The socio-cultural, economic and environmental impact of mass tourism Essay

The socio-cultural, economic and environmental impact of mass tourism on Tokyo - Essay Example This paper presents fact-based analysis of the full gamut of the impact, mass tourism has on the functioning of Tokyo. Among the negative impacts of mass tourism in Tokyo are income inequality, class conflicts, social stress, cultural deterioration, deprivation of local people of access, ethical issues among others. Reformed tourism policies that promote appropriate resource allocation, investor and worker visitors, and conscious travel, should be adopted. There have emerged two opposing sides to the debate on whether mass tourism is good or bad. In particular, mass tourism is shrouded in quite a lot of controversies and debates with one side opposing and the other supporting mass tourism. The question many ask is whether mass tourism creates and increases exploitation or prosperity in the destination areas. By extension, questions are also raised about the possibility of responsible mass tourism and its effects on the culture, economy and environment of the destination areas. Those of the other side of the debate do not regard mass tourism as an exploitative activity; instead, eco-tourism holidays and package tours are viewed as forms of mass tourism that actually benefit local communities in destination areas. Mass tourism could really be great to local people and cultures, environment and economy if only the tourists respect the destinations local people and culture . In addition, host country and people must enjoy the opportunities of showing their unique economic, social and cultural practices and beliefs to their visitors (Totman, 2005). In addition, mass tourism should also expose the destination areas to the cultures of the visiting people. Tokyo, the capital city of Japan is one of the main tourism destinations in Asia, if not the entire world (Cullen, 2003). Hence, mass tourism affects life in Tokyo in one way or the other. The economic value of tourism in Tokyo soars well above 10 million Yen. Consisting of both local and foreign tourists, the main tourist attraction centres in Tokyo include but are not limited to entertainment districts, ubiquitous Japanese pop culture, stores and downtowns (Malm, 2000). The cultural districts of Shibuya and Harajuku come to mind when tourism in Tokyo is mentioned. In addition, museums such as the Tokyo National Museum, which is widely known for housing Japan’s artwork national treasures is a renowned tourist attraction, centre in Tokyo (Waley, 2007). Other attractions in Tokyo include Tsukiji Fish Market, the Senso-ji Temple, the Imperial Palace and the Meiji Shrine. That Tokyo is easily accessible via the Narita Airport and the Tokyo International Airport also makes it a