Globally, overtourism is becoming a growing concern, leading to a number of measures to manage visitor numbers and safeguard local communities.
Overtourism, the phenomenon where a destination receives an excessive number of tourists, poses significant challenges to both local communities and the environment.
The influx of visitors can lead to overcrowding, which strains local infrastructure and services.
This often results in increased pollution, traffic congestion, and wear and tear on public facilities.
Furthermore, natural attractions like beaches, parks, and heritage sites can suffer from environmental degradation due to the high foot traffic, endangering local wildlife and ecosystems.
From an economic perspective, overtourism can have both positive and negative impacts.
While the tourism industry generates substantial revenue and creates jobs, it can also drive up the cost of living for local residents.
The increased demand for goods and services often leads to inflation, making it difficult for locals to afford basic necessities.
Over-reliance on tourism can make the local economy vulnerable to fluctuations in tourist numbers caused by factors such as natural disasters, economic downturns, or pandemics.
This dependency can create instability and limit the development of other economic sectors.
Randy Durband, CEO of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, says don't blame travellers for overtourism.
He told "Squawk Box Asia" that the problem is "lack of management".
“I’ve been in travel and tourism for 40 years, working on committees and trade associations in Europe, North America and Asia,” he said. “Governments around the world traditionally just didn’t think they had a role in managing.”
Positive economic effects
Increased revenue: Tourism generates substantial revenue for local businesses, governments, and communities through spending on accommodations, food, attractions, and services.
Job creation: The influx of tourists creates jobs in various sectors, including hospitality, transportation, and retail, contributing to lower unemployment rates.
Foreign exchange earnings: International tourists bring foreign currency into the destination, which strengthens the local economy and improve the balance of payments.
Infrastructure development: Tourism can drive investment in infrastructure, such as roads, airports, and public facilities, benefiting both tourists and residents.
Negative economic effects
Inflation: The increased demand for goods and services can drive up prices, making it harder for locals to afford basic necessities.
Economic dependence: Over-reliance on tourism can make the local economy vulnerable to fluctuations in tourist numbers, such as those caused by natural disasters, economic downturns, or pandemics.
Leakage: A significant portion of tourism revenue can leave the local economy, as international companies and foreign investors repatriate profits.
Cost of living: The influx of tourists can drive up the cost of living, making it difficult for locals to find affordable housing and other essentials.
Environmental degradation: Overtourism can lead to environmental damage, which can have long-term economic consequences, such as the loss of natural attractions that draw tourists.
The use of advanced technologies, such as real-time data analytics and mobile applications, will enable better monitoring of tourist flows and crowd distribution. These tools can assist visitors in finding less crowded attractions, encouraging them to explore other options. Moreover, virtual reality experiences allow tourists to enjoy iconic landmarks without physically being present, thus reducing the strain on popular locations.
Destinations tackling overtourism
Several popular tourist destinations around the world have implemented restrictions to combat overtourism. Here are some notable examples.
Amsterdam, Netherlands: Known for its vibrant nightlife, Amsterdam has imposed limits on bar crawls and banned smoking cannabis in the red light district to manage tourist behaviour.
Lanzarote, Canary Islands: This sun-kissed getaway has declared itself a tourist-saturated area and aims to attract higher-quality visitors who will spend more and cause less disruption.
Venice, Italy: Venice has introduced a tourist entry fee (A$8.10) to control visitors and reduce strain on its infrastructure.
Barcelona, Spain: The city faced significant anti-tourism sentiment and managed tourism growth responsibly.
Kyoto, Japan: Kyoto has implemented measures to preserve its cultural heritage and manage tourist influx.
Dubrovnik, Croatia: Dubrovnik has introduced limits on cruise ship docking to reduce overcrowding.
Hawaii, USA: Certain beaches in Hawaii have restricted access to protect the environment and local communities.
Greece: Popular Greek islands have faced over-tourism, leading to measures to manage visitor numbers and protect natural resources.
Bali: International visitors to Bali must pay an entry fee of US$10 (A$15). This fee is collected directly at the airport or seaport upon arrival. The entry fee is part of Bali's efforts to manage tourism sustainably and protect its natural and cultural heritage.
Pompeii, Italy: The Pompeii Archaeological Park has set a daily visitor limit of 20,000 people to combat overtourism and protect the UNESCO World Heritage site. This measure, effective from November 15, 2024, aims to manage the influx of tourists and ensure the preservation of the ancient site.
Florence, Italy: According to a statement from City Hall, Florence has approved a 10-point plan that, among other things, bans key boxes on buildings in Florence’s historic centre, as well as the use of loudspeakers by tour guides.
Pompeii Archaeological Park Director, Gabriel Zuchtriegel, said: “We are working on a series of projects to lift the human pressure on the site, which could pose risks both for visitors and the heritage that is so unique and fragile.”
“The measures to manage flows and safety and the personalisation of the visits are part of this strategy.
“We are aiming for slow, sustainable, pleasant and non-mass tourism and above all widespread throughout the territory around the Unesco site, which is full of cultural jewels to discover.”
Here are some unique and lesser-known tourist destinations that have implemented entry restrictions to preserve their natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Gimmelwald, Switzerland: This charming mountain village in the Swiss Alps is car-free and off the tourist radar. It offers serene alpine landscapes and hiking trails.
Salento, Colombia: Nestled in Colombia's coffee region, Salento is surrounded by lush green valleys and offers outdoor activities like hiking and exploring coffee farms.
Faroe Islands, Denmark: This collection of 18 volcanic islands in the North Atlantic offers dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and quaint villages. It's perfect for hiking and birdwatching.
Luang Prabang, Laos: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Luang Prabang is a cultural treasure trove with rich traditions and unspoiled landscapes.
Niihau Island, USA: Known as the "Forbidden Island", Niihau is a privately owned Hawaiian island with restricted entry since the 1860s. The small population lives a traditional lifestyle.
In Australia, only 400 tourists are permitted at once on Lord Howe Island. While Western Australia's Rottnest Island (also known as Wadjemup) has several rules and guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors. These include: no cars, observe wildlife from a distance, no sandboarding and avoid walking on the reefs. Over in the red centre, at Uluru, the board of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park banned tourists from climbing the rock because of the spiritual significance of the site, as well as for safety and environmental reasons. And at Queensland's Great Barrier Reef, commercial operators also have very strict guidelines and environmental rules that they must abide by as dictated to them by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.
Steps to mitigating negative effects
- Sustainable tourism practices: Implementing sustainable tourism practices can balance economic growth with environmental conservation and community well-being.
- Visitor management: Introducing measures such as visitor quotas, entry fees, and restrictions on certain activities can help manage tourist numbers and reduce negative impacts.
- Community involvement: Engaging local communities in tourism planning and decision-making can ensure tourism development benefits residents and addresses their concerns.
- Diversification: Diversifying the local economy beyond tourism can reduce dependence on tourism and create more stable economic conditions.
- Education and awareness: Educating both tourists and locals about sustainability can foster a more conscious approach to travel.
- Infrastructure improvements: Investing in eco-friendly infrastructure, such as renewable energy sources and efficient public transportation, can further reduce tourism's environmental impact.
- Partnerships: Collaborating with international organisations and neighbouring regions can provide resources and support for sustainable initiatives, ensuring a collective effort towards preserving cultural and natural heritage.
By adopting these strategies, destinations can strike a balance between economic growth and the preservation of their natural and cultural heritage, working towards a more sustainable and balanced tourism approach.