Since the 1950s tourism has become more and more popular. This is due to a number of reasons:

• advances in technology meaning that travel is now easier, quicker and more affordable

• the growth of the internet means it is easier than ever before to book holidays

• improvements in workers’ rights means that paid holidays for employees, makes it easier to take time off

• more disposable income, due to changes such as smaller average family size and more families with two incomes, means some people have more money to spend on themselves

• mass media such as TV, magazines, advertising and the internet, has brought different destinations to our attention and led to a greater desire to travel

Positive effects of tourism

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• Amenities built for tourists such as health centres or infrastructure such as roads, water and sewerage systems can also benefit locals leading to a higher standard of living.

• For those that can afford to travel, visiting other countries provides an opportunity for tourists to meet new people and discover new places. This is often only an option for tourists from high-income countries.

Economic

• The tourism industry is worth trillions of pounds worldwide providing jobs and income to millions of people.

• It is estimated that tourism accounts for about 10% of the world’s gross domestic product (GDP).

• Over 100 million people are employed directly in the travel and tourism sectorwith hundreds of millions more employed in industries which support this sector. This might include baggage handlers at airports or farms who provide food to restaurants.

• This money provides income which can be used to develop and invest in schools, hospitals, infrastructure and new technology.

• This is especially important for low-income countries (LICs) such as Jamaica where tourism accounts for 35% of their income.

Environmental

• Tourism is often associated with having a negative environmental impact although sustainable tourism can actually help to protect fragile environments.

• The money earned from tourism, can be invested in conservation.

• Tourism can provide different types of jobs meaning people aren’t forced to damage the environment in order to make a living.

• Tourists can be educated on the importance of environmental protection.

Negative effects of tourism

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• Tourism can provide a source of conflict between tourists and locals.

• Culture and traditions can be lost with the influx of new people to an area.

• If a resort is popular it can result in overcrowding and traffic jams. For example 20 million tourists in the UK visit the Lake District every year, causing major traffic jams in villages there.

Economic

• Jobs are often seasonal and poorly paid.

• Money is frequently lost due to economic leakage as hotels are often owned by foreign firms.

• If a country becomes reliant on tourism, it can make it vulnerable if tourists stop visiting.

• Sometimes tourist numbers fall due to natural disasters, global pandemics, terrorist attacks or civil unrest.

• Tunisia in North Africa has experienced a number of setbacks to its tourism industry. Terrorist attacks saw the number of visitors fall. The tourist industry began to revive as confidence returned, only to see a 60% decline in visitors due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Environmental

• The natural environment can become damaged as tourists increase waste and pollution.

• New buildings may damage natural habitats and disrupt fragile ecosystems.

Development means almost the same as wealth.

• A developed country (MEDC) is a rich country.

• A developing country (LEDC) is a poor country. Development is often taken to mean the wealth of a country.

The most developed countries (the MEDCs) are relatively rich countries and the less developed countries (LEDCs) are relatively poor countries.

Development, however, is also about ‘quality of life’ or ‘standard of living’ and the extent to which all the people have a decent basic standard of living.