Residents’ Perception of Impact of Mass Tourism on Mountain Environment in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

Abstract

: This study seeks to explore and explain the perception of residents about the environmental impact of mountainmass tourism in three tourist destinations in Gilgit-Baltistan. This study is based on quantitative and qualitative datacollected through a survey and group discussions with residents of three tourist destinations. Results revealed that theresidents of the study area are highly concerned about the environmental impact of mass tourism. They highlighted airpollution, traffic congestion, pressure on land use change and infrastructure, and degradation of mountain ecosystemservices. The study also found that communities in these tourist places expect governmental and non-governmentalorganizations to come up with a better plan for the management of mountain tourism on a sustainable basis. Reflectingcritically on the perceptions of stakeholders about tourism impact, it is important to develop linkages betweengovernmental and non-governmental organizations for environmental protection and sustainable quality tourism in theregion while taking communities on board.