local tourism essay

Tourism Essay for Students and Children

500+ Words Essay on Tourism

Tourism Essay – Tourism is a major economic activity that has developed significantly over the years. It’s an activity that can be recognized in both developed and developing nations. In general terms, tourism is the movement of a person from one place to another to visit and mesmerize the beauty of that place or to have fun. Moreover, the concept of traveling is considered a luxury and only people with higher income can afford this luxury.

The Growth of Tourism

Earlier our ancestors used to travel by sea routes as it was a convenient and most affordable medium but it was time taking. Due to, technological advancement we can now easily travel to any place without wasting time we can travel thousands of miles within a few hours. Technological advancement has shrunk the earth into a global village. Besides, the modern modes are much safer than the modes that our predecessors used.

Effect of Tourism on a Country

For any country, tourism generates a lot of money especially a country like India. Due to the Taj Mahal (one of the seven wonders of the world) every year the government raise a huge sum of revenue. Also, because of tourism other industries also bloom. Such industries include transportation, wildlife, arts and entertainment, accommodation, etc.

Moreover, this ultimately leads to the creation of job and other opportunities in the area. But there are some drawbacks too which can affect the lifestyle and cultural value of the country.

Importance of Tourism

Traveling is a tiring and difficult thing and not everyone is able to travel. But at the same time, it’s a fun activity that takes your tiredness away. Travelling adds flavor to life as you travel to different places that have a different culture and lifestyle. Also, it’s an easy way to learn about the culture and tradition of a place. Besides, for many areas, tourism is their main source of income.

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India- A Tourist Attraction

The Taj Mahal is not the only destination in India that attract tourist. Likewise, there are hundreds of tourist destination that is spread over the Indian plateau. India has a large variety of Flora and Fauna. Besides, the equator divides the geographical land of India into almost two equal halves that make India a country where six seasons occurs.

Moreover, in almost every city of India, there is a historical monument made by the rulers in their time period.

Benefits of Tourism

Tourism not only benefits the government but also the people that live in the local area. It also creates a business as well as employment opportunities for the local people which ultimately help the government to earn income.

Benefits Due to Tourism

As we know that tourism contributes a lot to the revenue of the country. Also, the government uses this income for the growth and development of the country. Likewise, they construct dams, wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, Dharamshala and many more.

In conclusion, we can say that tourism is a very productive activity both for the tourist and the government. As they support each other simultaneously. Also, the government should consider improving the conditions of the country as more and more number of tourist visit their country.

Above all, tourism is one of the fastest-growing industry in the world that has changed the scenario of the world.

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Why Supporting Local Tourism is More Important Than Ever Before

I have been avoiding writing about this topic explicitly, but it would be insincere to not address the pandemic in the room. I believe that as a travel writer that I have a responsibility to share not only the best travel tips and destinations but to inform my readers about current policies, trends, or world events that influence travel.

Let me be very clear, I am not advocating for international travel at this time. If anything I am advocating for the exact opposite.

It is best practice to receive your information about the current travel policies of your locale via official sources. If where you live is not allowing any non-essential movement then do please respect these restrictions. Also, be mindful to comply with keeping distance between non-household members and wearing the necessary protective equipment.

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The Impact of COVID-19 on the Tourism Industry

It is no secret that the travel industry has been hit, and hit hard. I have seen friends and colleagues lose their businesses overnight. Many of my projects scheduled for this year are indefinitely postponed, and I lost my office space in the center of Ljubljana.

It isn’t just the small businesses that are suffering. Some of the biggest names in travel have been hit, too. Lonely Planet closed offices in Melbourne and London, Flybe went bankrupt in March, TripAdvisor laid off 25% of workers last week, and Airbnb laid off 25% of staff just this week and

According to the UNWTO (World Tourism Organization), 100% of destinations now have restrictions in place. Whether you realize it or not, that is significant. Tourism accounts for 10% of the global GDP . In the US, tourism generates $2.6 trillion in economic output and supports 15.8 million jobs. When faced with unemployment numbers over 30 million, you can’t help but assume half of those jobs also support tourism.

The UNWTO estimates that global international tourists’ arrivals will decrease 20-30% in 2020 for a potential loss of $30-50 billion (USD) . It is estimated that over 75 million jobs in tourism are at risk, the highest risk being in Asia. The numbers are not comforting. Jobs continue to be lost, travel remains to be suspended, and trips left untraveled.

Forecasting the Future of Travel

With grim data being broadcasted every day there are spaces where some of us are having discussions about the future of travel. There are discussions about what travel will look like in the immediate future through to a post-COVID-19 world.

Some experts are claiming that at the beginning people will choose road trips over plane travel. I can tell you that I have no plans to jump on a plane or train at the moment. When we begin to use these modes of transportation again there will be a shift to using disinfectants, limiting the number of passengers, or even be required to wear a mask.

Active and adventure-style travel will probably play a major role in the coming months as most activities are outside in nature. But on the other hand, doing activities like canyoning or wall climbing or anything that requires shared or rented equipment will need protocols for disinfecting and minimizing the risk of spreading diseases.

There are also discussions about intentional and sustainable travel . It makes sense because these conversations had already begun prior, but you see a global shift and desire for more immersive and meaningful experiences . People want their money to go to the right place and their time to be spent well.

In the meantime, some of us in the industry are attempting to adapt. You might have noticed a few hashtags popping up across social media such as # TravelTomorrow or # ThankstoTravel . As tourism boards are encouraging travelers “Don’t cancel, postpone!” or “Visit Later” in an attempt to encourage those travelers to keep their planned trips, just postponed to a safer date . I think this is a great option if you have the possibility. Some airlines and hotels are accommodating the situation, while others have not .

Travel bloggers are attempting to salvage their views shifting content from itineraries to virtual tourism . Some companies are offering virtual degustations or even at-home virtual travel experiences .

The truth? We have no idea what will happen.

Everything is speculation .

Before this pandemic, the travel industry was concerned with over-tourism . The industry was ready for a shift and it needed it. Travel was quickly becoming very unsustainable as dirt-cheap flights could transport you across Europe for a few days. Cities like Venice and Barcelona were becoming unlivable for locals. In Slovenia, some days locals in Bled were asked not to drive because there were too many tourists.

Read | How To Travel More Sustainably?

We know that travel is forever changed.

Now we are presented with a moment to do things better.

Is Local Tourism the Answer?

That depends on who you ask. Some countries completely rely on foreign visitors to sustain their livelihoods. In the Maldives, tourism accounts for 28% of their GDP, in Slovenia, it is around 10%, but in the US it is only around 2.4%. That is a huge difference between countries.

If we might not be able to travel internationally until 2021 or later then what is the solution?

Travel local. Support local tourism so that they will be there when the flights take off again. These are the people who will (for some) represent your home and culture. Supporting local travel – wherever you go – is sustainable travel . If you are passionate about locations abroad check to see if you can buy any products, food, or gift vouchers to continue to support those businesses.

So maybe I should be shouting “Support Local!” rather than “Travel Local!” but I feel like travel gets left out of the former’s rhetoric. It is hard to imagine local travel but I want to reiterate that I am referring to either traveling locally or supporting local businesses while you travel.

Supporting local businesses helps with something called leakage . This refers to the revenue that is lost once it goes to a foreign-owned business. This can be a hotel, restaurant, or even a tour company. If the company is foreign-based that directly influences where the revenue and taxes of that company go.

In some places, this is a very serious issue that is negatively affecting local populations who are being used to support these businesses. I have good news though! There is something amazing that happens when you decide to support local businesses.

The Local Multiplier Effect

There is this concept in economics called the local multiplier effect. It refers to the additional economic benefits when money is spent locally . It has been documented that a higher percentage of that money will be recirculated in the community. This can be directly through hiring local employees or purchasing local equipment or indirectly if that money is spent at another local business. The third way that the money is recirculated is via employees when they spend their money locally.

A study compared chain stores versus independent ones and the results were shocking. A chain store will recirculate, on average, only 13.6% of revenue while the independent locally-owned stores average 48%.

Independent retailers are returning three times as much to the community compared to chain stores .

Aside from more money circulating locally, other studies show that local businesses contribute to greater income growth, more jobs , fewer inequalities , and less strain on public subsidies that large corporations often benefit from.

And it is not just an economic return that should be the goal of supporting local. A very important benefit is the deep connection that a locally-owned business will have with the local community. Research shows that a business can influence the well being of a community, contribute to the social capital, and increase population health (Blanchard et al 2011).

There is evidence that the local population is more likely to be civically involved and vote when their community is predominantly locally-owned small businesses.

Supporting locally-owned businesses improves the entire community’s wellbeing. If you take a look at the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for tourism you will notice that supporting local improves almost every goal on the list.

Tourism is a powerful tool for bringing people out of poverty and environmental conservation. Across the world, it is documented that tourism is bringing jobs, especially to rural areas, minorities, and women. It raises awareness for environmental and animal issues and fosters tolerance and understanding between different cultures.

How to Be a Tourist at Home

Being a tourist at home does not have to be dull or boring. I guarantee for most people there is at least one if not more activities that you never experienced in your area.

Last fall I visited my hometown and since I haven’t lived there in well over 10 years I didn’t exactly know a lot of people. Left to entertain myself, I went to Google and literally typed “things to do in Scranton” and “sightseeing in Scranton” just like when I visit a new place. I sat there in my hotel room in shock as I never did any of these things.

The next day I set off to Scranton to visit the Electric Trolly Museum and the Steamtown Historical Site. I even rode on an original electric trolly from 93 years ago on a route that ceased operation in 1954.

I had a great time there and learned about myself, my culture, and my ancestors. I was sharing my experiences via Instagram stories and was shocked at the number of people in the area who never even knew the museum was there!

Here is my call to action. Once it is safe to do so, plan one local outing being a tourist in your town. Just try it once. If you don’t know where to start about how to find local things to do or see, message me and I will personally give you a few ideas or direct you to someone who can.

Read | 8 Reasons Why You Should Travel Locally & Ideas for Your Next Adventure

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Try a local restaurant that makes traditional food
Try a local restaurant that makes a cuisine you never tried
Visit a different cafe than your usual
Browse local hashtags and location tags on Instagram
Follow travel bloggers focusing on your town, region, or country
Volunteer with a local organization
Take a local walking tour
Take a tour through a local food producer
Visit a local museum
Visit a local artisan (glass blowing, lacemaking, ceramics)
Visit your local historical society
Plan a themed road trip (see local highlights, find the best donut, only places starting with S, etc)
Buy a travel guide to your region/state/country and do activities from it
Spend a weekend in a local hotel (romantic, girls weekend, etc)

Satisfy your wanderlust by exploring your region. You might be surprised at what you find. Shifting your mindset to recognize the importance and value of supporting local at home and abroad will help support a more sustainable world for everyone.

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Thank you for reading!

Thank you as always for taking a moment to read Wandering Helene. Traveling and supporting local is a topic I am very passionate about and a philosophy that guides my adventures. I would love to hear your thought on the topic below and do please feel free to reach out if you need any advice to get started. -Helene

ADDITIONAL SOURCES:

These are sources that were not able to be linked above but were read in preparation for this article.

Blanchard, Troy C., Charles Tolbert, and Carson Mencken, Cambridge Journal of Regions, Economy, and Society. ( 2011).

Blanchard, Troy C., and Todd L. Matthews. The Configuration of Local Economic Power and Civic Participation in the Global Economy. Social Forces . (2006).

Blanchard, Troy C., Charles Tolbert, and Carson Mencken. The health and wealth of US counties: how the small business environment impacts alternative measures of development. Cambridge Journal of Regions, Economy, and Society . (2012).

Patel, Maine Amar and Garret Martin. Going Local Quantifying the Economic Impacts of Buying from Locally Owned Businesses in Portland, Maine. Maine Center for Economic Policy . (2011).

2 thoughts on “Why Supporting Local Tourism is More Important Than Ever Before”

Having everything shut down due to pandemic situation, I started exploring the unexplored sides near my hometown. To my surprise, I realized I had been missing gems in the glare of commercial tourism that I had been doing so far. Traveling local supports the local people and community.

The global tourism industry has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. There has been a significant drop in tourism activities as a result of travel restrictions, border closures, and virus fear. Travel agencies, lodging facilities, airlines, and other associated companies have suffered significant financial setbacks. Millions of jobs have been lost, particularly in nations where tourism is a major industry. Particularly hard hit are destinations that depend largely on foreign tourists. But innovation has also been spurred by the crisis; virtual tours and eco-friendly travel are becoming more popular. There is hope for recovery as long as vaccination campaigns continue, but the long-term effects are still unknown.

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How Does Tourism Benefit Local Communities?

Tourism is a thriving industry that not only brings in visitors from around the world but also has significant positive impacts on local communities. While the economic benefits of tourism are well-known, its contributions to social, cultural, and environmental aspects are often overlooked. This article will explore how tourism can catalyze sustainable development and create a range of advantages for local communities.

Economic Growth and Job Creation: One of the most apparent benefits of tourism is its role in generating economic growth and employment opportunities. Tourists visit a destination and spend money on accommodation, transportation, food, shopping, and various services. This expenditure stimulates the local economy, increasing business activities and new jobs. Hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and local artisans are among the many businesses that directly benefit from the influx of tourists.

Preservation of Cultural Heritage: Tourism plays a significant role in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of local communities. Visitors are often eager to explore a destination's unique traditions, customs, and historical sites. This creates a demand for cultural experiences, encouraging locals to preserve their traditions and showcase their heritage. By valuing their cultural assets, communities are motivated to protect historical landmarks, monuments, festivals, and traditional craftsmanship, which might have been neglected or forgotten.

Community Development and Infrastructure Improvement: Tourism can lead to the development of community infrastructure and public services. The revenue generated from tourism can be reinvested in improving transportation networks, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and public spaces. This benefits tourists and enhances the quality of life for local residents. Additionally, the need to provide a positive visitor experience can encourage communities to invest in better facilities, amenities, and attractions, which ultimately benefit both tourists and locals alike.

Encouragement of Small Businesses and Entrepreneurship: The tourism industry allows small businesses and local entrepreneurs to thrive. Locals can establish their guesthouses, homestays, restaurants, tour companies, souvenir shops, and other tourism-related enterprises. This fosters entrepreneurship and empowers individuals within the community, promoting self-sufficiency and economic diversification. The growth of small businesses contributes to a more balanced and sustainable local economy, reducing dependency on a single industry.

Cultural Exchanges and Social Understanding: Tourism acts as a bridge for cultural exchange, fostering greater understanding and appreciation between visitors and locals. When tourists engage with the community, they gain insights into the local way of life, traditions, and customs. Similarly, locals can learn about different cultures, perspectives, and values. These interactions promote mutual respect and tolerance, breaking down stereotypes and fostering a sense of global citizenship.

Environmental Conservation and Sustainable Practices: Tourism can also drive environmental conservation and sustainable practices. Destinations with natural attractions often rely on preserving their environment to attract tourists. This incentivizes local communities to protect and conserve their natural resources, such as forests, wildlife, and marine ecosystems. Sustainable tourism practices, including responsible waste management, energy conservation, and eco-friendly initiatives, can benefit the environment and the community's long-term well-being.

RELATED: Train Your Tourism Ambassadors

Conclusion: Tourism brings many benefits to local communities beyond economic gains. It contributes to cultural preservation, infrastructure development, entrepreneurship, social understanding, and environmental conservation. By embracing sustainable tourism practices and involving local communities in decision-making processes, we can ensure that the positive impacts of tourism are maximized while minimizing its potential negative consequences. As travelers, we have the power to support and promote tourism that benefits local communities, ultimately creating a more inclusive and sustainable world.

Related articles, the best time to launch your tourism ambassador training, the tourism academy's role in preserving local culture and natural habitats: empowering dmos, leveraging online learning to build a sustainable tourism economy: a case study of rwenzori tourism academy in uganda, bordering a unesco site.

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Essay on Tourism

Updated on
Feb 7, 2024

Essay writing holds importance in various competitive exams like IELTS , TOEFL , UPSC or in general as part of your school curriculum. Being prepared for essay writing is crucial as it tests your command over English, grammar, your clarity of thoughts and how to present them in a meaningful way. Tourism and travel is one such frequently asked topic for which you should be prepared. This blog explores a few essay on tourism samples which will assist in writing on the topic of tourism.

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What is tourism, benefits of tourism, samples for essay on tourism, essay for 250 words, sample essay on tourism for 300 words, sample essay on tourism for 800 words.

Tourism, literally speaking, is the act of travelling to a place for your pleasure or business. The tourism industry is one the biggest industries in the world and is a major source of foreign exchange for any country. Tourism helps to develop a country through the generation of jobs, creation of attractions, restaurants, entertainment, better services in a community, diversification of the economy and cross-cultural diversity. However, recently the tourism industry has been greatly affected due to the pandemic. With the world being shut down, travel was completely restricted and even with everything slowly going back to normal, people are hesitant to travel. Still, the tourism industry remains important for the national economy and would bounce back.

Plenty of employment is generated by the tourism industry and so it alleviates poverty and sustains development. Local handicrafts and cultural activities are all benefitted by tourism. It plays a significant role in promoting international understanding as well as national integrity. One more loftier goal of tourism is to provide a sense of relief and relaxation to people when they feel tired and exhausted from the same monotonous work routine. For many people, it is a way of escape. May be sometimes, all they need is a weekend getaway. A lot of sectors such as aviation, transport, handicraft and horticulture are also benefitted from tourism. It contributes significantly to the GDP of a country as well as to its economic development. Through tourism, the culture and heritage of a country get promoted in foreign as well.

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