Instagram versus reality. On social networks, the most fashionable places are photographed from their best angle, with few people in the field of vision. However, the truth is that these idyllic tourist spots are densely populated with tourists, blocking certain access points, leading to disrespectful behaviour and spoiling the pleasure of discovering an exceptional destination in complete peace and quiet. It’s a phenomenon that local authorities are determined to counter.
While overtourism in certain cities dates back several decades, the problem seems to have intensified in recent years. Since the advent of social networks and the post-covid resurgence in the number of people going out, cities have boosted their communications around their dream address to attract tourists. Content creators have also highlighted both iconic and more confidential locations, inviting their communities to discover these sublime destinations. Not to mention the exponential appeal of places seen in films and TV series, a trend known as jet-setting.
The result is an unmanageable flow of travellers that is constantly approaching or exceeding the capacity limits of any given territory. According to the World Tourism Organisation, 95% of the world’s visitors visit less than 5% of the Earth’s surface. Although tourists boost local trade and raise the profile of these regions, this movement of people, taken to extremes, causes a great deal of damage. Culture shock and disrespect for traditions, exasperation among locals, environmental damage, denatured panoramas… The high season becomes a real ordeal. To protect their municipalities, more and more institutions are taking drastic measures to reduce the number of tourists. Focus on a social issue that seems out of control.
Taxing tourist attractions
Overwhelmed by mass tourism, Venice has decided to introduce a five-euro tax at the entrance to the city. Long promised, this financial contribution is designed to raise awareness among travellers and regulate traffic. The tax came into force on 25 April 2024, and will remain in force every day until 5 May, and at weekends in May, June and the first two weeks of July. An experimental measure which, for opponents, falls far short of the tourism problem in the City of the Doges.
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