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Warm Up

Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. a workshop
    • ex. Tom attended a cooking workshop to learn how to bake a cake.
  2. rebound
    • ex. The company’s sales decreased last year but started to rebound after releasing a new product.
  3. passionate
    • ex. Lisa is passionate about music, so she practices the guitar every day.
  4. a pledge
    • ex. He gave a pledge to always be honest with his team.
  5. hands-on
    • ex. The art shop offers a hands-on experience in which visitors can try painting and pottery.

Article

Read the article below and answer your tutor's questions.

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Palau, a small island country in Micronesia, is famous for its clear waters and diving sites. Now, it is more eager to promote its rich culture. Sean Tekriu, a local tour guide, said they want to share their culture, history, and lifestyle with tourists. Activities, like village tours and workshops, are helping tourism rebound after the pandemic. According to the visitors authority, the number of tourists grew from 5,000 in 2021 to over 50,000 in 2024.

Palauans are passionate about protecting nature. In fact, the country has made 80% of its waters a protected area. Tourists must also sign the “Palau Pledge” on their passports as a promise to respect and take care of the environment when they visit. The rising temperature has affected some of Palau’s water attractions, but its marine life is still one of its best charms.

Additionally, visitors can learn about Palauan culture through art and traditions. At Tebang Woodcarving Shop, artists tell stories through wood art. Museums also show historical objects and customs. For a hands-on experience, visitors can join a workshop at Belau Eco Glass and make glass art from recycled materials.

This material was based on an article by The Associated Press.

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Promoting Culture

  • Why do you think culture is important in tourism? Discuss.
  • Imagine you are promoting the culture of your country or city. What specific aspects would you promote (ex. cooking practices, ceremonies)? Discuss.
  • As a tourist in a foreign place, do you enjoy learning about the place’s culture? Why or why not? Discuss.

Tourist Experience

  • What part of a travel experience do you enjoy the most (ex. historical sites, people)? Discuss.
  • Imagine you are traveling and you have to choose between going sightseeing and joining a hands-on workshop. Which would you pick and why? Discuss.
  • Tourists must sign the “Palau Pledge” when traveling in Palau. Do you think this would change tourists’ behavior? Why or why not? Discuss.