Tourism verus over-tourism. Where do you draw the line?
Thailand is in a real quagmire and one has to wonder, what lessons, if any, were learned during the COVID pandemic and lack of tourists?
It was only 2 short years ago, over-tourism ruined many of Thailand’s natural beauty spots to the point the government had to step in and close them.
Such spots, in 2022, such as Maya Bay, will still not allow tourists to swim in the bay. But what we did see, is a new expensive walkway and 400 baht entry fee just to visit and walk on the beach. Where is all this money going?
Is this the same tourist experience? Probably not, but seeing Maya Bay in person is definitely worth it.
Although keeping the tourist out of the water may preserve the coral and other natural assets of the beach, over-tourism will do the exact opposite.
One thing we see happening in 2022, is a strong drive to promote tourism by offering longer VISA’s and other incentives.
Thailand is begging for the tourist to return in huge numbers, the same as pre-covid times, and dump huge amounts of money back into the economy.
But at what cost? At a cost of ruining all the natural beauty of Thailand?
Some thought has to be given how to balance huge amounts of tourists with the ecological responsibilities to preserve nature.
Whether or not that can happen when huge sums are money are involved remains to be seen?
We can only hope as tourism returns to normal levels that more safe-guards are put in place to preserve and protect the country for others.