Have These Countries Drowned Themselves in Tourism?
Many popular tourist destinations like Spain, Greece, and Japan are experiencing problems due to too many visitors. While tourism brings money and jobs, especially for young people, the current type of tourism, with budget travelers and cruise ships, is causing issues for local communities. Locals are protesting because their cities are becoming too crowded, housing is getting expensive due to short-term rentals, and they feel they are not benefiting enough from the money tourists spend. Some countries are trying to attract wealthier tourists who spend more and cause less disruption, while others are cracking down on Airbnbs and cruise ships to reduce the negative impact on residents and the environment. The goal is to find a better balance so that tourism benefits both visitors and local communities.
Key Vocabulary
Decided or established in advance; arranged beforehand.
Examples:
- The outcome of the chess match seemed predetermined after the grandmaster made an early blunder.
- Students felt that the grading criteria for the essay were predetermined, leaving little room for individual interpretation.
- The company's marketing strategy had a predetermined budget, which limited their advertising options.
A person employed by a bar, nightclub, or other establishment to prevent troublemakers from entering or to eject them if they cause problems.
Examples:
- The bouncer at the club checked IDs rigorously before allowing anyone inside.
- After a minor altercation, the bouncer escorted the disruptive patron out of the venue.
- She recognized the bouncer from another establishment she had visited last year.
A planned route or journey, often including a list of places to visit and times.
Examples:
- Our travel agent helped us create a detailed itinerary for our trip through Italy.
- The conference itinerary included keynote speeches, workshops, and networking events.
- Before the business trip, I reviewed my itinerary to ensure I knew all my appointments.
The management of a household or domestic affairs; in a hotel context, the department responsible for cleaning and maintaining rooms.
Examples:
- The hotel's housekeeping staff ensured that every room was spotless and well-stocked.
- Good housekeeping practices are essential for maintaining a tidy and organized living space.
- She learned a lot about efficient housekeeping from her grandmother.
To change the time or date of a planned event.
Examples:
- Due to heavy snow, the flight was rescheduled for the following morning.
- The meeting had to be rescheduled because the key speaker was unexpectedly ill.
- We rescheduled our dinner plans to accommodate their late arrival.
A sharp, sudden increase in the amount or level of something.
Examples:
- There was a sudden spike in online sales after the product was featured on a popular blog.
- The company observed a spike in website traffic immediately following the advertisement campaign.
- Economists are predicting a spike in consumer spending during the holiday season.
Significant stages or events in the development of something.
Examples:
- Graduating from university was a major milestone in her academic journey.
- The invention of the printing press marked a significant milestone in human history.
- Achieving profitability within the first year was an important milestone for the startup.
An abbreviation for United States Dollar, the official currency of the United States.
Examples:
- The price of the imported goods was listed as 250 USD.
- He converted his euros into USD at the airport exchange counter.
- The software license costs 99 USD per year.
Doing something to an excessive degree; exaggerating or going too far.
Examples:
- She was overdoing it at the gym and ended up with a muscle strain.
- The chef was careful not to be overdoing it with the spices, aiming for a subtle flavor.
- His speech was good, but he was overdoing the dramatic pauses.
Something that provides a means of escape or help in a difficult situation.
Examples:
- For small businesses, the government loan program was a crucial lifeline during the economic downturn.
- The satellite phone proved to be a lifeline for the stranded hikers in the remote mountains.
- Access to clean water is a lifeline for communities in arid regions.
The state of being restricted to a particular person, group, or area; the quality of being exclusive.
Examples:
- The luxury brand maintains its exclusivity by producing limited edition items.
- Membership to the private club offers a sense of exclusivity and unique benefits.
- The restaurant's policy of only serving reservations enhances its reputation for exclusivity.
Without regard for danger or consequences; carelessly.
Examples:
- He drove recklessly through the winding mountain roads, causing concern for his passengers.
- She spent her inheritance money recklessly, without any long-term financial planning.
- The company pursued the new venture recklessly, ignoring potential risks.
Staring openly and stupidly; gaping.
Examples:
- Tourists were gawking at the ancient ruins, mesmerized by their grandeur.
- People stopped gawking at the street performer, captivated by his intricate act.
- She felt uncomfortable with strangers gawking at her unusual outfit.
Showing a lack of proper concern; offhand.
Examples:
- His cavalier attitude towards the strict rules earned him a reprimand from his supervisor.
- The manager's cavalier dismissal of the team's concerns led to widespread dissatisfaction.
- She had a cavalier approach to deadlines, often submitting her work at the last minute.
Making as great as possible; increasing to the greatest possible extent.
Examples:
- The company is focused on maximizing profits by streamlining its production process.
- Athletes train rigorously, maximizing their physical potential for the competition.
- She rearranged her schedule, maximizing her study time before the exams.
The state of not flowing or moving, or of not developing or progressing.
Examples:
- The economy experienced a period of stagnation, with little growth or job creation.
- Lack of new ideas led to a creative stagnation within the design team.
- He worried about the intellectual stagnation that could come from not continually learning.
The ideas, attitudes, or activities that are regarded as normal or conventional; the dominant trend.
Examples:
- Once a niche genre, indie music has now entered the mainstream.
- The artist's unique style eventually became mainstream, influencing many younger painters.
- Many people prefer mainstream media for their daily news updates.
Free from disturbance; calm.
Examples:
- The tranquil lake reflected the clear blue sky, creating a serene scene.
- She sought a tranquil environment to meditate and escape the city's noise.
- The garden provided a tranquil retreat from the stresses of daily life.
A reduction in the speed or rate of something.
Examples:
- The recent economic slowdown has led to a decrease in consumer spending.
- A slowdown in production was attributed to issues with the supply chain.
- There was a noticeable slowdown in traffic after the rush hour.
A distinguishing characteristic or feature.
Examples:
- Attention to detail is a hallmark of her exquisite craftsmanship.
- The hallmark of a great leader is the ability to inspire and motivate others.
- Politeness and hospitality are often considered the hallmark of their culture.