Tourism generates land degradation, air and noise pollution, littering, trampling and the alternation of ecosystems. All of these areas of impact not only risk the well being of the land, but also the species that call these areas home (Environmental).

Tourism acts as a "double-edged sword" for national parks in 2026, providing essential funding while simultaneously threatening the ecosystems they protect. On the positive side, tourism revenue from entrance fees and concessions funds vital conservation projects, ranger salaries, and wildlife monitoring programs. However, "overtourism" leads to habitat fragmentation, soil erosion on popular trails, and increased human-wildlife conflicts. In 2026, researchers are particularly focused on the "two-tier" park system, where private tourism operators are increasingly granted exclusive rights to prime sites, potentially pricing out ordinary families. Additionally, the sheer volume of visitors creates a "carbon footprint" from transportation and infrastructure waste that can degrade the very wilderness people come to see. To mitigate these effects, many parks have moved toward mandatory reservation systems and "timed-entry" permits to ensure the "carrying capacity" of the land isn't exceeded, striking a delicate balance between public access and environmental integrity.