10 More European Cities RUINED by Overtourism (and where to go instead)

Summary

In this video, travel vlogger Mark discusses the impact of over-tourism on various European cities, highlighting the difference between crowded and over-touristed locations. He emphasizes the importance of spreading tourism to lesser-known destinations to alleviate the strain on popular spots. Mark shares personal experiences, such as living in Lisbon and observing its transformation, and suggests alternative places to visit during peak tourist seasons. He also touches on the economic benefits of tourism and encourages viewers to explore more of a country's regions beyond the over-touristed areas.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The video discusses the impact of over-tourism on various European cities and encourages travelers to explore alternative destinations.
• 🏙️ Over-tourism is distinguished from regular crowdedness, focusing on cities where it affects infrastructure, local life, and economy.
• 🚶‍♂️ The host, Mark, acknowledges the irony of a travel vlogger discussing over-tourism and explains his current location in Brazil as a choice to showcase less crowded places.
• 🏡 Over-tourism leads to issues like inflated accommodation prices, making it difficult for locals to afford living in popular tourist areas.
• 🛣️ In cities like Lisbon, over-tourism has resulted in traffic congestion, with Tuk Tuks adding to the problem.
• 🍦 Restrictions are being considered in places like Florence to manage over-tourism, including laws against eating ice cream while walking.
• 🏖️ Mykonos, a Greek island, experiences overcrowding in the summer, affecting local businesses and the overall tourist experience.
• 🏰 The small town of Hallstatt, Austria, became overly popular due to its depiction in movies and its picturesque setting, leading to an influx of tourists.
• 🏰 Toledo, Spain, is a popular day trip destination from Madrid, experiencing overcrowding on weekends due to its historical and religious significance.
• 🏞️ Over-tourism is not limited to cities; natural sites like those in Iceland also suffer from overcrowding, especially during the peak summer season.
• 🏰 Edinburgh and Munich are examples of larger cities that can handle large tourist volumes but still experience overcrowding in certain areas or during specific events.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video script?

The main topic of the video script is the impact of over-tourism in various European cities and how it affects local communities, infrastructure, and the overall experience for both tourists and residents.

Why is the speaker discussing European cities while being in Brazil?

The speaker is in Brazil to highlight that there are alternative travel destinations that are less impacted by over-tourism, thus encouraging travelers to explore less crowded places like Ouro Preto in Brazil.

What is the difference between over-tourism and being crowded at certain times?

Over-tourism refers to a sustained and overwhelming influx of tourists that negatively impacts local infrastructure, economy, and quality of life, beyond just being crowded at peak seasons or times of the day.

Why does the speaker mention his PhD and time spent in Lisbon?

The speaker mentions his PhD and time in Lisbon to provide personal experience and credibility to his observations about the transformation and over-tourism issues the city has faced over the years.

What is the issue with Tuk Tuks in Lisbon according to the script?

The issue with Tuk Tuks in Lisbon is that while they are popular among tourists for navigating the hilly terrain, they contribute to traffic congestion, which is a problem exacerbated by over-tourism.

Why does the speaker suggest visiting Lisbon during the shoulder season?

The speaker suggests visiting Lisbon during the shoulder season to avoid the peak tourist crowds and to have a more enjoyable and less overwhelming experience.

What is the situation with over-tourism in Florence, Italy as described in the script?

Florence is so overrun with tourists that the city is contemplating laws against certain behaviors like eating ice cream while walking, to manage the overwhelming number of visitors.

Why is Mykonos mentioned as an example of over-tourism in Greece?

Mykonos is mentioned as it becomes overwhelmed with tourists during the summer, leading to issues like overcrowding and the impact on local businesses and residents, which is a common characteristic of over-tourism.

What is the impact of over-tourism on small towns like Hallstatt, Austria?

Over-tourism impacts small towns like Hallstatt by overwhelming the local infrastructure and community, leading to measures such as blocking views to control tourist numbers, which can detract from the visitor experience and local quality of life.

How does the speaker suggest dealing with over-tourism in cities like Toledo, Spain?

The speaker suggests that to deal with over-tourism in cities like Toledo, which becomes crowded with day-trippers, one could visit during the week or explore other less crowded towns and cultural sites in the region.

What is the speaker's view on the role of tourism in local economies?

The speaker views tourism as a vital part of many local economies, but emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to ensure that over-tourism does not lead to negative consequences for the community and infrastructure.