Butler (1980) believed that tourism destinations progress through a recognizable cycle of evolution, with differing stages of popularity. According to Butler, there are six stages through which tourist areas pass: exploration, involvement, development, consolidation, stagnation, and decline. Changes in the physical and social environment can result in a decline of the tourism industry.
Too many tourists can place a burden on a community both environmentally and socially. If the residents of the host community perceive tourism as counterproductive to their welfare, then an attitude of negativity may be shown toward tourists. Repercussions from this may include feelings on the part of the tourists of being unwelcome, resulting in less visitation.