Tourism is a worldwide industry. In many countries it is the most important largest source of income. Global tourism is growing at a rate of 4% a year.

The tourist industry provides jobs and brings a country foreign currencies. Many groups profit from tourism: travel agencies, store owners ,airports and airlines, hotels, restaurants, etc..

However, mass tourism, can also lead to environmental problems. It can pollute beaches or create noise in otherwise quiet regions. Popular tourist attractions must be controlled by authorities.



Tourism arrivals by region

International tourist arrivals in 2024
Source: UN Tourism 
Image: Klaus Rosmanitz, CC BY-SA 4.0



Tourist arrivals by country

Source: UN Tourism 
Image: Klaus Rosmanitz, CC BY-SA 4.0



Big spenders in tourism

Source: UN Tourism 
Image: Klaus Rosmanitz, CC BY-SA 4.0



Words

  • authorities = organizations in the government
  • environmental = nature; the world around us
  • foreign currencies = money that other countries use
  • global = worldwide
  • mass tourism = too many tourists who come to a place
  • otherwise = normally
  • pollute = to make something dirty
  • provide = here: create
  • source of income = where the money comes from
  • travel agency = company that organizes flights , hotels etc..