Tourism expert: Visitor management system protects sites from overcrowding

Nidal Malou Al-Ain, a specialist in strategic tourism management, stated that the visitor management system is an effective solution for regulating visitor numbers and protecting tourist sites, particularly natural and emerging destinations whose infrastructure may not be equipped to handle large crowds.

Speaking to Al Arabiya FM, the expert explained that visitor limits should be based on the nature of the site, its capacity, the readiness of its infrastructure, and the sensitivity of the surrounding environment. He also highlighted the importance of considering the 'carbon footprint' of tourists and the impact they may have on the site.

He noted that viral content from influencers on social media can drive large numbers of visitors to sites that are not prepared for such influxes. He stressed that tourism promotion should go hand in hand with preserving the site's identity, environment, and natural scenery, while minimizing environmental and visual pollution.

Advance bookings to regulate entry

Malou Al-Ain explained that the visitor management system can set a daily limit on the number of visitors through advance bookings and by organizing entry and exit, ensuring that the site's capacity is not exceeded.

He added that the success of the system also depends on continuous maintenance of tourist sites and infrastructure development, including improving site accessibility, regulating vehicle movement, and rehabilitating locations experiencing increased demand.

Entry fees to fund maintenance

He noted that charging entry fees at some tourist sites may raise questions among visitors, especially after a site gains popularity on social media. However, these fees can help provide the resources needed for maintenance and long-term sustainability.

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He emphasized that most tourist sites face similar challenges as visitor numbers grow, underscoring the importance of learning from past experiences and implementing proactive plans to prevent repeated damage at new and emerging destinations.