Carrying Capacity: Environmental

Tourism is a combination of complex economic and social systems and is determined by both the standard of living and the freedom of travel within a nation. A great deal of tourism is considered “nature tourism” and is inextricably linked to the health and sustainability of the natural world. For example, in the United States, the entire national park and national forest systems receive numerous visitors each year. The challenge for these areas is that the pressures and impacts from visitation will result, in many cases, in the areas being “loved to death.”

There are numerous negative effects that can accompany tourism if the natural area is not properly managed and protected. Some would argue that the increase in visitors to these pristine sites could eventually ...