Part 3 | Cities, the effects of tourism, and souvenirs

We've been talking about travel. What do you feel a city needs to attract tourists? Hmm, let me see. Well, I suppose having recognisable landmarks doesn't hurt. Paris has certain iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, for example. Sydney has the Opera House. New York City has the Statue of Liberty. In addition to this, most tourists want nice weather, so places like Hong Kong and Sydney may have advantages over places like Glasgow. I suppose basic things like safety and accessibility are important. Cost is always a factor, too. You mentioned "safety" as something that can attract tourism. Can you expand on that? I think countries with track records of being welcoming to foreigners build up reputations. The last thing people want on their vacation is to have to worry about being robbed or worse. So I feel countries that take tourist safety seriously will always be attractive to prospective travelers. Are all aspects of the tourism industry positive? Not all aspects, no. I think tourism can sometimes be damaging to the local traditions of a city. In Shanghai, for example, many of the historical temples have McDonald's restaurants and Starbucks restaurants next to them to service tourists. I feel this tarnishes the image of these ancient locations. What do you think about this? I do not think people are actively working to damage their city. It is more a question of economics. Tourists travel to other countries with money to spend. Fast food restaurants only spring up in tourist hotspots because tourists are willing to spend money there. I suppose it is more the tourists' fault for altering the image of these historical landmarks than the locals'. Can you tell me about something you purchased while travelling that holds special meaning to you? Well, several years ago, perhaps almost an entire decade ago, I travelled to Paris. My grandmother is French Canadian, so she was especially excited for me to go to France. My grandmother also collects little bells, which she displays on a shelf in her family room. Anyway, while at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, I came across a man selling brushed steel items with images of the Eiffel Tower on them. Among his goods I found a little bell. I gave this bell to my grandmother, and I know it came to mean something special to both of us. Why do you think people buy souvenirs? Most people likely buy souvenirs because they help you recall a place or an experience. For example, when I see that bell, I remember spending the day walking around Paris. I think souvenirs also help a person show their friends and family that they care about them and think about them. Those are probably the main reasons why people buy souvenirs. Thank you. That is the end of the speaking test.