Barcelona, Venice and Amsterdam are among Europe’s favourite travel destinations and benefit greatly from tourism. However, the massive influx of visitors places a considerable burden on the cities and their inhabitants.
To counteract the negative effects of overtourism, these cities are taking decisive action. Following public protests, no new hotels may be built in Venice and cruise ships will have to use other moorings in future. Amsterdam has banned guided tours of its famous red light district in order to protect local residents. Paris is planning to ban coaches from the city centre in order to improve the quality of life. Other overcrowded cities are also trying to control the situation through various methods.
Do you think that overtourism is a serious problem in Europe?
Sources: National Statistics Offices, Statista, Le Monde, Forbes
I live in one of the cities depicted here, and I’d say tourism isn’t such a big problem here. Airbnb and the holiday apartment “industry” are a big issue though, since they inflate the housing bubble.
It probably depends a lot in with of the cities you live. Berlin has a much more favourable ratio than Barcelona.
I lived in the heart of Bruges for a few years, didn’t really mind the tourism. Had great conversations with some, and overall everyone was really friendly. I always noticed people looking like they were in Disneyworld (it’s a fairlytale fucking city isn’t it?), you can spot a tourist from a mile away.
Worst manners I’ve seen is walking into a local store to take pictures and walking out without buying anything. And not to add to stereotypes but the American accent is so loud, could hear them 2 blocks away in my apartment lmao
When you visit Bruges, go out at dusk or after midnight. Tourists disappear into their hotels like ants when the sun goes down, stunning views and almost no-one around.