AI-Based Visitor Management for Sustainable High Altitude Tourism in Nepal: A Carrying Capacity Perspective

Abstract

High altitude tourism is a cornerstone of Nepal’s tourism industry, contributing significantly to national income and local livelihoods in mountain regions. However, increasing visitor pressure in fragile high altitude destinations has raised serious sustainability concerns related to environmental degradation, socio-cultural stress, and infrastructure overload. This study examines the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based visitor management systems in promoting sustainable high altitude tourism in Nepal through a carrying capacity perspective. Adopting a mixed-methods research design, the study integrates qualitative insights from key informant interviews and policy reviews with quantitative analysis of tourism flow patterns in selected high altitude destinations. The findings reveal that AI-based tools such as predictive analytics, realtime monitoring, and GIS-supported decision systems can enhance destination management by dynamically regulating visitor numbers in line with ecological and social thresholds. The study proposes a conceptual framework linking AIbased visitor management, carrying capacity dimensions, and sustainable tourism outcomes. The paper concludes that AI-enabled visitor management, when combined with participatory governance and community engagement, offers a viable pathway for achieving sustainable high altitude tourism in Nepal.