Do governments minimize the environmental impact of tourism by refusing to expand access to destinations?

Governments indeed take various measures to minimize the environmental impact of tourism, and one approach can be to limit access to certain destinations. By refusing to expand access, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas, governments can help preserve natural habitats and reduce the negative influences that greater tourist numbers might bring, such as pollution, habitat destruction, and strain on local resources.

This approach is often seen in protected areas like national parks or wildlife refuges, where the aim is to maintain the balance between conservation and tourism. Limiting access can ensure that tourist activities do not exceed the environment’s capacity to cope, thereby safeguarding biodiversity and ensuring that natural landscapes remain intact for future generations. However, this is not a universal approach applied by all governments, as many also focus on sustainable tourism practices, infrastructure development, and visitor management to balance access with environmental stewardship.

While this answer suggests limiting access as an effective strategy, it's crucial to recognize that governments may adopt a range of techniques tailored to their specific environmental goals and tourism policies.