In many cities and countries around the world, overtourism has become a significant issue of concern. Although tourism can stimulate the economy, it can also negatively impact it. Over tourism – the influx of too many tourists – is highly disruptive to local communities and the environment.
Over-tourism is a term used to describe the state of having too many tourists visiting a given area. Over-tourism occurs when a region is too attractive to tourists, and they travel to them in droves. This can hurt the region’s environment, culture, and economic health.
There are many ways to measure the number of tourists visiting a given area. Regional and international tourism agencies keep close tabs on the number of visitors and their impact on a given area. Over-tourism is a severe problem in countries like Hawaii, Machu Picchu in Peru, Santorini in Greece and Amsterdam in the Netherlands. The problem is not unique to the places. The world has a long history of over-tourism that spans many different regions. Some of the most significant issues with over-tourism are its strain on the environment and culture.
How is overtourism linked to environmental damage?
Over-tourism is often linked to environmental damage. Environmental damage can take many forms, including the expansion of hotels, roads, gentrification and other infrastructure to accommodate increased tourism. Depending on the region, environmental damage can significantly impact the surrounding ecosystems. Over-tourism, in particular, is often linked to the destruction of tropical rainforests. Tropical rainforests are vital ecosystems that are home to many unique species. The destruction of these forests is often a result of over-tourism, which increases the risk of devastating disease outbreaks.
How is overtourism associated with cultural damage?
Over-tourism has also been linked to cultural damage. This is mainly because some areas see hundreds of thousands of tourists visit each year. Cities and regions that become oversaturated with tourists can face a loss of cultural identity. The localised culture and traditions of many destinations are often missing from the masses of tourists. As a result, the unique aspects of these regions can often be lost. This is particularly problematic in areas with cultural significance, like famous landmarks and cultural sites. As tourists flock to the same destinations, they can often overpower these places’ cultural significance and meaning.
What can you do to help?
Over-toruism unlike ecofacism, is not a fringe idea and there are ways that travellers can do heir part to reduce the impact to popular areas. First and foremost, you should drive less and carpool more in your own cities. Driving is one of the most significant contributors to environmental damage, and driving less can help prevent it.
When thinking of a place to visit, choose less popular cities that aren’t overcrowded with tourists. If tourism could be spread around a bit more, not only would we discover more fascinating places. We would also help invest in those local communities and take the strain off overpopulated tourist hotspots.
There are also things you can do on your trip that can limit the impact that tourists have on the environment. Be mindful of what you touch, where you step, and where you throw your garbage. When packing for a trip, choose packable items, like reusable water bottles.
