Sustainable tourism at a destination is dependent on the maintenance and good management of its attractive assets. In non-urban areas, the assets will primarily be geological, natural and/or cultural, frequently of a sensitive nature, liable to damage or destruction by uncontrolled or excessive tourism flows.
For this reason, practitioners may forbid or limit access to part or all of a natural or cultural site. Frequently cited principles include ‘carrying capacity’ or visitor impact management (McCool & Lime, 2001; Moore, Smith, & Newsome, 2003; Newsome, Moore, & Dowling, 2002). In certain cases (e.g., Machu Picchu, Everest, Masai Mara Reserve, etc.) restrictions become ever tighter and are seen as necessary to preserve a heritage site or landscape or protect local social structures.