Economics and Social Opportunities Provided by Tourism

Tourism has developed into a global industry and plays an important role in the economy, especially of the less economically developed countries. Tourism provide people with a wide range of social and economic opportunities. Examples can be seen in St Kitts and Nevis, Cambodia and the English Lake District.

St Kitts and Nevis is a part of the Lesser Antilles island chain of the eastern Caribbean. Tourism has replaced sugar production as the leading economic sector in the area. In 2005, tourism contributed US $107 millions directly to the country's economy. St Kitts and Nevis has a tropical climate with sandy beaches and cultural resources, which helps attract international tourists who come mainly from USA, Canada, UK. The growth of tourism provides economic opportunities for the area such as jobs are created directly, for example, hotel receptionists, waiters, cleaners. Spin-off jobs are created indirectly through tourism such as taxi drivers, workers in gift shops, food suppliers of restaurants and bars. Tourism also improves the balance of trade and generates foreign exchange. It helps attract inward investments from foreign firms to upgrade tourist infrastructure. Hotels and resorts with modern facilities are built. A growth in tourism means an increase in tax therefore increases government revenue and spending. The more the government spends, the higher the GDP will increase which due to the multiplier effect.

Social opportunities are created by tourism can be seen in Cambodia. Cambodia is one of the poorest nations on Earth with GNP of about $270. However, it has a diverse ecosystems and a rich cultural heritage which are what attract foreign tourists for example the Angkor temple, which was recognized as a cultural heritage site by the UNESCO or the vestiges of the country's turbulent past - the former Khmer Rouge interrogation centre - have become memorials. Tourism increases knowledge and understanding of host societies and cultures. It helps promote the cultural reputation of the hosts in the world community. The increasing number of tourists creates an incentive to protect and conserve the traditional rituals or dance as tourists have interest in them. Tourism also creates social opportunities for local people as they have the chances to observe other cultures which may enrich domestic culture through new ideas introduced.

Tourism growth also creates economic and social opportunities which can be seen in the English Lake District. The Lake District National park was established in 1951. At 2300 km2 it is the largest national park in England and Wales. The forests in the park provide woodlands for commercial timber production. There are various kinds of activities for example water-based sports such as power boating, jet skiing and water skiing, and other quieter forms of activities such as climbing, hill walking and camping.

In conclusion, the growth of tourism