Friday, August 16, 2024 As the rise of social media continues to influence travel choices, picturesque locations across the UK are feeling the impact. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are flooded with posts showcasing ‘hidden gems,’ stunning villages, and breathtaking viewpoints. However, this surge in popularity is leading to what is now termed as ‘overtourism,’ and it’s causing significant challenges for local communities.
While social media can put a spotlight on beautiful destinations, it also attracts crowds that these areas are often ill-equipped to handle. In Dorset, Durdle Door beach has gained notoriety for its “nightmare path,” becoming a hotspot that some locals dread. Similarly, in Snowdonia, residents are fed up with the traffic congestion that clogs the roads near their homes.
The village of Castle Combe in the Cotswolds, known as one of the prettiest villages in the UK, has become so inundated with tourists that one resident described the situation as “far too intrusive.” Georgina Kingshott, who moved to Castle Combe eight years ago seeking a quieter life, says that post-lockdown, the village is anything but peaceful. “We’ve had people say, ‘I didn’t think people lived here!'” she shared.
Influencers frequently visit the village to fly drones, complete social media challenges, and even conduct fashion shoots right in the streets, much to the dismay of the locals. While residents may find the influx overwhelming, local businesses a.