Tourists are constantly pumping money in large resorts and hotels. These businesses make large amounts of money that can also help stimulate the economy. Tourists buying products and trinkets help local business thrive in what would have been empty areas. All around the world many areas are improving their schools, roads and economy thanks to the money tourism brings in for them. Although I agree that tourism can have positive effects on the community and increase the GDP of a country, it is evident that chain hotels are taking most of the money at poor countries expense.
The cultural events, water activities and beauty of resorts attract thousands of people each year. Many resorts have beautiful with clear blue waters, white sand beaches, restaurants, outdoor pools and bars. With all the extravagant events offered, it’s hard to imagine that outside the gates of the hotel people are living in houses made up of aluminum or metal sheets. Traveling through dirt roads leaving the hotel, one can quickly see that residents of the area aren’t seeing much of the money being made in these businesses. The living conditions of the people are poor and are greatly affected by the lack of money staying in the country due to big businesses and foreign companies in the country.
The direct affects on the people is that tourism also causes tax payers in the area to pay for the improvement of airports, roads and other things in order to improve the look of the city to attract more people. “The cost of this usually falls on the government, so it has to come out of tax revenues”. In order to pay for all of this the people will be affected by an increase in food cost and housing prices, which makes it difficult for locals to afford the necessities. In addition, the area develops a dependence on tourism and the resorts. If these companies were to fail the country could lose a large percentage of the country’s income. This also creates seasonal jobs that affect the people’s income and makes it unsteady throughout the year. This creates “no guarantee of employment from one season to the next, difficulties in getting training, employment-related medical benefits, and recognition of their experience, and unsatisfactory housing and working conditions”. This negative effect of tourism causes stress in employees dependent on these types of jobs.
“Destinations dependent on tourism can be adversely affected by events such as terrorism, natural disasters and economic recession”. In Rwanda there was a genocide going on 1994, which greatly affected the country. Between approximately 100 days around 800,000–Rwandans were killed according to the United Human Rights Council. In Mexico, it is no secret that Cartels and drug lords are at war with each other and the Mexican government. Guest at hotels are told not to leave the hotel without a employee escort to lower the risk of being robbed or hurt on their trip. In 2012, around 25,000 adults and children had gone missing in Mexico, according to the Washington post, as well as 60,000 dead because of the drug war. Because of these events tourism has dropped in Mexico. According to the wall street journal, “tourism is a $12 billion-a-year industry for Mexico.” The drug war has dropped the number of visitors significantly. Sites of a drug cartel turf war have seen a cancelation of contracts and have lost significant amounts of money. This loss affects the country that has a dependence on his money.
In order to have tourism help everyone there should be an agreement between the local government, the resort owners and historical places so all three benefit from the tourist in the country. This type of contract is enforced in Rwanda. Of the money made from the tourist, 70% goes back to the community. “Tourism in Rwanda helps eradicate poverty and hunger. It makes it possible for more children to go to school. It helps bridge the divide between cultures, not deepen it…most importantly, it creates real, sustainable prosperity that is not dependent on charity”. This agreement has helped Rwanda rebuild its communities and help people affected by the conflict in their country. If this type of contract was to be implemented in Mexico, it could lead to a greater benefit for the people to live comfortable lives and eradicate poverty.
Travel Writing and the World 