The World Tourism Organization defines overtourism as “the impact of tourism on a destination, or parts of it, that excessively and negatively influences the perceived quality of citizens’ life and/or the quality of visitors’ experiences.”
In recent years, especially following the forced stop due to covid, the so-called revenge travel has spread. It’s the urgency to travel in order to “recover” the holidays canceled during the pandemic. This has caused a saturation of some destinations due to the disproportionate increase in travelers, especially in some periods of the year.
Damages of overtourism
The uncontrolled number of travellers choosing the same destination at the same time, increases pollution levels. It also interferes with local culture and can cause disruption to native flora and fauna. For this reason, some destinations have been forced to adopt measures aimed at reducing overtourism. Which, however, have often not been effective.
They range from fines of 36,000 euros for those who play music too loudly on Portuguese beaches, to the covering of the panorama against “selfie tourists” in Fujikawaguchiko, (Mount Fuji), to the wooden fences in Hallstatt (Austria), erected for the same reason.
This phenomenon does not only concern our country or Europe. It is a global phenomenon, now taking root throughout the world.
Below are 3 places around the world that are taking steps to avoid the problem of overtourism.
Overtourism in Boracay
Many of you certainly know this corner of paradise of just 10 square kilometers, located in the Philippines. Excessive tourism has damaged island’s nature so much so that already in 2018 it was closed to tourism for 6 months, during which changes were made. The sewage system was renovated and the beaches were cleaned of waste.
Plastic bottles and cigarettes have also been banned and the number of visitors regulated. This allows you to experience the island’s atmosphere among the most beautiful beaches. White Beach, a beach of fine sand considered among the most beautiful in the world and Puka beach, wilder, adjacent to the lush nature of the island.
Luang Prabang
We are in Laos, near Mekong’s banks. The old city is a UNESCO heritage site and pagodas and temples are everywhere. In the surrounding area there are treasures like Tamarind, located along the river where you can taste the Luang Prabang sausage!
This is not the only specialty of the place. Don’t miss the bakeries! The best is Le Banneton, while those who love noodles can enjoy them at the covered night market.
In Luang Prabang they introduced a tax to discourage overtourism. Its proceeds went to the conservation of the sites and the support of local communities. Campaigns have been implemented to promote responsible tourism. For example, people should avoid taking close photographs of the monks who collect the offerings.
Pomfret
A small town in Vermont with a population of 900 souls is the emblem of autumn foliage. In this period Howe Hill Road, the main street, is an explosion of orange shades whose charm photographers and tourists cannot escape. Sleepy Hollow Farm has become one of the most Instagrammed destinations and the roads have been congested with traffic.
For this reason in 2023 the citizens have started a fundraiser to close the roads during the foliage, to pay patrols and officers to monitor the road during rush hour, allowing only residents to pass.
These are just a few examples of how overtourism can contribute to tearing apart the fragile fabric of our planet’s ecosystems and cultures. Without awareness and respect, no measure will be sufficient to protect the wonders of our earth.