Ejercicio 5 - Opción b · Inglés PAU Madrid Extraordinaria (2ª lengua) 2026

5.b) Cheap flights have made mass tourism a very serious problem in many popular destinations. Share your views on the matter.

Solución: In recent decades, the rise of low-cost airlines has democratised travel, allowing millions of people to explore foreign destinations affordably. However, this accessibility has also triggered severe consequences associated with overtourism. On the one hand, cheap flights have generated substantial economic benefits for local businesses, hotels, and restaurants. Tourism creates employment opportunities and fosters cultural exchange between visitors and host communities. On the other hand, the sheer volume of tourists has placed an unsustainable burden on historic cities and natural environments. In places like Venice or Barcelona, overcrowded streets, escalating housing prices driven by holiday rentals, and environmental degradation have made life increasingly difficult for local residents. Moreover, excessive carbon emissions from constant air travel exacerbate climate change. In conclusion, while affordable travel is undeniably positive in principle, uncontrolled mass tourism poses a genuine threat to popular destinations. Governments must implement strict regulations, such as visitor caps and tourism taxes, to preserve local identity and ensure sustainable tourism.