IGCSE Travel and Tourism Practice Exam

What is one of the negative socio-cultural impacts of tourism?

1. Increased job opportunities

2. Urban development

3. Commodification

4. Enhanced cultural exchange

The correct answer is: Commodification

Commodification refers to the process of turning cultural aspects, traditions, or local customs into commodities that can be bought and sold, often losing their original meaning and significance in the process. This can happen when local cultures are tailored for the tourist market, leading to a superficial representation of authentic cultural practices. As tourism grows, communities may feel pressured to modify their traditions to make them more appealing to visitors, which can dilute the true essence of those practices. While tourism can bring economic benefits, the negative socio-cultural impact of commodification often manifests in a loss of cultural identity and authenticity for local people. This effect can contribute to resentment among local communities, as they may feel as though their heritage is being exploited for profit rather than respected and preserved. In contrast, aspects like increased job opportunities or enhanced cultural exchange do not align with the negative socio-cultural impacts that tourism can have, as they generally emphasize positive outcomes of tourism development. Urban development can sometimes have mixed results but is not inherently negative from a socio-cultural perspective.