Written by: Bronwyn Worrick, Wild Nectar Sustainability Expert
Coauthored by: Mohadeseh Jazaei, Multidisciplinary Researcher and Erik Coates, ESG Specialist
In recent years, the Croatian city of Dubrovnik has become a striking example of the damaging impact of overtourism. Once a serene coastal gem, its historic Old Town gained global attention as a filming location for Game of Thrones. By 2017, visitor numbers surged past 1.3 million annually, overwhelming the city’s infrastructure and diminishing residents' quality of life. Once-peaceful streets turned into overcrowded thoroughfares, centuries-old walls began to crack under relentless pressure, and the environment suffered from pollution and strain on natural resources. This is now an unfortunate occurrence in many popular destinations.
This transformation captures the essence of overtourism - a phenomenon where destinations become so overwhelmed that their true character is obscured.
Since 2016, social media and travel influencers have amplified this trend, drawing numbers of visitors far beyond what these places can sustainably handle, and leaving behind lasting environmental, social, and economic challenges.
Tourism Vs. Overtourism
Travel is deeply embedded in human experience; it’s a way to appreciate nature, explore history, and connect with diverse communities. However, overtourism occurs when the number of tourists exceeds a destination's capacity, leading to stress on infrastructure, natural resources, and local life. The causes are multifaceted: affordable flights, accommodation-sharing platforms, and social media have made travel more accessible, with certain “Instagrammable” spots attracting massive crowds.
The Harmful Effects of Overtourism
The impact of overtourism stretches far and wide, affecting local residents, environments, and cultural authenticity:
Environmental Degradation: Popular natural sites suffer from soil erosion, litter, and disruption of wildlife, causing irreversible damage.
Economic Strain on Local Communities: Tourism can boost local economies, but it also drives up costs, often forcing residents out of their neighborhoods due to rising rents (in part due to the growth of short-term rentals, such as Airbnb) and overcrowding.
Cultural Erosion: As tourist-oriented services and attractions take precedence, traditional customs and local businesses become commercialized, overshadowing authentic cultural expressions.
Some popular tourist destinations have implemented controversial measures to combat overtourism. For example, in April of this year, Venice, Italy introduced an entry fee for single-day visitors. With over 30 million visitors per year, the €5 entry fee, which affects day trippers over 14 years old during the peak tourist season, is a new measure to attempt to preserve the city’s history and infrastructure. Similarly, Barcelona, which receives over 32 million visitors a year, has increased its “tourist tax” to up to €4 per day (the cost of the tax varies depending on the length of the stay and type of accommodation). These measures indicate the extent of overtourism and its impacts on popular destinations. What can travelers do to mitigate its negative effects?
The Sustainable Travel - A Solution Through Mindful Choices
To mitigate the negative effects of overtourism, we can adopt mindful travel practices that maintain or restore their integrity. Sustainable travel not only benefits the environment but also helps to preserve cultural heritage and improve the quality of life for local communities. Here are two ways to combat overtourism:
Off-Season Travel: Visiting during non-peak times relieves crowded sites, giving locals and the environment a chance to recover. Additionally, travelers can enjoy a more relaxed, genuine experience and explore a destination’s lesser-known charms such as local festivals, seasonal foods, and natural phenomena that might be overlooked (or not available) during peak tourist times. Traveling off-season also often means lower prices, which is a plus for those looking to maximize value.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Exploration: Choosing under-the-radar locations can offer unique, immersive experiences while spreading tourism dollars more evenly. Responsible tourism can contribute greatly to an area’s sustainability not only from an economic standpoint, but also by encouraging cultural preservation and environmental conservation efforts. Less popular destinations possess rich histories, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant cultures - without the overwhelming crowds. There is a fulfilling sense of adventure and discovery that is often not possible in popular, overcrowded destinations.
By adjusting our travel choices, we can contribute to the well-being of local communities and help safeguard prized cultural and natural wonders.
The Wild Nectar Difference
At Wild Nectar, we balance the allure of popular destinations with our commitment to sustainable travel by offering thoughtful, customizable itineraries that minimize negative impact while maximizing your experience. Traveling during the off-season reveals the quieter, more authentic charm of iconic places while venturing off-the-beaten-path introduces hidden gems and reduces pressure on high-traffic areas.
We only work with eco-conscious partners, prioritizing low-impact activities, and deeper cultural connections, to ensure your journey supports local communities and helps protect the environment. By choosing Wild Nectar, you join a movement toward mindful travel, helping preserve the beauty and integrity of the world's most cherished destinations for generations to come. Wild Nectar Sustainability
Contact us if you'd like to learn more about off-season and off-the-beaten-path travel opportunities!
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