IMPACTS OF INTERNATIONAL TOURIST ARRIVALS

Positive And Negative Impacts Of International Tourist Arrivals

Positive And Negative Impacts Of International Tourist Arrivals

Over the last twenty years or so, tourism has undergone enormous changes and development. The demand of tourism is growing with a rapid speed all over the world. With a fast growth, tourism has become a potential industry not only in developed but also developing countries. Tourism today is a global issue. Not only have international tourism arrivals more than doubled since 1983 but also the number of destinations drawn into the so called 'pleasure periphery' (Turner and Ash 1975) has grown to the extent that there are few countries or regions worldwide which could claim to be outside the international tourism system. (Hall 2000) Tourism can be defined as 'the sum of phenomena and relationships arising from travel and stay of non-resident, in so far as they do not lead to permanent residence and are not connected with any earning activity' (Leiper 2004) . And, tourist will be defined as 'persons considering or making trips to international destinations and using pre-packaged arrangements, on a group or individual basis' (Leiper 2004). Tourism brings a lot of positive as well as negative impacts into destinations. In general, there are three main impacts: Economic impacts, socio -culture impacts and environment impacts. (Dahles 1999)

Economic impacts of tourism:

The booming of tourism affects several sides of economic in a destination. Tourism's economic benefits are touted by the industry for a variety of reasons. Claims of tourism's economic significance give the industry greater respect among the business community, public officials, and the public in general. This often translates into decisions or public policies that are favorable to tourism. Community support is important for tourism, as it is an activity that affects the entire community. Tourism businesses depend extensively on each other as well as on other businesses, government and residents of the local community. Economic benefits and costs of tourism reach virtually everyone in the region in one way or another. (Kamsma 2000) Economic impact analyses provide tangible estimates of these economic interdependencies and a better understanding of the role and importance of tourism in a region's economy.

Positive economic impacts of tourism:

The development of tourism is normally associated with the economic benefits that accrue from international tourism, such as foreign exchange earnings, employment opportunities, infrastructure, direct and indirect contributions to government revenues.

Employment opportunities:

The worldwide economic impact of tourism is massive. Tourism is generally regarded as labour-intensive. It generates direct full time employment in such formal sectors as hotels, restaurants, transport services, travel agencies, guides and foreign airlines, etc. (Hall 2000)

For example: When Hilton - a famous branded hotel created a new franchise in Hanoi., Vietnam. They provided a large amount of local labour. Locals get opportunities to get a higher income job in a good workplace environment.

Infrastructure:

Tourist development indicates that infrastructure accordingly developed. The provision of infrastructure- the construction of roads, and the system of electricity supply, water supply and sewages disposal, hospital, churches, schools and shop ...