Three main components correlate to the impact of tourism. They are environmental, sociocultural, and economic impacts, all of which are factors to tourism on Santa Catalina Island. Though the main two for the island are economic and environmental. Both of these are difficult to balance with one another. Catalina is well known for its scenery, though it faces the challenge of not negatively harming the environment as the number of visitors continues to increase as years go on.
Tourism on the island is economically beneficial and promotes employment and funds to maintain the island’s overall beauty and services. An analysis paper prepared by the Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau states “It is estimated that Catalina Island receives approximately 885,000 visitors annually with approximately 350,000 overnight visitors and 530,000-day visitors.” (Page 8) Like, many other tourist attractions Catalina has been facing over-tourism during certain seasons of the year. Last year the island had over one million visitors resulting in direct spending on the island of $166.7 million. There have been strategies mentioned to balance and control the supply and demand of the island. This supply and demand also affect the island’s environment. The research was done in 2015 estimated that during a high seasonal month, August, that the city of Avalon used about 636,000 gallons of water per day.
This sparks questions of either tourism on the island is good. It is positive to the economy of the island, the locals, marine business, and more. Though does it out way the negatives of the ecology of Catalina. Between these two balance is important. This issue is occurring not just with Catalina Island, but around the world. Mankind taking over the beauty of nature.