Principles of sustainable tourism – UGC NET Question

Statements A, C and D are correct as they describe key pillars of sustainable tourism, including environmental protection, community benefits and carrying capacity-based planning. Sustainable tourism aims at minimising impacts, linking livelihoods with conservation and ensuring that visitor numbers do not exceed the ability of destinations to cope. Statement B is incorrect because mass tourism in fragile ecosystems can cause significant damage if not properly managed. Thus, the combination containing A, C and D only is the correct answer.

Option A:
Option A is correct because it selects the three statements consistent with sustainable tourism principles and excludes B, which idealises mass tourism. It emphasises community involvement and ecological limits, both central to sustainable tourism discourse.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it omits D, a vital statement about considering carrying capacity in tourism planning. Without acknowledging carrying capacity, the combination fails to capture an important tool for sustainability.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect as it includes B, which wrongly asserts that mass tourism in sensitive areas is always beneficial. Including this misleading statement undermines the accuracy of the combination.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it groups B, C and D and leaves out A. Accepting B as correct goes against numerous case studies showing how unregulated mass tourism can degrade natural and cultural heritage.