Modern Approaches on Tourism-Related Issues

Nowadays, there is an increasing awareness of the effects that the mass tourism has on the natural environment( described in the previous posts).With this increasing awareness the concept of "Sustainable Tourism" is becoming  more and more  accepted.

1. The use of tourism environments must allow for long term preservation and for the use of those environments.
2. Tourism should respect the the character of an area.
3. Tourism must provide long term benefits.
4. Tourism should be sensitive to the needs of the host population.

The above concepts  aim on minimizing the impact of tourism on ecology. But as these code of conducts completely rely on the acceptance of the tourist, the success is not guaranteed. Therefore, other strategies must additionally be used to support the effort of creating  sustainable tourism such as:

      1.Regulating the number of tourist allowed in certain areas:

This will reduce the the pressure on natural environments caused by tourism.

     2.The promotion of alternative fuel saving technologies:  

The use of alternative energy sources can help reduce the use of firewoods by tourist and lodges.

   3. The creation of designated campsites:

When designated campsites are created  that offer certain amenities (washing facilities for example), the amount of wild camping along the trails would be reduced. 

    4. Creating community based tourism:

Allows locals to take part in decision making process and at the same time increase the support and co-operation from the locals for the environmental protection projects. 

Likewise, other Himalayan countries can put the policy which Bhutan follows in place which is: "High Value, Low Volume". Its means to bring in high end tourist with less number, and this will help reduce environmental impact of mass tourism. 

Therefore, the above mentioned strategies will help reduce the environmental impact caused by tourism  in the  Himalayas. Modern day approaches like these can help reduce the negative effect of tourism and allow both tourist and local population to benefit from "Sustainable Tourism."