IGCSE Travel and Tourism Practice Exam

What is a potential consequence of traditional culture being eroded by tourism?

1. Increased local tourism revenues

2. Revitalization of local customs

3. Tension within the local society

4. Improvement in global cultural awareness

The correct answer is: Tension within the local society

When traditional culture is eroded by tourism, one potential consequence is tension within the local society. As tourists bring in their own cultures and practices, this can lead to conflicts between traditional values and the changes introduced by external influences. Local residents might feel their identities and cultural significance are being diminished, resulting in disagreements about how to preserve their heritage while also accommodating tourism. This tension can manifest in various ways, such as community disputes, dissatisfaction with the commercialization of culture, and a sense of loss among locals who seek to maintain their cultural practices in the face of overwhelming tourist demand. The other options, while they touch on aspects of tourism's impact, do not align as closely with the erosion of traditional culture. Increased local tourism revenues may occur, but it doesn't directly address the consequences of culture erosion. Revitalization of local customs implies a positive outcome where traditions are enhanced rather than diminished, and improvement in global cultural awareness may suggest more exposure to diverse cultures, but it doesn't address the specific tension that might arise within a community facing cultural erosion.