Increased traveling, good or bad?

As many may know, the tourism industry is growing and fast. It is not only the number of traveling people that is increasing, but also the number of destinations. The scale of the industry is to be compared with for example the oil business. Now this could be seen as a positive thing, the bigger the industry the more jobs for the folks and better economy for the community. Unfortunately, the good will often bring something bad with it.

First, let us take a look on why the tourism and traveling industry have been growing. How come the average person travel so much more than before. One reason, and maybe the biggest reason, is that people are wealthier today. The mediocre human can afford to go abroad now and then. Another great cause is that now days we have more free time to travel. Paid holidays play a big part in why we are able to travel more often. Of course, there are other factors like that it is easier, and cheaper to travel. People are also more aware the world because of the media. They see a lot of attractions and beautiful destinations on the TV and in magazines every day, and this will trigger the travel fever.

These “paradise pictures” often trigger peoples travel fever

So what can be the downside with tourism? A huge issue is the ecological impacts that tourism causes. When millions of people visit one site, it will leave a mark, if not on the attraction then at least on the surroundings. It is an unfortunate problem that the world’s greatest historical monuments are suffering because of people touching them, climbing on them and leaving their marks on them. The nature is exposed to erosion and littering. In worst case, these magnificent places will suffer from forms of vandalism. Many feel like they have to “mark” a place they have visited by scratching in their signature somewhere. I myself have never understood this behavior.

Other disadvantages with mass tourism are overcrowding, which can be frustrating to both tourists and locals. Forced displacements occur when living areas are forced to move because of making of tourist destinations. Cultural change can also be a threat if due to mass tourism, local traditions can get lost when residents starts to mimic visitors behaviors. This phenomenon is associated mostly with the youth.

Fortunately, UNESCO considers world heritage and the goal is to keep the great sites alive so that future generations can enjoy them as well. I think it is good that we keep these amazing monuments thriving, so that our offspring can wonder about them as well. Today it is relatively easy to build big structures, that’s why it is impressing to think that for example the pyramids were built without any machines all by man power it self.

The great pyramids were all built by man power alone

By educating the people about world heritage, we can help to keep these sites in order. Also by informing visitors what they can and cannot do, where and how to walk and what facilities are located on the area, the sites can be held in good shape for a long time to come. I don’t think that people misbehave on purpose, of course there’s always exceptions, but in my opinion most are just unaware of how to act, and by correct information they can step up their game too.

I already mentioned some of the tourism industries positive outcomes, more jobs and increased economy. Here are some other positive aspects:
• Lost traditions can be found. For example a traditional dance or ritual.
• People get more aware of what happens in the world, good and bad, and can get triggered  to   make a differ for this.
• Historical and appreciated monuments can be saved.

Even if it isn’t all good I think that traveling and tourism is a wonderful thing. To get to see something live with your own eyes, which you only have seen on picture before, is an amazing feeling that I wish everybody could witness. This is one of the reason why I feel that caring for the cultural heritage is important and worthwhile. Along with the sightseeing, exploring different cultures is an enrichment that each time should be appreciated.

Me as a very happy tourist when I got to see the Colosseum live

Book sources:

Timothy, D. J. 2011. Cultural heritage and tourism. Channel View Publications

-Nina Lönnfors