What Is an Example of Unsustainable Tourism?

By Alice Nichols

Tourism is a booming industry, and while it provides economic benefits, it can also have negative impacts on the environment, culture, and society. Unsustainable tourism is a phenomenon where the growth of tourism occurs at an unsustainable pace and results in irreversible damage to the destination. In this article, we will explore an example of unsustainable tourism and its consequences.

What Is Unsustainable Tourism?

Unsustainable tourism refers to the development of tourism that exceeds the carrying capacity of a destination. It occurs when there is an imbalance between the number of tourists visiting a location and the ability of that location to sustainably support those visitors without causing harm to the environment, culture, or society.

An Example of Unsustainable Tourism: Maya Bay

Maya Bay is a stunningly beautiful beach located on Phi Phi Island in Thailand. The beach gained international fame after being featured in the movie “The Beach” starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Unfortunately, this newfound popularity led to unsustainable levels of tourism that caused irreparable damage to the ecosystem.

The Consequences

The rapid increase in visitors led to overcrowding and overuse of resources such as water and electricity. The waste generated by tourists was not properly managed or disposed of, leading to pollution on both land and sea. The coral reef surrounding Maya Bay was damaged due to boat anchors and snorkeling activities.

In addition to environmental damage, there were also negative impacts on local communities. The rise in tourism led to increased prices for goods and services, making it difficult for locals to afford basic necessities. Furthermore, many locals were forced out of their homes due to commercial development.

The Response

In 2018, Thai authorities closed Maya Bay indefinitely for restoration efforts. This move was necessary as the ecosystem needed time to recover from years of tourist abuse. The closure has had significant effects on local businesses that depend on tourism, but it was a necessary step to protect the environment and preserve the destination for future generations.

Conclusion

Maya Bay is just one example of unsustainable tourism, but it serves as a warning of what can happen when tourism is not managed responsibly. As travelers, we have a responsibility to choose destinations that prioritize sustainability and to travel in a way that minimizes our impact on the environment and local communities. By doing so, we can help ensure that destinations remain beautiful and accessible for generations to come.