The Paradox of Tourism: An Agent of Development and Destruction"

Somewhere in the twilight of 2022, I had the opportunity to begin my academic research work under the tutelage of Dr. Aasif Ali Bhat. Upon several contemplations, I settled on the areas of sustainable tourism, economic impacts of tourism and environment impacts of tourism. My readings of several published works on the benefits of tourism to the economy of several countries gave me the impression that, perhaps, sustainable tourism is the preserve of only the developed world who have no 'need' of money.

As a key driver of economic growth, tourism generates significant revenue and employment opportunities for many countries around the world. However, as the industry continues to expand, it is becoming increasingly clear that its negative impacts on the environment, local communities, and cultural heritage cannot be over-emphasized. This is the paradox of tourism.

On one hand, the economic benefits of tourism are undeniable. According to the World Tourism Organization, international tourist arrivals reached 1.4 billion in 2019, generating an estimated $1.5 trillion in export earnings. For many developing countries, tourism represents a critical source of foreign exchange and a vital contributor to their gross domestic product (GDP).

On the other hand, the rapid growth of the tourism industry has also led to a range of negative environmental impacts, such as increased carbon emissions, water scarcity, and degradation of ecosystems and wildlife habitats(Akadiri, Lasisi, Uzuner, & Akadiri 2018;Shakouri, Mohebbi & Pourkhabbaz 2017). Popular tourist destinations, such as beaches and national parks, are also facing severe overcrowding, which can lead to degradation of the very attractions that draw visitors in the first place.

Tourism, undeniably, has indeed had a significant impact on local communities. Displacement of local residents and the erosion of cultural heritage, as well as increased pressure on limited resources such as water and energy are some of its by-products.

It is essential for the tourism industry players to adopt a more sustainable approach that balances economic benefits with environmental and social considerations. This could include implementing eco-friendly tourism practices, such as reducing waste and conserving water, as well as engaging with local communities to ensure that the benefits of tourism are shared more equitably. It is in light of this, that I undertook to research on the what policies are being implemented across the globe to ensure sustainability in tourism and the impacts thereof.

To conclude, while tourism can be a powerful engine of economic growth, it is also important to recognize its potential negative impacts on the environment and local communities. By adopting a more sustainable approach, the tourism industry can continue to thrive while also preserving the natural and cultural heritage that makes it so appealing to visitors in the first place. Sustainable tourism is indisputably, a must for both the developed and developing world.

Reference:

• Akadiri, O. A., Lasisi, O. A., Uzuner, M. K., & Akadiri, S. A. (2018). Tourism, economic growth, and CO2 emissions in small island countries: Evidence from panel data analysis. Journal of Cleaner Production, 170, 55-63. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.10.015
• Shakouri, M., Mohebbi, B., & Pourkhabbaz, A. (2017). Economic growth, tourism and CO2 emissions in selected Asia-Pacific countries: An empirical investigation. Tourism Management, 55, 188-195. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2016.09.005
• World Tourism Organisation report (2019)