Mass tourism in crises: Why Germans still love crowded hotspots

Mass tourism in crises: Why Germans still love crowded hotspots

Tourism continues to boom, with many Germans preferring to book more crowded destinations, despite growing protests from locals in popular cities such as Venice and Mallorca. Mass tourism has become a global phenomenon, placing significant strain on both holiday experiences and local communities. Loud Mercury Millions of holiday travelers are in the same destinations at the same time, resulting in crowded beaches, long queues and high prices.

Economic factors, particularly rising incomes in emerging markets such as China and India, have made international travel easier to access. Low-cost airlines such as Ryanair also play a crucial role in making air travel affordable for many people. Social media has fueled this trend by encouraging travelers to share their vacation experiences, often leading to sudden surges in visitors.

The challenges of mass tourism

Despite the popularity of these destinations, mass tourism poses significant challenges. In crowded holiday resorts, tourists not only experience the above-mentioned hardships, but also have to reckon with potential hostility from locals. The loss of authenticity and the overpricing of services are other negative aspects associated with overtourism.

To counteract these challenges and enable a more sustainable travel experience, experts recommend various measures. This includes environmentally conscious travel, choosing sustainable offers and traveling in the off-season. Respectful interaction with locals and their customs should also be prioritized. In addition, licensed and legal accommodation can be booked in order to counteract the undesirable side effects caused by mass tourism.

Alternative travel destinations in Europe

For those who want to travel away from the crowds, there are numerous alternatives to the typical tourist hotspots. Countries with a moderate tourist burden include Australia, the USA, Tanzania, Peru, Argentina, Colombia, Iran, Ecuador, Uruguay and Finland. In Europe, less crowded destinations such as the coasts of Portugal, smaller Italian cities such as Trieste or Bergamo, and the Albanian Riviera can be interesting options.

Overtourism is also particularly affected in Amsterdam, where the city administration is planning measures to reduce mass tourism. These include a ban on cruise ships and tourist buses, as well as upper limits on tourist overnight stays and restricted opening hours. The official online campaign carries the slogan “Stay away” and is intended to encourage visitors to choose alternative travel destinations.

Nearby Utrecht, just 40 kilometers from Amsterdam, offers a charming alternative. The city impresses with its typical canals and canals, bike rental options, cozy cafés, museums worth seeing and the impressive cathedral tower, which provides a wonderful overview of the city. Canal cruises and footpaths allow visitors to explore Utrecht at a relaxed pace, while restaurants and terraces overlooking the canals are particularly inviting on the Oudegracht and Nieuwegracht.