Tourism Impacts
Intended consequences of tourism
1. Increase in Tourism Receipts and Economic Impact
The total amount of tourism contributed in Singapore in terms of employment is said to have 152, 500 jobs in 2014 (4.3 of total employment) and in 2015 it increased by 3.7% that has 158, 500 (4.3% of total employment). This includes employment by hotels, travel agents, airlines and other passenger transportation services (excluding commuter services). It also includes, for example, the activities of the restaurant and leisure industries directly supported by tourists. In addition, Singapore plays the host to many international hotel chains (intercontinental, marriott and shangri-la) investing in buildings and furnishing hotels and resorts.
2. Socio-cultural Impact
Singapore is popular in promoting and developing cultural relations and international cooperation. Through socialising and interacting with different kinds of people, cross-cultural and intercultural communication is largely developed. It enhance the skills of the local residents to communicate to different types of tourists, as well as handling situations in relates to self-expression.
3. Improvement of Water Supply
Singapore has earned the name of Garden City after decades of planning and cultivation. The creation of SembCorp NEWater plant (one of the world's largest water recycling facilities that opened last May 3, 2010) and in conjunction with PUB (Singapore's national water agency), said that there will be enough sustainability of 30% safe water supply for the Singapore's total demand. NEWater provides a 50 million imperial gallons or 228, 000 cubic metres of NEWater per day. It means that in every hotel, or any accommodation places, restaurants and cruise ships, there will be enough supply not only for the local residents, but for the guests or tourists who will be staying in Singapore.
4. Improvement of Infrastructures
As tourism plays a significant role in Singapore's economy, the government spends on improving infrastructure and transportation to help visitors have an easier accessibility. Singapore government has invested more money in the tourism industry to attract more foreign tourists and some of the tourism development programmes are the world's largest observation wheel, the Singapore Flyer in 2008, the Formula 1 Grand Prix in 2008, development of sports industry, creating of Singapore Sports Hub at Kallang, and building of Integrated Resorts like Resorts World Sentosa and Marina Bay Sands.
5. Implementation of Government Regulations and Anti-discrimination
Singapore have plenty of strict rules and regulations. In order to maintain the law and order within the country, so as to secure a peaceful mind for tourists Singapore has a squad called the Public Transport Security Command, operating in patrolling the transports, to ensure the safety and security of the public transport system and its users. Apart from regulations there are no discriminations even in the government cabin where multiracial politicians work together. The diversity of people will be a plus point for tourists to visit Singapore without concerning about their race and believes. By allowing other countries to be promoted in Singapore and promoting Singapore to other countries will improve the diplomatic ties on an international basis.
Unintended consequences of tourism
1. Leakage of Revenue
Singapore has no natural resources therefore, relying on imported goods and service which leads to leakage of revenue.These leakages of revenue will lead to the inaccuracy measurement of the economic impact of tourism that is affected by tourism expenditure. Due to the lack of expertise and lack manpower, Singapore hires foreign workers which also cause economic leakage as they send money back to their home country.
2. Socio-cultural Impact: Loss of Authenticity of Cultural Values and Traditions
This is illustrated by the demonstration effect which results adaptation to foreign influences and westernization. The demonstration effect is defined as a corruptor of values in places that have strong cultural influence and strict social norms. It is like following the dressing styles and lifestyle of the tourists or foreigners staying in the host country. The identity, culture and values of a place can be lost when tourism becomes the major activity of an area. Older buildings are replaced with new and larger buildings. This causes the identity of the place to be lost. To meet the demands and expectations of tourists, local cultural festivals and religious rituals are modified. Therefore, authenticity and the significance of these cultural events are reduced.
3. Environmental Impact: Depletion of Water Resources, Air Pollution and Littering
Wasting of water resources in the hotel like having bathtub, laundry services and housekeeping services like frequently change of towels and bed linen will contribute to shortage of water in the future. Tourism also have a high chance to contribute air pollution from all the carbon emissions from planes and land transport. Littering would be more as well, as people will have the mindset of "This is not my country" and will tend to do whatever they want, including of spitting (which is prohibited in the country).
4. Congestion
The demand of tourist’s also increases congestion in overcrowding and traffic jams. The tourists who visit natural sites like the forest would result in footprint erosion and kill the plants they step on. The biggest impact done is the increase in attractions and buildings like hotels which also take up a lot of resources in power and water.
5. Dependency on Tourism
Dependency on tourism can be very risky because it may lead to changes overnight. Some causes are natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and change in consumer taste and economic recession in the country. All the factors will cause a country to be affected badly when any one of the causes was to occur, especially if the country relies on tourism too much.