I understand that much of the overtourism problem was created by bucket lists in the first place. However, what if it is also used as a form of crowd control? Rather than trying to combat the crowds, which in my opinion is a battle you can’t win, work with them. A recent article in the Telegraph – Have tourists ruined the world? highlighted that although these destinations are suffering from overtourism, you can still wander off the beaten path and into peace & quiet. Continue reading
travel
Tourist tax… Let’s call it something else
Tourist taxes are popping up after 2017’s overtourism woes. Some are designed to reduce low paying tourists, including stag parties in Amsterdam. But other taxes, including the Balearic Islands tourist tax, are designed to raise funds for ecological projects. Travellers may not understand the necessity of these payments. Calling it a tourist tax doesn’t inform travellers and will never be popular. Simply put, nobody likes paying tax! Replacing the term ‘tourist tax’ with ‘tribute’ may soften the blow, here’s how… Continue reading
Overtourism – The Industry’s solutions
The holiday season in Europe is about to kick off. This is good news for some but perhaps creating more upset for locals who have been protesting about tourism numbers. Tourism overload is likely to be 2018’s biggest problem and one that has no definitive solution.
Last year, I investigated the causes of overtourism as it approached its pinnacle. This year, governing bodies had time to react and create solutions. I wonder which one of the following 7 implemented solutions to the overtourism problem will be the most successful… If any. Continue reading
Travel is now lost
Today, travel assistants will guide you through countries to the ‘not to be missed’ destinations. You will be guaranteed a bed for the night and reassured that previous visitors have enjoyed their stay with no nasty surprises. All can easily be booked in advance along with accommodation, so people often plan their route even before arriving.
Travel has become easier, safer and less stressful but, to what expense? Perhaps we have lost one of the most exciting elements of travel, ‘chance’ and with it, the sense of discovery, stepping into the unknown with unexpected encounters. Continue reading
Overtourism; the 10 causes
Overtourism occurs when the negative aspects outweigh the benefits.
Large numbers of tourists can upset the local residents, especially if income created by a tourism boom doesn’t trickle down but instead leaks out of the country. As destination popularity rises so can the cost of accommodation. Furthermore, the noise disrupts normal life, and places of beauty are spoilt by high numbers of visitors.
But, don’t forget, overtourism doesn’t just affect the local population, the tourist also experiences the consequences of long queues, angry locals, strict restrictions and large crowds.
So why has this all occurred in the summer of 2017? Well, the signs have been around for a while and in places as high as Everest and as far East as The Great Wall of China. But, this summer’s conditions created problems to hit a new high for Europe tourism.
Here are the ten conditions which have led to this epidemic.
Responsible Tourism; The New Luxury
According to Skift ‘the new luxury is defined by small brands with big stories’ and I couldn’t agree more! Skift’s megatrends of 2017 have touched on something amazing for responsible tourism. Stories are essential to selling responsible tourism and the industry is full to the brim of anecdotes just waiting to be told. Continue reading
8 steps to selling responsible tourism
So the UN has declared 2017 the year of sustainable tourism for development. Tourism is responsible for 10% of the world’s GDP and has huge developmental potential for countries with limited exports but are rich in cultural and environmental experiences. 2015 saw 1.2 billion international travellers, it is time to take this growth seriously, ensuring it has positive rather than negative impacts.
The Responsible Tourist; What Do They Look For?
Many may say the responsible tourist looks for ethics, social consciousness and supporting the local population economically. But really the bottom line is EXPERIENCE. Working in responsible tourism I occasionally get asked about the political, social and economic benefits of the holiday but this always comes second. So what does a responsible tourist look for? What are the most common questions? Here are a few of my regulars…
Last Chance Tourism; Go Before it’s too late!
93% of corals have been impacted by abnormally warm waters. Coral bleaching has spread around the globe, devastating reef mortality and resulting in a sense of urgency amongst some tourists. A feeling of ‘I have to get there before its too late!’ is sweeping across many travellers. This has created a form of tourism that I have come to loathe the most, ‘last-chance Tourism’. It suggests a feeling of hopelessness, that we are too late and nothing can be done. Conservation soon gets replaced by an acceptance of demise and we extract as much as we can before it disappears. This needs to change and fast!
China’s Animal Welfare Problems
China’s views on animal welfare are clearly lagging behind the rest of the world. Its ownership of the worlds saddest polar bear and how it uses animals for entertainment in this horrendous video suggests that perhaps theirs actually no animal welfare values at all. Continue reading
