Over-tourism- how traveling affects the world

[Overtourism] is the phenomenon of a popular destination or tourist attraction being overrun by tourists in an unsustainable way;.

That’s the way British journalist Greg Dickinson defined the term.

Over-tourism has become a buzzword regarding the adverse effects of tourism. However, the problem itself has been known for much longer. Nevertheless, the topic did not attract media attention until a sudden outcry from the population of affected cities and regions and a trend towards more sustainable tourism practices.
In recent years travel has become a mass product. Hence, with increased airlines and airfares, the evolution of Airbnb has made traveling affordable to the broad masses.
We started consuming traveling the same way we did with food and clothing, too much with too little respect for environmental impacts. On the quest for utmost tranquility and relaxation, people stopped traveling to explore and often brought little interest in the county visited beyond the borders of the chosen resort. Often we listen to locals complaining about visitors who are not interested or even appear scared.

Social Media & Tourism

We are lucky to live in times where we get to explore the world so freely. Yet, we should remember that traveling offers unique ways to overcome cross-cultural prejudices and fears and establish empathy and understanding. Therefore, we can’t allow tourism to exceed its capacities. Especially in social media, it becomes even more critical to connect to a country and its people. A destination is always more than an Instagram post! It’s in our hands to choose our destinations wisely and responsibly. Undoubtedly, the world holds lots of beautiful places, but we should never forget the people who call the area their home. If you are interested in becoming a more responsible traveler, check out our guide on becoming a more responsible traveler.

Over-tourism and its impact

Europe, in particular, as the world’s largest tourist destination, is at great risk. People in cities like Venice and Barcelona suffer from dramatic cuts in their daily lives.

The Philippines and Thailand had to take even more drastic measures to recover from several years of over-tourism. Several beautiful beaches and islands were closed to give nature and wildlife time to regenerate.

The majority of the tourism industry doesn’t measure its success in term of workplaces created but in terms of absolute visitor numbers. The superlative wins. For many years there has been no regard for the impact of those high numbers. Souvenirs nowadays are even mass-produced abroad and shipped back to the destination.

How to lessen the impact of over-tourism

1. Travel slow and take your time

The paradise in Bali has almost collapsed because there were too many, too fast offers. “Bali – for ten days all-inclusive, super cheap.” Too many people have hit, so Bali quickly became one of the hippest travel destinations. As a result, there are polluted coastal sections and unfortunate islanders who suffer from the increasing garbage problem.

2. Travel during low season

This is our travel advice number one! We always try to avoid the peak travel times of the tourist strongholds! Especially if we visit popular destinations like Zanzibar or Belize.

3.Do your research before you go!

Choosing locally-owned, eco-friendly accommodations and tour providers is not a question of budget or hippie travel. It’s about accepting responsibility and stepping up!

4. Consume locally

Give the local specialties a try! While everything may not be the same as at home, it’s a new experience, and that’s what we travel for, isn’t it?

5. Travel of the beaten path!

Find destinations away from mass tourism. So many beautiful places are waiting to be explored.

El Salvador: The small country hardly knows what tourism means; nevertheless, it is our dream destination number one. Beach&Surfing, city&culture, volcanoes&lakes. Beyond that, El Salvador is a safe travel country for tourists.

What is tourism leakage?

Out of every $100 spent on vacations in developing countries only $5 stay there. Developing countries, however, get a full serving of environmental pollution, increasing noise and air pollution, rising prices, and mountains of rubbish. On top of that, the masses become disruptive in everyday life, causing entire villages and towns to lose their original charm and inhabitants. A UN study of 1996 found that the net income of tourism in the Caribbean is more significant to the industry than to the actual net income of the respective countries.

What’s causing tourism-leakage?

1) Our comfort often has to be imported. Especially developing countries can facilitate the mass production and supply of many commodities. Hence they are imported to satisfy visitors. So what stays in the trash.
2) Massive tourist facilities require massive investments. This can often not be paid for by local investors. International investors or holdings own many big chains or even resorts. The profits made usually leave the country directly.