dw.com
Overtourism: Global Tourism Surge Strains Resources and Impacts Communities
Global tourism hit near-record levels in 2022, causing overtourism in many areas, impacting quality of life and the environment due to increased waste, noise, and water consumption; solutions include limiting access, raising fees, and promoting off-season travel.
- What are the immediate consequences of the record-high global tourism numbers in 2022?
- Global tourism reached near-record highs in 2022, with 1.5 billion arrivals. This surge, however, led to overtourism in many popular destinations, impacting local residents' quality of life and the visitor experience. For instance, the Canary Islands, with 2.2 million residents, saw 15.2 million visitors in 2022, straining resources and raising concerns.
- How does overtourism impact local communities and the environment in popular tourist destinations?
- Overtourism's consequences include environmental damage from increased waste, noise pollution, and water depletion. The popularity of short trips further exacerbates this, as travel to and from destinations constitutes a significant portion of CO2 emissions. Profit from short-term rentals often outweighs benefits for locals, driving up housing costs.
- What are some potential solutions for mitigating the negative effects of overtourism, and how can they be implemented?
- Addressing overtourism requires multifaceted solutions. Some locations are limiting visitor numbers, implementing entrance fees, or promoting off-season travel. Strategies like better infrastructure management, timed entry systems, and sustainable tourism initiatives are crucial for balancing economic benefits with environmental protection and improved quality of life for locals.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames overtourism predominantly as a problem, emphasizing its negative consequences for the environment, local communities, and infrastructure. The headline, while not explicitly stated, is implicitly negative, focusing on the problems of overtourism. The introductory paragraphs immediately highlight the negative aspects of high tourist numbers and the feeling of overcrowding. This framing could lead readers to perceive overtourism as an insurmountable issue rather than a complex challenge requiring multifaceted solutions.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral and informative. However, words like "divljaju" (run wild/skyrocket - referring to rental prices) and phrases describing the negative consequences of overtourism ('neprihvatljiv način' - unacceptable way) might be considered slightly emotionally charged, though this is likely unavoidable in a text discussing a complex social issue. More neutral alternatives could include descriptive terms such as 'rapid increase' or 'significant negative impact'.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the negative impacts of overtourism, but it could benefit from including more positive examples of sustainable tourism practices or initiatives aimed at mitigating the negative effects. While it mentions some solutions, a more balanced representation of successful strategies would strengthen the analysis. The article also omits discussion on the economic benefits tourism brings to local communities, focusing primarily on the negative consequences.
False Dichotomy
The article doesn't explicitly present false dichotomies, but it leans heavily towards portraying overtourism as overwhelmingly negative, potentially overlooking the nuanced relationship between tourism and economic development in affected areas. The solutions presented are also primarily focused on restriction and regulation, without exploring other potential approaches.
Sustainable Development Goals
Overtourism leads to environmental degradation, resource depletion, and increased carbon emissions from transportation. The text highlights the negative impacts on water resources, marine life (Posidonia seagrass meadows), and air quality due to increased traffic and waste. The promotion of short-haul flights further exacerbates the problem.