The concepts of Carrying Capacity, the ROS, LAC, VIM, VAMP and the Tourism Optimization Management Model (TOMM) are examples of visitor planning and management frameworks. Each is intended to complement existing management and decision-making processes (Pigram and Jenkins, 2005).
Carrying Capacity is fundamental to environmental protection and sustainable development. It refers to the maximum use of any site without causing adverse impact upon the society, economy and culture of the area. Carrying capacity limits can sometimes be difficult to quantify, but they are essential to environmental planning for tourism and recreation.