5 popular attractions in danger of destruction by tourists

Last month, news out of Thailand was that the government was closing one its islands, Koh Tachai due to "excessive tourism".

In the weeks that followed, it was announced that 3 more islands in Thailand would be closed as there were concerns that the areas were overcrowded with tourists.

This challenge is not just peculiar to Thailand as several tourist attractions around the world have fallen in danger of extinction owing to the activities of tourists.

Here are 5 such popular attractions in danger of destruction by tourists.

1. The Great Wall of China: One of the original Wonders of the World still standing, this site receives millions of visitors each year, and is slowly leading to its destruction. According to reports, parts of the wall are already falling into disrepair whilst others have been knocked down to make way for access roads and other developments.

2. Mount Everest: This stands as the highest mountain in the world and naturally attracts tons of climbers and adventurers looking to brave the treacherous height to the top. However with this crowd comes major pollution to the environment and 11,000 kilos of waste including food, plastic, equipment and even excrement have to be shipped off the mountain each year.

3. Machu Picchu: One of the current Wonders of the World, this site has signs of damage from erosion caused by trampling feet to rubbish and pollution left by visitors.

4. Stonehenge, England: This site has been subject to various forms of disruption both by people who attempt to move the stones or even restore them.

5. Bali, Indonesia: This Indonesian island attracts tourists in their droves each year and the evidence is mounting with a large number of waste and increased deforestation.