Mass tourism is a term that’s gaining more significance every year. It is a term, that has transformed from a factor of economic prosperity to a threat: to culture, to the environment, and to the cohesion of communities. Many countries and cities that previously thrived from mass tourism are now suffering from the consequences. These consequences include: the increase in housing prices, congestion, environmental damage and the deterioration in cultural heritage.
However, many areas receiving mass tourism have been affected in completely contrasting ways. For example, the Caribbean islands have consistently benefited from tourism for years. The Caribbean is an appealing tourist location due to its tropical climate, stunning nature and outstanding beaches; in 2015, the region received 29 million tourists, who spent $30 million. In comparison, in the same year, our capital received 21 million visitors. Tourism clearly benefits the Caribbean economy more than most areas. This is because of the state of development of these two areas. For example, the Caribbean is less developed in comparison to the United States. Before the eruption of tourism, the Caribbean relied heavily on the production of agriculture as a source of revenue; in urban areas such as D.C. and New York, this is not the case.
However, there was a recent decline in agricultural activity in rural areas within the Caribbean, with the aid of mass tourism they were able to over come this economic concern. For the Caribbean islands, the tourism industry has been the top generator of foreign exchange, bringing in billions of dollars which greatly benefits the region’s economy.
Another advantage of tourism – which benefits all countries, especially the Caribbean – is the increase in employment. From resorts and hotels to restaurants and bars, Caribbean countries thrive on the jobs that tourism creates. In Jamaica, tourism generated 2.92 million jobs, which contributes greatly to its economy. It is evident, tourism has significantly helped the growth of economies in the Caribbean.
On the other hand, mass tourism can make some regions suffer. For example, In 2013 Barcelonan citizens began protesting against tourism; the city contained 2 million inhabitants but 7 million tourists. The mass tourism lead to critical living conditions throughout the city as residents could no longer afford the cost of housing, food and because tourism was raising prices in the pursuit of profit in the tourism market. To summarize, uncontrolled mass tourism destroys the very things that made a city attractive to the visitors in the first place: the unique atmosphere of the local culture and heritage.
The growth of the tourism industry and mass tourism can have varying effects on regions: some areas prosper, while others suffer.
- Andre Wahba
What an interesting article. I constantly have similar thoughts to this when I visit National Parks. In the summer I visited Yellowstone and found myself frustrated by the amount of people... only to reflect that I am one of them.