Tourists would continue to come to the popular tourist region but simply choose other destinations instead of Maya Bay, the report said.

Tourists would probably instead flock to nearby attractions such as Koh Poda, Sa Morakot, Talay Waek and Railay Beach to compensate for the closure of the world-famous beach.

The EIC supported limiting the number of tourists, saying it would have a good impact on the country’s image and also on revenue from tourism in the middle- to long-term.

“Imposing the measure at the popular attractions will help tourists get the most impressive experience of tranquillity and that would also help to lift the image of tourism,” the report argued.

The EIC also recommended that private sector and government officials join forces to develop a long-term plan for a sustainable solution.

For example, tour operators could offer lesser-known destinations among the many other islands and beaches for tourists to choose from, or entry fees could be adjusted to help attract more “quality” tourists, said the report.