Maybe. The effects of a weakened economy often mean a switch from caring about the environment to caring about bottom lines. It's harder to push green regulation when compliance costs will cause job losses.

So cause damage and then try to fix it vs don't cause damage in the first place?

Unfortunately tourism is often what makes the environment justify its opportunity cost when it isn't an effective "local service". It isn't great for economy, workers, or the environment but it is a very workable compromise that is better off than the worst case for all three.