Debate: Developing Local Tourism (Beneficial / Detrimental)

The town council has decided that the city is in desperate need of an economic boost. They believe that by making the city more attractive to tourists they will be able to achieve their aims.

You are representatives of rival companies who are looking to gain the contract for this re-development from the council. I want you to give a detailed presentation explaining why your company is the best one for the job. Your aim is to convince the representative of the council that your company offers the best solution. Points to consider

• Think of a name for your company.
• Preparation, what has your company done so far i.e. raised money, support (present perfect)
• Plans that are in progress. Who you have been talking to, what you have been trying to do, what you have been building, etc. (present perfect continuous)
• Explain the problems that have existed within your town up to this point in time. i.e. life in your town has been boring for too may years and needs a change, or that too many people are unemployed and need to find work. (second conditional)
• Finally, conclude your presentation with a short account that sells your company to the council.

You are the representatives of the residents of your city and are in opposition to the plans of 'Let's Do tourism'. Your aim is to convince me that this is a bad idea for your town. Points to consider:

• Environmental issues - tourists = pollution
• Troublemakers - many tourists have no respect for the places they visit and are only interested in getting drunk and causing trouble.
• The rise in tourism will bring about radical changes and will result in the traditional way of life in your town being lost. Perhaps forever.
• Rather than promoting the position of your city in your country, this move will make your city the laughing stock of your country.