May 10th 2024.
Binibeca Vell, a charming coastal village in Spain, has become a hot spot for tourists in recent years. Thanks to social media, the village has gained popularity among travelers seeking unique and underrated destinations. With its picturesque white-washed buildings, stunning beaches, and quaint harbors, Binibeca Vell has captured the hearts of thousands of visitors, with an annual count of 800,000 tourists. However, this number is expected to reach a staggering 1 million this year, causing concern for the local officials.
The sudden influx of tourists has sparked a debate among the residents of Binibeca Vell, who are now considering putting an end to tourism in the village. Some may wonder, what makes this village so popular? While it may not be as well-known as the Greek island of Santorini, Binibeca Vell offers a similar charm with its beautiful streets and breathtaking views. Videos shared on TikTok by tourists, such as @loverboards, @dreamtravel.locations, and @emeline_vidal, have garnered hundreds of likes and comments, praising the village's beauty and urging others to visit.
Although tourism has brought attention and economic benefits to Binibeca Vell, it has also brought some challenges. As tourists roam the streets, taking selfies and videos for their social media feeds, the residents have expressed concerns about the noise and disturbance caused by the visitors. Measures were taken last year to tackle this issue, including offering locals €15,000 to help clean up the litter left by tourists. Additionally, visitors are now only permitted to visit the village between 11am and 8pm.
One resident shared her frustration with the news website ElDiario.es, stating that tourists would enter their homes and sit on chairs, take things, and even climb on their walls. This behavior has prompted a reminder on the village's website that it is a private property condominium. The head of the group representing Binibeca Vell's property owners, Óscar Monge, acknowledges that the possible ban on tourism will harm those whose businesses rely on tourists. However, he also sees it as a necessary measure to protect the village and its residents.
Binibeca Vell is not the only destination struggling with over-tourism. Other popular travel destinations, such as Venice and Lake Como in Italy, have also implemented measures to limit the number of tourists. Venice has introduced a tax for day trippers, while Lake Como is considering a tourist fee during public holidays and weekends. The mayor of Lake Como, Alessandro, stated that they are ready to take action in order to protect their city from the negative impacts of tourism.
Even countries beyond Europe are taking action against unruly tourists. In Bali, Indonesia, a levy has been introduced to protect the local culture and environment. Despite its beauty and popularity, Bali has faced issues with misbehaving tourists, such as three Russian tourists who were arrested for dancing at a sacred temple. Similarly, in Japan, officials have taken a unique approach to deal with disruptive tourists. A popular photo spot outside a convenience store in Fujikawaguchiko has been causing problems, with tourists leaving litter and ignoring traffic regulations.
As these destinations struggle with the consequences of over-tourism, it is important for tourists to be respectful and responsible when visiting these places. While it is exciting to discover hidden gems and share them on social media, it is crucial to remember that these places are also homes to the locals. Let us all work together to preserve the beauty and charm of these destinations for generations to come.
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