READING PASSAGE
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 1-14, which are based on the reading passage below.

The Changing Landscape of Global Tourism

A
For a long time, traveling abroad for a holiday was considered a luxury reserved only for the wealthy. However, the introduction of commercial aviation and the subsequent boom in package holidays during the mid-20th century transformed the tourism industry forever. Suddenly, sunny destinations were accessible to the middle classes. Travel agencies offered all-inclusive deals that covered flights, accommodation, and meals, removing the stress of planning and allowing vacationers to simply relax by the pool.

B
While the package holiday remains popular, recent decades have seen a massive shift towards independent travel. Empowered by the internet, modern tourists often prefer to bypass travel agents and book their own flights and boutique hotels. This shift reflects a growing desire for authentic experiences rather than manufactured tourist traps. Independent travelers enjoy the freedom to design their own itineraries, wander off the beaten track, and immerse themselves in the local culture, cuisine, and language.

C
Another significant development in the holiday sector is the rise of eco-tourism. As global awareness of environmental issues such as climate change and habitat destruction has grown, many travelers have become increasingly concerned about their carbon footprint. Eco-tourists actively seek out sustainable accommodations, such as eco-lodges powered by renewable energy, and participate in wildlife conservation projects. The primary goal of this type of holiday is to have a positive impact on the destination rather than depleting its natural resources.

D
Despite the undeniable economic benefits that tourism brings to host countries, such as job creation and infrastructure improvement, the phenomenon of ‘overtourism’ has become a critical issue. In popular destinations like Venice and Barcelona, the sheer volume of visitors has led to overcrowded streets, increased pollution, and a soaring cost of living for permanent residents. This has sometimes resulted in tension between locals and tourists, prompting authorities to introduce tourist taxes and limit the number of daily visitors to preserve their cities.

E
Looking to the future, holiday trends continue to evolve in response to our fast-paced, technology-driven lives. One emerging trend is the ‘digital detox’ retreat. These holidays are designed for individuals who are burnt out from constant connectivity. Resorts offering these retreats are often located in remote areas with no Wi-Fi or cellular signal. Guests are encouraged to hand over their smartphones upon arrival and spend their days hiking, meditating, and reconnecting with the natural world, providing a sharp contrast to the typical sightseeing vacation.

Questions 1-4

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.

1. According to paragraph A, what was the main impact of the mid-20th century package holiday boom?

A) It made traveling abroad exclusively for the wealthy.

B) It made international holidays affordable for the middle classes.

C) It caused travel agencies to lose a lot of money.

D) It forced people to spend more time planning their trips.

2. Why do many modern tourists prefer independent travel over package holidays, according to paragraph B?

A) It is always significantly cheaper than a package deal.

B) They want to visit the most popular tourist attractions.

C) They desire more genuine cultural experiences and flexible schedules.

D) They prefer having their meals and accommodation organized for them.

3. What is the primary objective of eco-tourism as mentioned in paragraph C?

A) To find the cheapest accommodation available.

B) To increase the carbon footprint of international flights.

C) To rely entirely on renewable energy for all travel.

D) To positively affect the environment and local communities.

4. In paragraph E, what is the main purpose of a ‘digital detox’ retreat?

A) To test new smartphones in remote environments.

B) To help people escape the stress of continuous internet access.

C) To provide fast Wi-Fi for remote workers on holiday.

D) To teach guests how to use technology more efficiently.

Questions 5-9

Complete the summary below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.

The Consequences of Mass Tourism

While tourism provides clear economic advantages like new jobs and better infrastructure, it also causes problems. A major issue today is (5) _______________, where the huge number of tourists negatively affects famous cities. This influx can lead to streets that are (6) _______________ and much higher living costs for the locals. Because of the growing conflict between residents and visitors, some city officials have decided to implement (7) _______________ and put limits on the number of (8) _______________ to help protect and (9) _______________ their hometowns.

Questions 10-14

The reading passage has five paragraphs, A-E.
Choose the correct heading for each paragraph from the list of headings below.
Write the correct number, i-vii, next to the paragraph letter.

List of Headings

i. The negative consequences of popularity

ii. Escaping the screens and reconnecting

iii. The financial failure of travel agencies

iv. Traveling with the environment in mind

v. The historical roots of early aviation

vi. Making vacations accessible to the masses

vii. Taking control of the travel experience

10. Paragraph A: ____

11. Paragraph B: ____

12. Paragraph C: ____

13. Paragraph D: ____

14. Paragraph E: ____