Does mass tourism return little benefit to local communities?

I'd say mass tourism can actually benefit local communities, but it really depends on how it's managed. In places like Jiuzhaigou that I visited, the entrance fees and local guides create jobs and fund conservation. But in some smaller towns near Shanghai, I've seen souvenir shops owned by outside companies where most profits don't stay local. The key difference is whether tourism development prioritizes local ownership - when hotels and restaurants hire from the community and use local suppliers, the money circulates better. That said, even in mass tourism spots, you'll always find some small family-run businesses benefiting directly.