80 ESL Debate Topics About Travel and Tourism

The majority of English language students are curious about languages and cultures. Some of them are learning the language because it is needed in school, while others are learning it because it would help them in their travel. It can be difficult to get started in a conversation with ESL students; teachers may have problems coming up with questions and topics to ask that will get more than a one-sentence response in English from the students. That is why we have compiled a list of 80 debate topics to assist teachers and students in debating what topics can be discussed in the travel and tourism industry. 

A debate is a competition in which two opposing teams provide statements on a specific topic and motions to support their arguments and contradict the rival team’s members. The list of debates is structured around yes/no questions and “agree or disagree” statements. By using an example, come up with a more thorough side of the issue. This will also assist the students in developing more detailed responses. Don’t forget to ask them the reason for their answer, and then begin the date. These debate topics are a win-win situation for both teachers and students because they allow them to convey their thoughts on the topics while also practising their English language skills. 

Use the following debate topics about travel and tourism to spice up your class next time you’re looking for a great conversation starter while practising your English. To keep the discussion rolling, you can always expand each topic as needed or ask your own questions.

80 debating topics on travel and tourism

1. Should travelling be avoided until the COVID virus is no longer a factor? 
2. Is it safe for a woman to travel alone?
3. Visiting the countryside is better than visiting the city when on vacation.
4. The only way to learn about different cultures is to travel.
5. Travelling by air is more convenient than travelling by sea.
6. Is tourism harmful to cities?
7. It takes a lot of money to travel around the world.
8. Should travellers purchase souvenirs while on vacation?
9. Is it appropriate to impose travel restrictions during a pandemic?
10. Is it necessary for everyone to understand the global language of tourism?
11. Should vacation leave be extended to allow for travel?
12. The tourism industry has a negative impact on the environment.
13. Is it better to book a hotel or an Airbnb?
14. Should children be allowed for travelling abroad?
15. The only way to preserve local culture is to increase tourism growth. 
16. Should travel visas be strict? 
17. Weight restrictions in the airport are a great barrier to travel.
18. Tourists must be required to wear uniforms when they travel for easier identification.
19. Rescheduling a travel ticket should be free. 
20. Each country’s health protocol regarding tourism must be stricter.
21. Change in environmental conditions does not affect travellers’ health. 
22. Travellers have a higher risk of transmitting infectious diseases.
23. Should insurance cover medical treatment even abroad?
24. Travelling may increase involvement in violence.
25. International travel is always a stressful experience.
26. The use of social media is the major factor why tourism has increased. 
27. Travelling together is better than travelling alone. 
28. Tourism greatly affects consumers’ behaviour.
29. Government should focus on infrastructure that rebuilds the travel industry. 
30. Modernization of transportation must be prioritized for the travel industry. 
31. Is it possible to travel without having an impact on the environment?
32. All countries’ economies depend on tourism. 
33. One should travel domestically first before travelling internationally. 
34. Should we stop travelling to help the environment?
35. Tourists nowadays prefer travelling for wildlife activities.
36. Ecotourism has a more viable positive impact on the environment than sustainable tourism.
37. Should school field trips include travelling abroad?
38. Programs for tourism should require incentives for the affected local communities. 
39. Tourists should be held accountable for any damage to natural resources.
40. Tourism puts more pressure on endangered species. 
41. Tourism causes the over-consumption of natural resources. 
42. Tourism increases pollution.
43. Tourism causes overcrowding and traffic jams. 
44. Tourism preserves the local culture and heritage.
45. Tourism decreases job opportunities, and most are low paying jobs. 
46.  Tourism should be banned for the environment. 
47. Governments must focus on the tourism industry more than infrastructure and healthcare.
48. Tourism leads to changes in the local culture.
49. Most tourists disregard and disrespect traditions because of their intent to just “relax or have a good time”
50. Tourists cause physical damage to culture and heritage. 
51. Tourism produces a lot of unwanted waste. 
52. Natural areas are being compromised to build places for tourists can stay, such as airports and hotels. 
53. Ecofriendly products must be required when travelling to protect the ecosystem. 
54. The tourism industry’s largest source of carbon emissions is transportation. 
55. The coronavirus did not affect the tourism industry at all. 
56. Is the tourism industry hampered because of the currency exchange rate fluctuations?
57.  Taxes make it difficult for tourists to travel.
58. Tourism growth is limited by security concerns.
59. Should the visa requirements be lenient for travel?
60. Should tourism businesses invest more in information and communication technology to become more competitive? 
61. Human resources in tourism should be required to be multilingual. 
62.  Reviews and comments online do not help the growth of the tourism industry. 
63. The customer’s experience should be the first priority of a tourist place. 
64. Loyalty programs for tourists are not effective. 
65. Foreign travellers should be able to connect with travel companies and tourism boards.
66. Should sanitary measures be restricted in the tourism industry?
67. The world trends do not affect the travel industry. 
68. Banning tourism will increase mental health issues.
69. Must tourists always be accompanied by a tour guide? 
70. In zoos, feeding animals has an impact on their behaviour. 
71. Should pick any leaves or flowers must be forbidden during a tour? 
72. It should be mandatory for tourists to bring their own garbage bags. 
73. Should smoking be prohibited in forests or on-farm trips?
74. Gestures and body language are viewed the same all over the world?
75. Should tourists consider their clothing with respect for the culture? 
76. Should the travel ads be trusted? 
77. Government should require tourists to taste local food for the industry. 
78. The tourism industry helps in the preservation of water consumption. 
79. More and more local people become homeless because of tourism. 
80. Should tourism become the biggest focus of the economy to build bridges of understanding among cultures?