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IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Most of the poor in the world live in countries where tourism is a growing industry. The issue that tourism does not benefit the poorest is a concerning one. How can the income generated by tourism benefit the poor? And how can we ensure that tourism does not destroy traditional cultures and ways of life? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

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🤩 Sample answers

Model Essay #1:

Most of the poor in the world live in countries where tourism is a growing industry. The issue that tourism does not benefit the poorest is a concerning one. How can the income generated by tourism benefit the poor?

Tourism has become a significant industry in many developing countries, yet the benefits of this industry often fail to reach the poorest members of society. There are various ways in which the income generated by tourism can be directed towards benefiting the poor, while also safeguarding traditional cultures and ways of life.

Firstly, governments can implement policies to ensure that a portion of the income generated from tourism is allocated to community development projects in impoverished areas. For example, in Nepal, a portion of the entrance fees to national parks and heritage sites is directed towards local community development projects, such as building schools and providing healthcare facilities. This approach ensures that the income generated by tourism directly benefits the poorest communities.

Furthermore, governments can also promote and support community-based tourism initiatives, where local communities are directly involved in providing authentic experiences for tourists. This not only creates employment opportunities for the poor but also allows tourists to engage with and appreciate traditional cultures and ways of life. For instance, in Thailand, the "homestay" programs in rural villages have been successful in providing income to local families while preserving their traditional customs and practices.

In addition, it is crucial to regulate tourism development to prevent the destruction of traditional cultures and environments. This can be achieved through responsible tourism practices, such as limiting the number of visitors to sensitive areas and promoting sustainable tourism activities. By doing so, traditional cultures and ways of life can be preserved for future generations to appreciate and learn from.

In conclusion, the income generated by tourism can benefit the poor through targeted policies and initiatives, while also preserving traditional cultures and ways of life. Through careful planning and regulation, it is possible to ensure that tourism contributes positively to both the economic development of impoverished communities and the preservation of cultural heritage.

Model Essay #2:

Most of the poor in the world live in countries where tourism is a growing industry. The issue that tourism does not benefit the poorest is a concerning one. How can the income generated by tourism benefit the poor?

While tourism can bring economic opportunities to developing countries, there are concerns about its impact on the poorest communities and traditional cultures. Some argue that the income generated by tourism can benefit the poor through various means, and steps can be taken to ensure that tourism does not destroy traditional cultures and ways of life.

One way in which the income from tourism can benefit the poor is through job creation. As the tourism industry grows, it creates employment opportunities in various sectors such as hospitality, transportation, and handicraft production. For example, in countries like Cambodia and Vietnam, the growth of tourism has led to the creation of jobs for local people in hotels, restaurants, and tour guiding, providing them with a source of income.

Moreover, the income generated by tourism can also be channeled into social welfare programs and infrastructure development in impoverished areas. Governments can invest in improving basic amenities such as clean water, sanitation, and healthcare facilities, which directly benefit the poorest communities. This approach ensures that the income from tourism contributes to poverty alleviation and overall development.

To prevent the erosion of traditional cultures and ways of life, it is essential to promote sustainable and responsible tourism practices. This can be achieved through the enforcement of regulations that limit the negative impact of tourism on local cultures and environments. For instance, in Bhutan, the government has implemented a "high value, low impact" tourism policy, which focuses on preserving the country's culture and natural heritage by controlling visitor numbers and promoting respectful interactions between tourists and local communities.

In conclusion, while there are concerns about the impact of tourism on the poorest communities and traditional cultures, the income generated by tourism can be harnessed to benefit the poor through job creation and social welfare programs. By implementing responsible tourism practices, it is possible to ensure that tourism contributes positively to economic development while safeguarding traditional cultures and ways of life.

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