IGCSE Travel and Tourism Practice Exam

How can local communities benefit from tourism?

1. By increasing pollution levels

2. Through cultural exchanges and interactions

3. By enforcing strict travel restrictions

4. By losing traditional practices

The correct answer is: Through cultural exchanges and interactions

Local communities can benefit from tourism through cultural exchanges and interactions. When tourists visit a community, they often engage in meaningful exchanges with local residents, which can lead to a greater appreciation of different cultures. This interaction fosters understanding and respect among diverse groups, enhancing social cohesion within the community. Moreover, these exchanges can provide opportunities for local artisans and cultural practitioners to showcase their crafts and traditions, potentially leading to economic gain through tourism-related sales. This kind of interaction not only helps to preserve local culture but can also empower communities to maintain their heritage in the face of globalization. The other options do not provide beneficial outcomes for local communities. Increasing pollution levels would have negative effects on health and the environment, while strict travel restrictions would likely reduce tourist traffic, harming the economy rather than enhancing it. Losing traditional practices, as a consequence of tourism, would mean a decline in cultural identity and heritage, which is counterproductive to the potential benefits tourism can offer to local communities.