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1. Introduction
a. Tourism, accounting for over 10% of the worlds GDP, is an activity of global
importance, predicted to double in size every ten years.
b. Thus, tourism play a significant role in many countries economic and social
development.
c. Tourism is enjoyed chiefly by the populace of developed countries, people who
can afford to travel; who have enough leisure time and motivation to see the
world.
d. Tourism is a booming business. The industry offers a great variety of facilities
and services, which range from package tours to more unusual kind, for
example:
i. snowbirds go south in the winter
ii. bird watchers (or twitchers) specialize in watching birds
iii. business tourists take time to enjoy far-away places while on a business
trip.
2. Benefits of Tourism
a. Tourism has significant positive impact on a countrys economy and culture.
b. Tourism, as a major source of foreign exchange earnings, bring in government
revenues. Industries and private individuals engaged in tourism also make
considerable profits.
c. Tourism creates employment, especially in the service sector, and improves job
and earning prospects.
d. Tourism stimulates investment. Upgraded infrastructure and new facilities
bring higher living standards to citizens living in areas favoured by
holidaymakers.
e. Tourism keeps alive and revives local traditions and crafts, generates pride in
local culture, helps protect local heritage and strengthens communities.
3. Negative Aspects of Tourism
a. Environmental effects
i. In tourist facilities water and energy are overused.
ii. Air pollution caused by air, road or rail transport is closely linked to acid
rain and global warming.
iii. Waste generated by tourism and improper waste disposal seriously
degrades the environment. Sewage pollution threatens human health and
our planets flora and fauna.
iv. The development of tourist facilities leads to the degradation of
ecosystems. Many activities pursued by tourists also damage the
environment; may destroy wildlife habitats, affect rainforests, coral
reefs, alpine or costal regions.
b. Socio-cultural impact
i. Forcing local culture to cater for tourist demands, tourism may gradually
erode a communitys identity and heritage.
ii. Tourism does not always promote mutual understanding. It sometimes
brings about cultural clashes, especially if foreigners look down on the