February 13, 2025

General Studies Paper -3

Context: The Ministry of Tourism has approved 40 projects worth ₹3,295.76 crore to develop lesser-known tourism sites across 23 states in India for preventing overtourism and sustainable tourism practices.

What is Overtourism?

  • Overtourism occurs when the number of tourists in a destination exceeds its capacity to manage them sustainably, leading to environmental degradation, cultural dilution, and poor visitor experiences.

Reasons Overtourism

  • Budget Travel: Affordable airlines and low-cost accommodations make travel more accessible.
  • Social Media: Influencers popularize destinations, creating a surge in visitors seeking “Instagrammable” spots.
  • Middle-Class Tourism: Rising incomes in countries like India and China have increased international travel.
  • Seasonal Crowding: Poor management during peak seasons exacerbates overcrowding.

Impact of Overtourism

  • Environmental Damage:
    • Bali: Iconic attractions like Ubud’s rice terraces face overcrowding, soil erosion, and ecological strain.
    • Joshimath: Known as the “sinking town” due to land subsidence, highlighting the fragile Himalayan environment.
    • Maasai Mara: Overcrowded safaris disrupt wildlife behavior and damage habitats.
  • Cultural Erosion:
    • Traditional rituals in places like Bali are often interrupted by unaware tourists.
    • Overcrowding in Goa has reduced the appeal of its authentic culture, affecting foreign tourist numbers.
  • Economic Strain:
    • Although tourism brings revenue, the long-term costs to local infrastructure, environment, and communities often outweigh benefits.
  • Man Made Disasters:
  • Overcrowding and improper crowd management could lead to a Stampede like situation.

Way Ahead

  • Promote Alternative Destinations: Divert travelers to lesser-known places to reduce pressure on popular spots.
  • Implement Visitor Caps: Introduce limits on daily or seasonal tourist numbers.
  • Spread Tourism Year-Round: Encourage off-season travel to balance crowds.
  • Raise Awareness
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