit from tourism, others are marginalized and struggle to compete with large corporations and foreign investors. This exacerbates social and economic inequalities and can lead to resentment and tension among local residents.

In conclusion, while international tourism has its advantages in terms of economic growth, the negative consequences it brings to local communities and the environment cannot be ignored. It is crucial for governments and tourism authorities to prioritize sustainable and responsible tourism practices to mitigate the adverse impacts and ensure the well-being of both the local inhabitants and the natural environment.

✍️ Evaluate your essay for free

You can submit your essay for free evaluation. We will provide you with your score and give you feedback on how to improve your essay.

Sign in or register to submit your essay.

🤓 More IELTS Writing Task 2 topics

Get a random essay topic or choose from topics below:

Or view the list of all tasks.