Essay On Poverty And Tourism

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Most people think of tourism as holiday-makers staying in a hotel or enjoying local facilities. But only a few knew that it is much more than that. Tourism encompasses the movement of people for things such as business, recreational, health, religious or for cultural purposes. As a matter of fact, a number of countries both developed and developing started to recognize the potential of tourism as a viable poverty reduction option especially for those developing countries.Tourism is an important economic activity in most countries around the world. Itbecame an important strategy for local development in many underdeveloped regions. It shows that tourism development has an important impact on economic, livelihoods and socio-cultural development. …show more content…

Poverty alleviation has become an importantstate for peace, environmental conservation, and sustainable development, besides being an ethical obligation in an affluent world, where the divide between poor and rich nations seems to have increased in recent years. (WTO, 2004)
Thus, the tourism industry has stretched from the seaside to mountain resorts and from small villages to big metropolises.The projections of high tourism growth in developing nations, where widespread poverty exists, has led to considerable interest in tourism as a tool for poverty alleviation. International development agencies are also turning to tourism as a way of alleviating poverty. This is sometimes termed ‘pro-poor tourism’.
Even though that tourism is considered by many communities, especially in developing countries an instrument for development and chance for increasing the quality of life, tourism at the same time started to show its uglier sides. Both the actions of investors and of tourists are having negative impacts on the socio-cultural values and environmental assets of host communities all over the world. Hence, this paper is devoted to present the impacts of tourism on society from three viewpoints:economic, environment, social and …show more content…

The socio-cultural impacts of tourism refers to the effects on host communities of direct and indirect relations with tourists, and of interaction with the tourism industry. Tourism improves the quality of life in an area by increasing the number of recreational opportunities, attractions, and services. Tourism offers the host residents’ opportunities to meet a variety of people, make acquaintances, learn about the world, and expose themselves to new viewpoints. By experiencing different cultural practices, it enhances experiences and increases insight and appreciation for diverse styles to

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