It is true that a large number of holidaymakers show little to no regard to the culture and local environment of the destinations they visit. This has led some to condemn these tourists for their blatantly irresponsible behavior, but in their defense, some visitors say that it is impossible to act responsibly when they travel. I believe that it is in our ability to protect the local culture and environment.
Granted, one might argue that it is simply not possible to be responsible tourists. This is predicated on the assumption that they have their own way of life and have the right to practice their own religions and beliefs when they visit a place. Forcing them to ‘preserve’ the local culture, thus, might curtail their individual freedom. However, this line of reasoning is not sound because it is simply common courtesy to respect the traditions and customs of the native people. For example, tourists have regularly been found to curse or wear inappropriately short clothes in sacred places such as temples or pagodas, and such disrespectful behaviors or habits are not ‘impossible’ to avoid.
Furthermore, many tourist destinations have been disfigured by visitors, and there is simply no justification for their actions. Instead of dumping trash wherever they go, they can hold on to it until they find a trash can; instead of cutting tree branches to make tents or fuel their bond fires, they can bring their own tents and coals; instead of trying to touch a certain ancient artifact, which is incredibly susceptible to breakage, they can admire it with their bare eye or by taking a picture of it. It is an unacceptable excuse for tourists to say that protecting the environment of the places they visit is implausible.
In conclusion, it is not beyond the purview of their ability to both have fun and protect the local environment and culture in places where they travel to.