Tourism & Culture

Cultural heritage site
Context: What kind of places should governments protect for tourists?

Meaning: A place with historical, cultural, or traditional value.
Example: In my country, many tourists visit Hội An because it’s recognized as a cultural heritage site by UNESCO.
Synonym: historic landmark

Boost the local economy
Context: Does tourism benefit local people?

Meaning: To improve business and income in a community.
Example: Tourism can boost the local economy because visitors spend money on food, hotels, and handicrafts.
Synonym: stimulate economic growth

Cultural exchange
Context: How does tourism influence local culture?

Meaning: The sharing of traditions and ideas between people from different backgrounds.
Example: I think tourism promotes cultural exchange since travellers can experience local customs while locals learn about foreign lifestyles.
Synonym: cross-cultural interaction

Mass tourism
Context: Do you think tourism has negative effects?

Meaning: Tourism with very large numbers of visitors, often harming the environment or culture.
Example: Mass tourism sometimes damages natural beauty spots because of overcrowding and pollution.
Synonym: over-tourism

Authentic experience
Context: What do tourists usually look for?

Meaning: A genuine and real cultural experience, not artificial.
Example: Many travellers prefer homestays because they offer an authentic experience of local life.
Synonym: genuine cultural exposure

Erode traditional values
Context: Can tourism harm culture?

Meaning: To gradually weaken or destroy long-held beliefs and practices.
Example: Some people argue that tourism erodes traditional values when locals change their customs to suit visitors.
Synonym: undermine cultural identity

Sustainable tourism
Context: What kind of tourism should governments encourage?

Meaning: Tourism that protects the environment and benefits local people for the long term.
Example: I believe we should focus more on sustainable tourism that reduces waste and supports local communities.
Synonym: eco-tourism

Immerse oneself in (local culture)
Context: How can tourists learn more about a country’s traditions?

Meaning: To deeply experience or get involved in something.
Example: When I travel, I try to immerse myself in local culture by learning a few phrases of the language and trying street food.
Synonym: fully engage with

Double-edged sword (idiom)
Context: Is tourism always good?

Meaning: Something that has both advantages and disadvantages.
Example: Tourism is a double-edged sword: it creates jobs but can also cause overcrowding in cities.
Synonym: mixed blessing

Preserve cultural identity
Context: Should cultural traditions be protected?

Meaning: To keep a community’s culture safe and unchanged.
Example: Local festivals help preserve cultural identity while also attracting curious tourists.
Synonym: safeguard traditions