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

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

overcrowded holiday locations are very popular among German travelers, although they are often confronted with problems such as mass tourism, high prices and overcrowded beaches. This demand not only leads to a burden on the places, but also to protests by locals who suffer from the consequences of overtourism. Current research shows that factors such as increasing income and the availability of cheap flights, especially by providers such as Ryanair, cause a massive increase in visitor numbers. Merkur reports that social media, especially Instagram and Facebook, contribute to the popularity of these hotspots by spreading unforgettable vacation pictures.

More and more countries and cities promote tourism as the motor of their economy without considering the long -term effects on local infrastructure and communities. Digitization plays a crucial role because it simplifies the planning and booking of travel and thus contributes to the overload of certain destinations. The consequences are long queues, overpriced prices and a loss of authenticity of travel. Travelers who want to escape overcrowded places can fall back on alternative travel destinations. These include Australia, the USA, Tanzania, Peru, Argentina, Colombia, Iran, Ecuador, Uruguay and Finland

practical tips for travelers

Within Europe, less overcrowded 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 highly frequented hot spots. Travelers can actively contribute to reducing overtourism by traveling environmentally consciously, choosing the low season and respecting local customs. It is recommended to book exclusively licensed and legal accommodations to protect the locals' living space.

A current example of the efforts to reduce mass tourism is Amsterdam. The city plans various measures to counteract the overload that regularly reaches their capacity limits on weekends. The planned measures include a ban on cruise ships and tourist buses as well as a ban on cannabis and alcohol in certain areas. In addition, there should be upper limits for tourist overnight stays and the opening times in popular locations should be restricted. An official online campaign with the slogan "Stay Away" is intended to draw additional attention to the problem. Merian emphasizes Utrecht as a recommended alternative travel option that is only 40 kilometers from Amsterdam.

alternatives to Amsterdam

utrecht scores with typical channels and canals as well as with a lively café culture and several remarkable museums. The city houses the impressive cathedral tower, which offers a fantastic view of the old town and modern architecture at an altitude of 112 meters. Visitors can easily explore the city by bike, take channel rides or relax in one of the many restaurants and terraces that invite you to linger in the picturesque waters.