Bring out the socio-economic importance of tourism.
Answers
Economic Benefits
Helps diversify and stabilize the local economy.
Provides governments with extra tax revenues
each year through accommodation and restaurant taxes, airport taxes, sales taxes,
park entrance fees, employee income tax etc..
Creates local jobs and business opportunities. These include those jobs directly related to tourism (hotel and tour services) and those that indirectly support tourism (such as food production and housing construction).
The multiplier effect:
Brings new money into the economy. Tourist money is returned to the local economy as it is spent over and over again.
Helps attract additional businesses and services to support the tourist industry.
Tourist multiplier effect
Is labour-intensive.
Earns valuable foreign exchange.
Social Benefits
Brings in outside dollars to support community facilities and services that otherwise might not be developed.
Encourages civic involvement and pride.
Provides cultural exchange between hosts and guests.
Encourages the preservation and celebration of local festivals and cultural events.
Facilities and infrastructure developed for tourism can also benefit residents.
Encourages the learning of new languages and skills.
Tourism related funds have contributed towards schools being built in some areas