Activity operators must take responsibility for their impact on local communities and environments, according to experts at the Activity Tourism session, looking at the effect of trekking, diving and skiing on local areas.
Claudia Townsend, diving instructor and consultant for Hidden Britain, said: “Diving and snorkelling do cause some damage – I think we have to accept that there is some disturbance to marine life – but I would argue the money that comes from it can be channelled towards conservation, and the passion divers develop for marine conservation can last a lifetime.
“We’re looking for a balance between happy visitors, fish and money coming into the local economy and to conservation funds. It will improve divers’ experiences, keep them coming back and protect the experience they travel for.”
Dr Ashley Hardwell, senior lecturer at Leeds Metropolitan University, also addressed the negative effects of growing tourism in the Everest region both on working conditions for local guides and the quality of the tourist experience.