Tourism in developing countries: IELTS Task 2 essay #1, band 8.0

More and more developing countries are investing in tourism,and I think this is mostly a good development although it brings some real risks. Governments have good reasons for choosing it, but they have to be careful about how they do it.

The main reason is that tourism is a fast way to earn money. Developing countries often cannot compete in heavy industry or technology, but they already have beaches, mountains, old cities and traditions to offer. Tourists spend money on hotels, food, transport and souvenirs, and this brings in foreign currency that the country can use to pay for imports. Tourism also creates many jobs for ordinary people, such as guides, drivers and hotel staff, which matters in places with high unemployment.

1. Coherence & cohesion

   Close revision note

   RevisedThe primary reason is that tourism provides a rapid means of generating income.

   The revised sentence uses more formal and academic language.

2. Lexical resource

   Close revision note

   RevisedTourists contribute to the economy through their spending on hotels, food, transport, and souvenirs, thereby introducing foreign currency that can be used to support imports.

   The revised sentence uses more precise and formal language.

Uzbekistan shows how this works in practice. In recent years the government has introduced visa free travel for many countries and built new hotels and train connections to Samarkand and Bukhara. Visitor numbers have risen quickly, and local families have opened guesthouses, restaurants and craft shops. Roads and airports have improved too, and these are used by locals as well as tourists. Money from tourism has also been used to restore historic buildings that might otherwise have been forgotten.

However, there are real downsides. Prices often rise in popular areas, so local people can no longer afford housing or even everyday goods. Tourism can also harm the environment through waste, traffic and overcrowding at famous sites. The biggest danger is dependence. In 2020, when borders closed because of the pandemic, countries that relied heavily on tourism lost income almost overnight.

1. Coherence & cohesion

   Close revision note

   RevisedNevertheless, there are significant drawbacks.

   The revised sentence uses a more formal and academic language.

2. Lexical resource

   Close revision note

   RevisedThe greatest peril is dependence.

   The revised sentence uses more precise and formal language.

Because of these problems, tourism should not be the only plan. A country that depends on it completely is taking a big risk, but one that uses it alongside agriculture, trade and other industries is much safer. Governments also need rules to limit damage to nature and to make sure the profits stay with local people, not just large foreign hotel chains.

1. Coherence & cohesion

   Close revision note

   RevisedIn light of these issues, tourism should not be the sole strategy.

   The revised sentence uses a more formal and academic language.

In conclusion, developing countries expand tourism because it brings money, jobs and better infrastructure quickly. I believe it is a positive development as long as it is managed carefully and balanced with other parts of the economy.

1. Lexical resource

   Close revision note

   RevisedIn conclusion, the expansion of tourism in developing countries is driven by its potential to rapidly generate income, employment, and improved infrastructure.

   The revised sentence uses more precise and formal language.