Photo credit: phys.org
As global travel rebounds, with the United Nations World Tourism Organization anticipating a 2% increase in international arrivals over pre-pandemic numbers from 2019, many popular tourist destinations are becoming increasingly congested. The influx of visitors has led to heightened tensions in some areas, prompting local residents in places like European cities to protest, with messages urging tourists to “go home.”
Some cities, such as Amsterdam, have begun to take unprecedented measures to dissuade visitors during peak seasons, illuminating the critical nature of tourism overcrowding globally. Understanding this phenomenon is essential to navigating the evolving landscape of travel.
Understanding Tourism Overcrowding
Overcrowding in tourism is fundamentally about the convergence of a significant number of people in a single location at the same time. This phenomenon rests on three foundational principles.
First, overcrowding is a genuine issue that creates strain for visitors, which can detract from their overall experience. Second, feelings of overcrowding are intensified when visitors encounter diverse and conflicting behaviors among fellow tourists. For example, a bustling sidewalk filled with various activities can feel more congested than a music festival where attendees share a common purpose and behavior.
Third, perceptions of overcrowding are subjective; there is no universal benchmark for measuring it. Each individual’s feeling of crowding varies based on personal experiences and context.
The local context is crucial as well. Recent reports reveal instances, such as Barcelona residents spraying tourists with water guns, showcasing the frustrations from locals regarding excessive tourism. Such extreme actions signal significant discontent among residents.
This highlights what can be called a host-guest covenant, which suggests that visitors should remain within designated tourist areas to preserve local neighborhoods. The rise of short-term rentals has blurred the lines, enabling tourists to inhabit residential spaces, often at odds with the interests of local inhabitants. While some travelers seek richer, more “authentic” experiences beyond traditional tourist traps, this can exacerbate tensions with those living in these neighborhoods.
Coping Mechanisms for Overcrowding
Reactions to crowded spaces vary, with some individuals actively avoiding them while others are attracted to the bustle. Research identifies four principal coping strategies.
The most prevalent method is altering travel plans to evade busy sites, which many travelers employ proactively. Another common approach is rationalization, where visitors convince themselves that the crowded conditions are justified—such as accepting long waits at the Louvre because of its iconic artworks.
Another strategy is product shift, where individuals downgrade their expectations of a destination to align with the crowded reality they experience. For instance, someone might reminisce about Tofino as a quaint spot now overtaken by tourism, lamenting its transformation while still enjoying the current experience.
The fourth method, direct action, involves individuals seeking solutions through institutional channels, such as providing feedback to management about overcrowding issues at attractions.
While both visitors and local residents face crowd-related stress, residents often focus more on displacement since they possess deeper knowledge of their surroundings and can navigate the chaos with greater skill.
The Role of Social Media
Some critics contend that social media has worsened the situation in tourism, attributing this shift to its role as a status symbol for travelers. The ease of sharing experiences instantly online contrasts sharply with pre-social media days, when travelers would print photographs for sharing.
Today, the quest for the most “Instagrammable” moments compels travelers to frequent popular spots, perpetuating overcrowding. The temptation to visit well-trodden attractions often overshadows opportunities for exploring less popular locales, reinforcing the influx into specific tourist destinations.
As a result, it is anticipated that post-pandemic travel will largely gravitate toward “safer” destinations, as tourists seek locations where they feel their financial investments are justified. This trend is particularly pronounced among travelers from the Global North venturing to similar regions in search of rewarding experiences.
Ultimately, individuals on holiday seek enjoyment, and the collective momentum of crowds often feels less risky than venturing solo into the unknown. This highlights the persistent allure of popular destinations, despite the discomfort that overcrowding can bring.
Source
phys.org