We are seeing significant changes in global tourism in recent times. With the concept of “over tourism” seen as a key talking point. A host of cities and indeed, countries are considering, or have put in place additional restrictions to access, placing levies/taxes or limiting the number of tourists allowed into the country or city at a given time.
I can see how the constant influx of visitors can wear thin on a local population after a while… Not all tourists are respectful or supportive of the local population or economy and therefore can sometimes cause conflict and a hardening of the experience for everyone involved.
As an avid traveller I can see both sides of the issue and can empathise with the local populations that are constantly inundated with a never-ending stream of tourism that beleaguers them.
A great example was my experience in Bali, in 2018. This was my first visit to Bali so I wanted to stay in a quieter part of the Island, away from the large tourist regions such as Kuta, Seminyak and Nusa Dua but instead ended up in Ubud which was another hot spot. Clearly, I hadn’t done my homework thoroughly enough!
From when I first arrived in Bali, I felt the tension between the locals and tourists. Over the course of the week, I stayed in Ubud I witnessed the disdain the local population had for the sometimes-tone-deaf tourists who at times were loud, obnoxious and sometimes rude and demeaning to the locals.
Eek! Not a great experience, and perhaps that has shaded my experience of Bali to the point where I’m glad I went but won’t be making a return visit.
Since that time Bali has imposed new guidelines including limiting the number of tourists allowed to enter at any one time to protect the island’s environment and cultural sites. Certainly, makes sense to me!
Even my beloved Italy is imposing restrictions, which I completely understand given the extreme tourism to some locations within this fabulous country.
I’ve been to Venice on many occasions, but my experience during my last visit has coaxed me to take it from my future travel list, primarily because of the over tourism that they experience on a daily basis. No longer are you able to just go visit since the introduction of a €5 entry fee for day-trippers during peak periods. As well, to quell the seemingly never-ending stream of tourists have banned large cruise ships from the historic center to reduce congestion and protect the lagoon ecosystem.
I applaud the measures to help balance the flow of visitors to this iconic city, but this is just one of the cities imposing restrictions on tourists. I would also ask you to do your research prior to visiting as a number of cities across Europe have specific rules governing tourism. As an example, Barcelona have implemented regulations to limit short-term rentals and introduced measures to reclaim traditional marketplaces from tourist-oriented products.
In addition, given the popularity of visiting Europe the Schengen area (encompasses 26 countries) has imposed new visa requirements for all visitors. This includes procuring the visa in advance of your visit, at the cost of €90 per person. This enables the visitor to stay for up to 90 days within a 180 period, and available for all visitors including tourism, business, visiting family, medical treatment, studies, or other non-gainful activities.
The Schengen visa basic requirements require a valid passport, visa application form, photo, proof of travel (flight and accommodation), proof of sufficient financial means, and travel insurance.
Clearly, preparation is now the key! No longer can you just wing it and show up, you have to research and garner the right visa in addition to understanding where you can and can’t go.
Within any challenge is an opportunity! Yes, a positive growth mindset allows you to think beyond the traditional tourist spots and begin exploring further afield.
Take off your blinders and go off the beaten path to discover some new gems that may not be on anyone’s radar.
It’s important to reflect and understand how we directly impact the location we’re visiting, but more importantly the manner in which we go about our travels. Here are a few considerations for your future travels.
I think the most important aspect is being respectful. This includes learning some basic phrases in the local language (hello, please, thank you…), dressing appropriately particularly for religious sites or conservative areas. Another important part of respect is asking permission if you’re taking photos of people or sacred/religious sites.
Other considerations include supporting the local economy by shopping with local artisans or eating at local family-run restaurants versus the big global chains. Also important to leave no trace of your visit which you can do by not littering, or as simple as staying on marked trails and not damaging plants or impacting local wildlife.
Now, you’d thinking these few tips are common sense, but you’d be surprised at how often I witness tourists not doing the right thing and laughing about it.
It really isn’t that hard to be conscious of your impact and being respectful…
Until next week.
Ciao!