Write for an Academic Discussion

A professor has posted a question about a topic and students have responded with their thoughts and ideas. Make a contribution to the discussion.
You will have 10 minutes to write.

Your professor is teaching a class on social studies.

In your response, you should do the following.

• • Express and support your opinion.
• • Make a contribution to the discussion in your own words.

An effective response will contain at least 100 words.

Professor’s question:

Let's talk about the impact of international tourism on local communities. On one hand, tourism brings significant economic benefits, creating jobs and stimulating local businesses. This revenue can be used to improve infrastructure and public services. On the other hand, a large number of tourists can strain local resources, damage the environment, and sometimes commercialize or disrespect local culture. In your opinion, do the economic benefits of mass tourism outweigh its negative social and cultural impacts? Why or why not?

Student response 1:

I believe the economic benefits are more significant. For many communities, tourism is the main source of income, providing jobs that people desperately need. As a result, local residents can achieve a better standard of living. This economic stability is crucial and often helps fund the preservation of the very cultural sites that tourists come to see.

Student response 2:

I think the negative cultural impacts are more serious and often irreversible. When a place becomes a major tourist destination, its unique traditions can become simplified and sold as entertainment, losing their authentic meaning. For instance, sacred rituals might turn into performances for tourists, which ultimately damages the cultural identity of the community.