Tourism has long been a popular topic in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing frequently in recent years. The economic impact of tourism is particularly relevant, given its global significance. Based on past exam trends, we can expect to see questions related to “how does tourism contribute to economic growth” in future IELTS tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in recent exams:
Some people think that tourism is beneficial for a country’s economy, while others believe it has a negative impact. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the positive economic impacts of tourism
- Explore potential negative economic effects
- Provide a balanced argument
- State and justify their own opinion
Let’s look at sample essays for different band scores, starting with a high-level response.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Tourism undeniably plays a significant role in shaping economies worldwide. While some argue that it brings substantial economic benefits, others contend that its impact can be detrimental. In my opinion, although tourism can present certain challenges, its positive contributions to economic growth generally outweigh the negatives.
Proponents of tourism highlight its numerous economic advantages. Firstly, tourism generates substantial foreign exchange earnings, which can bolster a country’s balance of payments and overall economic stability. Additionally, it creates diverse employment opportunities, from hospitality and transportation to cultural and recreational services, thus reducing unemployment rates. Moreover, tourism often stimulates infrastructure development, benefiting both visitors and locals alike.
However, critics argue that tourism can have negative economic repercussions. One primary concern is the phenomenon of ‘leakage’, where a significant portion of tourism revenue flows out of the local economy to international corporations or foreign suppliers. Furthermore, over-reliance on tourism can leave economies vulnerable to external shocks, such as global recessions or health crises, as witnessed during the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Lastly, tourism development may lead to increased living costs for locals, particularly in popular destinations.
In my view, while the concerns raised by critics are valid, the economic benefits of tourism are more substantial and far-reaching. The key lies in implementing sustainable tourism practices that maximize local economic benefits while mitigating potential drawbacks. Governments and local communities can achieve this by promoting local businesses, diversifying their tourism offerings, and reinvesting tourism revenues in community development and environmental conservation.
In conclusion, tourism’s economic impact is multifaceted, but I believe its potential for driving economic growth and development is immense. By adopting responsible and sustainable approaches, countries can harness the power of tourism to boost their economies while addressing associated challenges effectively.
(Word count: 298)
Tourism's Economic Impact Chart
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Tourism is a big industry that affects many countries’ economies. Some people think it’s good for the economy, while others see it as harmful. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
On the positive side, tourism brings money into a country. When tourists visit, they spend money on hotels, restaurants, and attractions. This helps local businesses and creates jobs for people in the tourism industry. For example, in countries like Thailand or Spain, many people work in hotels or as tour guides because of tourism. Also, governments can collect more taxes from these businesses, which can be used to improve the country.
However, there are some negative effects too. Sometimes, big international companies run hotels and resorts, and a lot of the money goes back to their home countries instead of staying in the local economy. This is called ‘leakage’ and it means the local people don’t benefit as much. Another problem is that some places depend too much on tourism. If something happens to stop tourists from coming, like a natural disaster or a health crisis, it can really hurt the economy.
In my opinion, tourism is mostly good for a country’s economy, but it needs to be managed carefully. Governments should try to support local businesses and make sure that the money tourists spend helps the local people. They should also try to develop other parts of the economy so they’re not too dependent on tourism.
To conclude, while tourism can have some negative impacts, I believe its benefits to the economy are greater. If it’s managed well, tourism can be a valuable way for countries to grow their economies and create jobs for their people.
(Word count: 277)
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Tourism is important for many countries. Some people think it’s good for the economy, but others think it’s bad. I will talk about both sides and give my opinion.
Tourism can help the economy in many ways. When tourists come, they spend money. They stay in hotels, eat in restaurants, and buy souvenirs. This helps local businesses make money. It also creates jobs for people who work in hotels, restaurants, and shops. For example, in my country, many people work in tourism jobs.
But tourism can also be bad for the economy. Sometimes, big foreign companies own hotels and take the money out of the country. This means local people don’t get much benefit. Also, if too many tourists come, prices can go up. This makes things expensive for local people.
In my opinion, tourism is mostly good for the economy. It brings money and jobs to a country. But the government needs to be careful. They should help local businesses and make sure tourism doesn’t cause too many problems.
In conclusion, I think tourism helps the economy more than it hurts it. But we need to manage it well to get the most benefits.
(Word count: 186)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response
- Presents a clear position throughout the essay
- Organizes information and ideas coherently and logically
- Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features
- Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others
- Presents a relevant position, though conclusions may become unclear or repetitive
- Arranges information and ideas coherently and there is a clear overall progression
- Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task with some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors that do not impede communication
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Addresses the task only partially; the format may be inappropriate in places
- Expresses a position but the development is not always clear
- Presents information with some organization but there may be a lack of overall progression
- Uses a limited range of vocabulary, but this is minimally adequate for the task
- Uses only a limited range of structures with some attempt to use more complex sentences
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Economic impact (noun phrase) – /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ˈɪmpækt/ – The effect on the economy
- Foreign exchange earnings (noun phrase) – /ˈfɒrən ɪksˈtʃeɪndʒ ˈɜːnɪŋz/ – Money earned from foreign visitors
- Infrastructure development (noun phrase) – /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə dɪˈveləpmənt/ – Improvement of basic physical systems
- Leakage (noun) – /ˈliːkɪdʒ/ – The loss of tourism revenue to other countries
- Over-reliance (noun) – /ˌəʊvərɪˈlaɪəns/ – Excessive dependence on something
- Sustainable tourism (noun phrase) – /səˈsteɪnəbl ˈtʊərɪzəm/ – Tourism that respects both local people and the traveler
- Economic stability (noun phrase) – /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk stəˈbɪlətɪ/ – The state of an economy with minimal fluctuations
- Balance of payments (noun phrase) – /ˈbæləns əv ˈpeɪmənts/ – A record of all transactions between a country and the rest of the world
Tourism Economic Impact Vocabulary Infographic
In conclusion, the topic of tourism’s economic impact is crucial for IELTS Writing Task 2. We’ve explored sample essays for different band scores, analyzed their structures, and highlighted key vocabulary. To further improve your skills, try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback. Additionally, you might want to practice with related topics such as the role of tourism in boosting local economies or How can we promote environmental sustainability in tourism? to broaden your understanding of tourism-related issues in IELTS Writing Task 2.