Dominika Gałka 3IB

Referring to one example, discuss the strategies that may be used to maintain the carrying
capacity of a popular tourist attraction in rural area / a urban tourist destination.
Maintaining carrying capacity of a particular place refers to the maximum number of visitors or
participants that a site can satisfy at one time with no harm on environment. Machu Picchu is on the
verge of exceeding the carrying capacity which could result in degradation of the ancient Inca
wonder. Therefore, management strategies implemented are essential in preserving the heritage and
environment of a place.

Authorities in Peru have submitted $130 million for a plan of preservation of Machu Picchu in 2005
because UNESCO threatened that the site can lose its world heritage status if they do not undertake
any action to protect it.

A lot of advice considering maintaining carrying capacity have been provided by United Nations. One
of the remarks covered the issue of existing infrastructure: hotels, restaurants, bus parking lot and
toilets which deteriorate visual quality of the site. It was recommended to reduce the facilities.
However, no further steps have been done to deal with that issue. It could be caused by the fact that
local people would lose their jobs.

Admission for the entrance to Machu Picchu increased from $10 to $50 for foreigners and to $26 for
Peruvians in 2016. This strategy caused the increase of income (also from taxes) of secondary tourist
attractions. Money from taxes could be also used in improving existing facilities and preserving the
environmental value of the site. Before introducing new prices of the tickets a threat concerning the
capability of local people to visit Machu Picchu, as the prices increase. However, this issue was
resolved by raising the prices drastically only for foreigners.

Another management strategy involves action initiated by non-governmental organisations. Yachay

Wasi is such an organisation that campaigns for the recognition and protection of the spiritual
heritage of Peru’s indigenous people. Their activities have great reach, since they requested UNESCO
World Heritage Centre in 2001 to recognize Machu Picchu as a sacred place and to enhance the role
of indigenous people. Their proposal was accepted and United Nations inscribed protection of sacred
places in their agendas.

Machu Picchu has a tremendous problem of maintaining carrying capacity as it becomes more and
more popular as a remote tourist attraction. However, UNESCO World Heritage and United Nations
are engaged in preserving the environmental and cultural safeguarding. Their guidance serve for
preserving the fragile site, however, they can have detrimental influence on local people who desire
to visit Machu Picchu.