Sustainable tourism has become a hot topic in recent years, and it’s no surprise that this theme frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. Based on analysis of past exam papers and current trends, questions related to government promotion of sustainable tourism practices are likely to continue appearing in future IELTS exams. Let’s explore this topic through sample essays and in-depth analysis.
Analyzing the Question
For this article, we’ll focus on the following IELTS Writing Task 2 question:
Some people believe that governments should promote sustainable tourism practices to protect the environment and local cultures. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
This question asks for your opinion on whether governments should take an active role in promoting sustainable tourism. It’s important to note that this is an agree/disagree question, so you need to clearly state your position and support it with relevant arguments and examples.
Sample Essays
Band 8-9 Essay
In today’s globalized world, tourism has become a significant economic driver for many countries. However, the rapid growth of this industry has raised concerns about its impact on the environment and local cultures. I strongly agree that governments should actively promote sustainable tourism practices to mitigate these negative effects and ensure long-term benefits for both tourists and host communities.
Firstly, government intervention is crucial in protecting the environment from the adverse effects of mass tourism. Many popular tourist destinations suffer from problems such as pollution, deforestation, and habitat destruction due to uncontrolled development and excessive visitor numbers. By implementing and enforcing sustainable tourism policies, governments can help preserve natural resources and biodiversity. For example, the Costa Rican government has successfully promoted ecotourism by offering incentives to businesses that adopt environmentally friendly practices, resulting in the protection of vast areas of rainforest and wildlife.
Secondly, government-led initiatives can play a vital role in safeguarding local cultures and traditions. As tourism brings an influx of visitors with different customs and values, there is a risk of cultural erosion in host communities. Governments can address this issue by promoting cultural preservation programs and encouraging authentic cultural experiences for tourists. In Bhutan, for instance, the government has implemented a “high value, low impact” tourism policy, which limits the number of visitors and requires them to pay a daily fee. This approach has helped maintain the country’s unique cultural identity while still benefiting from tourism revenue.
Moreover, government promotion of sustainable tourism can lead to economic benefits in the long run. While some may argue that such policies might initially limit tourism growth, they actually contribute to the industry’s longevity and stability. Sustainable practices ensure that destinations remain attractive to visitors over time, creating a steady stream of income for local communities. The New Zealand government’s “100% Pure New Zealand” campaign, which emphasizes the country’s natural beauty and commitment to sustainability, has successfully positioned it as a premium destination, attracting high-value tourists and boosting the economy.
In conclusion, I firmly believe that governments should take an active role in promoting sustainable tourism practices. By doing so, they can protect the environment, preserve local cultures, and ensure the long-term economic viability of the tourism industry. As global tourism continues to grow, it is essential that we find ways to balance its benefits with its potential negative impacts, and government intervention is key to achieving this balance.
(Word count: 398)
Band 6-7 Essay
In recent years, tourism has become a big part of many countries’ economies. However, it can also cause problems for the environment and local cultures. I agree that governments should promote sustainable tourism practices to protect these important aspects.
One reason why governments should promote sustainable tourism is to protect the environment. Many tourist places suffer from pollution and damage to nature because of too many visitors. If the government makes rules for sustainable tourism, it can help keep these places beautiful and healthy. For example, in Thailand, the government closed Maya Bay to tourists for a while to let the coral reefs recover. This shows how government action can help protect nature.
Another reason is to preserve local cultures. When too many tourists come to a place, it can change the way local people live and lose their traditions. Governments can help by encouraging tourists to respect local customs and learn about the culture. In Japan, the government promotes cultural experiences like tea ceremonies and staying in traditional inns, which helps keep these traditions alive.
Sustainable tourism can also be good for the economy in the long term. If a place stays beautiful and keeps its culture, more tourists will want to visit in the future. This means more jobs and money for local people. For instance, Costa Rica is famous for its ecotourism, which brings in many visitors who want to see nature and help protect it.
However, some people might say that promoting sustainable tourism could make it harder for poor countries to develop their tourism industry quickly. While this is a valid concern, I think the long-term benefits of sustainable tourism are more important.
In conclusion, I believe governments should promote sustainable tourism practices. This will help protect the environment, preserve local cultures, and create a stable tourism industry for the future. It’s important to find a balance between tourism and protecting what makes each place special.
(Word count: 318)
Band 5-6 Essay
Tourism is very important for many countries today. It brings money and jobs. But it can also cause problems for the environment and local people. I think governments should help make tourism better for everyone.
Governments can make rules to protect nature. For example, they can tell hotels to use less water and electricity. This helps save the environment. In some places, governments don’t let too many people visit at one time. This stops damage to beautiful places.
Local culture is also important. When too many tourists come, sometimes local people forget their old ways. Governments can help by teaching tourists about local culture. They can also help local people keep their traditions. This is good for both tourists and local people.
Sustainable tourism can be good for money too. If a place stays nice, more tourists will want to come in the future. This means more jobs for local people. Some countries are famous for being green and clean. This makes people want to visit them.
But some people think it’s hard to make tourism sustainable. It can be expensive and take a long time. Poor countries might find it difficult. But I think it’s still important to try.
In conclusion, I agree that governments should help make tourism better. It’s good for nature, local people, and the economy. We need to be careful about how we travel and visit new places.
(Word count: 228)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a sophisticated approach to the topic:
- Clear position: The writer strongly agrees with government promotion of sustainable tourism.
- Well-developed arguments: Each paragraph focuses on a distinct point (environmental protection, cultural preservation, economic benefits).
- Specific examples: The essay provides relevant examples from Costa Rica, Bhutan, and New Zealand.
- Cohesive structure: The essay flows logically from one point to the next, with clear topic sentences and transitions.
- Advanced vocabulary: The writer uses a range of sophisticated vocabulary accurately (e.g., “mitigate”, “adverse effects”, “cultural erosion”).
- Complex sentence structures: The essay includes a variety of sentence types, including complex sentences.
- Task response: All parts of the question are fully addressed with a well-developed response.
Band 6-7 Essay Analysis
This essay shows a good understanding of the topic and adequate writing skills:
- Clear position: The writer agrees with government promotion of sustainable tourism.
- Relevant main points: The essay covers environmental protection, cultural preservation, and economic benefits.
- Examples: Some examples are provided, though they are less detailed than in the Band 8-9 essay.
- Coherent structure: The essay has a clear structure with separate paragraphs for each main idea.
- Adequate vocabulary: The writer uses some topic-specific vocabulary correctly.
- Mix of sentence structures: There is a mix of simple and complex sentences.
- Task response: The main parts of the question are addressed, though with less depth than the higher band essay.
Band 5-6 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates a basic understanding of the topic and limited writing skills:
- Position stated: The writer agrees with government promotion of sustainable tourism.
- Basic arguments: The essay covers main points but with limited development.
- Few examples: Examples are general rather than specific.
- Simple structure: The essay has a basic structure but lacks sophisticated cohesive devices.
- Limited vocabulary: The writer uses mostly common words with some attempt at topic-specific vocabulary.
- Simple sentences: Most sentences are simple or compound, with few complex structures.
- Task response: The main idea is addressed, but the response lacks depth and detail.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Sustainable tourism (noun) – /səˈsteɪnəbl ˈtʊərɪzəm/ – Tourism that minimizes negative impacts on the environment and local communities
- Ecotourism (noun) – /ˈiːkəʊˌtʊərɪzəm/ – Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the welfare of local people
- Cultural erosion (noun) – /ˈkʌltʃərəl ɪˈrəʊʒn/ – The gradual loss or disappearance of cultural characteristics
- Biodiversity (noun) – /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ – The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat
- Preservation (noun) – /ˌprezəˈveɪʃn/ – The act of maintaining something in its original state
- Mitigate (verb) – /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – To make less severe or serious
- Incentive (noun) – /ɪnˈsentɪv/ – Something that motivates or encourages someone to do something
- Longevity (noun) – /lɒnˈdʒevəti/ – Long existence or service
- Authentic (adjective) – /ɔːˈθentɪk/ – Genuine or real, not false or imitation
- Viable (adjective) – /ˈvaɪəbl/ – Capable of working successfully; feasible
Sustainable Tourism Practices
Conclusion
Understanding how to approach IELTS Writing Task 2 questions about government promotion of sustainable tourism practices is crucial for achieving a high band score. By analyzing the sample essays and explanations provided, you can gain insights into the key elements that make a strong response to this type of question.
As you prepare for your IELTS exam, consider practicing with similar topics such as:
- The impact of mass tourism on local communities
- Balancing economic growth with environmental protection in the tourism industry
- The role of technology in promoting sustainable tourism
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is to practice regularly and analyze your own writing critically. Try writing your own essay on the topic discussed in this article and share it in the comments section below. This active practice will help you improve your writing skills and prepare you for success in your IELTS exam.
To further enhance your understanding of sustainable tourism and its impact, you may want to explore these related articles:
- The Impact of International Tourism on Local Cultures
- How to Promote Responsible Tourism in Developing Nations
- The Importance of Sustainable Tourism for the Environment
Good luck with your IELTS preparation!