The summer of 2024 is having as its main problem that of mass tourism.
The problems related to this overtourism are very often linked to a difficulty on the part of tourist locations to manage a high volume of people and has as a consequence the disproportionate increase in prices, overcrowding and the decrease in the quality of service. Not to mention the pollution and the environmental impact that derives from it.
Just think of the huge cruise ships that are killing the fragile ecosystem of the city of Venice or the coral reef of Phi Phi Island in Thailand, destroyed by overtourism.
Countries that base their economy on the sector tourism they are the ones who suffer the most, since they are very often not ready from a structural and logistical point of view.
The consequence of this phenomenon is devastating, but it seems that there is no brake on applications that allow short stays such as AirBnB or Booking.
This situation has given rise to protest movements that, with ever greater intensity, denounce the negative impact of uncontrolled tourism.
A significant episode occurred recently in Barcelona, where a group of protesters chose a rather unusual method to express their dissent: armed with water pistols, they hit some tourists sitting at the tables of a bar.
This gesture, although symbolic and devoid of violence, triggered a chain reaction, spreading not only to other Spanish cities, but also to Italy, with protests involving Venice, Naples and Florence.
These demonstrations are not simply a sign of discontent: they are the reflection of a growing frustration among residents of the cities most affected by mass tourism.
Overtourism, in fact, does not limit itself to creating environmental problems or putting pressure on infrastructure; it is profoundly transforming the social and economic fabric of these communities.
In many cities, the massive influx of tourists has caused an exponential increase in the cost of living, making it increasingly difficult for residents to continue living in their neighborhoods.
Added to this is the progressive loss of cultural identity, with entire urban areas being transformed into “theme parks” for tourists, thus depriving themselves of their authenticity and tradition.
In response to these challenges, several local governments have begun to implement measures to limit the influx of visitors and preserve the quality of life of residents. There is an increase in tourism taxes, with the aim of generating revenue for the maintenance of infrastructure and the protection of cultural and environmental heritage.
It is essential that tourists develop a greater awareness of the impact that their travels can have on the destinations they visit. Only through a combination of local regulations and more sustainable and responsible tourism can a balance be achieved that allows the protection of the natural, cultural and social resources of the most vulnerable cities.