Sustainable tourism practices for developing countries is a popular topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. This subject has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being a relevant theme in future tests. Its importance stems from the growing global focus on sustainable development and the significant role tourism plays in many developing economies. Let’s explore this topic through sample essays and in-depth analysis.

Analyzing the Essay Question

Some people believe that developing countries should focus on sustainable tourism practices to boost their economies. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?

This question asks for your opinion on whether developing countries should prioritize sustainable tourism as an economic strategy. It’s crucial to:

1. Clearly state your position
2. Provide reasons and examples to support your view
3. Consider potential counterarguments
4. Conclude with a summary of your stance

Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores.

Sample Essay 1: Band 8-9

Tourism has become a vital economic sector for many developing nations, but concerns about its environmental and social impacts have led to calls for more sustainable practices. I strongly agree that developing countries should prioritize sustainable tourism to enhance their economies, as this approach offers long-term benefits and addresses crucial challenges.

Firstly, sustainable tourism practices can help preserve the natural and cultural assets that attract visitors in the first place. Many developing countries boast unique ecosystems and rich cultural heritage, which are often their primary tourism draw. By implementing eco-friendly policies and promoting responsible tourism, these nations can protect their attractions for future generations while continuing to benefit economically. For instance, Costa Rica has successfully positioned itself as an ecotourism destination, preserving its rainforests and wildlife while attracting millions of environmentally conscious tourists annually.

Secondly, sustainable tourism can lead to more equitable economic growth. Traditional mass tourism often results in economic leakage, where a significant portion of tourism revenue leaves the host country. In contrast, sustainable tourism models often prioritize local ownership, community involvement, and the use of local products and services. This approach ensures that a larger share of tourism income remains within the local economy, benefiting a wider segment of the population. The community-based tourism initiatives in Thailand’s rural areas exemplify this, where villages directly manage and profit from tourism activities.

However, some argue that focusing on sustainable tourism might limit short-term economic gains and deter large-scale investments. While this concern is valid, the long-term benefits of sustainable practices far outweigh any immediate drawbacks. Sustainable tourism not only ensures the longevity of the tourism industry but also enhances a country’s reputation, potentially attracting more discerning and higher-spending tourists.

In conclusion, developing countries should indeed prioritize sustainable tourism practices to boost their economies. This approach offers a more resilient, equitable, and long-lasting economic model that preserves natural and cultural resources while providing substantial benefits to local communities. By embracing sustainability, these nations can build a thriving tourism sector that contributes positively to their overall development.

(Word count: 329)

Essay Analysis

This essay would likely score in the Band 8-9 range due to its:

1. Clear position and consistent focus on the question
2. Logical structure with well-developed ideas
3. Relevant examples (Costa Rica, Thailand)
4. Consideration of counterarguments
5. Sophisticated vocabulary and sentence structures
6. Effective use of cohesive devices
7. Error-free grammar

Sustainable tourism practices in action

Sample Essay 2: Band 6-7

In recent years, there has been a growing debate about whether developing countries should focus on sustainable tourism to improve their economies. I believe that this approach has both advantages and disadvantages, but overall, it can be beneficial if implemented correctly.

One of the main benefits of sustainable tourism is that it can help protect the environment. Many developing countries have beautiful natural landscapes that attract tourists, but traditional tourism can damage these areas. By using sustainable practices, such as limiting visitor numbers or promoting eco-friendly activities, countries can preserve their natural attractions for future generations. For example, in Bhutan, the government has a policy of “high value, low impact” tourism, which helps protect its unique culture and environment.

Another advantage is that sustainable tourism can create more jobs for local people. Instead of big international hotel chains, sustainable tourism often involves small, locally-owned businesses. This means more money stays in the local economy and benefits the community. In some places, like certain villages in Indonesia, local people run homestays and guided tours, which gives them a direct income from tourism.

However, there are also some challenges to implementing sustainable tourism. It can be more expensive to set up and maintain eco-friendly facilities, which might be difficult for developing countries with limited resources. Also, some tourists might prefer more luxurious or convenient options, which could reduce the number of visitors.

In conclusion, while there are some difficulties, I believe that focusing on sustainable tourism can be a good strategy for developing countries to boost their economies. It offers a way to balance economic growth with environmental and cultural preservation, which is important for long-term success.

(Word count: 276)

Essay Analysis

This essay would likely score in the Band 6-7 range due to:

1. Clear position with some development of ideas
2. Logical structure, though paragraphs could be more fully developed
3. Relevant examples, but less specific than the Band 8-9 essay
4. Some consideration of different perspectives
5. Good vocabulary with some attempts at more sophisticated expressions
6. Generally good grammar with a few minor errors
7. Basic cohesive devices used effectively

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Sustainable tourism (noun) – /səˈsteɪnəbl ˈtʊərɪzəm/ – Tourism that respects both local people and the traveler, cultural heritage and the environment
2. Eco-friendly (adjective) – /ˌiːkəʊ ˈfrendli/ – Not harmful to the environment
3. Economic leakage (noun) – /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ˈliːkɪdʒ/ – The process whereby part of the foreign exchange earnings generated by tourism leaks out of the destination country
4. Community-based tourism (noun) – /kəˈmjuːnəti beɪst ˈtʊərɪzəm/ – A form of tourism where local residents invite tourists to visit their communities
5. Equitable (adjective) – /ˈekwɪtəbl/ – Fair and impartial
6. Resilient (adjective) – /rɪˈzɪliənt/ – Able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions
7. Discerning (adjective) – /dɪˈsɜːnɪŋ/ – Having or showing good judgment
8. Longevity (noun) – /lɒnˈdʒevəti/ – Long existence or service

Conclusion

Sustainable tourism practices for developing countries is a complex and nuanced topic that requires careful consideration of economic, environmental, and social factors. As you prepare for your IELTS Writing Task 2, practice writing essays on this theme, considering different perspectives and using specific examples to support your arguments.

To further improve your skills, try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active practice will help you refine your writing and get valuable feedback. Remember to:

1. Clearly state your position
2. Provide well-developed reasons and examples
3. Use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures
4. Organize your ideas logically
5. Proofread for errors

Good luck with your IELTS preparation!

For more insights on related topics, you might find these articles helpful:

• How to Promote Responsible Tourism
• The Impact of International Tourism on Local Cultures
• How to Address the Environmental Impact of Tourism