Tourism as an industry has been travelling with the wild pace of

technological advancements and aboard are people from different places

and cultures interacting with increasing ease….since, the globe had been
shrunk into a village.

Unlike our predecessors, we can affordably and in a shorter time travel

across the world in large numbers comparatively safe. Tourism being one of
the biggest and fastest growing industries globally, its benefits and the
challenges, keenly observed by governments affects the economic, socio-
cultural, environmental and educational resources of nations.

The positive effects of tourism on a country’s economy include the growth

and development of various industries directly linked with a healthy
tourism industry, such as transportation, accommodation, wildlife, arts and
entertainment. This brings about the creation of new jobs and revenue
generated from foreign exchange, investments and payments of goods and
services provided. Though improvements in the standard of living of locals
in heavily visited tourist destinations is usually little or non-existent,
inflation of the prices of basic commodities, due to visiting tourists, is a
constant feature of these areas.

The nature of the world economy dictates that it’s mostly people from
developed nations who travel as tourist to the developing ones, much more
than do people from developing nations visit as tourist the developed ones.
This results in a downward stream of cultural influences that in cases have
proven to be detrimental, as they were not in cohesion with the
environment, economy and culture of these hosts, who cannot in that same
capacity exchange influences. For example, it is common knowledge that
most tourist destinations are plagued with prostitution; this has had dire
consequences for the culture, economy and health of these tourist coveted
nations, but is reported to be a major boost for tourism.

The environment can be greatly affected by tourism in cases where the

attraction is a vista of nature’s beauty, visits of people in large numbers
could mean huge amounts of treading and pollution of materials such as
plastic waste, bottles, which in the long run could be disruptive to the
habitats of both faunal and floral life. Assessments into the capacity of
people an area can safely bear environmentally, security and facility-wise
are important in the protection and preservation of these vistas beaming
with nature’s beauty. The responsibility falls on hosts, who must make it a
point to inform and educate visitors on acceptable behaviours and dangers
posed by going against the advised codes of conduct, such as disposing
waste haphazardly.

In the quest to provide facilities for tourists the environment has been
affected in other ways, large hotels and other facilities for tourists and likes
consume large amounts of power in their quest to provide a long list of
patrons with all the ‘hip’ electronic comforts.

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The tourist themselves face several difficulties in their quest for, journey
and stay in these foreign lands, such as the sometimes tiring search for
visas and the duration of stay permitted by the host country. Another is
security; most places because of frequent tourist visits have become targets
for criminal activities such as kidnapping and terrorism.
Nonetheless in true nature of the human spirit tourism continues to be one
of the fastest growing industries worldwide……..besides, what would
adventure be?

Travel brings the world closer together. With tourism booming almost all across the globe,
more and more people are taking trips to international destinations and exploring their
dream cities.

10. Hong Kong — 9.25 million international visitors.

While known mainly as an urban centre, there is a lot more to the vibrant and lively
autonomous territory of Hong Kong. Its food, culture, people and shopping centres
allure tourists all year round.

9. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — 12.1 million international visitors.

The capital of Malaysia, one of southeast Asia’s finest tourist attractions, is known
for its Petronas Twin towers, lips-smacking street food, colonial buildings and
breathtaking skyline. Here’s a 5N/6D trip itinerary to explore Langkawi, Kuala
Lumpur and Genting in Malaysia.

8. New York, USA — 12.4 million international visitors.

What can be said about New York that hasn’t been said already? Not only is it one
of the most famous cities on the planet, it is also one of the most scintillating.
Inconic landmarks like the Empire State Building and Central Park attract visitors
throughout the year.
7. Seoul, South Korea — 12.44 million international visitors.
The South Korean capital is a delight for those who like a mix of business and
pleasure. Its stunning skyscrapers are as intriguing as its magnificent temples and
colourful street markets.

6. Tokyo, Japan — 12.5 million international visitors.

With its fine blend of old, traditional temples and modern, neon -lit high rise
buildings, Tokyo is a wonderful destination for the modern traveler. Its museums
and theatres stir the souls of many an art lover.

5. Singapore — 13.45 million international visitors.

Singapore is one of the world’s finest family vacation spots. Be it the colorful,
thrilling Universal Studios at Sentosa or the humongous Marina Bay Towers that
are home to every major brand on the planet, Singapore has something for all
kinds of travelers. Other attractions include the marvelous night safari that gives
you a sneak peek into the wildlife in this part of the world and the mesmerizing
Gardens By the Bay which is the best picnic spot ever.

4. Dubai, UAE — 16 million international visitors.

Another one of the global financial cities, Dubai is known for its lively shopping
scene and its marvellous skyline. And now, with the first successful concept flight
of the hover taxis that may soon be a reality in Dubai, the city is all set to welcome
many more visitors.

3. Paris, France — 16.1 million international visitors.

Paris is renowned as one of the most romantic cities in the world. No wonder so
many Indian celebrities too love to visit this city with their better halved and paint
the town red. Remember Aashka Goradia and Brent Koble’s passionate kiss at
the Eiffel Tower?

2. London, UK — 20 million international visitors.

London remains one of the world’s busiest and most popular cities. The admirable
architecture of its buildings and bridges are as big a tourist attraction as its
beautiful Thames riverside and the massive London Eye observatory wheel.

1. Bangkok, Thailand — 20.2 million international visitors.

And then there is Bangkok in Thailand, the wonderland that allures bachelors and
shopping enthusiasts from all across the globe. Be it Bangkok’s vibrant nightlife or
its peaceful shrines, the city has a wonderful mix of activities and places to visit.
And not to forget – several people who have tried Bangkok’s local food claim that it
is the best in the world.