How top tourist destinations try to overcome overtourism and touristification | DW News

Summary

The video addresses the growing issue of over-tourism in European destinations, where local communities are facing the negative impacts of mass tourism. With residents protesting against the overcrowding and rising living costs, places like the Canary Islands, Venice, and Barcelona are seeing their local infrastructure strained and housing prices inflated due to touristification. Experts call for structural changes beyond tourism-related policies, advocating for social housing and sustainable development. The video also highlights ways for tourists to be more responsible, suggesting they consider the impact of their travel choices and support sustainable tourism initiatives.

Takeaways

• 😀 Over-tourism is a perceived disturbance caused by an excessive number of tourists, leading to strains on local infrastructure, resources, and quality of life.
• 😀 The Canary Islands, with a population of 2 million, received nearly 14 million tourists in 2023, showcasing the scale of over-tourism.
• 😀 Popular destinations like Venice, Paros, and Hallstatt are also experiencing similar challenges, with tourist numbers far exceeding local populations.
• 😀 Touristification refers to the transformation of local areas to cater exclusively to tourists, often resulting in the loss of authentic local businesses and spaces.
• 😀 One major economic impact of over-tourism is housing inflation, as short-term rental platforms like Airbnb take away homes from the local housing market.
• 😀 Residents in over-touristed areas, such as the Canary Islands, are demanding restrictions on property sales to foreigners and further regulation of hotel developments.
• 😀 Several European cities, including Amsterdam, Barcelona, and Venice, have implemented policies like tourist taxes, cruise ship limits, and other restrictions to control over-tourism.
• 😀 Despite these efforts, experts argue that more structural changes are needed, such as improving social housing and rethinking the role of tourism in local economies.
• 😀 Governments are encouraged to invest not just in tourism-related infrastructure but in social infrastructure that benefits both locals and tourists.
• 😀 Responsible travelers are encouraged to reflect on their impact on local communities by considering whether frequent trips are necessary and respecting local residents' rights.
• 😀 The shift toward sustainable tourism involves focusing on the social benefits of travel, not just the commercial gains, and encouraging tourists to support initiatives that benefit both locals and visitors.

Q & A

What is over-tourism and how does it impact local communities?

Over-tourism refers to the phenomenon where the number of tourists in a destination exceeds its capacity to handle them, leading to negative consequences for local communities. This can include overcrowding, environmental degradation, and strain on infrastructure and resources like water. It often results in a reduced quality of life for residents.

What is the difference between over-tourism and touristification?

Over-tourism is the overall strain caused by an excessive number of tourists, while touristification refers to the transformation of places to cater exclusively to tourists. This often leads to a loss of local character as businesses change to meet tourist demands, like converting local shops into souvenir stores.

How does over-tourism affect housing markets in popular tourist destinations?

In tourist-heavy areas, the demand for short-term rental properties (e.g., through platforms like Airbnb) drives up property prices and rents, making housing unaffordable for local residents. This phenomenon often leads to a shortage of affordable housing for the local population.

What specific measures have been taken by cities to address the issue of over-tourism?

Cities like Amsterdam, Barcelona, and Venice have introduced measures like increasing tourist taxes, limiting the number of cruise ships allowed to dock, and restricting tour buses from city centers. These steps aim to reduce the impact of tourism on local infrastructure and residents.

Why are these measures not enough according to experts?

Experts argue that these measures address the symptoms of over-tourism, but not the underlying causes. There is a need for more structural changes, including increased investment in social housing, improvements to infrastructure that benefits locals, and a broader debate on tourism's role in society.

What is the role of social housing in addressing the problems caused by over-tourism?

Social housing is seen as a key solution to mitigate the economic effects of over-tourism. In many affected areas, there is a low percentage of social housing, which exacerbates housing shortages for locals. Increasing social housing could help balance the needs of both residents and tourists.

How can governments rethink the benefits of tourism beyond financial gain?

Governments are encouraged to shift the focus of tourism away from purely commercial benefits towards social gains. This could involve developing spaces and initiatives that support both tourists and locals, such as green spaces or community-oriented projects, rather than just expanding tourist facilities.

What advice is given to tourists on how to avoid contributing to over-tourism?

Tourists are encouraged to think about how they would want to be treated if they were locals in the area. This means respecting the community, being mindful of the impact of their visits, and reconsidering frequent travel to the same destination. Additionally, supporting local businesses that cater to residents can help mitigate the effects of touristification.

What is 'touristification' and why is it a concern for local communities?

Touristification refers to the transformation of areas into spaces primarily designed for tourists, often leading to the displacement of local businesses and the alteration of neighborhoods. This trend can erode the local culture and create a less welcoming environment for residents.

How can the tourism industry adapt to support both locals and visitors?

The tourism industry can adapt by promoting sustainable tourism practices, encouraging visits to less-visited areas, and investing in infrastructure that benefits both tourists and local residents. Instead of focusing solely on maximizing profits, businesses can focus on creating a positive impact on the community.