Syllabus: GS3/ Economy
In Context
- The Ministry of Tourism has approved 40 projects worth ₹3,295.76 crore to develop lesser-known tourism sites across 23 states in India for preventing overtourism and sustainable tourism practices.
What is Overtourism?
- Overtourism occurs when the number of tourists in a destination exceeds its capacity to manage them sustainably, leading to environmental degradation, cultural dilution, and poor visitor experiences.
Reasons Overtourism
- Budget Travel: Affordable airlines and low-cost accommodations make travel more accessible.
- Social Media: Influencers popularize destinations, creating a surge in visitors seeking “Instagrammable” spots.
- Middle-Class Tourism: Rising incomes in countries like India and China have increased international travel.
- Seasonal Crowding: Poor management during peak seasons exacerbates overcrowding.
Impact of Overtourism
- Environmental Damage:
- Bali: Iconic attractions like Ubud’s rice terraces face overcrowding, soil erosion, and ecological strain.
- Joshimath: Known as the “sinking town” due to land subsidence, highlighting the fragile Himalayan environment.
- Maasai Mara: Overcrowded safaris disrupt wildlife behavior and damage habitats.
- Cultural Erosion:
- Traditional rituals in places like Bali are often interrupted by unaware tourists.
- Overcrowding in Goa has reduced the appeal of its authentic culture, affecting foreign tourist numbers.
- Economic Strain:
- Although tourism brings revenue, the long-term costs to local infrastructure, environment, and communities often outweigh benefits.
- Man Made Disasters:
- Overcrowding and improper crowd management could lead to a Stampede like situation.
Way Ahead
- Promote Alternative Destinations: Divert travelers to lesser-known places to reduce pressure on popular spots.
- Implement Visitor Caps: Introduce limits on daily or seasonal tourist numbers.
- Spread Tourism Year-Round: Encourage off-season travel to balance crowds.
- Raise Awareness
Source: IT
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