Tourism as a trade or industry helps in the development of the economy by creating job opportunities, generating foreign exchange earnings, and stimulating the growth of related sectors such as transportation, accommodation, and retail. Additionally, it promotes infrastructure development, cultural preservation, and regional economic integration.
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Tourism plays a crucial role in the development of the economy, benefiting not only the tourism industry but also various sectors and the overall growth of a country. Let’s delve into the details of how tourism as a trade or industry helps in the development of the economy:
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Job Creation: Tourism is a labor-intensive industry, creating job opportunities for people across various skill levels. It provides employment in areas such as hospitality, transportation, travel agencies, tour guiding, and handicrafts. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, the tourism sector employed 319 million people worldwide in 2019.
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Foreign Exchange Earnings: Tourism generates foreign exchange earnings through the expenditure of international tourists. This inflow of foreign currency contributes positively to a country’s balance of payments. For example, in 2019, international tourism receipts amounted to USD 1.5 trillion globally, as per the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
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Growth of Related Sectors: The growth of tourism has a ripple effect on related sectors. It stimulates the development of transportation infrastructure, including airports, roads, and railways, to cater to the increasing number of tourists. Accommodation facilities such as hotels, resorts, and homestays also witness growth to meet the demand. Retail sectors, including souvenir shops, local markets, and restaurants, thrive due to tourist spending.
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Infrastructure Development: In order to attract and accommodate tourists, destinations often invest in infrastructure development. This includes the improvement of public amenities, preservation of historical sites, conservation of natural resources, and enhancement of transportation networks. These initiatives not only benefit tourists but also enhance the quality of life for local communities.
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Cultural Preservation: Tourism can contribute to the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage. Visitors seeking authentic experiences often engage with local traditions, art, music, customs, and cuisine. This fosters cultural exchange, encourages the preservation of traditional practices, and can lead to the revitalization of cultural activities. As Bill Murray once said, “The more you know about your own history, the more you will appreciate and preserve your culture.”
Interesting facts about tourism and its impact on the economy:
- In 2019, tourism directly accounted for 3.3% of global GDP, as per the World Travel and Tourism Council.
- Tourism is responsible for one in every ten jobs worldwide, according to the UNWTO.
- China, the United States, and Spain are among the top three countries with the highest international tourist spending.
- Medical tourism, eco-tourism, and adventure tourism are emerging trends within the tourism industry.
- The COVID-19 pandemic greatly impacted the tourism sector, leading to a significant decline in international tourist arrivals and revenue.
Table: Economic Benefits of Tourism
| Economic Benefits | Description |
|---|---|
| Job Creation | Tourism creates employment opportunities across various sectors. |
| Foreign Exchange Earnings | Tourism generates foreign currency inflows through the spending of international tourists. |
| Growth of Related Sectors | Tourism stimulates growth in transportation, accommodation, and retail sectors. |
| Infrastructure Development | Destinations invest in infrastructure to attract and cater to tourists’ needs. |
| Cultural Preservation | Tourism contributes to the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage. |
In conclusion, tourism as a trade or industry significantly contributes to the development of the economy through job creation, foreign exchange earnings, growth in related sectors, infrastructure development, and cultural preservation. Its impact goes beyond immediate economic benefits by fostering cultural exchange and regional economic integration.
“Tourism is the most sustainable industry that can bring massive economic benefits to the communities.” – Martin Stabler, Tourism Expert
Video answer
This video highlights the significance of tourism in India and the multiple factors that attract foreign tourists to the country. These factors encompass pilgrimage, ecotourism, adventure, cultural heritage, medical, and business tourism. The surge in international visitors has greatly aided India’s foreign exchange earnings. Nonetheless, there are challenges regarding security and crimes against women tourists, which the government is tackling through various initiatives and guidelines. To ensure safety, it is advised for tourists to be aware of precautionary measures and consult the Ministry of Tourism’s website for advisory notes.
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Tourism boosts the revenue of the economy, creates thousands of jobs, develops the infrastructures of a country, and plants a sense of cultural exchange between foreigners and citizens. The number of jobs created by tourism in many different areas is significant.
It enhances economic growth by augmenting the foreign exchange reserves [ 38 ], stimulating investments in new infrastructure, human capital and increases competition [ 9 ], promoting industrial development [ 34 ], creates jobs and hence to increase income [ 34 ], inbound tourism also generates positive externalities [ 1, 14] and finally, as economy grows, one can argue that growth in GDP could lead to further increase in international tourism [ 11 ].