IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages of Tourism Essay – Master Your Writing Today!

Essay writing is an important part of the IELTS Writing Test Task 2. The IDP IELTS includes essay questions based on five major types: Opinion Essays, Discussion Essays, Advantages and Disadvantages Essays, Problem and Solution Essays, and Double-Question Essays. The “Advantages and Disadvantages of Tourism Essay” is a popular topic under the Advantages and Disadvantages IELTS Writing Essays.

In this essay, candidates need to describe some popular benefits and drawbacks of tourism. The essay should start with a proper introduction presenting both ideas equally. The body should include minimum two paragraphs describing several benefits and cons of tourism. In conclusion, summarise the main points and provide a personal perspective about the topic.

This article includes an ideal outline of the “IELTS Essay on Tourism: Benefits and Drawbacks”. Candidates can check the sample writings to develop an understanding of how to write an essay to boost their overall IELTS band score. 

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IELTS Essay on Tourism: Benefits and Drawbacks Outline

The IELTS Writing Task 2 essays are generally of five main types: 

• Opinion Essays
• Discussion Essays
• Advantages and Disadvantages Essays
• Problem and Solution Essays
• Double-Question Essays

The “IELTS Essay on Tourism: Benefits and Drawbacks” is an advantages and disadvantages essay that asks candidates to explore both the pros and cons of tourism with a balanced approach. Therefore, the essay should follow a definite structure to fulfil the IELTS scoring criteria. The ideal outline for “Advantages and Disadvantages of Tourism Essay” is given below: 

• Introduction
  • Include a general statement
  • Paraphrase the given prompt to start writing 
  • Include a hint of discussing both the positive and negative sides of the essay
• Body Paragraph 1: Benefits of Tourism
  • Include the benefits of tourism with proper examples and explanations. 
• Body Paragraph 2: Drawbacks of Tourism
  • Includes points like environmental degradation, cultural erosion, and overcrowding, etc, to present various negative impacts of tourism.
• Conclusion
  • Summarise the main points presented in the above sections and give a final opinion. 

Also Read: IELTS Essay Writing Samples for Band 7, 8, and 9

Advantages and Disadvantages of Tourism Essay Sample 1

Topic: Tourism is growing rapidly in many parts of the world. What are the advantages and disadvantages of tourism for the local people?

Answer:

Tourism has become one of the biggest industries worldwide. Most countries all over the world promote tourism to boost their economy. While tourism is beneficial for the country due to increased revenue, job creation, and cultural exchange. However, it can negatively impact the residents, national treasures, and degrade the environment. Here, we will explore some advantages and drawbacks of tourism in the world. 

Tourism has numerous advantages for the overall growth and development of the country and city. Tourism can bring international currency to the country. People spend money on hotels, food, shopping, and entertainment, which can increase employment opportunities and improve revenue. This also improves the local economy of the place and encourages governments to improve infrastructure. 

On the other hand, tourism has several setbacks for the country and its people. Too many tourists in one place can lead to overcrowding and pollution. Local people might find it difficult to enjoy their own cities because everything becomes more expensive or crowded. Also, tourism sometimes damages local culture. When too much focus is put on entertaining visitors, local traditions may get ignored or modified for commercial reasons. 

Tourism can bring positive change if handled responsibly. Governments and local people should work together to keep tourism eco-friendly and culturally respectful. With proper planning, the advantages of tourism can be enjoyed without letting the disadvantages grow too much. 

Also Read: 6 Different Types of Essays in IELTS Writing Task 2

IELTS Essay on Tourism: Benefits and Drawbacks Sample 2

Topic: Tourism brings both benefits and problems. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of tourism and suggest how to make it more sustainable.

Answer:

Tourism plays a major role in connecting people and boosting the economy. With better travel options and social media influence, more people are travelling than ever before. While tourism creates many benefits, such as income and jobs, it also causes problems like overcrowding and environmental damage. In this essay, I will talk about the pros and cons of tourism and suggest how it can be made more sustainable.

One obvious benefit of tourism is the economic growth it brings. Popular tourist places see a rise in income as travellers spend money on hotels, local food, transport, and souvenirs. This money helps families, small business owners, and even local artists. In many developing countries, tourism is one of the few industries where even people without higher education can earn a decent living. It also allows cultural exchange — visitors learn about local traditions, and residents get to interact with people from different parts of the world.

However, the disadvantages are also quite serious. Famous destinations often suffer from over-tourism, which puts pressure on natural resources and local services. Places like beaches or mountain regions can face littering, noise pollution, and even damage to wildlife. Also, tourism sometimes creates inequality. The income may not be shared fairly, and big companies earn most of the profits instead of the local community.

To reduce these issues, tourism needs to be more sustainable. Governments should set limits on the number of visitors in sensitive areas. Promoting eco-tourism and involving local people in tourism planning can also help. Tourists, too, should be responsible by respecting nature and local customs.

In conclusion, tourism can be both a blessing and a burden. With careful management and awareness, we can enjoy its benefits while keeping the negative effects under control.

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Common Vocabulary for Advantages and Disadvantages of Tourism Essay

Here is the common IELTS vocabulary for the Advantages and Disadvantages of Tourism Essay in the IELTS exam:

Category	Vocabulary / Phrase	Meaning / Usage Example
Advantages of Tourism	Economic boost	Tourism gives a financial lift to local businesses and services.
	Revenue generation	Governments earn money through tourism-related taxes and services.
	Employment opportunities	Creates jobs in hotels, travel agencies, and tour operations.
	Cultural exchange	Encourages interaction and understanding between different cultures.
	Infrastructure development	Leads to better roads, airports, and public facilities.
	Foreign investment	Attracts international businesses to invest in tourism-related sectors.
	Global exposure	Helps promote local brands and destinations internationally.
	Diversified economy	Reduces reliance on one sector by adding tourism as a source of income.
Disadvantages of Tourism	Overcrowding	Tourist spots become too crowded, affecting residents’ lives.
	Environmental degradation	Natural resources and beauty get damaged due to overuse.
	Cultural erosion	Traditional values and customs may decline.
	Rising cost of living	Prices of everyday goods and housing may rise in tourist areas.
	Exploitation of resources	Excessive tourism uses up water, land, and other local resources.
	Displacement of locals	Locals may be forced to move to make way for hotels and attractions.
	Seasonal employment	Many tourism jobs are temporary and not secure.
	Commercialisation	Unique cultural elements may be changed to appeal to tourists.
Linking Phrases	On the one hand...	Used to introduce one side of an argument.
	On the other hand...	Used to introduce the opposite viewpoint.
	While it is true that...	Helps present a balanced view in an essay.
	Despite the advantages...	Shows contrast between the pros and cons.
	This trend, although positive...	A phrase for nuanced argument and analysis.

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IELTS Essay on Tourism Sample Questions

Here are some common questions frequently asked in the IELTS Writing Task 2 essay section: 

• Some people believe that tourism has more advantages than disadvantages. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• International tourism brings economic prosperity but causes environmental damage. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
• Many developing countries are promoting tourism as a way to grow economically. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this approach?
• Tourism is often seen as a major source of income for many countries, but it can also cause problems. Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of tourism.
• While tourism helps preserve cultural heritage, it also leads to commercialization. Do the benefits outweigh the drawbacks?
• In many places, tourism has helped the economy but disrupted the local lifestyle. Discuss both sides and provide your opinion.
• International travel has become more affordable and accessible. Is this a positive or negative development?
• The growth of tourism has led to the destruction of natural habitats. What are the pros and cons of this trend?
• Tourism can promote cross-cultural understanding, but it may also lead to cultural insensitivity. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages.
• Mass tourism can damage the environment and local traditions. How can countries balance tourism with environmental protection?
• While tourism generates income for countries, it also leads to overcrowding and pollution. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
• Some people think that tourists should follow local customs strictly. Others believe they should have the freedom to enjoy their holiday as they like. What are the advantages and disadvantages of both approaches?
• The tourism industry creates jobs and fosters economic growth. However, it may also lead to exploitation of local resources. Discuss.
• Adventure tourism is becoming popular among young travelers. Discuss its advantages and disadvantages.
• With the rise in global tourism, how can countries ensure that their culture and environment are protected?

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Conclusion

Understanding both the advantages and disadvantages of tourism is important for writing a balanced and insightful IELTS essay. 

Tourism brings economic growth and cultural exchange, but also poses challenges such as environmental degradation and overcrowding. 

By presenting a clear, well-structured argument, you can impress IELTS examiners and boost your writing score. 

If you need personalized advice or detailed feedback on your essay, don’t hesitate to connect with our upgrade experts. The free 1:1 counselling session with upGrad will guide you every step of the way toward IELTS success!