On a trek, porters and pack animals are not needed - so one of the few ways open to rural people to earn money is denied them. It is a matter of pride for all 'real travellers' to walk away from the market having bargained the vendor to half the asking price. We tell ourselves this is the way of the country, that the people will not respect us if we don't bargain. This means being constantly on guard against the local people, particularly if they are trying to sell you something. It also means complaining if the tourist admission price for a museum or national park is higher than that charged to the locals.
Some countries discourage independent travellers.
Bhutan has taken this a step further by banning independent travellers altogether, and only groups of four or more can enter. The country now earns more money per head and minimises damage by controlling visitors and where they go. For example, religious sites are out of bounds to tourists. Contrast Bhutan with Nepal, where the number of independent trekkers has brought a proliferation of lodges in areas on popular routes. Pasture has been destroyed for new buildings, trees used for firewood, and rubbish not properly disposed of.