The dark side of mass tourism: overcrowded holiday resorts under pressure!

The dark side of mass tourism: overcrowded holiday resorts under pressure!

Overcrowded holiday resorts are very popular among German travelers, although they often face problems such as mass tourism, high prices and overcrowded beaches. This demand not only puts strain on places, but also leads to protests from locals who are suffering the consequences of overtourism. Current research shows that factors such as rising incomes and the availability of cheap flights, particularly from providers such as Ryanair, are driving a massive increase in visitor numbers. Mercury reports that social media, particularly Instagram and Facebook, contribute to the popularity of these hotspots by spreading unforgettable vacation images.

More and more countries and cities are promoting tourism as a driver of their economies without considering the long-term impact on local infrastructure and communities. Digitalization plays a crucial role as it simplifies the planning and booking of trips and thus contributes to the overload of certain destinations. The consequences are long queues, overpriced prices and a loss of authenticity of travel. Travelers looking to escape crowded places can resort to alternative destinations. These include Australia, the USA, Tanzania, Peru, Argentina, Colombia, Iran, Ecuador, Uruguay and Finland.

Practical tips for travelers

Within Europe, less crowded places are particularly attractive. The coasts of Portugal or smaller Italian cities such as Trieste and Bergamo are recommended. Greek islands such as Naxos and Samos also offer a quiet alternative to the heavily frequented hot spots. Travelers can actively contribute to reducing overtourism by traveling in an environmentally conscious manner, choosing low seasons and respecting local customs. It is recommended to only book licensed and legal accommodation to protect locals' living space.

A current example of efforts to reduce mass tourism is Amsterdam. The city is planning various measures to counteract the overload, which regularly reaches its capacity limits on weekends. The planned measures include a ban on cruise ships and tourist buses and a ban on cannabis and alcohol in certain areas. There should also be upper limits for tourist overnight stays and the opening times in popular places should be restricted. An official online campaign with the slogan “Stay away” is intended to draw additional attention to the problem. Merian highlights Utrecht as a recommended alternative travel option, only 40 kilometers from Amsterdam.

Alternatives to Amsterdam

Utrecht scores with typical canals and canals as well as a lively café culture and several museums worth seeing. The city is home to the impressive cathedral tower, which, at 112 meters high, offers a fantastic view of the old town and the modern architecture. Visitors can easily explore the city by bike, take canal tours or relax in one of the many restaurants and terraces that invite you to linger by the picturesque waters.