Mass tourism, an increasingly popular phenomenon in the modern world, brings with it an undeniable appeal: the opportunity to discover new cultures, breathtaking landscapes and unique experiences. However, this coin has a flip side that is often overlooked: a significant impact on the environment, local communities and the economy. The massive influx of tourists to certain locations can put unsustainable pressure on natural resources. Excessive water, energy and food consumption, often from afar, strains local infrastructure and contributes to the overexploitation of natural resources. The construction of hotels, resorts and other accommodation facilities can also destroy natural habitats and cause biodiversity loss.
The environmental impact of mass tourism is not limited to the depletion of resources. Increased vehicular traffic, waste production and water pollution threaten local ecosystems. In addition, air transport, often used by tourists to reach distant destinations, contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, accelerating climate change. The consequences of mass tourism are also felt on a social and cultural level. The homogenization of cultures, the adaptation of local traditions to the needs of tourists and the loss of authenticity are just some of the negative effects that can occur. Overcrowding can also generate inconvenience for residents, leading to increased crime, traffic congestion and loss of quality of life.
Over-dependence everywhere
From an economic perspective, mass tourism can lead to overdependence on a single sector, making local economies vulnerable to fluctuations and crises. Inflation, caused by increased demand for goods and services, can erode residents’ purchasing power, while large hotel chains and tour operators can absorb a significant share of profits, limiting the positive spillover effects on local communities.
To mitigate the negative effects of mass tourism, it is crucial to promote more sustainable tourism. This implies encouraging tourists to be more aware of their environmental impact and to choose low-impact destinations and activities. Furthermore, involving local communities in tourism planning and management is necessary to promote more equitable and sustainable economic practices. So, mass tourism, if not managed responsibly, can have devastating consequences for the environment, cultures, and local economies. It is essential to adopt a more sustainable approach that considers the needs of local communities and future generations.
These are the main problems
Overbooking it is the excess of seats, reservations or tickets that can be offered. This harms consumers, who must accept other options or give up their trip without receiving compensation. Greenwashing presents an environmentally friendly tourist offer, but it is not or is very limited. Consumers think they are contributing to sustainability, but they support companies that pollute, damage ecosystems, or generate waste. Dumping it is unfair competition. Very low prices are offered to eliminate competition in the market. Low quality or poor conditions are usually offered. As we can see, mass tourism and the hotel industry generate pollution and cause damage to the environment. It is time to strive for a more sustainable type of tourism. Travelling and getting to know new places in a responsible and nature-friendly way is possible.
Some cities are working to improve the impact
Here are three examples of cities that have changed regulations and rules to protect their heritage and the quality of life of their citizens. Venice, characterized by its canals, architecture and history, has been overcrowded for years. Congestion, water pollution, erosion of buildings by large boats, loss of identity and rising prices are some of the consequences. To regulate this congestion, Venice has implemented the city entrance fee, restricted access to certain areas, promoted responsible tourism, and restricted the entry of cruise ships.
Barcelona is one of Spain’s most important tourist destinations. Famous for its architecture, beaches, gastronomy and culture. Mass tourism has pushed locals out of the property market, as the number of houses available for rent has been greatly reduced. To regulate this problem measures such as the regulation of tourist accommodation, a ban on the construction of hotels, taxes on tourism and a limitation on the number of visitors were adopted. Machu Picchu, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most visited in South America.
Mass Tourism
It is an archaeological site that receives 1.5 million visitors a year. This has put the site’s conservation at risk, so the government has established protection measures. These include a daily access limit, the closure of the Inca Trail during the month of February to carry out maintenance work, the division of visiting hours, the obligation of official tour guides and new access routes that do not affect the heritage site.
These three cities have started to regulate mass tourism, but there are many others that share the same proposals. In addition to each city’s regulations, there are regulations worldwide that seek to reduce the negative impact of tourism on the environment. One of these is the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism (GCE), a set of general principles that seeks to guide actors in tourism development, such as governments, communities, industry and tourists. It aims to maximize the industry’s profits and reduce its negative environmental impact. This body has been recognized by the United Nations since 2001.
