Community-based tourism has become an increasingly popular topic in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing frequently in recent years as the impact of tourism on local economies in developing nations continues to grow. Based on analysis of past papers, this theme commonly appears in advantage/disadvantage or discussion essays.
Local community members selling traditional crafts at tourism market
Task Analysis
Some people believe that community-based tourism initiatives bring more benefits than traditional mass tourism to local communities. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
This is an agree/disagree essay requiring candidates to:
- Take a clear position on the statement
- Compare community-based vs mass tourism
- Evaluate impacts on local communities
- Support arguments with relevant examples
Band 8-9 Model Essay
As sustainable tourism practices gain prominence globally, I strongly agree that community-based tourism initiatives provide significantly greater advantages to local populations compared to conventional mass tourism approaches.
The primary benefit of community-based tourism is that it ensures direct economic empowerment of local residents. Unlike mass tourism where profits mainly flow to large corporations, community tourism programs enable locals to earn income directly through homestays, guided tours, and selling traditional crafts. For example, in rural Vietnam’s Mai Chau valley, community-based tourism has allowed ethnic minority families to supplement their farming income by hosting tourists in traditional stilt houses and offering authentic cultural experiences.
Furthermore, this model promotes cultural preservation and environmental sustainability. When communities actively manage tourism activities, they can better protect their traditions and natural resources while sharing them meaningfully with visitors. The impact of international tourism on local cultures is carefully managed, preventing the commercialization often seen in mass tourism destinations. For instance, indigenous communities in Ecuador’s Amazon region have successfully maintained their traditional way of life while selectively sharing aspects of their culture through controlled tourism programs.
Additionally, community-based initiatives foster skill development and capacity building among locals. Residents gain valuable experience in hospitality management, marketing, and business operations, creating long-term employment opportunities. This contrasts sharply with mass tourism, where locals often remain confined to low-skilled service roles.
While mass tourism may generate larger overall revenue, community-based tourism ensures more equitable distribution of benefits and sustainable development. Therefore, I firmly believe this approach offers superior advantages for local communities’ long-term wellbeing.
Indigenous community members sharing traditional dance with tourists
Band 6-7 Model Essay
I agree that community-based tourism brings more benefits to local communities than mass tourism because it helps local people directly and protects their culture.
Firstly, community tourism gives more money directly to local people. When tourists stay in local homes and buy things from local shops, the money goes straight to community members. For example, in Thailand’s villages, families can earn extra income by cooking traditional meals for tourists and showing them local farming methods. This is better than mass tourism where big hotels and tour companies take most of the profits.
Secondly, sustainable tourism practices for developing countries help protect local culture and environment. When communities control tourism activities, they can decide how to share their traditions without damaging them. They can also protect natural areas from too many visitors. In contrast, mass tourism often damages local customs and creates environmental problems.
Finally, community tourism helps local people learn new skills. They learn how to manage businesses, speak foreign languages, and provide services to tourists. These skills can help them find better jobs and improve their lives. In mass tourism, local people usually only get low-paying jobs like cleaning or serving.
In conclusion, I believe community-based tourism is better for local communities because it provides direct benefits, protects culture, and develops people’s skills.
Scoring Analysis
Band 8-9 Essay Features:
- Sophisticated vocabulary: empowerment, initiatives, preservation
- Complex sentence structures
- Clear progression of ideas
- Relevant examples
- Cohesive devices effectively used
- Academic tone maintained
Band 6-7 Essay Features:
- Good but simpler vocabulary
- Basic sentence structures
- Clear but less developed ideas
- Basic examples
- Simple cohesive devices
- Less formal tone
Key Vocabulary
- initiatives (n) /ɪˈnɪʃətɪvz/ – programs or actions to solve problems
- empowerment (n) /ɪmˈpaʊərmənt/ – giving power or authority to someone
- sustainability (n) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – ability to maintain at a certain level
- preservation (n) /ˌprezərˈveɪʃən/ – keeping something in its original state
- equitable (adj) /ˈekwɪtəbəl/ – fair and impartial
For further practice, consider writing about The role of tourism in boosting the economy from different perspectives. Share your practice essays in the comments for feedback and discussion.
