Are We Loving the World to Death?

We’ve all been dying to get back on the road of travel again. To tick all those dream-worthy destinations off of our bucket lists. Besides our own personal gains, tourism can be great for our economy. Providing an economic boost for locals.

While, there are countless advantages to travel, it can also be detrimental to the environment. This isn't shocking news when we really think about it. There’s an immeasurable number of headlines on overcrowding and the effects of tourism. We just have to look at how the world has prospered during these past few months!

If Covid-19 has thought us anything though, we shouldn’t lose hope. Many of these destinations have thrived during this crisis and have begun to combat the issue and try to preserve the wonders, while still allowing us to share the beauty with them.

Here's a few of the destinations that are putting in place, if they haven’t already, boundaries for tourism:

1. Amsterdam

Amsterdam is one of the most visited destinations in the world, with over 15 million visitors each year. Keep in mind, the population of Amsterdam is less than a million. Some areas in particular like Dam Square, the Museum Quarter and Red Light District are usually packed tighter than two coats of paint, which can understandably be quite aggravating to locals.

In addition, not all tourists are as sympathetic to the cause, some even behaving unpleasantly, and at times rudely during their stay.

The Solution?

Several ideas were put forward to limit the harm from tourists. These include controlling the number of Airbnb rentals available, the potential banning of any more tourist shops, in the centre. Tourists will be advised to visit quieter attractions.

2. The Galápagos

The Galápagos Islands are one of the top destinations on my bucket list! Just off the coast of Ecuador, and comprised of 19 islands, these islands are home to about 9,000 species. Completely remarkable. However. The problem lies with how delicately they live within their environment. Where any change to their surroundings could endanger their survival.

The United Nations published research showcasing the effects over tourism has had on the destination. Inter-island traffic has been raised to exceedingly high records, subsequently putting the lives of 9,000 odd species at risk.

The Solution?

Following the publication of this report by the UN, the government implemented substantial changes to its tourism industry. Currently, tourism is being judiciously monitored. The aim to halt and further damage to the wildlife, in a hope to reverse implications in the future. This is enforced by only allowing tourists to visit certain sites, while adhering to the rules set by the National Park.

3. Machu Picchu

As of late, Machu Picchu’s tourism figures have increased colossally, now seeing as high as nearly 1.5 million every year. Prior to 2017, tourists could even climb across all of the ancient Incan ruins. However, with much littering and pathways beginning to erode things needed to change.

The Solution?

As Machu Picchu became listed by UNESCO as “in danger”, the Peruvian government were forced to take a stand. In 2015, they began their creating their plan of protection. Some of the implementations include limiting tourists to specifically scheduled entries, occurring only twice a day. All tourists now must be accompanied by a guide at all times, walking the designated trails set for them.

4. Santorini

Another goal on my bucket list is to witness the spectacular views offered by Santorini. As it covers only 29 square miles, it’s easy to understand the issues with over-tourism. However, the destination continues to be one of the Greece’s most attractive tourist spots.

While everyone one of us probably want to witness its beauty first hand it’s important to remember the effects that will incur. Over-tourism has caused issues with rising water and energy usage, which doesn’t seem viable for the island to maintain.

The Solution?

Santorini have now limited the number of cruise ship visitors to the island each day to 8,000 people.

5. Venice

Venice, the city built on water, has been subject to a worrying rise in water levels due to over-tourism. This rise threatens the entirety of its population, from its infrastructure to people’s way of life. Venice has seen a preposterous amount of visitors in its time, figures now reach roughly 30 million each year! Some frightening research suggests that by as soon as 2030 Venice could be completely inhabitable.

The Solution?

To combat the situation at hand a couple strategies have been proposed along with a campaign #EnjoyRespectVenezia. Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro has suggested a “sitting ban”. Yes, you heard right, you could be fined over $500 for sitting down in a public space. Similarly, it has been suggested for tourists to try not loiter on bridges for a substantial length of time.

Following on from this, there is also discussions regarding cruise ships to the city. There is potentially much to gain from completely prohibiting the entrance of cruise ships to the city centre.