IELTS Reading Practice: The Rise of Sustainable Travel in Global Tourism

Welcome to our IELTS Reading practice session focused on “The Rise of Sustainable Travel in Global Tourism”. This comprehensive practice test will help you prepare for the IELTS Reading section, covering various aspects of sustainable travel and its impact on the global tourism industry.

Introduction

The tourism industry has been undergoing a significant transformation in recent years, with a growing emphasis on sustainability. This shift towards more environmentally and socially responsible travel practices has become a crucial topic in the IELTS Reading test. In this practice session, we’ll explore three passages of varying difficulty levels, each focusing on different aspects of sustainable travel and its rise in global tourism.

Practice Test

Passage 1 – Easy Text

The Emergence of Eco-Tourism

Eco-tourism, a relatively new concept in the travel industry, has gained significant popularity in recent years. This form of tourism focuses on responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people. Unlike traditional mass tourism, eco-tourism aims to minimize negative impacts on the destination while providing positive experiences for both visitors and hosts.

The rise of eco-tourism can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, there’s an increasing awareness of environmental issues among travelers. Many tourists now seek experiences that allow them to enjoy nature without harming it. Secondly, local communities in many destinations have recognized the potential of eco-tourism to provide economic benefits while preserving their cultural heritage and natural resources.

Eco-tourism activities often include wildlife watching, hiking in protected areas, and staying in environmentally friendly accommodations. These experiences not only offer unique adventures for travelers but also contribute to conservation efforts and local economies. For instance, in Costa Rica, a pioneer in eco-tourism, visitors can explore lush rainforests, observe diverse wildlife, and stay in eco-lodges that use renewable energy sources.

Eco-tourism in Costa Rica

However, the growth of eco-tourism also presents challenges. There’s a risk of “greenwashing”, where businesses falsely claim to be environmentally friendly to attract eco-conscious travelers. Additionally, even well-intentioned eco-tourism can potentially disrupt fragile ecosystems if not managed properly. Therefore, it’s crucial for both travelers and tourism operators to adhere to sustainable practices and support genuine eco-tourism initiatives.

Questions 1-5

Do the following statements agree with the information given in the passage?

Write

TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this

1. Eco-tourism is a long-established concept in the travel industry.
2. Eco-tourism aims to benefit both visitors and local communities.
3. The popularity of eco-tourism is partly due to increased environmental awareness among travelers.
4. All eco-tourism activities involve staying in eco-lodges.
5. Costa Rica is considered a leader in eco-tourism.

Questions 6-10

Complete the sentences below.

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.

6. Eco-tourism focuses on __ travel to natural areas.
7. Traditional mass tourism often has __ impacts on destinations.
8. Eco-tourism can help preserve local communities’ __ and natural resources.
9. Some businesses engage in __ by falsely claiming to be eco-friendly.
10. Poorly managed eco-tourism can potentially disrupt __ ecosystems.

Passage 2 – Medium Text

Sustainable Tourism: Balancing Economic Growth and Environmental Conservation

The concept of sustainable tourism has gained significant traction in recent years, as the global travel industry grapples with its environmental impact and seeks to find a balance between economic growth and conservation. This shift towards more responsible travel practices is not just a passing trend, but a fundamental change in how we approach tourism in the 21st century.

Sustainable tourism is defined by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) as “tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities”. This holistic approach recognizes that tourism, while a significant contributor to global GDP, must also be managed in a way that preserves natural resources and respects local cultures.

One of the key drivers of sustainable tourism is the growing awareness among travelers themselves. A study by Booking.com found that 87% of global travelers want to travel sustainably, with 39% confirming that they often or always manage to do so. This shift in consumer behavior is pushing the industry to adopt more environmentally friendly practices, from reducing single-use plastics in hotels to offering carbon offset programs for flights.

Governments and international organizations are also playing a crucial role in promoting sustainable tourism. The United Nations has designated 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, highlighting the potential of tourism to advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Many countries are now incorporating sustainable tourism principles into their national development strategies, recognizing its potential to create jobs, promote local culture, and protect biodiversity.

However, the path to truly sustainable tourism is not without challenges. Overtourism, where popular destinations are overwhelmed by visitors, remains a significant issue. Cities like Venice and Barcelona have had to implement measures to limit tourist numbers to protect their infrastructure and quality of life for residents. Additionally, the carbon footprint of long-haul travel continues to be a concern, with aviation accounting for about 2% of global CO2 emissions.

Despite these challenges, innovative solutions are emerging. The use of technology, such as virtual reality experiences, can help distribute tourist flows more evenly and reduce pressure on overcrowded destinations. Eco-friendly transportation options, including electric buses and bikes, are becoming more common in tourist areas. Moreover, there’s a growing trend towards “slow travel”, where tourists spend more time in fewer locations, reducing their carbon footprint and fostering deeper connections with local communities.

Overtourism in Venice

As we move forward, it’s clear that the future of global tourism lies in sustainability. By balancing economic benefits with environmental and social responsibility, the industry can ensure its long-term viability while contributing positively to the planet and its people.

Questions 11-14

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.

11. According to the passage, sustainable tourism:
    A) Is a short-term trend in the travel industry
    B) Focuses solely on environmental conservation
    C) Balances economic, social, and environmental factors
    D) Is defined differently by various organizations

12. The study by Booking.com revealed that:
    A) All global travelers want to travel sustainably
    B) The majority of travelers want to travel sustainably
    C) Few travelers manage to travel sustainably
    D) Sustainable travel is not a priority for most travelers

13. The United Nations designated 2017 as:
    A) The Year of Eco-Tourism
    B) The International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development
    C) The Year of Carbon Neutral Travel
    D) The Global Year of Tourism

14. According to the passage, overtourism:
    A) Is no longer a problem in popular destinations
    B) Has led to measures limiting tourist numbers in some cities
    C) Is easily solved by sustainable tourism practices
    D) Only affects developing countries

Questions 15-19

Complete the summary below.

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.

Sustainable tourism is becoming increasingly important in the global travel industry. It aims to balance (15) __ with environmental conservation. This shift is driven partly by travelers’ growing (16) __ of environmental issues. The United Nations has recognized the potential of tourism to advance the (17) __ for Sustainable Development. However, challenges remain, including (18) __ in popular destinations and the (19) __ of long-haul travel.

Question 20

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.

20. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a solution to sustainable tourism challenges?
    A) Virtual reality experiences
    B) Electric transportation options
    C) Slow travel
    D) Increased air travel

Passage 3 – Hard Text

The Paradigm Shift: Sustainable Travel and its Impact on Global Tourism Economics

The emergence of sustainable travel as a dominant force in global tourism represents a paradigm shift that is reshaping the industry’s economic landscape. This transformation is not merely a superficial trend but a fundamental realignment of values, practices, and economic models that promises to redefine the future of travel and its impact on both local and global economies.

At its core, sustainable travel embodies a triple bottom line approach, considering environmental, social, and economic impacts. This holistic perspective challenges the traditional tourism model, which often prioritized short-term economic gains at the expense of long-term sustainability. The economic implications of this shift are profound and multifaceted, affecting everything from local community development to global investment patterns in the tourism sector.

One of the most significant economic impacts of sustainable travel is the redistribution of tourism revenues. Traditional mass tourism often resulted in economic leakage, where a substantial portion of tourism spending flowed out of the local economy to international hotel chains, airlines, and tour operators. In contrast, sustainable travel emphasizes local ownership, community-based tourism initiatives, and the use of local supply chains. A study by the United Nations Environment Programme found that in some developing countries, up to 80% of tourism expenditures leak out of the local economy. Sustainable travel models aim to dramatically reduce this leakage, ensuring that a larger share of tourism revenues remains within and benefits host communities.

Sustainable travel supporting local communities

Moreover, sustainable travel is driving innovation and creating new market opportunities. The demand for eco-friendly accommodations, low-impact tours, and authentic cultural experiences has spurred the growth of new businesses and the adaptation of existing ones. This has led to the emergence of a “green economy” within the tourism sector, characterized by jobs that contribute to preserving or restoring environmental quality. The International Labour Organization estimates that the transition to a greener economy could create 24 million new jobs globally by 2030, with the tourism sector playing a significant role in this growth.

The economic benefits of sustainable travel extend beyond direct tourism revenues. By preserving natural and cultural heritage, sustainable tourism practices maintain the very assets that attract visitors, ensuring the long-term viability of destinations as tourist attractions. This preservation has broader economic implications, supporting ecosystem services that benefit local communities and economies. For instance, the protection of mangrove forests for eco-tourism not only attracts visitors but also provides natural barriers against coastal erosion and supports local fisheries.

However, the transition to sustainable travel models is not without challenges. Many destinations and businesses face significant costs in adapting their infrastructure and practices to meet sustainability standards. There’s also the risk of “greenwashing,” where businesses make superficial or false claims about their sustainability practices, potentially undermining consumer trust and the credibility of genuine sustainable initiatives.

Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has both highlighted the vulnerabilities of the global tourism industry and accelerated the shift towards sustainable practices. As destinations rebuild their tourism sectors, many are seizing the opportunity to “build back better,” integrating sustainability principles into their recovery strategies. This approach is not only ethically sound but economically prudent, as it aligns with changing consumer preferences and regulatory environments.

The rise of sustainable travel is also influencing global investment patterns in the tourism sector. Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria are becoming increasingly important for investors, leading to a flow of capital towards sustainable tourism projects and away from those perceived as unsustainable. This shift in investment priorities is likely to accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices across the industry.

In conclusion, the economic impact of sustainable travel on global tourism is transformative and far-reaching. It represents a shift from a model of exploitation to one of stewardship, where economic growth is balanced with environmental conservation and social responsibility. As this paradigm shift continues to unfold, it promises to create a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable global tourism industry, capable of delivering long-term economic benefits while preserving the natural and cultural heritage that makes travel so enriching.

Questions 21-26

Complete the summary below.

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.

The rise of sustainable travel in global tourism represents a (21) __ that is reshaping the industry’s economic landscape. This approach considers environmental, social, and economic impacts, challenging the (22) __ which often prioritized short-term gains. One significant impact is the (23) __ of tourism revenues, with sustainable travel aiming to reduce (24) __ from local economies. This shift is also driving (25) __ and creating new market opportunities, contributing to the growth of a (26) __ within the tourism sector.

Questions 27-32

Do the following statements agree with the information given in the passage?

Write

TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this

27. Sustainable travel always results in higher profits for international hotel chains.
28. The United Nations Environment Programme conducted a study on economic leakage in tourism.
29. The International Labour Organization predicts job growth in the green economy by 2030.
30. Sustainable tourism practices have no impact on ecosystem services outside of tourism.
31. The COVID-19 pandemic has slowed down the adoption of sustainable practices in tourism.
32. Environmental, Social, and Governance criteria are becoming more important for tourism investors.

Questions 33-35

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.

33. According to the passage, which of the following is a challenge in transitioning to sustainable travel models?
    A) Increased tourism revenues
    B) Costs of adapting infrastructure
    C) Reduced innovation in the tourism sector
    D) Decreased interest from tourists

34. The passage suggests that the preservation of natural and cultural heritage:
    A) Is irrelevant to the economic success of tourism
    B) Only benefits local communities
    C) Ensures the long-term viability of destinations
    D) Reduces the number of tourists visiting a destination

35. The author’s tone in discussing the economic impact of sustainable travel can best be described as:
    A) Highly critical
    B) Cautiously optimistic
    C) Entirely neutral
    D) Overwhelmingly pessimistic

Answer Key

Passage 1

1. FALSE
2. TRUE
3. TRUE
4. NOT GIVEN
5. TRUE
6. responsible
7. negative
8. cultural heritage
9. greenwashing
10. fragile

Passage 2

11. C
12. B
13. B
14. B
15. economic growth
16. awareness
17. 2030 Agenda
18. overtourism
19. carbon footprint
20. D

Passage 3

21. paradigm shift
22. traditional tourism model
23. redistribution
24. economic leakage
25. innovation
26. green economy
27. FALSE
28. TRUE
29. TRUE
30. FALSE
31. FALSE
32. TRUE
33. B
34. C
35. B

Conclusion

This IELTS Reading practice test on “The Rise of Sustainable Travel in Global Tourism” has covered various aspects of this important trend in the tourism industry. From the emergence of eco-tourism to the economic impacts of sustainable travel practices, these passages have provided a comprehensive overview of the topic.

Remember, success in the IELTS Reading test requires not only understanding the content but also mastering various question types and time management skills. Keep practicing with diverse topics and question formats to improve your performance.

For more IELTS preparation resources, check out our articles on the impact of climate change on global tourism hotspots and the rise of virtual reality in enhancing global tourism.

Good luck with your IELTS preparation!