You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people think that foreign visitors should be charged more than locals when they visit cultural and tourist attractions in a country.
To what extent do you agree with this view?
Should Foreign Visitors Be Charged More Than Locals? A Band 9 Writing Strategy Brief
Before we dive into the Band 9 sample essays for this interesting IELTS question, let us share some key insights and strategies to help you craft a high-scoring response. Of course, if you’re eager to jump straight to the sample essays, feel free to scroll down! For this topic—whether foreign visitors should be charged more than locals at cultural and tourist attractions—it’s essential to focus on one or two well-developed points, explaining them clearly and thoroughly. IELTS examiners prefer quality over quantity, so avoid listing too many points that lack depth.
When forming your opinion, remember it’s not about taking a "right" or "wrong" stance but about how effectively you can explain and support your ideas. Use examples to make your points persuasive—these examples can be hypothetical or based on real-life experiences, as long as they align with your argument. To meet the Band 9 requirements, pay attention to the four key descriptors: Task Achievement, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resources, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. A well-organized response with clear arguments, natural use of vocabulary, and varied sentence structures will help you achieve your desired band.
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Sample Essay 1
When visiting cultural and tourist attractions, some believe foreign visitors should be charged more than locals. While this idea may seem practical for economic reasons, I strongly disagree with such a pricing strategy. This essay will discuss how such a policy could discourage tourism and why equitable pricing fosters cultural exchange and global goodwill.
Charging foreign visitors higher fees could negatively impact tourism by deterring potential visitors. Many tourists plan their trips with limited budgets, and a dual pricing system could make destinations less attractive compared to other countries with uniform pricing. For example, families traveling internationally might opt for alternative destinations where pricing is fair, reducing overall tourist inflow. Additionally, such discriminatory pricing can create resentment among tourists who may feel unfairly targeted, potentially damaging a country's reputation as a welcoming destination. A nation reliant on tourism as a significant source of revenue would risk losing not just money but also its global appeal.
Moreover, equal pricing at cultural and tourist attractions promotes inclusivity and fosters cultural exchange. Charging all visitors the same encourages locals and foreigners to interact, learn, and share experiences on equal footing. This inclusivity helps build global goodwill, as visitors feel respected and valued regardless of nationality. For instance, tourists often seek authentic cultural experiences, which are enriched when they feel treated fairly. Such policies also demonstrate a country’s commitment to equality, further enhancing its international image and boosting soft power through positive visitor experiences.
In conclusion, while the idea of charging foreign visitors more than locals may initially seem beneficial, its drawbacks far outweigh its advantages. A fair pricing strategy ensures a welcoming atmosphere, encourages tourism, and fosters positive cross-cultural interactions. Equitable access to cultural experiences benefits everyone and strengthens a country’s reputation globally.
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Sample Essay 2
Some argue that foreign visitors should pay higher fees than locals when accessing cultural and tourist attractions. I fully agree with this perspective, as charging foreigners more can contribute significantly to a country’s economy and ensure the preservation of cultural heritage. This essay will explore these two key points in detail.
Charging foreign visitors more is a pragmatic way to boost a nation’s revenue. Tourism is often a lucrative industry, and foreign tourists are typically willing to spend more during their travels. A higher fee for international visitors can generate additional funds that can be reinvested into infrastructure, public services, or the development of tourist facilities. For example, countries like Thailand and Kenya have implemented tiered pricing systems, using the surplus from foreign visitors to maintain and improve their tourist hotspots. This strategy not only benefits the economy but also ensures that locals are not disproportionately burdened by the cost of maintaining these attractions.
Additionally, higher charges for foreign visitors can help preserve cultural and natural heritage sites by funding their conservation. Tourist destinations often face wear and tear due to large visitor numbers, and preservation efforts require significant financial investment. By allocating higher fees to non-residents, governments can ensure that these cultural and natural treasures remain intact for future generations. For instance, Machu Picchu in Peru limits daily visitors and charges higher fees for foreigners, using the revenue for conservation projects and sustainable tourism. This approach safeguards the integrity of such sites while allowing locals to continue enjoying them affordably.
In conclusion, charging foreign visitors more than locals offers a sustainable solution to support both economic growth and cultural preservation. By implementing such a policy, countries can ensure the longevity of their attractions while minimizing financial strain on residents. This balance benefits both visitors and host nations in the long term.
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