What are two potential negative impacts of tourism on local communities?

What are two potential negative impacts of tourism on local communities?

• A. Increased job opportunities and cultural preservation
• B. Displacement of residents and cultural erosion
• C. Improved infrastructure and environmental protection
• D. Enhanced cultural exchange and interaction

Answer: (B)

The selection highlighting displacement of residents and cultural erosion accurately reflects significant concerns associated with tourism in local communities. Displacement of residents can occur when tourism development leads to the construction of hotels, resorts, or other facilities that occupy land traditionally used for housing. This can force local inhabitants to move, disrupt their lives, and change community dynamics. In many instances, local residents may find themselves unable to afford living in their own neighborhoods as property values and living costs rise due to increased demand from tourists. Cultural erosion refers to the gradual loss of a community's traditional customs, practices, and identity, often because of external influences brought in by tourism. When visitors flock to a destination, local cultures may start to alter to cater to tourists’ expectations, sometimes sacrificing authenticity for commercial gain. This shift can lead to a homogenization of experiences and a loss of unique cultural characteristics that define a community. In contrast, other options such as increased job opportunities or improved infrastructure tend to portray tourism in a positive light, focusing on its potential benefits. However, these benefits can come with trade-offs, which include the adverse impacts mentioned.

The selection highlighting displacement of residents and cultural erosion accurately reflects significant concerns associated with tourism in local communities.

Displacement of residents can occur when tourism development leads to the construction of hotels, resorts, or other facilities that occupy land traditionally used for housing. This can force local inhabitants to move, disrupt their lives, and change community dynamics. In many instances, local residents may find themselves unable to afford living in their own neighborhoods as property values and living costs rise due to increased demand from tourists.

Cultural erosion refers to the gradual loss of a community's traditional customs, practices, and identity, often because of external influences brought in by tourism. When visitors flock to a destination, local cultures may start to alter to cater to tourists’ expectations, sometimes sacrificing authenticity for commercial gain. This shift can lead to a homogenization of experiences and a loss of unique cultural characteristics that define a community.

In contrast, other options such as increased job opportunities or improved infrastructure tend to portray tourism in a positive light, focusing on its potential benefits. However, these benefits can come with trade-offs, which include the adverse impacts mentioned.