Essay 156 – International tourism creates tension rather than understanding

GT Writing Task 2 / Essay Sample # 156

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Nowadays, international tourism is one of the biggest industries in the world. Unfortunately, international tourism creates tension rather than understanding between people from different cultures.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Model Answer: [Agreement]

At present, global tourism is one of the major industries in the world. Some people, however, claim that it elevates tension rather than camaraderie among people from different cultures. In this case, I agree with the notion that tourism can lead to tension between locals and holidaymakers and even between nations.

International tourism engages people in the cross-cultural interaction between citizens of different countries and hence helps in deepening understanding and peaceful relations, according to many. They also believe that it encourages constructive dialogue among regions and neighbouring nations through promoting peace, cultural understanding and mutual respect. Apart from that, tourism paves the way for trade relationships between countries; which naturally facilitates mutual understanding and harmony among nations, and hence there exists dialogue between two countries. But, this is not always the case.

Tourists fairly often, out of carelessness or ignorance, singularly fail to respect local moral values and customs, which in turn, lead to intense irritation in locals. Foreigners’ attitude sometimes disturbs the local and show disrespect to the tradition and culture of local people. In India, for example, people get very offended when someone shakes hands with women or passes the money with their left hand. Thus, the lack of understanding of custom and culture quite often creates tensions between locals and tourists. Moreover, open tourism facility often deteriorates the relationship among nations as criticism is widespread from both sides.

To reiterate, international tourism, despite some of its positive aspects, creates intense tension and enmity among people and nations. It is therefore crucial that tourists should do some research about traditions and norms before visiting a new place, and the media should promote friendship among nations rather than resentment.