Listening
Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
- world-renowned / ˈwɜrld rɪˈnaʊnd / (adj.) – describing someone or something that is famous all over the world
Example:The museum displayed paintings by world-renowned artists, so people traveled from many countries to see them.
- unspoiled / ʌnˈspɔɪld / (adj.) – describing a place that is still natural and beautiful because it has not been damaged or changed much by people
Example:They went on a vacation to an unspoiled island with clear blue water and no big hotels.
- double-edged sword / ˈdʌb əlˈɛdʒd ˈsɔrd / (n.) – something that has good and bad effects, qualities, or results
Example:Social media can be a double-edged sword. It helps you connect with friends, but it can also waste a lot of time.
- stakeholder / ˈsteɪkˌhoʊl dər / (n.) – someone who is affected by a business or project, and has an interest in whether it succeeds or fails
Example:When the government made the new environmental rules, many stakeholders, like factory owners and residents, had different opinions.
- off-season / ˈɔfˈsi zən / (adv.) – happening when something is not popular and prices are usually lower
Example:Hotels by the beach are often cheaper if you travel off-season.
Article
Read the text below.
The beauty of the Scottish islands in the UK is world-renowned. The unspoiled nature of the islands is what draws many tourists here, but for some locals on Shetland, the sheer weight of visitors is beginning to take a toll. It’s putting pressure on local services such as transport and leaving residents unable to access other amenities.
Many are fully aware of the financial benefits the visitors from the cruise ships bring, but it’s a double-edged sword. The ships are a constant presence, and residents believe a balance needs to be struck.
The Scottish government says it’s considering giving local councils the powers to impose a levy on cruise ships after a consultation with the industry and other stakeholders, to maintain local infrastructure.
A quick poll of people near the port of Lerwick, the main town for the Shetland Islands, shows there is support for a levy.
Although the ships arriving here vary in size, some anchored in Lerwick Harbour carry 3,000 passengers, that’s almost half the town’s population.
Local businesses say the tourists have disadvantages as well as financial benefits.
Ross Manson, No88 Kitchen and Bar owner, says local customers are often deterred from coming to his restaurant because they think they won’t be able to get in because of visitors from the cruise ships.
He says, “… a lot of people don’t come into town on cruise boat days. So if you don’t have cruise booked passengers eating in the restaurant, then you’re absolutely dead.”
Other businesses say they’re able to expand and offer services off-season because of dependable cash brought in by tourists from the cruise ships.
Captain Calum Grains, the Chief Executive of the Lerwick Port Authority, says there is concern that a levy will deter ships from stopping at the island. Grains believes a levy might also convince operators to reduce the number of Scottish island ports they stop at.
He also says if the cruise ships pass on the cost to passengers, they might be put off visiting altogether, impacting the industry as a whole.
This article was provided by The Associated Press.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
- Some businesses benefit greatly from tourists, while others find it challenging. If you lived in a popular tourist destination, what would be your biggest concerns (ex. spoiled environment, heavy traffic)? Have you ever chosen not to go to a local place because you expected it to be too crowded with tourists? Discuss.
- Ross Manson says local people don’t come to his restaurant on cruise ship days because they think it will be too full of tourists, and without cruise ship customers, the businesses would be dead. How do you think a large number of tourists can change the processes and experiences of local businesses (ex. businesses might focus on tourists, businesses might need to expand)? Why do you think it’s important for local customers to still support local businesses even if there are a lot of tourists? Discuss.
Discussion B
- The unspoiled nature of the Shetland Islands draws many tourists there. How would you describe an unspoiled natural spot? Have you ever seen one in your country before? Would you support turning an unspoiled location in your country into a popular tourist destination? Why or why not? Discuss.
- What do you think is the best way to protect unspoiled natural places? Do you think tourism always leads to a place becoming spoiled? Why do you say so? Discuss.
