July 23rd 2024.
As much as we may love traveling to foreign countries for our holidays, we must remember that not everyone may feel the same way about having us as visitors. Take Spain, for example. The sunny European country is a popular destination for us Brits, but not all of its locals are thrilled about the influx of tourists.
In recent news, Barcelona, one of Spain's most frequented cities, has become somewhat of a no-go zone for holidaymakers. Demonstrators have taken to the streets, protesting against the negative effects of mass tourism. Chants of "go home" and "Barcelona is not for sale" can be heard echoing through the city, as residents march to show their frustration with the increasing cost of living, which they believe is a direct result of high levels of tourism.
And it's not just Barcelona. Other popular Spanish destinations, such as Mallorca, have also seen protests against overtourism. In fact, locals have gone as far as blocking popular beaches to bring attention to the negative impacts of an overcrowded tourist industry.
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), a record-breaking 4.7 billion people are expected to travel this year, leading to unprecedented numbers of tourists flooding into cities. While this may seem like a boon for the economy, it can actually cause significant problems for local communities. Pollution, gentrification, and a rise in housing prices are just a few of the issues that arise when a city becomes overrun with tourists.
To avoid getting caught up in these crossfires on your next vacation, it may be wise to exercise caution before booking your trip to one of these popular summer spots. After all, who wants to spend their holiday in a place where the locals are less than welcoming?
Let's take a closer look at some of the cities that have been hit the hardest by overtourism and see how their residents are fighting back.
Mallorca, Spain
On July 21, thousands of people took to the streets of Mallorca to protest against the negative effects of overtourism. Residents claim that the uncontrolled number of visitors is causing a drop in wages, a loss of quality of life, noise pollution, and an increase in the price of housing. One of the groups leading the movement, called "Menys Turisme Més Vida," uses the slogan "Let's change direction, let's place limits on tourism."
During another protest, Mallorcans "occupied" the Calo des Moro beach and held signs reading "foreigners out" and "SOS Residents."
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Although Amsterdam has long been a popular city break spot, it's not always for the right reasons. In 2023, the city launched a campaign aimed at young Brits who typically visit to get drunk. The advertisement addressed disorderly behavior and warned visitors of the consequences, such as a €140 fine and a criminal record.
Protests have also been held in Amsterdam this year, as locals push back against the negative effects of mass tourism.
Hawaii, USA
Hawaii is another destination that has been affected by overcrowding. Residents have long been voicing their concerns about the negative impact of tourism on the local environment and the cultural appropriation of Native Hawaiians. In an effort to tackle the current housing crisis, Senator Brenton Awa introduced a bill that would prevent foreigners from buying land on the island state.
Speaking about the issue, Awa said, "When they're coming in with cash and our salaries over here are less than those of the people who are ready to retire, we can't compete."
Venice, Italy
Venice has introduced a new fee for visitors to help lessen the impact of tourism. This Italian city currently has more beds for tourists than it does for its own residents. As a result, all day-trippers over the age of 14 must pay a fee, while those staying overnight can avoid the cost by registering to visit the city through a new online booking platform.
While the mayor of Venice stresses that the fee is to allow everyone to enjoy the city without it being overrun, locals aren't too happy. Many see it as turning the city into an amusement park, and they doubt that the fee will actually make a difference, as tourists will simply pay it.
Hallstatt, Austria
Home to just 700 people, the small town of Hallstatt in Austria has been greatly impacted by tourism. With up to 10,000 visitors per day, according to the BBC, the idyllic lakeside village has become a popular destination for its picturesque mountain views. However, the main draw of Hallstatt is its peace and quiet, and overcrowding and noise pollution have made these selling points redundant.
In response, residents have erected a wall to block a popular photo spot during the summer of 2023. The town's mayor is also working to reduce bus services into the village to alleviate the strain of overtourism.
Málaga, Spain
One of the main complaints about tourism in these cities is the housing crisis that follows. And Málaga in Spain is no different. Demonstrations are a common theme in this Spanish city, with protesters chanting "Málaga is for living, not surviving."
According to Curro Machuca, a member of the Málaga tenants' union, even locals who work in the tourism industry cannot afford to rent a place in their own city. He believes that "basing the economy of Málaga on the monoculture of tourism is unsustainable and has to change."
Oaxaca, Mexico
Mexico, particularly Oaxaca, has become a hotspot for tourists, thanks to its recognition as a gastronomic capital. Since the pandemic, the city has seen a 77% rise in tourism, and residents have actually held demonstrations against visitors. The cost of living has also risen as a result, and there are concerns about gentrification changing the landscape.
Activist Andre Be.Arruti told Bloomberg, "We aren't against travel, but we are against tourism as a capitalist economic system that is based on a colonial model of extractivism of people's resources, knowledge, ways of living, and culture, where they are not the ones benefiting from this model."
Machu Picchu, Peru
Finally, let's take a trip to Machu Picchu, a 15th-century Incan citadel that remains a bucket list destination for many. Unfortunately, the historic site is facing a dilemma when it comes to overcrowding. Despite its UNESCO World Heritage Site status, the influx of tourists has caused damage to the city.
UNESCO has asked the Peruvian government to implement stricter rules to protect the site, but officials must also balance these restrictions with maintaining the revenue stream that Machu Picchu provides. It's a delicate balance, but one that must be addressed in order to preserve this historic spot for future generations.
As you can see, overtourism is a complex issue with no easy solutions. While tourism can provide economic benefits, it can also have negative effects on local communities and the environment. As travelers, it's important to be mindful of the impact our visits may have and to respect the local culture and environment. Let's work together to find sustainable solutions that allow us to enjoy these beautiful destinations while also preserving them for years to come.
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