阅读理解
A charity believes more people would visit a national park if tourism taxes (税) were introduced. Friends of the Lake District wants tourists to pay a charge of one or two pounds, either on overnight stays or vehicle use, to raise money for local services.
The charity has published a report called "Who pays for the Lake District?", highlighting the "invisible burden (负担)" of tourism on the area's environment and infrastructure (基础设施). However, the Lake District National Park Authority said it has no current plans to introduce a tourist tax, while others fear it would deter visitors.
About 18 million people travel to the national park in Cumbria every year. While visitors bring money to the region, increased tourism can put pressure on the local environment and existing infrastructure. The report leads to the debate about how the area balances the positives and negatives of being a hugely popular tourist destination.
Mike Hill, Friends of the Lake District chief executive, said, "We've found in much of our research that around the world, where a visitor tax has been introduced, it's actually resulted in higher visitor numbers coming. Suddenly the footpaths are better, or there are free electric buses that you can use, or there are rangers that can help stop the littering problems."
But Jonathan Denby, owner of South Lakes Hotels, said that it's a thoughtful report and makes some good points, but ignores the "elephant in the room". "We pay VAT (value added tax) on accommodation and meals of 20%. The rest of Europe, where they take examples from, pay 10%. We're already taxed much more than our international competitors. If we're to consider a tax then it should be on the basis that our VAT is the same as everyone else's, at 10%."
Dr Celia Caulcott, chair of the Lake District National Park Partnership, said the group "recognize the need to ensure new investment (投资) to support local communities, infrastructure and to help move people around sustainably".
1. Why does the charity want to introduce tourism taxes?
A. To reduce tourist numbers.
B. To generate funds for better services.
C. To protect the natural environment.
D. To encourage visitors to stay longer.
2. What does the underlined word "deter" in paragraph 2 mean?
A. Discourage.
B. Forget.
C. Confuse.
D. Guide.
3. What does Mike Hill suggest about the impact of the tax?
A. It harms local businesses.
B. It puts tourism-related jobs at risk.
C. It lessens traffic pressure.
D. It improves tourist experience.
4. What problem does Jonathan Denby highlight?
A. The burden of higher VAT.
B. The lack of community support.
C. The need for new investment.
D. The competitive tourism market.