Managing visitor volume and flow is essential to preserving destination integrity. This session focuses on the practical application of the GSTC Destination Standard for visitor management, exploring how to balance economic goals with the protection of natural and cultural assets. The discussion address the dual challenges of overtourism in saturated “honey-pot” sites and undertourism in emerging areas. Moving beyond a single “magic number,” the session examines holistic strategies for carrying capacity—including physical, ecological, and social thresholds. Panelists share visitor dispersion techniques designed to alleviate pressure on landmarks by encouraging exploration of lesser-known regions and off-peak travel.
- Wendy Li – National Programs Director, GSTC
- Siripakorn Cheawsamoot – Director-General, Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA) [Presentation]
- Dr. Paresh Pant – CEO, Tourism Fiji [Presentation]
- Noor Ahmad Hamid – CEO, Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) [Presentation]
- Mich Goh – Director of Public Policy APAC, Airbnb [Presentation]
