Tourism is defined as the travelers going outside their home country to visit another country with the intention of spending leisure time there. This may be short- or long-term travel, but usually includes certain cultural activities that are not part of usual life at home.
Tourism affects many things in a city or town, from job availability to housing. The following information will detail 15 reasons why tourism is important.
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15 Benefits Of Tourism You Probably Didn’t Know
Did you know that tourism is the world’s largest industry? Here are some benefits of tourism that make it such a big thing:
1. Tourism Provides More Jobs Than Any Other Industry In The World
In 2015, tourism created 9% of global employment with one out of ten jobs being related to travel and hospitality (UNWTO). In comparison, manufacturing only accounts for 8% of global employment currently. In addition, it is also reported that 1/3 of all jobs created in the US since 2005 are related to tourism (US Department of Commerce). That’s a lot of jobs!
2. Tourism Is An Industry That Will Never Die
In comparison to other industries such as mining and manufacturing, Tourism does not rely on limited resources. Tourism succeeds because people take vacations and travel, regardless of economic or political conditions that may occur.
3. Tourism Spreads Local Culture Around The World
Cultural exchange is a great benefit of tourism, as it allows different cultures to interact and share their own traditions with one another. In addition, it provides both visitors and residents with an opportunity to learn from each other and experience something new from your travels!
4. Tourism Helps Make You A Well-Rounded Person
Spending time in a new location will expose you to a totally new environment and way of life which can help contribute to a well-rounded individual. Whether it be exploring the mountains or going on safari in Africa, traveling encourages self growth through seeing how others live.
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5. Tourism Encourages Other Industries To Grow
Businesses around the world know that if they are located in an area where tourism or recreation is prominent, their business will thrive. Ski resorts, amusement parks, zoos, stadiums and all sorts of attractions rely on the presence of tourists to bring people into these areas which encourage businesses to start up around these locations!
6. Tourism Allows For More Leisure Time
Due to the increase in productivity within the workforce over the past few decades, individuals have less spare time today than ever before. Through tourism though, people can get away from work and family responsibilities for a while and take some time to relax. Thus allowing them more time for friends/family or other activities outside of work or home life.
7. Tourism Helps Connect The World Together
With the rise of technology and globalization, we are becoming more connected than ever before. People can communicate with one another across borders and even see homes and landmarks that they may never have had a chance to visit without traveling. Thus increasing cultural understanding and tolerance around the world!
8. Tourism Helps People Become Happier
It’s no surprise that vacations can bring about happiness in someone’s life through tourism because it provides them an escape from their busy daily lives. In addition, spending time away from work or home allows you to relax and come back refreshed so you don’t feel burned out by your 9 to 5 job!
9. Tourism Encourages Stability In Developing Countries
The rise of tourism has helped connect developing countries to the global economy, thus creating more stability than in previous times. This is because tourists can bring revenue even in poor or unstable regions if they feel safe and secure traveling. Furthermore, this increased stability allows for better economic opportunities which helps build up these areas with jobs and investments!
10. Tourism Promotes World Peace
People who travel tend to be more open-minded towards different backgrounds, views etc. If there are more peace loving individuals within a community then chances are there are less wars fought between them compared to those who aren’t as understanding of other cultures. Thus having a net positive effect on world peace!
11. Tourism Helps Spread New Ideas Around The World
Similar to how tourism can help people become more open-minded, this in turn can help spread new ideas around the world that may have otherwise been ignored or never known. The more cultural exchange that happens through tourism, the more likely new ideas will be to spread worldwide!
12. Tourism Helps Spread A Language
Studies have proved that pending time within a different culture means you are learning their language too. This assists with communication when traveling and even if you don’t speak your destination’s native tongue -learning key phrases may be enough to get by! Furthermore, this makes it easier for people who have learned another language to connect with other individuals who share similar interests.
13. Tourism Allows One To Advantage From Price Differences Across Markets
Because prices for goods and services can vary greatly between areas, tourism allows you to take advantage of the lower costs in different regions. For example, if you are travelling within a country then chances are there is less wealth/income inequality which means that certain goods such as groceries may be cheaper than they would be in other locations (i.e. big cities).
14. Tourism Enhances The Benefits Of Foreign Exchange Programs
People who travel abroad tend to have increased awareness of their destination and this in turn aids with cultural understanding and tolerance. Language barriers or not, people will try and understand one another better when they engage with each other on a personal level -taking language barriers out of the equation! Furthermore, international exchange programs help students discover what life is like outside their home country to help prepare them for a working environment that may be different from what they are used.
15. Tourism Increases Spending And Investment
Tourism helps develop economies by increasing gross domestic product (GDP) which can help raise GDP per capita within a region. This in turn creates more opportunities for people to have access to goods and services making them more likely to spend their income on living standards or experiences! In addition, tourism brings about investments towards the area it is being conducted -be it infrastructure projects, new businesses etc.
Why Tourism Is Important – Conclusion
As you can see, tourism is a pivotal part of culture and community for people around the world. It brings increased stability, better economic opportunities and more cultural understanding between communities. All of these factors make this industry both big and profitable beyond measures.
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