Measuring and managing tourism impacts is, I believe, the only way to go about dealing with the sad realities of being explorative human beings. One cannot stop tourism and I think it would be a bad idea to do so, but to measure tourism impacts by carrying capacity, zoning or what ever other complex model one chooses, and to manage tourism is the surest way to protect environment, sacred and historical monuments and cultures. Sustainable tourism seems entirely possible to me, as discussed in our most current readings. I believe, however that a change in thought process will have to take place in order for sustainability to become a cultural norm (at least in America). Also, in regards to cultural norms and the lack of tourist attention to them, education seems to be the best way to solve the problem if one could promote education. Encouraging travelers to read and take literature on foreign cultures seriously, it might be a good way to lessen embarrassing incidences or a feeling of genuine surprise by the unaware visitor.
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