Text 3. International Tourism

Task 11. Read and translate the text. Comment on new words and expressions.

Tourism is one of the leading industries in the world today. For some countries and regions tourism is the primary economic activity, a major source of income, and it affects the economy of both the source and host countries, in some cases being of vital importance. The traditional areas of tourist destinations, such as beaches, theme parks, winter ski areas, and cultural attractions, continue to attract millions of visitors. At the same time new areas or nontraditional destinations are becoming important.

The primary factor that attracts tourist is geography. Whether it is a combination of climate and landforms as in sea-and-ski areas, such as the Alps or the Mediterranean, or cultural-historical geography as in Paris or China, the geographic factors that combine to give the character to a place are what attract the tourists. If the geography of the world were uniform, there would be no incentive to travel. Since each place on the face of the earth is different from all others, however, people always have a desire to see what other places are like.

Tourism is travel for recreation, leisure, religious, family or business purposes, usually for a limited duration. Tourism is commonly associated with international travel, but may also refer to travel to another place within the same country. The World Tourism Organization defines tourists as people “traveling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for leisure, business and other purposes”. Tourism has become a popular global leisure activity. But on the other hand, tourism occasionally suffers as a result of strong economic slowdowns or crises. The following ten countries are the most visited in terms of the number of international travelers: France, United States, Spain, China, Italy, Turkey, Germany, United Kingdom, Russia, and Thailand.

Modern tourism can be traced to what was known as the Grand Tour, traditional trip around Europe, (especially Germany and Italy), undertaken by mainly upper-class European young men. It was associated with a standard itinerary and served for the educational purpose. The Grand Tour’s main destinations were to those centers, where upper-class students could find rare examples of classic art and history and besides they perfected their language skills.

 

Talking Points: Discussion and Interpretation

Task 12. Discuss and interpret the following statements Illustrate your arguments with example:

 

1. International tourism. What is it?

2. International tourism is associated with the primary economic activity? Why?

3. The primary factor that attracts tourist is geography.

4. Modern tourism can be traced to the Grand Tour. What was it served for?

5. Significance of international tourism.

 

Follow-up activities

Task 13. Pair work: Speak about the importance of international tourism.

(You may speak about: international tourism; cruise shipping; winter tourism; many leisure-oriented tourists travel to; sustainable tourism; ecotourism; educational tourism; social tourism; hotels and accommodation; eating and socializing; local knowledge;).

Writing

Task 14. Using English for tourism write about advantages and disadvantages of international tourism. The following statements may help you:

1) Switzerland is the cradle of the developing winter tourism; 2) Ecotourism is known for ecological tourism; 3) Educational tourism is developed worldwide; 4) Social tourism is a type of tourism practiced by low income groups; 5) Sports tourism is very popular; 6) English for international tourism; 7) International tourism is a major activity in the world.

 

Task 15. Test your knowledge of interesting sights.

1). What is the world’s business airport for international traffic?

A: Gatwick B: London

C: Heathrow D: Ramsgate

 

2). What administrative part of London is associated with the expression “square mile”?

A: Westminster B: West End

C: East End D:the City

 

3). The largest conservation organization in the world whose aim is to preserve Britain’s countryside and historic buildings by acquiring them “for the nation”.

A: National Trust B: National Assembly

C: National Bank D: National Society

 

4). What is Whitehall in London?

A: hall B: street

C:.lane D: road

5.) What famous fast food comes from England?

A: pizza B: hamburger

C: sandwich D: cheeseburger

 

6). What is the national animal symbol of Great Britain?

A: bulldog B: sheep-dog

C: collie D: wolfhound

 

7). What does Statue of Liberty hold in its hand?

A: torch B: flag

C: banner D: lantern

 

8). What sport is played at Wimbledon?

A: football B: tennis

C: hockey D: basketball

 

9). What is the present currency of Britain?

A: pound ……………B: dollar

C: shilling……………..D: dinar

 

10). What river is London situated on?

A: the Thames B: the Clyde

C: the Severn D: the Tyne

UNIT 7. ENGLISH-SPEAKING COUNTRIES: