Do you have a list of destinations that you want to visit in your life? Well, you are not alone in this boat. But, I am sure that at some point in your life, you would have experienced overtourism when you were travelling. Whether it is crowds, mismanagement of authorities, or even traffic jams due to a sudden increase in travellers. These things make us regret why we picked this destination in the first place.
But, we also see that when there’s a hype about travelling to a destination, that city tends to develop a lot in ways that no one can imagine. Everything can be managed with new infrastructure, stays, shops, eateries, automobiles and other facilities. You then see the pictures on social media platforms and see that people are really enjoying travelling there. That’s why you should not avoid travelling to a hyped destination. So, let’s check out the causes of overtourism and the ways that you can prevent it.
What are the leading causes of overtourism?
Overtourism is a relatively new phenomenon, and there is no definitive definition. However, most experts agree that it refers to the negative social and environmental impacts of tourism when tourist numbers exceed the carrying capacity of a destination.
There are many factors that can contribute to overtourism. One is the unequal distribution of tourists across a destination. For example, about 30% of all tourists in Barcelona, Spain, visit just two percent of the city’s total area. This concentration of visitors can lead to overcrowding, long lines, and increased pressure on local infrastructure.
Another factor that can contribute to overtourism is irresponsible tourism businesses and marketing campaigns that promote a destination without regard for its ability to accommodate large numbers of visitors. For example, many destinations have been aggressively marketed as “must-see” or “Bucket List” destinations without adequately preparing for the influx of tourists this type of marketing can generate. This can result in overwhelmed local residents, degraded natural landscapes, and a general feeling of being overrun by tourists.
Finally, a lack of tourist visitation data can also contribute to overtourism. Many destinations do not have accurate data on tourist numbers or trends, which makes it difficult to manage tourism growth properly. As a result, they may be caught off guard when visitor numbers suddenly skyrocket, leading to problems such as overcrowding and infrastructure failures.
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Ways to be a considerate traveller and avoid overtourism
Here are some ways to consider when you plan your next vacation or trip to prevent overtourism.
Do your research to avoid over tourism
Before you book your trip, take some time to research your destination. Read articles (like this one!), talk to friends who have been there, and familiarize yourself with the local customs and culture. The more you know about a place before you visit, the more respect you will have for it. And that will show in the way you act while you’re there.
Choose your tour operator carefully
Many tour operators out there claim to be eco-friendly or sustainable, but not all of them live up to those claims. Do your research and make sure you’re booking with a company that is considerate of its impact on the environment and the local community. Chose a reputable tour operator who meets the standards for sustainability, so you can book with confidence knowing that your tour operator is committed to responsible tourism practices.
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Be respectful of local customs and culture
When you’re travelling, it’s important to remember that you are a guest in somebody else’s country. Be respectful of local customs and traditions, and be mindful of how your actions might be perceived by locals. Remember that not everyone welcomes tourists with open arms; in some cases, they may feel like their city or town is being overrun by visitors. The best way to combat negative perceptions of tourists is to act responsibly and respectfully while you’re travelling.
Try to Travel in Smaller Groups
Travelling in small groups can help to prevent overcrowding at landmarks and popular tourist destinations. When travelling in large groups, people are likelier to stick together and not venture out to explore the area. This can result in missed opportunities to really connect with the destination. In contrast, travelling in small groups allows for more flexibility and encourages people to interact more with their surroundings. This can help you better understand a place’s culture and history and make for a more enriching travel experience overall.
Conclusion
As any traveller knows, there are good tourists and bad tourists. The good tourists are the ones who respect local customs and traditions, do their research before they go, and take care not to damage or disturb the places they visit. The bad tourists, on the other hand, are the ones who treat every destination as a playground, with no regard for the people who live there or the impact their actions may have.
Sadly, it’s the bad tourists who are often responsible for spoiling some of the world’s most popular destinations. By littering, vandalizing property, and generally behaving badly, they leave a negative impression that can be hard to shake.
Fortunately, there are easy ways to avoid overtourism. By doing your research before you travel, choosing a reputable tour operator, and respecting local customs and culture, you can help preserve the places we love for years to come. So next time you’re planning a trip, remember: your responsibility as a tourist doesn’t end when you leave home – it starts when you book your tickets. Do your part to be a good tourist, and the world will be better.
About the Author
Maanvir is a travel enthusiast who has made traveling his life’s purpose. He quit his full-time corporate job to pursue his love of exploring as many places as possible. His stories about temples, beaches, and other adventures are absolutely fascinating. He is sharing his experiences at trippytourists.com.
