Has Tourism Increased or Decreased?

By Anna Duncan

In recent years, there has been a lot of debate surrounding the impact of tourism on society and the environment. While some argue that tourism has brought numerous benefits to local economies, others claim that it has had a negative impact on the environment and local communities. So the question remains, has tourism increased or decreased over the years?

The Growth of Tourism
It is no secret that tourism has grown significantly over the past few decades. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), international tourist arrivals reached 1.4 billion in 2018, two years earlier than anticipated. This marks a 6% increase from 2017 and is expected to continue growing in the coming years.

Positive Impact
Tourism has undoubtedly brought numerous benefits to local economies around the world. It creates jobs, generates revenue for local businesses, and can contribute significantly to a country’s GDP. In some cases, tourism can even help preserve cultural heritage sites by providing funding for their maintenance.

Negative Impact
However, tourism also brings with it a range of negative impacts on both the environment and local communities. Over-tourism in popular destinations can lead to overcrowding, increased pollution levels and can put a strain on natural resources such as water and energy.

Environmental Impact
Tourism activities such as transportation, accommodation, and recreation can also have a significant impact on natural habitats and wildlife. The construction of large hotels and resorts can lead to deforestation and habitat loss for animals while activities such as snorkeling or diving can damage coral reefs.

The Impact of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic brought global travel to a standstill in early 2020 with countries closing their borders in an effort to contain its spread. This had an unprecedented impact on the tourism industry worldwide.

Decrease in Tourism
According to the UNWTO, international tourist arrivals decreased by 72% in 2020, resulting in a loss of US$1.3 trillion in export revenue. This has had a devastating impact on local economies that are heavily reliant on tourism.

Positive Impact
However, the pandemic has also brought some positive impacts. With fewer tourists travelling, popular destinations have had the opportunity to recover from over-tourism and reduce their carbon footprint. In addition, there has been an increased focus on sustainable tourism practices and supporting local communities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while tourism has undoubtedly grown significantly over the past few decades, it brings with it both positive and negative impacts on society and the environment. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought global travel to a halt, resulting in a decrease in tourism worldwide. While this has had a devastating impact on local economies, it has also provided an opportunity for destinations to recover from over-tourism and focus on sustainable practices moving forward.

9 Related Question Answers Found

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Tourism has become a crucial part of many countries’ economies. Over the years, tourism has increased significantly, and there are various reasons behind this trend. In this article, we will explore how tourism has increased and what factors have contributed to its growth.

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Tourism has been a significant contributor to the global economy for decades. It is an industry that encompasses everything from transportation, accommodation, and attractions. The question on everyone’s mind is whether the tourism industry is growing or not.

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