Responsible tourism has become an increasingly important topic in recent years, reflecting growing concerns about the environmental and social impacts of travel. This theme is likely to appear more frequently in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions, as it touches on several key global issues. Based on trends in past exams and the relevance of this subject, we can expect to see questions related to promoting responsible tourism in future IELTS tests.
Let’s examine a likely IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this topic:
Some people believe that governments should take the lead in promoting responsible tourism, while others argue that it is the responsibility of individual travelers. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view that governments should lead in promoting responsible tourism
- Discuss the view that individual travelers are responsible for promoting responsible tourism
- Provide their own opinion on the matter
It’s crucial to address all parts of the question and provide a balanced argument before stating your own view.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Tourism has become a significant economic driver for many countries, but its rapid growth has also raised concerns about its impact on local communities and the environment. While some argue that governments should spearhead efforts to promote responsible tourism, others believe this responsibility lies with individual travelers. In my opinion, a collaborative approach involving both parties is essential for effective implementation of sustainable tourism practices.
Proponents of government-led initiatives argue that authorities have the power and resources to enact and enforce regulations that promote responsible tourism. Governments can implement policies such as limiting visitor numbers to fragile ecosystems, enforcing strict environmental standards for tourism businesses, and investing in sustainable infrastructure. For example, Bhutan’s “High Value, Low Impact” tourism policy, which includes a daily tourist fee, has successfully preserved the country’s natural and cultural heritage while still benefiting from tourism revenue.
On the other hand, those who emphasize individual responsibility contend that travelers themselves play a crucial role in promoting responsible tourism through their choices and behaviors. Conscientious tourists can support local businesses, respect local customs, minimize their environmental footprint, and spread awareness about sustainable travel practices. The growing trend of “voluntourism” exemplifies how individual travelers can actively contribute to local communities and conservation efforts during their trips.
In my view, the most effective approach to promoting responsible tourism involves a synergy between governmental actions and individual efforts. While governments can create the necessary framework and incentives for sustainable tourism, the success of these initiatives ultimately depends on the willingness of individual travelers to embrace responsible practices. Furthermore, a collaborative approach can lead to more innovative solutions, such as the development of eco-certification programs that guide both tourism operators and consumers towards more sustainable choices.
In conclusion, promoting responsible tourism requires a multi-faceted approach that harnesses the strengths of both governmental authority and individual commitment. By working together, governments and travelers can ensure that tourism continues to bring economic benefits while preserving the natural and cultural heritage of destinations for future generations.
(Word count: 329)
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The growth of tourism has brought both benefits and problems to many countries. Some people think governments should be responsible for promoting responsible tourism, while others believe it’s up to individual travelers. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.
There are good reasons why governments should take the lead in promoting responsible tourism. Firstly, governments have the power to make laws and regulations that can control tourism activities. They can set rules about how many tourists can visit sensitive areas, or make sure hotels and tour companies follow environmental standards. Also, governments can use money from taxes to build better infrastructure that supports responsible tourism, like public transportation or recycling systems.
However, individual travelers also have an important role to play in responsible tourism. Tourists can choose to support local businesses instead of big international chains, which helps the local economy. They can also be respectful of local cultures and traditions, and try to reduce their environmental impact by doing things like using less plastic or choosing eco-friendly tours. If many individual travelers make responsible choices, it can have a big positive impact.
In my opinion, both governments and individual travelers need to work together to promote responsible tourism. Governments can create the right conditions and rules for responsible tourism, but these efforts won’t be successful unless tourists are willing to follow them and make responsible choices. I think education is key – governments can run campaigns to inform tourists about responsible practices, and travelers can then use this knowledge to make better decisions.
To conclude, promoting responsible tourism is a shared responsibility between governments and individual travelers. By working together and each playing their part, we can ensure that tourism brings benefits without causing harm to local communities and the environment.
(Word count: 293)
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Tourism is very important for many countries, but it can also cause problems. Some people think the government should make tourism more responsible, but others say it’s the job of tourists themselves. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.
Governments can do a lot to make tourism more responsible. They can make rules about how many tourists can visit places, especially if those places are easily damaged. They can also tell hotels and tour companies to be more careful about the environment. Governments have money to build things like better public transport, which can help reduce pollution from tourism.
But tourists also need to be responsible. When they travel, they can choose to buy things from local shops and eat at local restaurants. This helps the local people earn money. Tourists should also be careful not to damage the places they visit and should respect the local culture. If all tourists try to be responsible, it can make a big difference.
I think both the government and tourists need to work together to make tourism more responsible. The government can make good rules, but tourists need to follow these rules. It’s important for the government to teach tourists about being responsible, and for tourists to listen and learn.
In conclusion, making tourism more responsible is not just one group’s job. Both the government and individual tourists need to do their part. If everyone works together, tourism can be good for countries without causing too many problems.
(Word count: 242)
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 response
- 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
- Demonstrates thorough understanding of the issue and presents well-supported ideas
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Addresses all parts of the task, although some parts may be more fully covered than others
- Presents a relevant position, although conclusions may become unclear or repetitive
- Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, with some inaccuracies in word choice and spelling
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, with some errors that do not impede communication
- Presents relevant main ideas but may lack focus or clarity in supporting points
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Addresses the task only partially, with limited development of ideas
- Expresses a position but development may be unclear or limited
- Uses a limited range of vocabulary, with noticeable errors in word choice and spelling
- Uses mainly simple sentences with limited accuracy in more complex structures
- Presents some main ideas but these are limited and not well-developed
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Responsible tourism (noun) – /rɪˈspɒnsəbl ˈtʊərɪzəm/ – Tourism that minimizes negative social, economic and environmental impacts
- Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources
- Infrastructure (noun) – /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə/ – The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise
- Ecosystem (noun) – /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/ – A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment
- Voluntourism (noun) – /ˌvɒlənˈtʊərɪzəm/ – A form of tourism in which travelers participate in voluntary work, typically for a charity
- Heritage (noun) – /ˈherɪtɪdʒ/ – Valued objects and qualities such as cultural traditions, unspoiled countryside, and historic buildings that have been passed down from previous generations
- Footprint (in context of “environmental footprint”) (noun) – /ˈfʊtprɪnt/ – The impact of human activities measured in terms of the area of biologically productive land and water required to produce the goods consumed and to assimilate the wastes generated
- Conscientious (adjective) – /ˌkɒnʃɪˈenʃəs/ – Wishing to do one’s work or duty well and thoroughly
- Synergy (noun) – /ˈsɪnədʒi/ – The interaction or cooperation of two or more organizations, substances, or other agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects
- Multi-faceted (adjective) – /ˌmʌltɪˈfasɪtɪd/ – Having many different aspects or features
Conclusion
The topic of promoting responsible tourism is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. It touches on important global issues such as environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and sustainable development. To prepare for such questions, practice writing essays that discuss the roles of different stakeholders in promoting responsible tourism, such as governments, travelers, local communities, and tourism businesses.
Some potential future questions on this topic might include:
- Discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of implementing a tourist tax to fund sustainable tourism initiatives.
- Some people believe that limiting tourist numbers is necessary to protect popular destinations. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- How can developing countries balance the economic benefits of tourism with the need to protect their natural and cultural heritage?
We encourage you to practice writing essays on these topics and share them in the comments section below. This active practice will help you improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS Writing Task 2.