Tourist Fatigue: Europeans Have Had Enough
Tourist Fatigue: Europeans Have Had Enough
Allison Bodaken
Staff Writer
In recent years, Europe has witnessed a significant surge in anti-tourism sentiment, particularly in popular destinations such as Barcelona, Venice, and Santorini. This growing frustration among locals has led to protests and the implementation of new measures to control the influx of tourists. The phenomenon of overtourism, which has been a concern for years, has intensified following the rapid return of visitors in the years after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The backlash against mass tourism has taken various forms across Europe. According to The Washington Post, protesters in Barcelona wielded water guns against tourists, forcing them to flee restaurant patios. The Canary Islands saw a hunger strike in response to tourism-related issues. Venice introduced new fees for day-trippers, while Greece imposed restrictions on cruise ships. These actions reflect a growing discontent among residents who feel that their cities are being overwhelmed by visitors, leading to unaffordable housing, strained environmental resources, and a loss of local culture, reports Politico.
Tourism plays a crucial role in the European economy, accounting for 10 percent of the European Union’s gross domestic product. The summer of 2024 saw record numbers of tourists in many destinations, with countries like Spain, Greece, Italy, and France experiencing significant increases in tourist spending. According to the Harvard International Review, international travel to Europe has increased by 7.5 percent since the pandemic. This economic boom, however, often conflicts with the quality of life for local residents, creating a challenging balancing act for governments and city officials.
Issues with rental properties have spiked recently, as more European homes are being turned into Airbnbs. According to The Guardian, foreigners signed 43 percent of new rentals in Barcelona last year. Now, locals are no longer able to afford the rising cost of living.
In response to overtourism, many European destinations have implemented various strategies. According to The Washington Post, Greece plans to impose a 20 euro tax on cruise ship visitors to Santorini and Mykonos. Venice trialed a 5 euro fee for day-trip tourists and limited guided tour groups to 25 people, while Barcelona increased its tourist tax and announced plans to ban vacation rentals by 2028.
Other destinations are focusing on attracting higher-spending tourists, with Rwanda’s expensive gorilla-tracking tours cited as a successful example of “high-value, low-volume tourism.” Despite these efforts, experts question the effectiveness of taxes and fees in deterring tourists. According to Cornell’s SC Johnson College of Business, The Sustainable Tourism Asset Management Program (STAMP) suggests that additional taxes generally do not lower tourist arrivals. Venice’s day-trip free trial, for instance, was considered unsuccessful by some observers as the city remained crowded. Experts believe that determined tourists will visit popular destinations regardless of cost or experience quality.
Despite growing anti-tourist sentiment, tourism is not anticipated to have significant changes in the coming year. The tourism life cycle typically sees destinations gain popularity, become overcrowded, and potentially fall out of favor. However, Politico reports that Europe’s top attractions will continue to draw large numbers of tourists, leaving authorities to grapple with the ongoing challenges of balancing tourism’s economic benefits with residents’ quality of life.
As cities and countries continue to search for effective solutions, the debate surrounding overtourism and its impact on local communities is likely to persist, shaping the future of travel in Europe and beyond.
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