Overcrowded beaches and city trips: overtourism threatens holiday countries!

Overcrowded beaches and city trips: overtourism threatens holiday countries!

mass tourism is increasingly becoming a pressing problem for popular holiday countries worldwide. In particular, residents in destinations such as the Canary Islands are increasingly campaigning for a new tourism model and demonstrate against the overload of tourists. According to the overtourism index, a joint development of Evaneos and Roland Berger, the risk to travel destinations can be measured objectively. The index evaluates 70 of the 100 most sought -after travel destinations worldwide on a scale from 1 (low risk) to 5 (extreme hazard) and is based on criteria such as the number of travelers per inhabitant and the sustainable development of the region. hna reports that ...

Beach destinations such as Cyprus, Mauritius, Greece and Croatia are particularly at risk, where about 25 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) depend on tourism. Similar trends are shown in Europe, whereby countries such as Spain, Italy, Portugal and France are particularly affected: here up to 43 percent of the arrival focus on the summer months. Urban travel destinations such as Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Dublin also fight with the disadvantages of over -the tourism, which results in increasing regulations to reduce the burden on the locals and the environment.

consequences and measures against over -tourism

The challenges of mass tourism are complex. Experts suggest various measures to reduce over -tourism. This includes the introduction of capacity limits, the relocation of tourist currents into the low season and comprehensive clarification of vacationers about sustainable travel practices. The overtourism index illustrates the situation in different countries. For example, Greece has an index value of 4.2, which is why Evaneos will no longer offer trips to Mykonos and Santorini in the high season from summer 2025. This is probably a reaction to the intensifying situation in many popular holiday locations.

The global boom in tourism not only has positive economic effects, but also serious negative effects, both on the local population and the environment. International air traffic in Europe recently was used at almost 80 percent, which significantly increases CO₂ emissions. The cruise industry also contributes to the burden on the environment, and many overflowing destinations such as Venice and Barcelona have already started to regulate tourism. These regulations include the limitation of travel groups sizes and strict requirements for holiday accommodations.

public perception and economic aspects

Despite the challenges, many locals support the positive aspects of tourism. In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, a popular travel destination in Germany, about 75 percent of residents see positive economic effects of tourism, even if there are often problems with traffic. A total of 70 percent of those surveyed report on a positive image that is awarded by tourism. Factors such as acquisition of workplace, cultural maintenance and infrastructure development are undeniable advantages of tourism. Statista adds that ...

The discussion about mass tourism is more than a simple view of numbers and statistics; It affects the quality of life and sustainability in the affected regions. In view of these challenges, both travelers and destinations have to find new ways to recognize and maintain the balance between economic benefits and the needs of the local population.