IELTS Writing Task 2/ Essay Topics with sample answer.
IELTS Essay # 1223 - Tourism today creates a variety of problems
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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Tourism today creates a variety of problems, such as pollution due to flights, traffic congestion and water pollution. Some people think that governments should impose extra taxes on flights and accommodation to restrict today’s tourism industry.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this proposal?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1: [Disagreement]
Nowadays, environmental issues caused both by tourists and tourism-related activities have become so grave that many people insist on imposing hefty taxes on air travel and hotels for the sake of restricting the tourist inflow. I, however, disagree with this notion and believe that the authority should find better measures to address this rather than limiting the tourism industry with the burden of extra tax.
The key reason why I believe that governments ought to avoid levying more taxes on flights and accommodations is that tourism creates employment for local people and makes economic movements in the region. It also brings significant foreign remittance to the country. Many countries, St. Lucia, Maldives and Thailand, for example, heavily depend on the steady earnings of their tourism sector. It also makes people tolerant of different cultures and lets them learn about diverse cultures and traditions. If more taxes are imposed on the movement and accommodation of tourists, it would bring catastrophic results for many countries. Therefore, measures which would entail a decline in tourists should not be implemented.
To control pollution and excessive wastage, authorities can employ workers to clean their surroundings while instructing visitors not to pollute the environment. Policies to improve the manners of tourists should be implemented as well. Improving public buses and dedicating transport to foreign tourists can reduce traffic congestion to a great extent. Moreover, scientific research and engineering feats can reduce the pollution created by vehicles and aeroplanes, and money should be spent on such research works. These solutions would improve the situation on the one hand, and not deprive citizens of jobs and economic freedom on the other hand.
To conclude, extra levies on tourist transportation and accommodation will limit the inflow of tourists, putting local citizens' livelihoods at risk, especially in tourism-dependant countries. It is expected that the authorities would find better solutions that try to control pollution created by tourists’ actions in travel destinations instead of reducing their number.
[Band 8/9 level essay sample]
Model Answer 2: [Agreement]
Tourism, no doubt, is important for many countries for several reasons, including its economic, social and cultural benefits. But, at the same time, we can not deny that tourism, if left unregulated, creates problems. This is why I agree that governments should intervene to mitigate some of these issues by imposing extra taxes on flights and accommodation.
To begin with, tourism, one of the 10th largest industries in the world, is important for many countries. But, it becomes worrisome when it puts some undue pressure on natural resources through over-consumption, especially, in places where resources, infrastructure and facilities are already scarce. To reduce the overconsumption of resources, the government's initiatives to impose extra taxes could work like magic. Here we can specifically mention the small island countries, like Cyprus and Malta, which struggle to accommodate a large number of tourists. Hefty taxes seems like their only solution.
Not to mention, of course, the air and water pollution, among other negative effects, that are caused by the massive tourist transportation activities, both in air and sea, could also be controlled by imposing a travel tax. With more than a billion people travelling each year, the government needs regulations to keep the activity in check to minimise its negative effects. One way to effectively do that is to impose extra charges and taxes on accommodations and travel. Some European countries have already implemented policies to protect their tourist destinations, in quiet, non-offensive ways, by controlling the number of hotel beds, the number of flights to and from a country, and the number of tour buses allowed. No doubt, these are some good steps to control the flow of tourists, but they would yield even better results if these initiatives are supported by a tax increase on things like flights and hotel accommodation.
To conclude, tourism is important but too many tourists and their uncontrolled movement can have negative consequences. So the government should levy taxes on their accommodation and travel to keep a check on the number of tourists, and this can be a great step towards saving the tourist's destinations and the world.
Model Answer 3: [Disagreement]
Tourism contributes significantly to the economy of many countries around the world but it also comes with a cost. Some argue that governments should impose extra taxes on flights and accommodation to restrict tourism and reduce its negative impact on the environment. However, I believe that this approach is not the best solution to the problems caused by tourism.
Firstly, imposing extra taxes on tourism-related activities will discourage people from travelling, which can negatively affect the economy of countries that depend heavily on tourism. In some countries, tourism is the main source of income and job creation. If fewer people travel, local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and transportation, will suffer, leading to higher unemployment rates and reduced income for the country. Moreover, imposing extra taxes will not necessarily lead to a decrease in pollution or traffic congestion. Tourists may still choose to travel despite the added costs, and local transportation systems may continue to struggle with congestion. Instead, governments should focus on implementing more effective and sustainable policies to address these problems.
In addition, many countries have already implemented eco-friendly policies, such as promoting sustainable tourism, reducing plastic use, and improving waste management. These policies not only reduce the negative impact of tourism but also promote sustainable tourism practices that benefit local communities and the environment.
In conclusion, imposing extra taxes on flights and accommodations to restrict tourism is not the best solution to the problems caused by tourism. Instead, governments should focus on promoting sustainable tourism practices and implementing more effective policies to address environmental issues.
Model Answer 4: [Agreement]
Tourism has become a significant part of many countries' economy. However, tourism is not without its negative impacts on the environment and local culture. In my opinion, governments should impose extra taxes on flights and accommodations to restrict tourism, protect the environment and preserve the local culture.
While some may argue that imposing hefty taxes may negatively impact the economy of a country, it is essential to look at the long-term benefits. For example, countries such as the Maldives and Thailand are now facing significant environmental challenges due to the high influx of tourists, leading to pollution and degradation of natural resources. By imposing extra taxes on tourism, these countries can regulate the number of tourists, reducing the strain on the environment.
The imposition of extra taxes on flights and accommodation can also serve as a means of promoting more responsible and sustainable tourism practices. By increasing the cost of travel and accommodation, tourists may be more inclined to consider alternative transportation options or opt for eco-friendly accommodations. This can lead to a reduction in carbon emissions and a shift towards more sustainable modes of travel. Additionally, the revenue generated from these taxes can be allocated towards funding environmental conservation projects and initiatives that promote eco-tourism, ensuring the long-term preservation of natural resources and cultural heritage.
In conclusion, imposing extra taxes on flights and accommodations to restrict tourism is necessary to protect the environment and promote responsible and sustainable tourism practice. It is expected that countries consider long-term environmental issues associated with tourism and take measures to save the encironment.
Model Answer 5: [Disagreement]
While tourism contributes to economic development, it also leads to various problems, including pollution, traffic congestion, and environmental degradation. Some individuals argue that governments should address these issues by imposing additional taxes on flights and accommodations to restrict the tourism industry. This essay will present arguments in opposition to this proposal highlighting how it can reduce economic movement and hinder potential job creation.
Imposing extra taxes on flights and accommodation may have unintended consequences. Higher taxes can discourage tourists from visiting a destination, resulting in a decline in tourism revenue and economic opportunities for local communities. For example, let us consider a scenario where a country decides to impose additional taxes on flights and accommodation. As a result, the cost of travelling to that destination increases significantly. This could discourage potential tourists, especially those with limited budgets, from visiting the country. Additionally, individuals from lower-income backgrounds, who rely on affordable travel options, may find it even more challenging to access and explore new destinations due to the increased financial burden imposed by higher taxes.
The tourism industry plays a crucial role in generating employment and stimulating economic growth in many countries. Additional taxes could hinder the industry's potential for job creation and economic development. Tourism-related businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and tour operators, provide employment opportunities for local communities, contributing to income generation and poverty reduction. By imposing excessive taxes, governments risk impeding the growth of these industries and depriving communities of valuable sources of income.
So, while the tourism industry does pose challenges, imposing extra taxes on flights and accommodations to restrict tourism is not an effective solution. Such measures may have unintended consequences, including economic setbacks, and unequal impacts on individuals and the local community.
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