Sunday, October 6, 2024 The travel industry, battered by the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent cost of living crisis, has rebounded stronger than expected. Despite fears that travelers would hesitate to spend, the desire for a getaway has proven resilient, driving demand to unprecedented heights. However, as business booms, some destinations are now grappling with over tourism.
This past summer, locals in popular tourist hotspots such as the Canary Islands and Venice expressed frustration over the influx of visitors. Even Greece, which relies heavily on international tourism, introduced a new €20 tax for cruise passengers visiting the overcrowded islands of Mykonos and Santorini. In some areas, tourists now outnumber locals by more than 100 to one, signaling a growing strain on these destinations.
While overtourism has made headlines, travel companies argue that the issue is localized, with certain regions being more affected than others. Greece continues to market itself to travelers and this week is hosting the UK travel industry’s leading event, Abta’s travel convention, in the southwestern Peloponnese – an area still relatively unknown to British tourists. Sustainable and responsible travel is high on the convention’s agenda, but mainstream tourism sectors, such as package holidays with companies like Tui and easyJet, remain relatively unaffected by the overtourism backlash.
For now, the increase in demand continues unabated, with travelers willing to pay mor.
