The Welcome Mat

OVERLOAD

Too Many Tourists? (August) No need even to ask. Tourism may be our largest income earner but, like dairying, it is out of control and the economic gains come at too high a price. Both sectors cause colossal environmental damage but for years they have ducked accountability for it and dumped the clean-up costs on the community.

Tourist numbers must be restricted if we are to preserve our environment for future generations. Wiser countries like Bhutan have rejected mass tourism, preferring to impose a daily levy on international visitors, but even then there are limits.

In New Zealand, as Mike White’s article shows, tourism industry players mouth platitudes while maintaining a hands-off