What is a potential environmental disadvantage of coastal tourism?

The degradation of local ecosystems is a significant environmental disadvantage of coastal tourism. As tourism expands in coastal areas, it can lead to habitat destruction, particularly in sensitive environments like coral reefs, mangroves, and sandy beaches. The sheer volume of visitors can cause physical damage to these habitats through activities like walking on corals, anchoring boats in protected areas, and littering. Additionally, increased infrastructure development, such as hotels and restaurants, can lead to pollution and overexploitation of local resources, further threatening the delicate balance of these ecosystems.

In contrast, options suggesting an increase in local job opportunities, enhancement of marine biodiversity, or reduction of pollution levels do not directly address environmental disadvantages. While tourism may create jobs, it does not mitigate the ecological impact that often accompanies increased human activity in coastal regions. Moreover, tourism generally does not enhance biodiversity or reduce pollution; instead, it can contribute to these issues if not managed sustainably. Thus, identifying the degradation of local ecosystems as a potential environmental disadvantage underscores the need for more responsible tourism practices.