Practice English Reading Exercises for B2 – Impact of Tourism on Locals 1

Exercises:   123456

Reading 1

You are going to read an article about four local residents complaining about how the influx of short-term holiday rentals has driven up housing prices and forced them out of their own hometown.

For questions 1-10, choose from the people/sections (A-D). The people/sections may be chosen more than once.

Which person/section

1   highlights the paradox of being employed by the very sector that caused their housing issues?

2   points out their unsuccessful attempts to urge policymakers to regulate the rental market?

3   mentions that their social circle has been similarly displaced by the housing crisis?

4   points out that property owners can generate a long-term yield in a fraction of the time?

5   attributes a decline in their personal well-being to the disruptive actions of visitors?

6   admits to moving back in with relatives due to a lack of affordable residential options?

7   complains that they no longer feel a sense of familiarity with the people living adjacent to them?

8   expresses disappointment that practical, everyday businesses have vanished from the area?

9   states that their relocation has resulted in a strenuous daily journey to their workplace?

10   feels that the deeply ingrained culture of their hometown has been replaced by something artificial?

Priced Out: The True Cost of the Short-Term Rental Boom

A Mateo

I was born and raised in this coastal town, and I took it for granted that I’d eventually raise my own children here. However, over the past five years, the situation has become completely unsustainable. Landlords have realised they can earn a month’s rent in just a few days by letting their properties to tourists. Consequently, long-term leases are incredibly scarce, and the ones available have skyrocketed in price. When my landlord doubled my rent, I had no choice but to pack my bags and move thirty kilometres inland. It breaks my heart to see our once tight-knit neighbourhood transformed into a revolving door of transient strangers. You simply don’t know who is living next door from one week to the next. The community spirit that made this place so special has entirely evaporated, replaced by the constant rattle of wheeled suitcases. I now face a gruelling daily commute just to get to my job in the town I used to call home.

B Chloe

It isn’t just the sheer lack of affordable housing that is driving us away; it is the complete transformation of the local infrastructure. Growing up, our high street was filled with essential amenities—a greengrocer, a hardware store, and a modest pharmacy. Now, those family-run enterprises have been pushed out, replaced by overpriced boutiques and trendy cafes catering exclusively to weekend holidaymakers. I was essentially evicted from my flat last spring when the owner decided to convert the entire building into luxury short-term lets. To add insult to injury, the local council seems perfectly happy to let this happen, as they are mesmerised by the prospect of increased tourism revenue. They continuously turn a blind eye to the struggles of ordinary residents. Finding a reasonably priced apartment here is like looking for a needle in a haystack. I’ve had to relocate to the suburbs, meaning I rarely see my old friends anymore, as they’ve all been forced to leave too.

C Lars

For me, the financial aspect was only part of the problem; the dramatic decline in our quality of life was the absolute final straw. Living in the historic quarter meant we were right at the epicentre of the short-term rental boom. We were surrounded by holiday apartments, which inevitably meant dealing with a constant influx of inconsiderate guests. We had to put up with deafening parties on balconies, loud music until the early hours, and rubbish bags simply dumped in the corridors. The chronic sleep deprivation started taking a severe toll on my mental health. Despite signing numerous petitions and pleading with the local authorities to introduce stricter legislation on these platforms, our concerns were completely ignored. Politicians frequently argue that tourism brings wealth, but they fail to acknowledge who is actually paying the price. Eventually, for the sake of my own sanity, I gave up the flat I had occupied for a decade and moved to a quiet village miles away.

D Aisha

There is a bitter irony in my situation. I have worked as a manager in the local hospitality sector for eight years, yet I can no longer afford to put a roof over my head in the very town I promote to visitors. As the short-term rental market expanded, property prices surged completely out of reach for anyone earning an average local wage. When my tenancy agreement ended, I spent months frantically searching for a new place, but even the most basic studios were vastly overpriced. It’s incredibly frustrating to dedicate your career to an industry that is simultaneously responsible for destroying your housing prospects. Ultimately, I had to swallow my pride and move back into my childhood bedroom at my parents’ house in a neighbouring district. It makes you feel like an alien in your own hometown. The town centre used to be a place with deep-rooted traditions, but it has essentially been reduced to an artificial theme park.

Reading 2

You are going to read an article about four shop owners sharing their gratitude for the international tourists whose spending has single-handedly saved their dying traditional craft businesses.

For questions 1-10, choose from the people/sections (A-D). The people/sections may be chosen more than once.

Which person/section

1   altered the physical design of their merchandise to better suit travellers?

2   mentions that domestic shoppers refused to accept the expense of their goods?

3   highlights the contrast between their authentic pieces and mass-produced replicas?

4   admits they had seriously considered abandoning their profession entirely?

5   points out that foreign visitors appreciate the slow, painstaking nature of their work?

6   owes their sudden increase in customers to a digital recommendation?

7   derives immense satisfaction from knowing their cultural heritage is travelling overseas?

8   took on an enterprise that was already burdened with monetary problems?

9   allows holidaymakers to actively participate in the manufacturing process?

10   feels they are honouring a family member’s memory by keeping the shop open?

Rescued by Wanderers: How Tourist Dollars Saved Our Traditional Crafts

A Matteo – Leather Bookbinding

Just five years ago, my leather bookbinding business was on the brink of collapse. Local residents simply didn’t buy handwritten journals anymore, and I had reluctantly come to terms with the fact that I would have to throw in the towel and close the shop. If a prominent travel vlogger hadn’t stumbled upon my tiny workshop and posted a glowing review online, I would have certainly been ruined. Almost overnight, international tourists started flocking to my door. They were fascinated by the smell of genuine leather and the archaic tools I use. To capitalise on this, I recently launched hands-on sessions where visitors can cut, fold, and bind their very own pocket-sized diaries. It has been a phenomenal success. Watching them struggle with the heavy stitching needles makes them realise exactly how much effort goes into each piece. I am incredibly grateful; their spending power literally rescued me from bankruptcy.

B Eleni – Traditional Lacemaking

Lacemaking is an incredibly intricate art that my grandmother taught me, and it demands immense patience. For a long time, I struggled to make ends meet. The harsh reality was that domestic buyers were put off by the steep prices; they argued that similar-looking items could be purchased much cheaper in modern stores. They failed to understand that a single tablecloth takes weeks to complete. Fortunately, the recent surge in overseas holidaymakers changed everything. These visitors are actively seeking out authentic craftsmanship and, unlike the locals, they fully respect the hours required to weave such delicate patterns. They never haggle over the cost. Sometimes, they even sit beside me for hours just watching my hands move, asking if they can try it themselves, though it’s far too complex to learn in an afternoon. Thanks to their enthusiasm and financial support, this dying art form has bounced back.

C Kenji – Wooden Toy Carving

My family has been carving wooden Kokeshi dolls for decades. A few years back, we experienced a sharp decline in sales, mostly because children nowadays prefer electronic gadgets over traditional wooden toys. I realised I had to adapt or face absolute ruin. I noticed that international tourists were enchanted by our store, but they often hesitated to buy the larger pieces because they simply wouldn’t fit into their luggage. Consequently, I completely redesigned our inventory, focusing on creating miniature, travel-friendly versions of our classic figures. The response was overwhelming. It is deeply moving to think that these little pieces of Japanese folklore are now sitting on mantelpieces in London, New York, and Sydney. Although some people suggested I set up an internet shop to boost revenue, I prefer the face-to-face interactions. The fact that these global wanderers are single-handedly keeping my livelihood afloat brings me immense joy.

D Aisha – Hand-painted Ceramics

When my father passed away, I inherited his ceramics studio, along with the substantial debts he had quietly accumulated. The business was haemorrhaging money, and I was strongly advised to sell the property. However, I was determined to keep his legacy alive, feeling a profound sense of duty to honour his life’s work. The turnaround came when the city was included in a major international cruise itinerary. Suddenly, our narrow alleyways were brimming with tourists. What they value most is true authenticity. They are completely disillusioned with the cheap, factory-made imitations sold in the main tourist squares and are more than willing to seek out genuine, hand-painted bowls and plates. They can instantly spot the difference in quality and are happy to pay for it. If they hadn’t started venturing into our neighbourhood and investing in real art, I would have lost my father’s shop years ago.

Exercises:   123456