Tourism management and overtourism have become increasingly common topics in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations, appearing roughly 2-3 times annually since 2019. Based on analysis of recent exam patterns, questions about tourism restrictions and sustainable tourism management are likely to appear more frequently in future tests.
Overcrowded tourist destination showing impact of mass tourism
Topic Analysis
Some people think that governments should restrict the number of tourists visiting popular destinations to prevent negative impacts on local communities. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
This essay question requires candidates to:
- Take a clear position on tourism restrictions
- Discuss impacts on local communities
- Provide relevant examples and solutions
- Present a well-structured argument
Band 8 Sample Essay
In recent years, the phenomenon of overtourism has sparked heated debates about implementing visitor restrictions at popular destinations. While I partially agree that some limitations are necessary, I believe a more balanced approach combining various management strategies would be more effective than strict numerical restrictions alone.
Tourist caps can indeed help address several pressing issues faced by local communities. In Venice, for instance, the overwhelming influx of daily visitors has led to rising housing costs, environmental degradation, and the erosion of local culture. Similarly, in Machu Picchu, unrestricted tourism has caused significant damage to ancient structures and disrupted the traditional way of life of nearby communities. Implementing careful restrictions in such cases can help preserve cultural heritage and maintain quality of life for residents.
However, complete restriction of tourist numbers could have severe economic implications. Tourism often serves as the primary source of income for many local communities, providing employment opportunities and driving infrastructure development. Instead of strict caps, governments should consider alternative measures such as differential pricing, time-slot management, and improved visitor education. For example, Bhutan’s high-value, low-impact tourism model demonstrates how thoughtful policies can balance visitor numbers with preservation goals.
The most effective approach would be to implement a comprehensive management strategy. This could include introducing variable entry fees based on peak seasons, developing alternative tourist routes to disperse crowds, and investing in sustainable infrastructure. Cities like Barcelona have successfully implemented such integrated approaches, combining tourist education programs with strategic crowd management and local community engagement.
Sustainable tourism management strategies being implemented
Band 6.5 Sample Essay
Many people believe governments should control tourist numbers in famous places to protect local people. I agree with this idea because too many tourists can cause problems for local communities.
Firstly, large numbers of tourists create many difficulties. When too many people visit popular places, it makes life harder for local residents. For example, in some Asian cities, locals cannot afford to live in their own neighborhoods because tourist demand makes houses too expensive. Also, traditional markets become souvenir shops, and local restaurants change their food to suit tourists.
Another problem is environmental damage. Too many visitors can harm historical sites and natural areas. For instance, many beaches in Thailand had to close because tourists damaged the coral reefs. Also, famous temples and monuments get damaged when too many people visit them every day.
However, tourism also brings benefits to local areas. It creates jobs and helps the economy grow. Many people depend on tourism for their income. If governments restrict tourists too much, local businesses might suffer. Therefore, the restrictions should be reasonable and carefully planned.
Vocabulary Analysis
- Overtourism (n) /ˌəʊvəˈtʊərɪzəm/ – excessive tourism that negatively impacts local communities
- Degradation (n) /ˌdeɡrəˈdeɪʃn/ – the process of becoming worse or deteriorating
- Erosion (n) /ɪˈrəʊʒn/ – gradual destruction or diminution
- Disperse (v) /dɪˈspɜːs/ – to spread over a wide area
- Comprehensive (adj) /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/ – complete; including all aspects
- Sustainable (adj) /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – able to be maintained at a certain level without depleting resources
- Infrastructure (n) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə/ – basic physical structures needed for society to operate
- Integration (n) /ˌɪntɪˈɡreɪʃn/ – the process of combining different things in an effective way
Writing Practice Suggestion
Try writing your own essay about tourism management using one of these alternative prompts:
- Should local authorities charge higher entrance fees for popular tourist sites?
- Do the economic benefits of mass tourism outweigh its cultural impacts?
- How can cities better manage seasonal tourism peaks?
Share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion with other learners.
