Assessing Tourists' Perceptions of Mass Tourism's Environmental Impact in Lake Sebu, Philippines

Mass tourism has become a significant driver of economic growth in many destinations but has also raised concerns regarding its environmental impact. This study assesses tourists’ perceptions of the environmental consequences of mass tourism in selected tourism destinations in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, Philippines. Using a descriptive cross-sectional survey method, data was gathered from 99 respondents through a structured questionnaire. The study examines tourists' awareness, attitudes, and perceived severity of environmental issues such as habitat degradation, resource depletion, and cultural landscape alteration. Key findings indicate that tourists generally recognize the high volume of visitors and its associated environmental impacts, with habitat degradation (M=3.54), resource depletion (M=3.45), and cultural changes (M=3.48) being notable concerns. However, statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in perceptions when grouped by income, place of origin, and sex, while frequency of visits significantly influenced perceptions (p=0.020), suggesting that frequent visitors are more aware of tourism’s environmental impact. These findings emphasize the need for sustainable tourism strategies, including better tourism management, stricter environmental policies, and educational initiatives to encourage responsible travel behaviors. The study provides valuable insights for policymakers, business owners, and local tourism stakeholders to mitigate the negative effects of mass tourism and promote environmental conservation in Lake Sebu. Future research should explore longitudinal studies on evolving tourist perceptions and the effectiveness of sustainable tourism policies in the region.