What does the term "carrying capacity" refer to in tourism?

The term "carrying capacity" in tourism is defined as the maximum number of visitors that a destination can accommodate without causing negative impacts on the environment, local culture, or the visitor experience itself. This concept is crucial for sustainable tourism management, as it helps ensure that the level of tourism does not exceed what the destination can handle, which can lead to overcrowding, resource depletion, and deterioration of the natural or cultural assets that attract visitors in the first place.

Understanding carrying capacity allows stakeholders, including policymakers and tourism operators, to make informed decisions about visitor management, infrastructure development, and conservation efforts, ensuring that tourism can be enjoyed by future generations while still benefiting the local communities and ecosystems. This focus on sustainability is vital for minimizing adverse effects and maintaining the integrity of the destination.