The Benefits and Negative Impacts of International Tourism

Tourism is considered to be one of the major economic drivers contributing to 9. 5% of the Gross Domestic Product globally and contributing to 8. 9% of jobs in 2013 (Aynalem et al, 1). In developing countries tourism is considered to be one of the main sources of foreign income if not the main one which results into the growth of the economy and reduction of poverty in these areas. Despite the fact that tourism is a major driver of economic growth amongst other advantages, the negative aspects of the same cannot be ignored. By doing this, the local community also benefits from such facilities. The improvement of communication in such areas also makes it possible for other industries to be established in the area which improves people's standards of living through employment opportunities from such improvements.

The tourism industry has the capability of stimulating growth in various sectors such as construction, manufacturing, transport amongst others. The effect of demand on various products such as soap, towels and furniture by tourists or establishments that host tourists boosts the economy through supporting sectors such as energy, water and even mining hence resulting into economic growth (UNCTAD secretariat, 10). It ensures that a country diversifies its sources of income so as that they do not rely more on one industry which could be detrimental in case it fails. Some species such as the white rhino are some of the endangered species in Africa but are protected in game parks and game reserves under very tight security (Cheteni, 63). Governments ensure that they come up with policies protecting wildlife and hefty penalties are given to those who destroy wildlife.

Tourism also encourages the beautification of the country which prevents practices such as deforestation and encourages activities like land reclamation. Tourists from other countries bring in new and innovative ideas of doing things to the local community. Innovation is important as it ensures growth and enables an economy to be at a competitive advantage. Tourism is often associated with the increased crime rate in the host destinations. Regarding the correlation between crime rate and tourism, there are two general points of view which are widely accepted. The first one concludes that there is a direct relationship between the two while the second states that crime is linked to the type of tourists who visit the host country (Bras, 1). Various crimes that could affect travelers can be categorized into planned an opportunistic crimes.

Tourists are main targets of crime since they carry a lot of money and other valuables in public and they are often vulnerable in unfamiliar places giving out obvious signs that they are not from the area by constantly taking photos, using maps amongst other clues they give to criminals. Air travel spreads emerging and established diseases through large droplets and through close contact with infected people. Moreover, vectors of diseases like rats and mosquitoes infected with diseases can be transported through aircraft. Some of these viruses are transferred from host countries to the country of residence which could bring about devastating impacts on tourism. For instance, the chikungunya virus was first located in Africa, Kenya to be specific and was transferred to Madagascar, Comoros, Mauritius among other places (Baker, 6).

Commercialization for culture usually undermines the soul of a destination for tourists. The result of this is increased crime rate to enable the local people to live such a lavish lifestyle and stereotyping which may make the local people assume the various behavior of tourists portrayed in their countries. In conclusion, employment opportunities are created through tourism for many people who could be jobless. These opportunities include guides, drivers and waitresses which ensure that they earn regular wages. It brings about the growth of the economy. Airports, roads and resorts which are built to ensure accessibility of various areas by tourists are also used by local communities. Works Cited Aynalem S, Kassegn B and Sewent. Employment Opportunities and Challenges in Tourism and Hospitality Sectors.