International Tourism has Become More Popular in Recent Decades - IELTS Writing Task 2

In IELTS Writing Task 2, the topic, ‘International Tourism has Become More Popular in Recent Decades’, is a positive and negative essay in which you are expected to present arguments on both sides, showing each of their balanced viewpoints. 

As you attempt this IELTS Writing Task 2 essay, the arguments must be very clear, with a logical sequence. Therefore, looking at both the pros and cons will help you create balance, coherence, and critical thinking.

Often in essays like the one on 'International Tourism has Become More Popular in Recent Decades', students are asked to write a formal essay of at least 250 words, in 4-5 paragraphs, based on the given IELTS Writing Task 2 Positive/Negative essay topics and other question types too!

So why wait? Let us begin practising now!

Question 

Steps to Perfectly Frame an IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay on “International Tourism has Become More Popular in Recent Decades”

If you can brainstorm ideas in an organized manner before you start writing an IELTS Writing Task 2 essay, then there are higher chances for you to achieve an IELTS Band Score of 8+. 

• With the perfect ideation technique, your arguments can be presented properly with relevant examples and elaborated reasons. 
• Understand the topic. Read the statement carefully and note the main topic! 
• Identify the positives of the topic. Consider the question, and finalize what the positive sides of it are.
• Identify the negatives. Consider the question and find out what drawbacks or problems could occur. 
• Look for stronger ideas and choose one or two major points. 
• Then, add supporting details and add real-world examples!

Structure Breakdown 

Do not forget that planning an outline for an essay in the IELTS Writing plays a crucial role in getting you a band of 8+. It helps in keeping your answer concise and coherent at the same time not letting you move away from the question. 

Let’s now look at the structure breakdown for the positive and negative essay topic, ‘International Tourism has Become More Popular in Recent Decades.’

Band 8 Sample Answer for “International Tourism has Become More Popular in Recent Decades”

Traveling has become more affordable and convenient due to technological advancements, and the tourist sector has thrived as a byproduct. However, this development has had inevitable dire consequences for countries that have become popular among people all over the world. Certain people think that the drawbacks outweigh the benefits that this sector provides. In the following paragraphs, I shall discuss the advantages and disadvantages of tourism in popular countries.

On the one hand, international tourism is beneficial in a variety of ways. For instance, it adds to the country’s income generation. Moreover, it plays an essential role in establishing job opportunities for local residents. For example, a province like Bali is heavily reliant on tourism. As the tourist sector accounts for around 80% of Bali’s GDP, there are no other sources of revenue. Additionally, to accommodate international tourists, many locals work in various enterprises that assist the tourists of those areas. As a result, tourism benefits both local residents and the government in tourism destinations.

On the other hand, despite the many benefits of foreign travel, there are some drawbacks. As many people rely on the tourism industry, there are periods when tourists do not arrive, causing locals to struggle to earn a livelihood. Furthermore, it impacts both local residents and the environment since, to make the area more enticing to visitors, the natural surroundings are altered, eventually harming the ecology. Moreover, it disrupts the habitat of indigenous animals.

To sum up, even though international tourism might harm the ecosystem of tourist places, the benefits of tourism in these countries far outweigh the drawbacks.

Band 9 Sample Answer for “International Tourism has Become More Popular in Recent Decades”

International tourism has grown rapidly in recent years, and has made many countries to be a popular travel destination. While this change brings many advantages, it also creates several challenges for the host countries. This essay will discuss both the positive and negative effects of the increase in tourism on popular destinations.

One of the main advantages of tourism is its contribution to the local economy. Tourists spend money on food, transport, accommodation, and entertainment, while in a new place which in turn generates income for local businesses and increases government revenue through taxes. This often leads to an increase in job opportunities in sectors like hospitality, transportation, and retail, and helps to reduce unemployment. Adding on, tourism can encourage investment in infrastructure, including the roads, airports, and public services, which can also benefit local residents. 

On the other hand, tourism can also have certain negative consequences. One major problem is that the environment tends to get damaged. An increase in the number of visitors may lead to pollution, overcrowding, and the destruction of natural habitats, mainly in fragile areas like the beaches, mountains, and historical sites. One more disadvantage is that a pressure is placed on local communities. Popular destinations may experience a rise in the living costs, especially for housing and basic goods which in turn makes life more difficult for the residents. Moreover, excessive tourism can result in the loss of local culture, as the traditions may be altered or commercialized to meet the expectations of the tourists. 

In conclusion, although international tourism tends to bring economic growth and cultural benefits to popular destinations, it can also cause environmental harm and social issues. Hence, governments should adopt sustainable tourism policies to maximize its advantages while minimizing its negative effects.

Vocabulary to Use in “International Tourism has Become More Popular in Recent Decades”

• Byproduct 

Meaning: (noun) an incidental or secondary product made in the manufacture or synthesis of something else
Eg.: The raw materials of the clothes are a byproduct of textile production.

• Inevitable 

Meaning: (adj) certain to happen; unavoidable.
Eg.: A further escalation of the crisis now seems inevitable.

• Dire 

Meaning: (adj) extremely serious or urgent.
Eg.: The flood victims are in dire need of help.

• Outweigh 

Meaning: (verb) be heavier, greater, or more significant than.
Eg.: The benefits of the scheme far outweigh the risk.

• Essential

Meaning: (adj) absolutely necessary; extremely important.
Eg.: It is essential to keep the track record updated.

• Reliant

Meaning: (adj) dependent on someone or something.
Eg.: The organization is heavily reliant on charity.

• Assist

Meaning: (verb) help (someone), typically by doing a share of the work.
Eg.: The manager asked her secretary to assist him in the meeting hall.

• Enticing 

Meaning: (adj) attractive or tempting; alluring.
Eg.: The client got an offer from the company that was too enticing to refuse.

• Disrupt

Meaning: (verb) interrupt (an event, activity, or process) by causing a disturbance or problem.
Eg.: The assistant was careful not to disrupt the meeting.

• Indigenous 

Meaning: (adj) originating or occurring naturally in a particular place; native.
Eg.: Every nation has its indigenous dressing style.

To conclude, as you practice writing an essay for the IELTS Exam, you must first learn how to brainstorm ideas. Even though the sample answers are provided, for the topic “International Tourism has Become More Popular in Recent Decades,” you still need to attempt ideating yourself first before looking at the answers. This will help you to jot down areas of improvement and work towards acquiring the skill to boost your IELTS preparation. Hence, keep looking at different topics and get yourself familiarized with multiple essay types!