Monday, August 19, 2024 Tourism has always had a complicated reputation, with the term “tourist” often carrying negative connotations. It conjures images of superficial interest and a lack of understanding of the places visited. This perception has worsened in recent years as anti-tourism movements have gained momentum worldwide.
From protest marches in Barcelona with signs demanding “Tourists go home” to Venice’s newly introduced visitor fees and Amsterdam’s decision to close its cruise ship terminal, the backlash against tourism is palpable. The sheer volume of tourists is part of the problem. In 2023, 1.
3 billion people crossed international borders as tourists, marking a significant rebound post-COVID and a nearly 25-fold increase since the 1950s. This surge has been driven by the affordability of flights and the convenience of online booking platforms. However, the environmental and social costs are often borne by the destinations themselves.
Tourism accounts for over 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and short-term holiday rentals have disrupted housing markets, forcing locals to make sacrifices, as seen in places like Ibiza. The impact of tourism extends beyond these aggregate effects. Cities like Dubrovnik have had to implement rules to curb tourist behavior, such as banning jumping in fountains or walking shirtless.
Amsterdam’s “stay away” campaign specifically targets British tourists, while cities like Budapest, Munich, Dusseldorf, and Prague.