Finding the sweet spot between too much and too little when coping with over-tourism
Today’s travelers, especially younger adults are taking their love of nature during childhood, along with them. Consequently, the success of many hospitality organisations’ depends on their preserving the natural, historical and cultural attractions that tempt tourists to visit their destinations.
Being conscious or aware of not overusing and or damaging a resource is at the heart of sustainability and plays an intrinsic role in the hospitality industry. Blow away the natural and cultural resources that are amongst the key drivers of growth in the industry, and what do these winds of change lead to? It leads to a catastrophic situation that makes it hard for tourism and hospitality to survive.
These same winds of change can blow in both directions. Unless the industry recognises that it is in its interest to protect the same natural and cultural resources that sustains its existence, it can demolish its business continuity. And that requires resisting the over-exploitation of the environment, where such abuse significantly threatens biodiversity, wildlife, and local culture, and disrupts the well-being and livelihoods of local communities.
The fate of one of Thailand’s most renowned attraction, Maya Bay, stands as a warning. The once pristine bay, the crown jewel of the Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, was hosting upwards of 5,000 visitors per day and around 200 boats. Due to the devastating impact of mass tourism on the ecosystem it was closed in June 2018 and remained shut for nearly four years.
When it reopened in January last year, visitors were limited to 380 per hour. Approaches by boat were banned, as was swimming. Tourists had to disembark at a pontoon pier at nearby Loh Sama Bay, and then walk to Maya. Yet, it didn’t prove to be doing enough, so much so, that at the commencement of the low season, it was closed again for two months from August that same year.
Some environmentalists however say that these temporary closures are stop gap measures and suggest that the cove must be marketed as a premium and not a mass market destination with high prices leveling out the visitor numbers – as a solution. The extra price will pay to protect the heritage site for future generations they argue. But what of the plight of the vast array of people who depend on Phi Phi for their day- to- day livelihood? For them thinking beyond today is hard enough.
When tours to Phi Phi were halted during the 4 –year hiatus, it affected the guides, the mini-coach drivers who picked up guests from hotels to take them to the pier, where boats and boatmen waited for hires. Then there were the vendors who rented out swimming gear, the restaurants and cafes staffed by locals to provided food and drinks, hawkers who sold ice cream, cut pieces of pineapple, kiosk owners who stocked small everyday items – who all whom suffered from not being able to generate any income. This was besides the travel agents and nearby hotels that suffered as well.
Unfortunately, the damage done by tourism to Maya Bay isn’t an isolated incident. There are many hot spots in the world that face a similar situation and need to be saved.
Shafeek Wahab – Editor, Hospitality Sri Lanka, Consultant, Trainer, Ex-Hotelier
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