Question

Venice is sinking. Each year, millions of tourists rush to see this unique city in Italy before it disappears in the sea. The travellers themselves are probably unaware that their combined weight is adding to the problem. Venice has suggested imposing a tax on all visitors, to help pay for restoration of the ancient buildings and public squares and to finance research into ways of preventing further sinking. As we begin the new century, there are 1.6 billion tourists roaming the world, and the impact of tourism can be devastating. Some say that tourism is ruining the planet. But how and to what extent should we impose restrictions on the tourists’ right to go wherever they wish? New groups of “green” tourists or “eco-tourists” are upset by the effects of mass tourism on coastal regions such as those of the Mediterranean. They suggest that only low-volume tourism should be allowed. They don’t want the world’s picturesque places to be destroyed by the hordes of people who go there to experience the natural beauty. It’s ironic that these same “green” tourists travel to some of the most sensitive spots on earth, where the environmental impact of even a few visitors can be severe. How many people can visit the Galapagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador without affecting the ecological balance? And how should we decide who is allowed to visit and who isn’t? Still other groups point out the damage to local communities, customs and crafts that results from the arrival of huge groups of tourists. Tourism is almost always portrayed as evil. But do local people always want to stay the way they are? Why should they not enjoy the economic benefits of tourism? In many places, it’s tourism that’s actually keeping alive or even reviving the local traditions and crafts, as well as the economy. So how the recent explosion of tourism should be managed? The travel industry – airlines, hotels, cruise companies – should work with local councils and government agencies to agree upon realistic standards for planning and development in tourist areas. More frequently, the tourist destinations themselves are beginning to realize that they don’t want to “kill the goose that laid the golden egg.” The Caribbean island of St. Lucia, for example, recently turned down a plan to build a cable car and restaurant on top of Pitons, the island’s twin volcanic peaks. It may become necessary for the United Nations to work out international agreements and strict environmental controls on the tourist industry. A lot of little steps can help to ensure that the earth’s unspoiled travel destinations remain unspoiled for future generations of tourists.

Answer 1

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