While tourism is usually associated with positive emotions, it seems to be causing problems for the environment. People’s desire for more authentic, original experiences led them to visit more and more remote areas. Nowadays there are hardly any unexplored natural places left in the world. It is said that more research is needed to estimate the impacts of tourism on ecosystems. We already know, however, that too much activity in an area leads to natural resource degradation, loss of biodiversity, and a higher level of water, soil, and air pollution, which reduces the ecosystem’s resilience. What is more, all the noise people make affects the way animals behave, for example birds change their nesting sites, reduce egg‑laying or even change their songs.

Tourism has short‑term and long‑term effects on people’s health. The short‑term ones are connected with temporary congestion of tourists in the high season period. Usually, there is a lot of traffic and the area is crowded, which may cause irritation and even stress. With the arrival of large numbers of people, there is also a higher risk of getting infected with any kind of disease - recently it has been SARS or COVID. We’ve learnt hygiene routines since the outbreak of the pandemic, but still, caution is advised. On the other hand, being with other people and getting to know their background and culture can be a positive trigger. We want to learn new things that are exotic to us so maintaining social interactions might have a salutary effect on our wellbeing and health. That is probably caused by endorphins released in our bodies when we feel happy. It seems that tourism may provide not only positive experiences but it can also make us live a longer, happier life, lowering the risk of illness and reducing stress at the same time. The more endorphins, the less stress and the more joy in life!

It is common knowledge that tourism is very beneficial to local businesses. Not only does it bring money to restore historic sites, but it also provides an economic stimulus for the diversification of employment potential. Everyone’s a winner here: the tourists, the host community, and the local residents. Positive trends start when there are more jobs for the locals who then set up their businesses and begin to hire others. This way, the economy is stimulated and more goods are manufactured locally, and new markets open to expand. Local products are worth their price and people know it. Tourists have always appreciated local arts and crafts as they are rare birds, not obtainable in any other place. Besides, they make truly unique souvenirs that are not mass‑produced. That’s the reason why visitors are prompted to buy regional foods or crafts.

Tourism may pose some risks, though. While we are excited about people coming to our towns, we must also keep in mind that these are people we actually don’t know at all. Tourism correlates with a rise in improper behaviours such as making noise in the streets, even at night, drink‑driving and causing car accidents. Unfortunately, it is reported that many such incidents take place in the high season, especially during the summer. Moreover, tourists usually look for “a good time”, so they act loudly and hardly follow any rules, which might be disruptive for local residents.