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Travel With Your Eyes Open: Responsible Tourism- Part 1


Travel and tourism is no doubt an important industry in itself, but is also the lifeblood of many important states from different countries across the world. It has even become an important component of a country’s economy and is also one of the biggest industries in the world. In fact, if we look at the tourism within our country- India, it is known to have tremendous potential to promote faster, sustainable and even inclusive growth!  

Travel, within the country (domestic) or even international, has plenty of benefits as well as consequences on a country’s growth.  This may include economic, social and environmental benefits that tourism brings about. So, while many of us tend to focus more on the positives, the harsh consequences that tourism may leave upon countries are often neglected.

Some of the main benefits that tourism can bring into a local economy include various things, some being payment of goods and services required by tourists and increasing opportunities of employment in the service sector of the economy that is associated with tourism.

Environmental Consequences of Tourism!

Did you know that although tourism is known for the vast number of positive effects it has on the society it also poses a serious threat on a region’s natural as well as cultural environment? Probably not! Whether it refers to heritage sits, beaches, coral reefs or even water supplies; it is all being threatened through its overuse. Moreover through tourism there is a staggering amount of air pollution being caused through traffic emissions, increased sewage, littering and noise pollution! 

Social Consequences of Tourism

Although we may not want to consider this, there are several serious negative social effects that tourism can have on a place.  Some of these may include drugs and alcohol problems, increased crime levels, prostitution, crowding and congestion, infringement of human rights where locals can even be displaced from their land to make way for new homes or even barred from beaches! Even interaction with tourists form a local community could lead to a complete erosion of traditional values and cultures!

Economic Consequences of Tourism

Tourism is well known to be the lifeblood of the economic development of a country, but at the same time poses severe economic threats.  Besides the fact that tourism itself is responsible for seasonal and poorly paid jobs, tourism is often dependent on tax revenues from the Government.  This money is used for establishing a better infrastructure- such as better roads, hotels and visitor centres. However, this is not always the case. In addition to this, the money that is generated from tourism may not even benefit the local community, but instead go to international companies such as hotel chains, etc. Destinations, which are known to be tourist spots, may also be prone to natural disasters, economic recessions and events such as terrorism, which can blow the economy!   

So, with all these drawbacks that tourism brings about it is extremely important to be a responsible tourist while travelling.  “I am blogging for #ResponsibleTourism activity by Outlook Traveller in association with BlogAdda."  Read my next entry to know more about responsible tourism!






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