“The tourism industry has had a significant social impact but a limited economic impact.” Discuss with reference to two Asian countries (excluding China, Japan and India).

Candidates are required to offer a considered and balanced review of the statement. Candidates may agree, partly agree or disagree with the statement. They are required to refer to both the social and economic impact on two countries though there might be some imbalance between the two. Social impacts may include the impact on social structures and communities, the proliferation of hotels at the cost of housing provision, migration, new ideologies, language, fashion, education, ecological degradation, rise of crimes such as drinking, gambling, prostitution, and child sex exploitation. Economic impacts may include the impact on traditional jobs, local handicrafts, balance of trade, import of products needed by tourists versus basic consumer goods, change in the balance of trade and tax structures and governmental budgets allocated to tourism at the cost of education and basic healthcare.