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What a more sustainable tourism industry could look like

Summary

With the HBO series White Lotus expected to drive tourism to Thailand’s Koh Samui, concerns over the environmental and social impacts of mass tourism are growing. Author Sarah Stodola discusses how unchecked tourism can strain local water supplies, overwhelm waste management, and harm ecosystems. She highlights sustainable alternatives, including government-imposed tourism limits and businesses prioritizing local communities. Some destinations, such as Brazil’s Fernando de Noronha, successfully cap visitor numbers to balance economic benefits with environmental preservation. Stodola argues that sustainable tourism requires travelers to adapt to local cultures rather than expecting destinations to cater to their comfort. She also advocates for more regional travel to reduce the carbon footprint of long-haul flights. Experts emphasize that prioritizing local communities over tourists can create a more equitable and resilient tourism industry, ensuring long-term environmental and economic sustainability.

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