UNIT 1: TOURISM

UNIT 1: TOURISM

    What do you like to do on vacation? Check (√) the five things you most like
to do. Add three more to the list.

learn a language  watch wildlife  go hiking  visit amusement parks  go to the beach  sunbathe  meet local people  try adventure sports

go camping  visit art museums  shop  try new food go for quiet walk

    Look at the following pictures. Which vacation do you prefer? Explain your answer.

Mass travel at the Trevi Fountain, Rome, Italy	Trekking on an ecotour

    A company called 'Let's Do Tourism' is planning to invest a large amount of money to turn your town into a major center for tourists. They have made plans to build a number of hotels and other tourist infrastructure in your town. As well as the hotels, they have also made plans to radically improve the night life in your town by opening a string of clubs and bars. They hope that by the year 2015 your town will be a major competitor within the tourist industry in your country.

Which side would you choose? 

1. You are representatives of 'Let's Do Tourism'. Your aim is to promote the plans of your company and to convince that tourism is the best solutions for your city. Here are some points to concentrate on:
• The increase in jobs that will come with the increase in investment.
• The money that the tourists will bring into the local economy
• The progress and development of your city
• Opportunities for the young people
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2. You are representatives of the residents of your city and are in opposition to the plans of 'Let's Do Tourism'. Your aim is to convince that this is a bad idea for your town. Here are some points to consider:
• Environmental issues
• Many tourists may be trouble makers
• Radical changes in the traditional way of life in your town
• Your town may become the laughing stock of your country
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Useful Expressions

Opinions	Disagreeing	Giving reasons and offering explanations
• I think..., • In my opinion.., • As far as I'm concerned..., • I'm convinced that..., • I honestly feel that, • I strongly believe that..., • Without a doubt,...,	• I'm afraid I don't agree..., • I don't agree, I'd prefer..., • Don't you think it would be better...? • Shouldn't we consider..., • But what about..., • The truth of the matter is..., • The problem with your point of view is that...	• To start with, • The reason is that... • That's why..., • For this reason, ... • That's the reason why..., • Many people think...., • Considering...,

Discuss these questions 

1. What are the benefits of visiting different countries?
2. How do countries encourage tourists to come to their country?
3. Are there any monuments or natural sites in your country that are being damaged by mass tourism? What kind of damage is being inflicted on
these places? What is being done to protect them? Do you think this action is enough?

Read the text 

Tourism in Bhutan

Tourism in Bhutan was privatized by the Royal Government of Bhutan in 1991. Today it is a vibrant business with eighty private operators at the helm of affairs.

There are, however, problems associated with tourism, which, if not controlled, can have a devastating and irreversible impact on the local environment, culture, and identity of the people. Realizing these problems and the fact that the resources on which tourism is based are limited, the royal Government of Bhutan adheres strongly to a policy of low volume, high value tourism.

The tourism industry in Bhutan is founded on the principle of sustainability, meaning that tourism must be environmentally and ecologically friendly, socially and culturally acceptable and economically viable. The number of tourists visiting Bhutan is regulated to a manageable level because of the lack of infrastructure.

The Royal Government of Bhutan recognizes that tourism is a world-wide phenomenon and an important means of achieving socio economic development particularly for developing countries like Bhutan. It also recognizes that tourism, in affording the opportunity to travel, can help in promoting understanding among peoples and building closer ties of friendship based on appreciation and respect for different cultures and lifestyles.

Towards achieving this objective, the Royal Government, since the inception of tourism in the year 1974, has adopted a very cautious approach to growth and development of the tourism industry in Bhutan. In order to minimize the problems, the number of tourists has been maintained at a manageable level and this control on number is exercised through a policy of government- regulated tourist tariffs and a set of administrative requirements.

What do you think?

1. Does it seem like a good idea to restrict the number of tourists in Bhutan?
2. Should more countries do the same?

“Ecotourism is responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and sustains the well being of local people.”

(The International Ecotourism Society)

What do you think a good ecotourist should/shouldn’t do?

Quickly read the text Guidelines for Ecotourists below. Choose the best answer to this question.

When does an ecotourist need to think carefully about their holiday?

 A. Before
 B. During
 C. After
 D. All of the above.

Choose four guidelines and talk for at least one minute about them. Paraphrase and add examples to expand on the basic information. Use the expressions from the useful language box.

Useful expressions • It is important/essential/a good idea/ necessary to… • Try to avoid/ use/ buy/ spend, etc… • When traveling/ on holiday, ecotourists should/ shouldn’t, must/ mustn’t …

1. What are the positive and negative effects of the growth of international tourism?
2. Would you like to go on an ecotour after reading the guidelines for ecotourists? Is responsible/sustainable tourism possible?