Pros And Cons Of Tourism Development

The travel industry has grown over the years and the number of travelers increases year after year. This boom in tourism has provided new jobs and promoted financial success in nations over the world. The income produced can make up a huge percentage of private, local, and national incomes, through the consumption of goods and services by tourists. However, tourism is not an advantage on its own, but it brings along some significant disadvantages.

The main pros are that this boom in tourism has given new jobs and expanded financial success in nations over the world. The tourism industry increases employment rate and, consequently, people’s financial gain. Specifically, business directly offers employment opportunities in the accommodation sector, in travel agencies and tour operators, but, in addition, it provides indirect employment as well. Indirect employment refers to occupations that do not lie under the tourism category, but are necessary for it to function. Therefore, this includes for example, food suppliers to hotels, electricians, taxi drivers, all of whom see an increase in employment opportunities as a result of the tourism increase. Moreover, tourism development helps to improve living standards for native residents. To accommodate the tourist boom, the government and private businesses invest on better infrastructure, new or better roads, more frequent flights or ferry connections. More markets open up, offering a greater variety of products. All these changes benefit the natives who can enjoy the developments all year round.

Despite its positive impact, tourism also brings along some disadvantages. First of all, xenomania is a common phenomenon for local communities. The natives, especially the younger ones, imitate the way of life and habits of tourists and end up underestimating their cultural heritage. Secondly, tourists sometimes lack respect for the local culture and environment. This can have devastating consequences, for example extensive pollution of the environment. Also, disrespect for certain customs can make the locals feel insulted and develop feelings of bitterness towards the tourists. Additionally, some local people are driven solely by material gain and they exploit tourists, they see tourists as a source of income and excessively raise prices to get as much money as possible. At the same time, people who see tourism as a means of exploitation tend to abandon activities that were perhaps more meaningful to them for the sake of easy profit. Finally, for the sake of tourism development, active intervention in the natural environment is often observed, as the necessary infrastructure is created at the expense of the natural environment. This is perceptible particularly in coastal areas, where hotel businesses and other facilities focus their investments.

Tourism today is a major source of revenue, as a significant proportion of our fellow countrymen are involved, directly or indirectly, with the hospitality and touring of tourists. However, the state must control and assist in major problems of the Greek tourism industry that are constantly appearing, such as environmental damage.

In conclusion, tourism can be a factor of progress and development for society, but at the same time it also poses increased risks if tourism development is not planned properly. The responsibility is not only with the state, but also with each of us personally.