Tourism has become a major global industry and is a major contributor to the global economy. As such, its influence on public health has become increasingly important. This article examines the existing research on the influence of tourism on public health, focusing on the potential health benefits and risks associated with tourism. The most obvious health benefit of tourism is the increased access to healthcare services.

Tourism brings with it a variety of medical services, such as medical tourism, which can provide access to medical care to those who may not have access to it in their home countries.This can be especially beneficial for those in developing countries, where access to healthcare is often limited. Additionally, tourism can also bring with it an increase in the number of health professionals, such as doctors and nurses, who can provide medical care to tourists and locals alike. The increased access to healthcare services can also lead to improved public health.

Tourism can bring with it increased spending on health services, which can lead to better infrastructure and improved quality of healthcare. Additionally, tourism can also bring with it an increase in the number of health professionals, which can lead to improved health outcomes for those in the local population. However, there are also potential risks associated with tourism. For example, tourism can bring with it an increase in the spread of communicable diseases, as tourists may bring diseases with them to the country they are visiting. Additionally, tourism can also lead to increased air pollution, which can have a negative impact on public health.

Overall, the influence of tourism on public health is complex. Tourism can bring with it both potential benefits and risks to public health. It is important to understand the potential health benefits and risks associated with tourism in order to ensure that the public health of the local population is not negatively impacted. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the tourism industry is properly regulated in order to ensure that the health and safety of tourists and locals alike is not compromised.