Tourism’s impact on local economies has been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing approximately 3-4 times annually in recent years. This topic’s frequency suggests its continued relevance in future tests, particularly given the global tourism industry’s rapid post-pandemic recovery.
Tourism economic impact statistics showing growth trends
Analysis of Task Question
Some people believe that tourism brings enormous benefits to local economies, while others argue it causes more problems than advantages. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question requires:
- Discussion of positive economic impacts
- Analysis of potential drawbacks
- Personal stance with supporting arguments
- Balanced perspective on both viewpoints
Band 8.5 Sample Essay
Tourism’s influence on local economies is a contentious issue that merits careful examination of both its advantages and disadvantages. While I believe that tourism’s economic benefits generally outweigh its drawbacks, both aspects deserve thorough consideration.
Tourism undeniably generates substantial economic advantages for host communities. First, it creates diverse employment opportunities, from hospitality workers to tour guides, enabling locals to improve their living standards. For instance, in Bali, Indonesia, tourism accounts for approximately 80% of the regional economy, providing livelihoods for millions of residents. Additionally, tourism stimulates infrastructure development, as governments invest in airports, roads, and public facilities to accommodate visitors, which ultimately benefits local residents as well.
However, tourism can also introduce significant economic challenges. The most pressing concern is the increased cost of living in tourist destinations, as prices for housing, food, and services rise to match tourist spending power, potentially marginalizing local residents. Moreover, many regions become overly dependent on tourism, making their economies vulnerable to external shocks, as demonstrated during the recent global pandemic when tourist-dependent regions faced severe economic hardship.
In my view, the positive economic impact of tourism outweighs its negative aspects when properly managed. The key lies in implementing sustainable tourism policies that protect local interests while maximizing benefits. This could include regulations on property development, support for local businesses, and diversification of economic activities to reduce over-dependence on tourism.
Sustainable tourism development framework highlighting economic benefits
Band 6.5 Sample Essay
Tourism has become very important for many countries’ economies. This essay will discuss both good and bad effects of tourism on local economies.
Tourism brings many good things to local areas. Firstly, it creates many jobs for local people in hotels, restaurants and shops. For example, in my country, many young people can find work in tourist areas and earn good money. Also, when tourists come, they spend money which helps local businesses grow.
But tourism also has some problems. The biggest problem is that everything becomes more expensive in tourist areas. Local people sometimes cannot afford to live in their own towns anymore because house prices go up too much. Another problem is that some places depend too much on tourism, which is dangerous if tourist numbers go down.
I think tourism is mostly good for local economies but needs to be controlled better. Governments should make rules to protect local people while still getting benefits from tourism. This way, both tourists and local people can be happy.
Scoring Analysis
Band 8.5 Essay:
- Task Response: Fully addresses all parts with well-developed ideas
- Coherence & Cohesion: Logical organization with clear progression
- Lexical Resource: Sophisticated vocabulary with natural usage
- Grammatical Range: Complex structures used accurately
Band 6.5 Essay:
- Task Response: Addresses main points but less developed
- Coherence & Cohesion: Basic organization with some progression
- Lexical Resource: Adequate vocabulary with some repetition
- Grammatical Range: Mix of simple and complex structures
Key Vocabulary
- contentious (adj) /kənˈtenʃəs/ – causing disagreement or debate
- marginalizing (v) /ˈmɑːdʒɪnəlaɪzɪŋ/ – treating as insignificant
- infrastructure (n) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə/ – basic physical structures needed
- vulnerability (n) /ˌvʌlnərəˈbɪləti/ – susceptibility to harm
- sustainable (adj) /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – able to maintain at a certain level
- diversification (n) /daɪˌvɜːsɪfɪˈkeɪʃn/ – varying of business activities
- implementation (n) /ˌɪmplɪmenˈteɪʃn/ – putting into effect
Future practice topics might include:
- Tourism’s environmental impact on local communities
- Mass tourism vs. sustainable tourism development
- Cultural preservation in tourist destinations
Share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and improvement suggestions.
