Growth of Tourism Activities in the Context of Mass Tourism

Tourism industry has been developing rapidly due to the massive improvements in several sectors within industries and infrastructures

Tourism is one of the highly developed industries nowadays. In Indonesia itself, tourism is one of the most important economic sectors due to its multiplier effects on other sectors. Several places with natural and man-made attractions have great potential for tourism as an economic solution.

Approximately 3.53 billion US dollars were generated in the tourism sector alone in 2020. As a percentage of its GDP, this amounts to 0.30 percent and represents approximately 12 percent of all international tourism receipts in Southeast Asia according to World Data Info. As a result, tourism has been recognized as an important industry in modern times.

Many destinations around the world have grappled with the growth of tourism activities, particularly mass tourism. The tourism industry can generate jobs and revenue for local communities, including hotels, restaurants, and transportation providers. It is the phenomenon that characterized the use of mass-produced products or services to provide people with mass tourist consumption.

In recent years, the growth of mass tourism has led to the development of new tourist destinations and the transformation of previously undiscovered or less popular places into major tourist hotspots.

This has resulted in an increase in the number of tourists visiting these destinations, which in turn has led to a growth in tourism-related activities and infrastructure.

However, the rapid growth of tourism has also resulted in the degradation of the environment and cultural heritage sites and has put pressure on local communities and resources.

A strained local service system, for an instance, can lead to rising prices and decreased quality of life for local residents. Global tourism is growing with not only positive impacts but also comes with negative impacts.

1. The Development of Tourism

Mass tourism in the world has been remarkable over the past few decades, driven by a number of factors, including increased globalization, improvements in transportation, and the growth of the middle class in many countries. Mass tourism roles as an important point to maintain the rapid tourist flow in the world.

The emergence of paid holidays in several companies has led many people to go on holidays resulting in the increasing tourist flow in several destinations. The improvement in leisure time plays a role as well in encouraging them to travel.

According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the number of international tourist arrivals grew from 25 million in 1950 to 1.4 billion in 2018. This represents a 56-fold increase in just 68 years. This growth has been robust in developing countries, which now account for a significant share of the global tourism market.

Several factors have contributed to the growth of tourism in the world, including:

    • Affordability: With the rise of low-cost airlines and the growth of budget-friendly destinations, travel has become more affordable for many people. This has made it possible for people from all walks of life to experience the world and its many wonders.
    • Improved Infrastructure: People now have access to better infrastructure, such as roads, airports, and public transportation, within their own countries and abroad.
    • The Growth of the Middle Class: People with disposable income are seeking new experiences and adventures because of the growth of the middle-class society in many countries. This led to a wide market audience within all age range around the world.
    • Increased Globalization: A growing number of people are discovering new destinations and experiencing different cultures as a result of the world’s increased interconnectedness.

Despite the growth of tourism in the world, the industry has faced some challenges in recent years, since the emergence of mass tourism in the middle of the 20th century.

However, the industry has remained resilient, and the long-term outlook for tourism remains positive, with continued growth expected in the years to come. Several factors have contributed to the growth of tourism around the world, including affordability, improved infrastructure, the growth of the middle class, and increased globalization.

Many destinations have implemented sustainable tourism policies and practices mitigating these negative impacts, such as regulating tourist numbers, promoting alternative forms of tourism, and improving infrastructure to reduce strain on local resources.

In addition, some destinations have also introduced taxes on tourists to fund conservation efforts and support local communities.

2. Mass Tourism

The growth of tourism has increased significantly over the decades as mass tourism has emerged. The term mass tourism refers to large numbers of tourists traveling to popular holiday destinations for the purpose of recreation. In stark contrast to elite or luxury tourism, mass tourism is aggressively large-scale, standardized packaged travel as sustainable tourism. 

The history of mass tourism can be traced back to the mid-19th century, when rail transportation became widespread and affordable for the average person. This made it possible for large numbers of people to travel for leisure and recreation.

The growth of industrialization and urbanization also played a role, as people sought to escape from crowded and polluted cities for cleaner and more scenic areas with sustainable tourism comes in mind.

Initially, the flow of tourists traveling around the world to certain destinations was coming from industrial regions to the seaside areas in France and the United Kingdom.

Massive development started to emerge after WWII with Spain and Italy taking action in the 1950s. After that, the growth of the mass concentration of tourists started to increase rapidly.

The development of mass tourism has continued to evolve over the decades. The growth of the package holiday industry in the 1960s and 1970s made it possible for people to travel to exotic destinations at affordable prices.

The advent of the internet and online travel booking has further transformed the industry, making it easier for people to plan and book their own vacations.

3. Mass Tourism in Indonesia

With more than 16.1 million international tourists arriving in 2019, Indonesia is a popular tourism destination. Throughout the past few years, mass tourism has led to numerous positive effects in Indonesia.

Tourism has overgrown in numerous destinations as a result of a number of benefits. Indonesia has many examples of mass tourism, including Bali and Lombok.

The first one is Bali, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Indonesia and attracts millions of visitors annually. As one of the most heavily visited places in Indonesia, the island has beaches, temples, and cultural attractions that attract tourists from around the world.

On average, Bali welcomes 10,000 international visitors per day as of the first week of September 2022. As a result, the daily rate is 50% lower than what it was before Covid.

On September 5th, Governor Koster noted that the 10,000 arrivals per day are easily higher than the 40% expected by December 2022 because of pre-covid arrivals. As a tourism destination, Bali is one of the rapidly growing destinations after the long-covid era has cooled down.

The same occurrences happened in Lombok as well. With the recent new luxury resorts built on Lombok, the island has become increasingly popular with tourists in recent years.

Known for its beautiful beaches, natural beauty, and proximity to the Gili islands, Lombok has attracted many tourists worldwide. Located near Bali, Lombok, especially West Lombok, is also an important tourist destination in Indonesia. Tourists going to Gili Trawangan, Mount Rinjani, and other favorite destinations must travel through West Lombok.

4. The Benefits of Mass Tourism

Tourism is a major contributor to the global economy, generating billions of dollars in revenue every year. With the rise of affordable air travel and the popularity of budget-friendly destinations, mass tourism has become more prevalent than ever before. In this sustainable tourism, there is a variety of benefits in several sectors, which contribute to the enhancement of tourist destinations in a corresponding manner.

    • Boosts Local Economies: Mass tourism is a major source of revenue for many destinations around the world, providing a significant boost to the local economy. The influx of tourists creates jobs in the hospitality and service industries, which in turn stimulates economic growth.
    • Enhances Infrastructure: In order to accommodate the growing number of tourists, many destinations have invested in improving their infrastructure, such as roads, airports, and public transportation. This not only makes it easier for visitors to get around, but it also benefits the local community.
    • Supports Conservation Efforts: Mass tourism can help support conservation efforts by generating revenue for protected areas, such as national parks and wildlife reserves. This money can be used to fund research and protection initiatives, preserving these areas for future generations.
    • Cultural Exchange: Mass tourism provides an opportunity for people from different parts of the world to come together and experience different cultures, which can lead to increased understanding and appreciation of other cultures.

5. Mass Tourism Drawbacks

As the terms themselves depend on the trends, not all sectors would benefit from mass tourism. While this trend has brought many benefits to local communities, it also has several drawbacks that cannot be ignored.

The drawbacks in this industry impede tourism development even in remote area. The drawbacks consist of several aspects:

    • Environmental Impacts: Mass tourism can have a significant impact on the environment, particularly in fragile ecosystems such as coral reefs and tropical rainforests. Overcrowding and the increased demand for resources can result in degradation and damage to these areas.
    • The exploitation of Local Communities: Mass tourism can often result in the exploitation of local communities, as they are often paid low wages and are forced to work long hours in the service industry. In addition, the rise in property prices due to the influx of tourists can make it difficult for local residents to afford to live in their own communities.
    • Cultural Homogenization: Mass tourism can lead to a homogenization of culture, as destinations strive to cater to the tastes and expectations of tourists. This can result in the loss of local traditions and customs, as well as the disappearance of unique and authentic experiences.
    • Overcrowding: Mass tourism can result in overcrowding, particularly in popular destinations during peak seasons. This can lead to long lines, congested streets, and a diminished sense of the place. A tourist destination in a dense population area would most likely be overcrowded when holidays come.

Mass tourism has brought many benefits to destinations around the world, but it also has its share of drawbacks. As the number of tourists continues to grow, it is important for destinations to find ways to manage the impact of mass tourism, while still preserving the local culture, environment, and economy.

This will require a concerted effort from everyone involved, including governments, the tourism industry, and tourists themselves. The beauty and diversity of the world’s tourist destinations can be enjoyed for generations to come by being mindful of the impact of mass tourism.

Shortly, mass tourism has many impacts on the global tourism industry. Despite many positive impacts, there are also some drawbacks that negatively impact the tourism industry.

In spite of this, mass tourism can be effectively maintained in a refined manner. Using smart tourism techniques, for example, can help manage mass tourism more sustainably.

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Farhan Khairy

A professional writer who loves to write for people's needs. It can be anything as long as it stays to give people information and knowledge. He aims to change every people into a knowledgeable person. With that goal in mind, every writing counts as the medium. “Knowledge exists in many forms in this world. Some are contained in books, some are found in nature.”

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