IELTS Essay Topics on Travel and Tourism: 30+ Questions

Quick Answer: Travel and tourism is a common IELTS essay topic, appearing in both Academic and General Training Writing Task 2. You may be asked about the benefits of tourism, its environmental impact, cultural exchange, or government policies. This guide provides 30+ real exam-style questions, band 7–9 sample answers, and key strategies to help you score higher.

Table of Contents

Why Travel and Tourism is a Common IELTS Topic

30+ IELTS Essay Questions on Travel and Tourism

How to Structure Your Essay

Band Score Comparison Table

Why Travel and Tourism is a Common IELTS Topic

Travel and tourism is a universal subject that affects economies, cultures, and environments worldwide. IELTS examiners love this topic because:

It’s relatable – most candidates have personal experience.

It allows balanced arguments – you can discuss pros (economic growth, cultural exchange) and cons (overtourism, pollution).

It tests vocabulary range – from “sustainable tourism” to “cultural commodification.”

It appears in both Task 2 and Speaking Part 2/3.

30+ IELTS Essay Questions on Travel and Tourism

Here are real and predicted questions, organised by theme.

Benefits & Drawbacks of Tourism

Some people believe tourism brings economic benefits. Others argue it damages local communities. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Do the advantages of international tourism outweigh the disadvantages?

Tourism is becoming increasingly important for many countries. What are the main reasons? Is this a positive or negative development?

Many people travel to other countries for holidays. What are the benefits and drawbacks of this trend?

Some think tourism destroys local culture. Others say it preserves it. Discuss both sides.

Environmental Impact

The growth of tourism has a negative impact on the environment. What measures can be taken to reduce this?

Should governments limit the number of tourists visiting natural attractions? Why or why not?

Air travel causes pollution. Should people be encouraged to take holidays in their own country instead of abroad?

How can tourism be made more sustainable?

Some think eco-tourism is the best way to protect the environment. Others disagree. Discuss.

Cultural Exchange & Globalisation

International travel makes people more open-minded and tolerant. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Tourism can lead to the loss of traditional customs. How can countries preserve their culture while still welcoming tourists?

Some argue that tourism creates a “global culture” where all places look the same. Is this a positive or negative trend?

Does tourism help people understand different cultures, or does it create stereotypes?

Should tourists respect local customs even if they seem strange? Why?

Government & Policy

Should the government spend money on promoting tourism or on other sectors like education and healthcare?

Some countries rely heavily on tourism. What are the risks of this dependence?

Should visas be made easier for tourists? Discuss the pros and cons.

How can governments balance the needs of tourists and local residents?

Should tourist attractions charge higher entry fees for foreign visitors?

Work & Travel

More people are taking working holidays (working while travelling). Is this a positive development?

Some people think it’s better to take a holiday in your own country than abroad. Do you agree?

Why do some people prefer package holidays over independent travel?

Should young people take a gap year to travel before university?

Is travel a luxury or a necessity in modern life?

Technology & Tourism

How has technology (e.g., smartphones, apps) changed the way people travel?

Some say online travel reviews are unreliable. Should people trust them?

Will virtual reality replace real travel in the future?

Should airlines charge extra for carbon offsets?

Some argue that social media makes travel less authentic. Do you agree?

Miscellaneous

Is it better to travel alone or in a group?

Should tourists be allowed to take selfies in sacred places?

Why do some people return to the same holiday destination every year?

Should children travel more to learn about the world?

Is it important to learn the local language before visiting a country?

How to Structure Your Essay

For most travel/tourism essays, use this structure:

Introduction (2-3 sentences): Paraphrase the question + state your thesis. Body Paragraph 1: Discuss one side (e.g., benefits of tourism). Body Paragraph 2: Discuss the other side (e.g., drawbacks) or your counter-argument. Conclusion (2 sentences): Summarise and restate your opinion.

💡 Always include a balanced view even if you agree with one side. IELTS examiners reward nuanced arguments.

Band Score Comparison Table

Band	What Examiner Wants
6	Basic vocabulary (e.g., “good”, “bad”), some errors in grammar, simple structure. Limited range of ideas.
7	Good vocabulary (e.g., “sustainable”, “economic boost”), clear structure, few errors. Uses linking words (e.g., “furthermore”, “however”).
8	Wide range of precise vocabulary (e.g., “cultural commodification”, “overtourism”), complex sentences, cohesive paragraphs. Rare errors.
9	Natural, idiomatic language, perfect grammar, sophisticated arguments, fully developed ideas. No effort for the reader.

Sample Answers

Question: Tourism is becoming increasingly important for many countries. What are the main reasons? Is this a positive or negative development? Band 7:

Tourism is growing rapidly in many nations. There are several reasons for this, including cheaper flights and better marketing. In my opinion, this is mostly a positive development because it creates jobs and brings money to local businesses. However, there can be negative effects like pollution and overcrowding. Overall, I believe the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

Band 8:

The global tourism industry has experienced unprecedented growth, driven primarily by the proliferation of budget airlines, the rise of online booking platforms, and increased disposable income in developing nations. While this expansion brings significant economic advantages—such as job creation and infrastructure development—it also poses considerable environmental and cultural challenges. In my view, tourism is a double-edged sword: when managed sustainably, it can be a powerful force for good, but unregulated growth can lead to irreversible damage.

Band 9:

The meteoric rise of international tourism is a defining feature of the 21st century, propelled by a confluence of factors including the democratisation of air travel, the ubiquity of digital platforms, and a global middle class with unprecedented spending power. While the economic dividends are undeniable—tourism accounts for over 10% of global GDP and sustains millions of livelihoods—the environmental and sociocultural costs are equally profound. I contend that tourism is a profoundly ambivalent phenomenon. On one hand, it fosters cross-cultural understanding and stimulates local economies; on the other, it accelerates environmental degradation and commodifies indigenous traditions. The key lies in sustainable management, where governments implement policies that prioritise long-term preservation over short-term profit.

Common Mistakes

❌Writing only about benefits or drawbacks – IELTS expects a balanced discussion. Always mention both sides.

❌Using vague vocabulary – “Good for the economy” is too simple. Use “economic stimulus” or “boosts local revenue.”

❌Ignoring the question – If it asks “reasons and effects,” discuss both. Don’t just give one.

❌Forgetting examples – Generic statements score lower. Use specific examples (e.g., “In Thailand, overtourism has damaged coral reefs”).

❌Overusing “I think” – Vary your language: “I believe,” “It is my view that,” “I contend that.”

Top Tips

Plan before writing: Spend 5 minutes brainstorming ideas and vocabulary related to the topic (e.g., “sustainable tourism,” “cultural erosion,” “economic multiplier effect”).

💡 Use the “PEEL” structure in each paragraph: Point, Explanation, Example, Link back to the question.

Learn topic-specific vocabulary: For travel, know words like “eco-tourism,” “over-tourism,” “cultural heritage,” “carbon footprint,” “local authenticity.”

Practise with a timer: In the exam, you have 40 minutes. Aim for 5 mins planning, 30 mins writing, 5 mins checking.

Read sample answers: Analyse how band 9 essays use complex structures and precise vocabulary.

FAQ

Q: How many paragraphs should I write? A: Aim for 4 paragraphs: introduction, two body paragraphs, conclusion. This is the most common and effective structure. Q: Can I use personal examples in my essay? A: Yes, but keep them brief and relevant. Personal examples can make your essay more engaging, but don’t overuse them. Q: What if I don’t know much about tourism? A: Use common sense and general knowledge. You don’t need specialist knowledge—just logical reasoning and examples from everyday life. Q: Is it okay to agree with both sides? A: Yes, a balanced opinion is often safer. Just make sure your conclusion clearly states your position. Q: How can I improve my vocabulary for this topic? A: Read travel articles, watch documentaries, and make a list of 20-30 key terms (e.g., “sustainable,” “overtourism,” “cultural exchange”). Practice using them in sentences.

Key Takeaways

✅Travel and tourism is a high-frequency IELTS topic with many sub-themes (environment, culture, economy).

✅Use the 30+ questions above to practise writing timed essays.

✅Aim for a balanced argument with specific examples.

✅Focus on vocabulary range and complex sentence structures to reach band 7+.

✅Avoid common mistakes like one-sided arguments and vague language.

Related Posts:

IELTS Essay Topics on Environment: 30+ Questions

IELTS Essay Topics on Technology: 25+ Questions

How to Write a Band 9 IELTS Essay: Step-by-Step Guide