How Tourism Contributes to Global Economic Development: IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Essays

Tourism has become a significant contributor to global economic development, making it a popular topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. This theme frequently appears in exams, reflecting its relevance in today’s interconnected world. Based on past exam trends and the current global focus on sustainable economic growth, we can expect questions related to tourism’s economic impact to continue appearing in future IELTS tests.

Let’s examine a relevant IELTS Writing Task 2 question that addresses this topic:

Some people believe that the growth of tourism has had a negative impact on the economies of developing countries. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Analyzing the Question

This question requires candidates to consider the economic effects of tourism on developing nations. It’s important to note that:

1. The question presents a viewpoint: tourism growth has negatively impacted developing economies.
2. Candidates must express their level of agreement or disagreement.
3. The focus is specifically on developing countries, not all nations.
4. The question implies a need to discuss both positive and negative economic impacts.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

Tourism has long been hailed as a catalyst for economic growth, particularly in developing nations. While some argue that its expansion has detrimental effects on these economies, I firmly believe that the benefits of tourism far outweigh any potential drawbacks.

Firstly, tourism serves as a substantial source of foreign exchange and revenue for developing countries. The influx of international visitors brings in valuable foreign currency, which can be used to fund infrastructure projects, education, and healthcare initiatives. For instance, countries like Thailand and Vietnam have seen significant improvements in their economic indicators largely due to their thriving tourism sectors. This economic boost often translates into better living standards for local populations.

Moreover, tourism creates numerous employment opportunities across various skill levels. From hospitality and transportation to tour guiding and artisanal crafts, the tourism industry generates jobs that might otherwise be scarce in developing economies. This not only reduces unemployment rates but also fosters entrepreneurship and small business growth. In Bali, Indonesia, for example, the tourism boom has led to the emergence of a vibrant ecosystem of local businesses catering to visitors’ needs.

However, it is crucial to acknowledge that uncontrolled tourism growth can lead to economic dependencies and environmental degradation. Some developing countries may become overly reliant on tourism, making their economies vulnerable to external shocks such as global recessions or natural disasters. Additionally, sustainable tourism practices must be implemented to preserve natural resources and cultural heritage, which are often the primary attractions for tourists.

In conclusion, while there are challenges to be addressed, the overall impact of tourism on developing economies is predominantly positive. By providing foreign exchange, creating jobs, and stimulating local business growth, tourism serves as a powerful engine for economic development. The key lies in implementing balanced policies that maximize the benefits of tourism while mitigating its potential negative effects.

(Word count: 298)

Essay Analysis (Band 8-9)

This essay demonstrates excellent coherence, cohesion, and task achievement, warranting a high band score:

1. Clear position: The writer strongly disagrees with the statement, clearly stating their stance in the introduction.
2. Well-developed arguments: Each paragraph presents a distinct point supported by relevant examples.
3. Balanced view: The essay acknowledges potential drawbacks while maintaining its overall position.
4. Coherent structure: Ideas flow logically from one paragraph to the next, with effective use of cohesive devices.
5. Sophisticated vocabulary: The essay employs a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately.
6. Grammatical range: Various complex structures are used correctly throughout the essay.

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

Some people think that the growth of tourism has had bad effects on the economies of developing countries. I partly agree with this idea, but I also think there are many good things about tourism for these countries.

On the one hand, tourism can bring problems to developing economies. When too many tourists come, it can make prices go up for local people. For example, in some beach towns, house prices become very expensive because rich tourists want to buy holiday homes there. This makes it hard for local people to afford houses. Also, some jobs in tourism don’t pay very well, like cleaning hotel rooms or serving in restaurants.

However, I believe tourism mostly helps developing countries’ economies. It brings in money from other countries, which is very important. This money can be used to build better roads, schools, and hospitals. Tourism also creates many jobs. In countries like Thailand or Mexico, lots of people work in hotels, as tour guides, or selling things to tourists. This helps reduce unemployment. Moreover, tourism can encourage other businesses to grow. For instance, farmers can sell more food to hotels and restaurants.

It’s true that some developing countries depend too much on tourism, which can be risky if something happens to stop tourists from coming, like a natural disaster. But I think the solution is not to stop tourism, but to manage it better. Sustainable tourism practices for developing countries can help protect the environment and local culture while still bringing economic benefits.

In conclusion, while tourism can cause some problems for developing economies, I believe its positive effects are more significant. The key is to plan tourism carefully so that it helps the country’s economy without causing too many problems.

(Word count: 295)

Essay Analysis (Band 6-7)

This essay demonstrates good task achievement and coherence, justifying a Band 6-7 score:

1. Clear position: The writer partially agrees with the statement, presenting a balanced view.
2. Relevant ideas: The essay discusses both positive and negative economic impacts of tourism.
3. Examples: Some examples are provided, though they could be more specific or developed.
4. Coherence: The essay has a clear structure with introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
5. Vocabulary: A mix of common and some less common vocabulary is used appropriately.
6. Grammar: The essay uses a range of structures, with some complex sentences, though not as sophisticated as the Band 8-9 essay.

Key Vocabulary

1. catalyst (noun) – /ˈkætəlɪst/ – something that causes an important change or event to happen
2. influx (noun) – /ˈɪnflʌks/ – the arrival of many people or things at the same time
3. entrepreneurship (noun) – /ˌɑːntrəprəˈnɜːrʃɪp/ – the activity of setting up businesses
4. ecosystem (noun) – /ˈiːkəʊsɪstəm/ – all the living things in an area and the way they affect each other and the environment
5. degradation (noun) – /ˌdegrəˈdeɪʃn/ – the process of becoming worse or less good
6. vulnerable (adjective) – /ˈvʌlnərəbl/ – weak and easily hurt physically or emotionally
7. mitigating (verb) – /ˈmɪtɪgeɪtɪŋ/ – making something less harmful, serious, or bad

Tourism's Economic Impact Infographic

In conclusion, the topic of tourism’s impact on global economic development remains a crucial aspect of IELTS Writing Task 2. As demonstrated in the sample essays, this subject allows candidates to showcase their analytical skills and ability to present balanced arguments. Future IELTS tests may explore related themes such as sustainable tourism, the balance between economic benefits and cultural preservation, or the long-term effects of tourism-dependent economies.

To further enhance your IELTS Writing skills, consider practicing with these potential questions:

1. Some argue that mass tourism is destroying local cultures. Do you agree or disagree?
2. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of countries relying heavily on tourism for their economic growth.
3. To what extent should governments regulate the tourism industry to ensure sustainable development?

We encourage readers to attempt writing essays on these topics and share them in the comments section. This practice can significantly improve your writing skills and prepare you for the IELTS exam. Remember, consistent practice and thoughtful analysis are key to achieving a high band score in IELTS Writing Task 2.