Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following quest...

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 23 to 30.

Tourism has become one of the world's fastest-growing industries, with millions traveling annually to explore new destinations and cultures. However, the rapid expansion of mass tourism is increasingly under scrutiny due to its impact on local communities and the environment. As tourism grows, it raises concerns about sustainability and the long-term effects on the places and people being visited. Tourism has been identified as a significant driver of environmental degradation, cultural erosion, and social inequality in certain regions.

One of the key concerns associated with tourism is its environmental impact. As more travelers visit popular destinations, local ecosystems are strained. Deforestation, pollution, and wildlife disruption are some of the consequences of unmanaged tourism. For example, in the Galápagos Islands and Bali, tourism has led to the destruction of fragile ecosystems, overfishing, and coral reef damage. Air travel, in particular, contributes to carbon emissions, exacerbating global warming and disproportionately affecting vulnerable regions.

In addition to environmental issues, tourism often leads to cultural shifts in local communities. While tourism can bring economic benefits, it can also result in the commodification of local cultures. Indigenous traditions may be distorted or abandoned to cater to tourist demands. In some communities, sacred rituals are performed as spectacles for entertainment, undermining their authenticity and diminishing the cultural heritage in the eyes of locals.

In conclusion, the negative impacts of tourism on the environment and local cultures could be minimized if governments, businesses, and travelers adopt more sustainable practices. "Eco-tourism" promotes environmentally responsible travel, while "slow tourism" encourages deeper engagement with destinations and focuses on quality over quantity. By embracing these approaches, tourism can become a force for good, fostering both environmental preservation and cultural appreciation for future generations.

Question 23. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a consequence of unmanaged tourism?

A. Air pollution                B. Deforestation                C. Coral reef damage                D. Soil erosion