Tourism in the WIO effects marine and coastal environments, but still the industry is prospering and developing rapidly. Marine and coastal ecosystems in the WIO are well-known for high biodiversity and great beauty. Conservation efforts are thus very important as there is a great diversity of fauna and flora in the WIO that needs to be considered alongside an increased tourism development. The environment itself serves as a tourist attraction and should therefore be conserved at all times, together with the socio-economic benefits and livelihoods of the people in the WIO region. Tourism and tourist attractions in the WIO should not just be available to present generations but to future generations as well.

Implementation of sustainable tourism and ecotourism should therefore be encouraged at all times. The key factors in favour of sustainable tourism and ecotourism in the WIO are likely to be limited coastal development, conservation of the natural biodiversity, socio-economic benefits, and overall relief of environmental pressure caused by tourism. This can be achieved by stricter legislation and more enforcement of existing laws for coastal developments. Additionally, the existing environmental impacts need to be addressed in an efficient way, in order to ensure sustainability for further development of the tourism industry in the WIO.