Does International Tourism Have Negative Effects on Countries?

Throughout history travel has had effects on passengers and destinations. Nowadays, development of transport technology has allowed travel abroad to be farther and easier. This trend increases the impact of passengers on destination countries. Many individuals assert that international tourism has negative implications on their countries. The reason behind this claim and the approaches to change this attitude towards international tourism will be presented next.

It is declared that international tourists have negative influence on countries and no respect to the culture and resources of destination countries. For instance, if a passenger travels to a country, suffering from a water shortage; although that person uses water normally, this will be regarded as waste water. This scenario may happen with their culture. Such examples clearly illustrate how not paying attention to the culture and situation of a country may cause a negative attitude between people.

To change this attitude, travelers should study about the culture and situations of the destination country or have a local friend or a guide to notice these rules. For example, I went with a group of tourists to visit a historical masque(mosque?). While I was talking about the masque with some people, others went into the masque. I noticed that it was pray time and you should come back and wait until the prayer is finished. Utilization of these simple rules can easily turn the negative attitude into a phenomenon.

After offering some reasons and solutions for this negative opinion on international tourism, it is believed that paying attention to some simple rules cannot only eliminate this negative view but also international tourism can be a beneficial industry for people and the environment of destination countries.