The topic of environmental impact of tourism has been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on past trends and current global concerns, it’s likely to remain a popular subject in future tests. Let’s explore this topic through a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams.
Environmental Impact of Tourism
Analyzing the Question
Let’s consider the following question:
Some people think that governments should invest in preserving the local environment when developing countries for tourism. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
This question focuses on the role of governments in balancing tourism development with environmental preservation. It’s an opinion-based question that requires you to express your viewpoint and support it with relevant examples and explanations.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Tourism has become a significant economic driver for many developing countries, but it often comes at the cost of environmental degradation. While some argue that governments should prioritize environmental preservation alongside tourism development, I strongly agree with this perspective for several compelling reasons.
Firstly, preserving the local environment is crucial for sustaining tourism in the long term. Many tourists are attracted to developing countries precisely because of their pristine natural beauty, unique ecosystems, and diverse wildlife. If these natural assets are destroyed or severely damaged due to uncontrolled tourism development, the very reason for tourists to visit may disappear. For instance, the Philippines had to close Boracay Island for six months in 2018 to allow for environmental rehabilitation after years of over-tourism had severely degraded its ecosystems. This case demonstrates how neglecting environmental preservation can lead to significant economic losses in the tourism sector.
Secondly, government investment in environmental preservation can create a positive cycle that benefits both the tourism industry and local communities. By implementing sustainable tourism practices, governments can attract eco-conscious travelers who are often willing to pay premium prices for environmentally responsible experiences. Costa Rica, for example, has successfully positioned itself as an ecotourism destination by investing heavily in conservation efforts and promoting sustainable tourism practices. This approach has not only protected its diverse ecosystems but also boosted its tourism revenue and improved the quality of life for local communities.
Moreover, government-led environmental preservation efforts can help mitigate the negative impacts of tourism on local communities. Uncontrolled tourism development often leads to problems such as water scarcity, pollution, and loss of traditional livelihoods. By investing in environmental protection measures, governments can ensure that tourism development does not come at the expense of local residents’ well-being. For example, Bhutan’s “high value, low impact” tourism policy, which includes a daily tourist fee partly allocated to conservation efforts, has helped the country maintain its cultural and environmental integrity while benefiting from tourism.
In conclusion, I strongly believe that governments should prioritize environmental preservation when developing countries for tourism. This approach not only ensures the long-term sustainability of the tourism industry but also protects the interests of local communities and preserves invaluable natural resources for future generations. By striking a balance between economic development and environmental conservation, countries can create a more resilient and sustainable tourism sector.
(Word count: 398)
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
In recent years, tourism has become very important for many developing countries’ economies. However, it can also harm the environment. Some people believe that governments should invest money in protecting the local environment when they develop tourism. I agree with this idea for several reasons.
Firstly, protecting the environment is important for keeping tourism successful in the long run. Many tourists visit developing countries because they want to see beautiful nature and animals. If the environment is damaged because of too much tourism, tourists might stop coming. For example, in Thailand, some beaches had to be closed because they were too polluted from tourism. This shows that if we don’t take care of nature, it can hurt tourism in the future.
Secondly, when governments invest in protecting the environment, it can actually help tourism make more money. Many tourists today care about the environment and want to visit places that are eco-friendly. These tourists are often willing to pay more money for their trips if they know the place is taking care of nature. For instance, Costa Rica is famous for its ecotourism, where they protect their forests and animals. This has made the country very popular with tourists who care about the environment.
Lastly, protecting the environment can also help local people who live in tourist areas. Sometimes, when there’s too much tourism, it can cause problems like not enough water or too much trash for local communities. If the government spends money on protecting nature, it can help solve these problems and make sure tourism doesn’t hurt local people’s lives. For example, in some countries, they limit the number of tourists who can visit sensitive natural areas. This helps protect nature and also makes sure local people can still use these areas.
In conclusion, I think it’s very important for governments to invest in protecting the environment when they develop tourism. This helps keep tourism successful for a long time, attracts tourists who care about nature, and protects local communities. By finding a balance between making money from tourism and taking care of the environment, countries can have better and more sustainable tourism.
(Word count: 368)
Key Points to Remember When Writing
Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The Band 8-9 essay has more sophisticated paragraph transitions and a more nuanced argument.
Vocabulary: The Band 8-9 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and phrases like “environmental degradation,” “pristine natural beauty,” and “eco-conscious travelers.” The Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still effectively conveys the main ideas.
Examples: Both essays provide relevant examples to support their arguments. The Band 8-9 essay offers more specific and diverse examples, while the Band 6-7 essay uses more general examples.
Coherence and Cohesion: The Band 8-9 essay demonstrates better use of linking words and phrases, creating a more fluid argument. The Band 6-7 essay is also coherent but uses simpler linking devices.
Argument Development: The Band 8-9 essay presents a more nuanced and in-depth analysis of the issue, while the Band 6-7 essay covers the main points in a more straightforward manner.
Vocabulary to Remember
Environmental degradation (noun) /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˌdeɡrəˈdeɪʃn/: The deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources.
Ecosystem (noun) /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/: A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
Sustainable tourism (noun phrase) /səˈsteɪnəbl ˈtʊərɪzəm/: Tourism that respects both local people and the traveler, cultural heritage and the environment.
Ecotourism (noun) /ˈiːkəʊˌtʊərɪzəm/: Tourism directed toward exotic, often threatened, natural environments, intended to support conservation efforts.
Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/: The variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat.
Conservation (noun) /ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃn/: The protection of plants, animals, and natural areas.
Pristine (adjective) /ˈprɪstiːn/: In its original condition; unspoiled.
Eco-conscious (adjective) /ˈiːkəʊ ˈkɒnʃəs/: Aware and concerned about the environment.
In conclusion, writing about the environmental impact of tourism requires a good understanding of both environmental issues and tourism development. Practice writing essays on this topic, considering different aspects such as government policies, sustainable practices, and the balance between economic benefits and environmental protection. You can also expect similar questions about sustainable development, eco-tourism, or the impact of human activities on the environment in future IELTS exams.
For further practice, try writing your own essay on this topic or related ones such as “The impact of mass tourism on local cultures” or “The role of individual tourists in promoting sustainable travel.” Feel free to share your essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion.
To enhance your understanding of related environmental topics, you might find these articles helpful: