There are many ways the tourism industry impacts the environment negatively. For example, soil erosion, water pollution, loss of natural habitat, pressure on endangered species etc are some common negative impacts. Construction activities and infrastructure development around tourist sites can involve sand mining, sand erosion, soil erosion, deforestation and unsustainable use of lands. Marina developments can affect coral reefs, mangroves and destruction of habitats. Reef-based tourism like shore development, increased water sediments, frequent trampling by tourists, over-fishing, sewage pollution from hotels and other facilities, etc can hamper coral habitat. Air and noise pollution are considerably high in tourist places. Due to increasing numbers of transportation, esp air transport is responsible for a significant share of air pollution. One study estimated that a single transatlantic return flight emits almost half the CO2 emissions produced by all other sources (lighting, heating, car use, etc.) consumed by an average person yearly. (Mayer Hillman, Town & Country Planning magazine, September 1996. Source: MFOE ). Noise pollution from cars, airplanes, buses and other transportation are common problems in modern life but the noise generated from gathering of tourists can also cause distress to wildlife. Moreover, littering and overall pressure on natural resources destroy the environmental resources on which the tourism industry itself depends on.

So what can be a solution?

“Eco-tourism” can be considered as an alternative. “Eco-tourism” or “Sustainable Tourism” depends heavily on the tourists choosing to travel in a way that does not hamper the environment negatively. This also means conserving the environment of the tourist destination through immersing into the culture and lifestyle of the local people.

As an “Eco-tourist” these are somethings you can do when you travel to a new place-

• Do not cause inconveniences for the local people. That includes not causing excessive noise pollution and other pollution.

• Do not make unreasonable demands. Try to understand the local culture and act and dress accordingly. 

• Try learning as much as you can from the local people and be respectful to their lifestyle and culture.

• Commercial tourist attractions do not give much back to the local communities. Try to give back to the local communities by travelling to local attractions, buying unique products made by the local people.

• Try to use commutes that are local to the area, especially shared rides instead of renting a whole car for yourself.

• If it does require you to stay in a commercial hotel, try to stay in hotels that use locally produced food ingredients and other stuff for their facilities.

• Most importantly, do not litter and pollute your surrounding areas. Be respectful to nature and the local people.