Question

• the Status of Tourism in Ontario
• Role of Tourism in Community Development
• Local Economic Development based on Tourism
• in qbout 500 words

Answer 1

With increasing global tourism market, Ontario faces stiff competition by various travel destinations. The maximum tourism in province comes from the domestic market, i.e. the locals. It has large opportunities due to its proximity to the US. It therefore attracts US tourists in large amount. As it possesses easier access to the US citizens, it also provides equal opportunities to its locals to explore other areas in terms of tourism which might act like a leakage. Its neighbours in the west in Canada, Quebec and Manitoba has a lot of potential to supple tourist footfall in Ontario.

It being the 2nd largest Canadian province, it attracts major tourists. It is also destination which attracts tourists in all the 4 seasons. The tourism industry provides a push to the state’s economy by providing over 5 lakh jobs and more in the region with growing tourism, the employment rate is also bound to improve.

But COVID-19 might prove to affect the tourism industry in Ontario. The reservations have already plunged. But it might see some respite given the local tourists won’t ;eave for the neighbouring regions of US, France or Italy.

Tourism plays a major role in the Economic Development of a region. It brings with it economic growth by the increased income of the locals, brings employment in the region and thus helping reduce poverty. With tourism ranging for leisure, business, pilgrimage, medical reasons, etc, push to the regional development is bound to happen. With trekking tourism, the difficult to access rural areas can also be a part of such development. These areas then receive additional income and employment which the industries or other business could not provide leading to Local Economic Development.

Moreover, with increased tourism, government expenditure on public services and goods is bound to increase as well.

But there is a debate on the negative effects of tourism as well due to increasing pollution. Therefore, countries are working towards sustainable tourism to reap the maximum benefits and avoid the downsides of tourism.