Last updated August 26, 2024
With social media flooding our feeds with curated (and even filtered) images, it’s no wonder that tourism is more popular than ever. Not surprisingly, locals aren’t exactly thrilled about the resulting overtourism.
Rise of Anti-Tourism
If you’ve been traveling at all lately, you might have noticed graffiti in major cities saying “Tourists go home!” Anti-tourism protests are spreading as locals grow frustrated with “bad tourists,” short-term rentals and the overall “touristification” of daily life.
The surge in tourists has sparked a resurgence of “tourism-phobia,” a term that first appeared around the 2008 financial crisis when locals blamed tourists for their declining quality of life.
Now, with post-pandemic travel booming, social unrest is on the rise. Cities are grappling with major housing crises. In 2024, Europe’s foreign tourist arrivals have already surpassed 2019 levels.
Parisians are staging protests and strikes, worried about the social impact of the Olympics on their already tourist-heavy city. Similar scenes are playing out in Athens, Venice, Barcelona and Spain’s Balearic Islands.
On the island of Mallorca, locals have taken to the beaches, chanting “#Mallorca no es ven” (Mallorca is not for sale). Smaller protests are happening in Menorca and Ibiza, with reports of vandalized rental cars, bikes and tourist buses.
Understandably, the patience of locals has snapped. Cities are overcrowded and oversold, driving up housing costs and pushing out residents. In Venice, Italy, poorly managed tourism has displaced locals, replacing essential shops with souvenir stands.
What You Can Do to Combat Overtourism
So, should you still travel? Activists aren’t against tourism per se, but the current tourism model and its issues. They want better tourists, not no tourists. Here are seven ways to ensure your travels benefit local communities and reduce the negative impacts of overtourism.
1. Say No to Airbnb
One of the biggest issues is the proliferation of short-term rentals like Airbnb. The marketing slogan “live like a local” can be misleading. Many Airbnb properties are managed by large companies that own multiple units, which doesn’t reflect the true local experience.
In Athens, graffiti on walls declares “burn Airbnb,” reflecting local frustration. Short-term rentals drive up housing costs, displace residents and transform neighborhoods.
By choosing hotels or locally-owned guest houses, you can help alleviate this pressure. Hotels often have less of an impact on the housing market and provide stable employment for locals.
2. Support Local Businesses
Make a conscious effort to spend money in local establishments. Whether dining at a family-owned restaurant, buying souvenirs from local artisans or using local tour guides, your spending can directly benefit the community.
Large international chains often siphon money from the local economy, whereas local businesses reinvest it. This supports livelihoods as well as helps preserve the unique character of the place you’re visiting.
3. Slow Down Your Travels
The “Ryanair revolution” has made it incredibly easy and cheap to hop around Europe. However, this kind of hypermobility contributes to environmental degradation and local resentment.
Instead of a whirlwind tour of multiple cities, consider slowing down. Spend more time in fewer places. This reduces your carbon footprint and allows you to experience destinations more deeply and meaningfully. Engaging more intimately with one location can foster a greater appreciation for its culture and environment.
4. Be a Considerate Visitor
Respect the land and culture of the places you visit. Remember, you are a guest in someone’s home. Simple acts of courtesy, like learning a few basic phrases in the local language, respecting local customs, and being mindful of noise and waste, can go a long way.
Avoid behaviors that would be considered disrespectful or disruptive. Amsterdam, for example, has campaigns urging tourists to “stay away” if they plan to engage in rowdy, drunken behavior. Being a considerate visitor ensures you are welcomed and helps maintain the integrity of the destination.
5. Respect Local Communities
Pay attention to and respect local policies aimed at managing overtourism. Many destinations are introducing measures such as tourist taxes, entry fees and caps on visitor numbers during peak times.
These are designed to mitigate the negative impacts of tourism and ensure that the benefits are felt more widely. Engage positively with such initiatives and look for destinations that prioritize sustainable tourism practices.
6. Support Responsible Tourism Pledges
Some countries and regions are developing responsible tourism pledges that visitors can sign upon arrival. These pledges often include commitments to respect local cultures, protect natural environments and support the local economy.
For instance, the Pacific Island nation of Palau has introduced a pledge that tourists sign on their passports committing to respect the environment and culture. Embracing such pledges can enhance your travel experience and demonstrate your commitment to being a responsible traveler.
7. Educate Yourself and Others
Finally, take the time to educate yourself about the places you visit. Understanding the local history, culture and current issues can help you make more informed choices and be a more respectful visitor.
Share your knowledge and experiences with fellow travelers to spread awareness about the importance of sustainable tourism. By setting an example and encouraging others to follow suit, you can contribute to a more positive and sustainable travel culture.
The Path Forward Against Overtourism
Traveling responsibly means acknowledging that access to these beautiful places is a privilege, not a right. By being considerate and intentional, we can ensure our travels contribute positively to the places we visit. Let’s rethink how we travel and strive to be part of the solution, not the overtourism problem.
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