Which challenge is currently faced by the tourism industry?

The current challenge faced by the tourism industry is over-tourism. This phenomenon occurs when a destination receives more visitors than it can sustainably manage, leading to environmental degradation, strain on local resources, and diminished quality of life for residents. Over-tourism can result in overcrowded attractions, higher prices, and a decline in the overall visitor experience as destinations struggle to accommodate the large influx of tourists. The issue is particularly pronounced in popular tourist hotspots where infrastructure and services may not be sufficient to support the high volume of visitors.

In contrast, while a decline in travel demand, an increase in tourism costs, and a decrease in international flights can affect tourism, they do not encapsulate the systemic issues that arise from over-tourism. Addressing over-tourism is crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability of destinations and preserving the cultural and natural resources that draw visitors in the first place.