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What's the problem with overtourism?

With visitor numbers around the world increasing towards pre-pandemic levels, the issue of overtourism is once again rearing its head.

When locals in the charming Austrian lakeside village of Hallstatt staged a blockade of the main access tunnel, brandishing placards asking visitors to ‘think of the children’, it highlighted what can happen when places start to feel overrun by tourists. Hallstatt has just 800 residents but has opened its doors to around 10,000 visitors a day — a population increase of over 1,000%. And it’s just one of a growing number of places where residents are up in arms at the influx of travellers.

The term ‘overtourism’ is relatively new, having been coined over a decade ago to highlight the spiralling numbers of visitors taking a toll on cities, landmarks and landscapes. As tourist numbers worldwide return towards pre-pandemic levels, the debate around what constitutes ‘too many’ visitors continues. While many destinations, reliant on the income that tourism brings, are still keen for arrivals, a handful of major cities and sites are now imposing bans, fines, taxes and time-slot systems, and, in some cases, even launching campaigns of discouragement in a bid to curb tourist numbers.

What is overtourism?

In essence, overtourism is too many people in one place at any given time. While there isn’t a definitive figure stipulating the number of visitors allowed, an accumulation of economic, social and environmental factors determine if and how numbers are creeping up.

There are the wide-reaching effects, such as climate change. Coral reefs, like the Great Barrier Reef and Maya Bay, Thailand, made famous by the Leonardo DiCaprio film, The Beach , are being degraded from visitors snorkelling, diving and touching the corals, as well as tour boats anchoring in the waters. And 2030 transport-related carbon emissions from tourism are expected to grow 25% from 2016 levels, representing an increase from 5% to 5.3% of all man-made emissions, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). More localised issues are affecting locals, too. Renters are being evicted by landlords in favour of turning properties into holiday lets, and house prices are escalating as a result. As visitors and rental properties outnumber local residents, communities are being lost. And, skyrocketing prices, excessive queues, crowded beaches, exorbitant noise levels, damage at historical sites and the ramifications to nature as people overwhelm or stray from official paths are also reasons the positives of tourism can have a negative impact.

Conversely, ‘undertourism’ is a term applied to less-frequented destinations, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic. The economic, social and environmental benefits of tourism aren't always passed on to those with plenty of capacity and, while tourist boards are always keen for visitors to visit their lesser-known attractions, it’s a more sustainable and rewarding experience for both residents and visitors.

What’s the main problem with it?

Overcrowding is an issue for both locals and tourists. It can ruin the experience of sightseeing for those trapped in long queues, unable to visit museums, galleries and sites without advance booking, incurring escalating costs for basics like food, drink and hotels, and faced with the inability to experience the wonder of a place in relative solitude. The absence of any real regulations has seen places take it upon themselves to try and establish some form of crowd control, meaning no cohesion and no real solution.

Justin Francis, co-founder and CEO of Responsible Travel, a tour operator that focuses on more sustainable travel, says “Social media has concentrated tourism in hotspots and exacerbated the problem, and tourist numbers globally are increasing while destinations have a finite capacity. Until local people are properly consulted about what they want and don’t want from tourism, we’ll see more protests.”

A French start up, Murmuration, which monitors the environmental impact of tourism by using satellite data, states that 80% of travellers visit just 10% of the world's tourism destinations, meaning bigger crowds in fewer spots. And, the UNWTO predicts that by 2030, the number of worldwide tourists, which peaked at 1.5 billion in 2019, will reach 1.8 billion,   likely leading to greater pressure on already popular spots and more objection from locals.

Who has been protesting?

Of the 800 residents in the UNESCO-listed village of Hallstatt, around 100 turned out in August to show their displeasure and to push for a cap on daily visitors and a curfew on tour coach arrivals.

Elsewhere, residents in Venice fought long and hard for a ban on cruise ships, with protest flags often draped from windows. In 2021, large cruise ships over 25,000 tonnes were banned from using the main Giudecca Canal, leaving only smaller passenger ferries and freight vessels able to dock.

In France, the Marseille Provence Cruise Club introduced a flow management system for cruise line passengers in 2020, easing congestion around the popular Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde Basilica. A Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) spokesperson said, “Coaches are limited to four per ship during the morning or afternoon at the Basilica to ensure a good visitor experience and safety for residents and local businesses. This is a voluntary arrangement respected by cruise lines.”

While in Orkney, Scotland, residents have been up in arms at the number of cruise ships docking on its shores. At the beginning of 2023, the local council confirmed that 214 cruise ship calls were scheduled for the year, bringing around £15 million in revenue to the islands. Following backlash from locals, the council has since proposed a plan to restrict the number of ships on any day.

What steps are being taken?  

City taxes have become increasingly popular, with Barcelona increasing its nightly levy in April 2023 — which was originally introduced in 2012 and varies depending on the type of accommodation — and Venice expects to charge day-trippers a €5 fee from 2024.

In Amsterdam this summer, the city council voted to ban cruise ships, while the mayor, Femke Halsema, commissioned a campaign of discouragement, asking young British men who planned to have a 'vacation from morals’ to stay away. In Rome, sitting at popular sites, such as the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps, has been restricted by the authorities.

And in Kenya’s Maasai Mara, meanwhile, the Narok County governor has introduced on-the-spot fines for off-roading. He also plans to double nightly park fees in peak season.

What are the forecasts for global tourism?  

During the Covid pandemic, tourism was one of the hardest-hit industries — according to UNWTO, international tourist arrivals dropped 72% in 2020. However, traveller numbers have since been rapidly increasing, with double the number of people venturing abroad in the first three months of 2023 than in the same period in 2022. And, according to the World Travel Tourism Council, the tourism sector is expected to reach £7.5 trillion this year, 95% of its pre-pandemic levels.

While the tourism industry is forecast to represent 11.6% of the global economy by 2033, it’s also predicted that an increasing number of people will show more interest in travelling more sustainably. In a 2022 survey by Booking.com, 64% of the people asked said they would be prepared to stay away from busy tourist sites to avoid adding to congestion.

Are there any solutions?  

There are ways to better manage tourism by promoting more off-season travel, limiting numbers where possible and having greater regulation within the industry. Encouraging more sustainable travel and finding solutions to reduce friction between residents and tourists could also have positive impacts. Promoting alternative, less-visited spots to redirect travellers may also offer some benefits.

Harold Goodwin, emeritus professor at Manchester Metropolitan University, says, “Overtourism is a function of visitor volumes, but also of conflicting behaviours, crowding in inappropriate places and privacy. Social anthropologists talk about frontstage and backstage spaces. Tourists are rarely welcome in backstage spaces. To manage crowds, it’s first necessary to analyse and determine the causes of them.

Francis adds: “However, we must be careful not to just recreate the same problems elsewhere. The most important thing is to form a clear strategy, in consultation with local people about what a place wants or needs from tourism.”

As it stands, overtourism is a seasonal issue for a small number of destinations. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, a range of measures are clearly an option depending on the scale of the problem. For the majority of the world, tourism remains a force for good with many benefits beyond simple economic growth.

Related Topics

• OVERTOURISM
• SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

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Don’t forget tourism has benefits too

Readers respond to Christopher de Bellaigue’s long read on the future of global tourism

Christopher de Bellaigue’s article ( The end of tourism? , Long read, 18 June) is interesting and insightful, but fails to point out the intrinsic value of travel. Mass tourism, apart from its economic and ecological impacts, has also implied the opportunity to access peoples, cultures and foods that we have hitherto never experienced. To travel is to live, as Hans Christian Andersen once wrote.

The chance to experience and appreciate other cultures, to understand the lives of others unlike oneself, must be seen as a public good in itself. The “end of tourism” will not mean the end of travel for the classes who can afford it, but only means the denying of the opportunity for the vast majority of the world’s people to experience the world in ways that previous generations could not have dreamed of. An end to tourism will not hinder the travel plans of the world’s richest, but will serve to insulate and harden the nativist sentiments of the more disadvantaged. Madhav Tipu Ramachandran Bengaluru, India

Tourism and globalisation is what has brought us the very knowledge and cultural understanding about all the destinations that the author talks about. Without a globally connected and travelling society there would be little awareness of other cultures, little respect for other traditions and much less intercultural exchange.

Travelling and experiencing other cultures first-hand is what makes us more open and accepting of others. It connects us to the rest of the world. Progressive politics, fighting racism and supporting migration all depend on people understanding more of other countries and cultures. Lorenz Kost Düsseldorf, Germany

I was a bit bemused that no mention was made of staying in your own country for a holiday and the impact of Covid-19 on the UK tourism industry. Lockdown has helped many of us to appreciate what we have close at hand, from our own back gardens to wildlife areas on our doorsteps.

There’s much choice for urban, countryside and seaside holidays, and such diverse beauty and culture available right here in the UK. Reopening UK-based tourism will help the economy and people’s wellbeing without impacting on the environment in the way that overseas travel does. Danielle Lowy Manchester

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What is overtourism and how can we overcome it? 

The issue of overtourism has become a major concern due to the surge in travel following the pandemic. Image:  Reuters/Manuel Silvestri (ITALY - Tags: ENTERTAINMENT)

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• Overtourism has once again become a concern, particularly after the rebound of international travel post-pandemic.
• Communities in popular destinations worldwide have expressed concerns over excess tourism on their doorstep.
• Here we outline the complexities of overtourism and the possible measures that can be taken to address the problem.

The term ‘overtourism’ has re-emerged as tourism recovery has surged around the globe. But already in 2019, angst over excessive tourism growth was so high that the UN World Tourism Organization called for “such growth to be managed responsibly so as to best seize the opportunities tourism can generate for communities around the world”.

This was especially evident in cities like Barcelona, where anti-tourism sentiment built up in response to pent-up frustration about rapid and unyielding tourism growth. Similar local frustration emerged in other famous cities, including Amsterdam , Venice , London , Kyoto and Dubrovnik .

While the pandemic was expected to usher in a new normal where responsible and sustainable travel would emerge, this shift was evidently short-lived, as demand surged in 2022 and 2023 after travel restrictions eased.

Have you read?

Ten principles for sustainable destinations: charting a new path forward for travel and tourism.

This has been witnessed over the recent Northern Hemisphere summer season, during which popular destinations heaved under the pressure of pent-up post-pandemic demand , with grassroots communities articulating over-tourism concerns.

Concerns over excess tourism have not only been seen in popular cities but also on the islands of Hawaii and Greece , beaches in Spain , national parks in the United States and Africa , and places off the beaten track like Japan ’s less explored regions.

What is overtourism?

The term overtourism was employed by Freya Petersen in 2001, who lamented the excesses of tourism development and governance deficits in the city of Pompei. Her sentiments are increasingly familiar among tourists in other top tourism destinations more than 20 years later.

Overtourism is more than a journalistic device to arouse host community anxiety or demonize tourists through anti-tourism activism. It is also more than simply being a question of management – although poor or lax governance most definitely accentuates the problem.

Governments at all levels must be decisive and firm about policy responses that control the nature of tourist demand and not merely give in to profits that flow from tourist expenditure and investment.

Overtourism is often oversimplified as being a problem of too many tourists. While that may well be an underlying symptom of excess, it fails to acknowledge the myriad factors at play.

In its simplest iteration, overtourism results from tourist demand exceeding the carrying capacity of host communities in a destination. Too often, the tourism supply chain stimulates demand, giving little thought to the capacity of destinations and the ripple effects on the well-being of local communities.

Overtourism is arguably a social phenomenon too. In China and India, two of the most populated countries where space is a premium, crowded places are socially accepted and overtourism concerns are rarely articulated, if at all. This suggests that cultural expectations of personal space and expectations of exclusivity differ.

We also tend not to associate ‘overtourism’ with Africa . But uncontrolled growth in tourist numbers is unsustainable anywhere, whether in an ancient European city or the savannah of a sub-Saharan context.

Overtourism must also have cultural drivers that are intensified when tourists' culture is at odds with that of host communities – this might manifest as breaching of public norms, irritating habits, unacceptable behaviours , place-based displacement and inconsiderate occupation of space.

The issue also comes about when the economic drivers of tourism mean that those who stand to benefit from growth are instead those who pay the price of it, particularly where gentrification and capital accumulation driven from outside results in local resident displacement and marginalization.

Overcoming overtourism excesses

Radical policy measures that break the overtourism cycle are becoming more common. For example, Amsterdam has moved to ban cruise ships by closing the city’s cruise terminal.

Tourism degrowth has long been posited as a remedy to overtourism. While simply cutting back on tourist numbers seems like a logical response, whether the economic trade-offs of fewer tourists will be tolerated is another thing altogether.

The Spanish island of Lanzarote moved to desaturate the island by calling the industry to focus on quality tourism rather than quantity. This shift to quality, or higher yielding, tourists has been mirrored in many other destinations, like Bali , for example.

Dispersing tourists outside hotspots is commonly seen as a means of dealing with too much tourism. However, whether sufficient interest to go off the beaten track can be stimulated might be an immoveable constraint, or simply result in problem shifting .

Demarketing destinations has been applied with varying degrees of success. However, whether it can address the underlying factors in the long run is questioned, particularly as social media influencers and travel writers continue to give attention to touristic hotspots. In France, asking visitors to avoid Mont Saint-Michelle and instead recommending they go elsewhere is evidence of this.

Introducing entry fees and gates to over-tourist places like Venice is another deterrent. This assumes visitors won’t object to paying and that revenues generated are spent on finding solutions rather than getting lost in authorities’ consolidated revenue.

Advocacy and awareness campaigns against overtourism have also been prominent, but whether appeals to tourists asking them to curb irresponsible behaviours have had any impact remains questionable as incidents continue —for example, the Palau Pledge and New Zealand’s Tiaki Promise appeal for more responsible behaviours.

Curtailing the use of the word overtourism is also posited – in the interest of avoiding the rise of moral panics and the swell of anti-tourism social movements, but pretending the phenomenon does not exist, or dwelling on semantics won’t solve the problem .

Solutions to address overtourism

The solutions to dealing adequately with the effects of overtourism are likely to be many and varied and must be tailored to the unique, relevant destination .

The tourism supply chain must also bear its fair share of responsibility. While popular destinations are understandably an easier sell, redirecting tourism beyond popular honeypots like urban heritage sites or overcrowded beaches needs greater impetus to avoid shifting the problem elsewhere.

Local authorities must exercise policy measures that establish capacity limits, then ensure they are upheld, and if not, be held responsible for their inaction .

Meanwhile, tourists themselves should take responsibility for their behaviour and decisions while travelling, as this can make a big difference to the impact on local residents .

Those investing in tourism should support initiatives that elevate local priorities and needs, and not simply exercise a model of maximum extraction for shareholders in the supply chain.

How is the World Economic Forum supporting the development of cities and communities globally?

The Data for the City of Tomorrow report highlighted that in 2023, around 56% of the world is urbanized. Almost 65% of people use the internet. Soon, 75% of the world’s jobs will require digital skills.

The World Economic Forum’s Centre for Urban Transformation is at the forefront of advancing public-private collaboration in cities. It enables more resilient and future-ready communities and local economies through green initiatives and the ethical use of data.

Learn more about our impact:

• Net Zero Carbon Cities: Through this initiative, we are sharing more than 200 leading practices to promote sustainability and reducing emissions in urban settings and empower cities to take bold action towards achieving carbon neutrality .
• G20 Global Smart Cities Alliance: We are dedicated to establishing norms and policy standards for the safe and ethical use of data in smart cities , leading smart city governance initiatives in more than 36 cities around the world.
• Empowering Brazilian SMEs with IoT adoption : We are removing barriers to IoT adoption for small and medium-sized enterprises in Brazil – with participating companies seeing a 192% return on investment.
• IoT security: Our Council on the Connected World established IoT security requirements for consumer-facing devices . It engages over 100 organizations to safeguard consumers against cyber threats.
• Healthy Cities and Communities: Through partnerships in Jersey City and Austin, USA, as well as Mumbai, India, this initiative focuses on enhancing citizens' lives by promoting better nutritional choices, physical activity, and sanitation practices.

Want to know more about our centre’s impact or get involved? Contact us .

National tourist offices and destination management organizations must support development that is nuanced and in tune with the local backdrop rather than simply mimicking mass-produced products and experiences.

The way tourist experiences are developed and shaped must be transformed to move away from outright consumerist fantasies to responsible consumption .

The overtourism problem will be solved through a clear-headed, collaborative and case-specific assessment of the many drivers in action. Finally, ignoring historical precedents that have led to the current predicament of overtourism and pinning this on oversimplified prescriptions abandons any chance of more sustainable and equitable tourism futures .

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World Economic Forum articles may be republished in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International Public License, and in accordance with our Terms of Use.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone and not the World Economic Forum.

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What is the impact of tourism?

Benefits and problems of tourism Tourism can bring both benefits and problems to an area.

Positive effects of tourism include:

• Creates employment opportunities for local people
• Promotes cultural awareness and can help preserve local culture and traditions e.g. Masai Mara in Kenya
• Income from tourists can be used to develop local infrastructure and services e.g. new roads and airports. In LEDCs  money can be spent on developing access to education, clean water and sanitation
• Foreign currency can help local people
• Natural features that attract tourists in the first place can be protected using income from tourism

The negative effects of tourism include:

• Tourism can have a negative environmental impact . This is at a range of scales. The increase in air travel has contributed towards increased carbon dioxide emissions. On a local level natural features that attract tourists are themselves under threat due to human actions
• often local people are employed in low skill, poorly paid work in unsatisfactory working conditions
• travel agents, airline companies and hoteliers benefit more than local companies when holidays are booked to destinations in LEDCs companies based in MEDCs set up luxury hotels in LEDCs. The profits usually return to MEDCs. They also create more competition for locally run guest houses
• destroys local culture and traditions as areas becomes more westernised

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Number of tourist arrivals

Somewhere on Earth this year

The World Counts • Impact through Awareness

The world counts impact through awareness, 45 arrivals every second.

There are over 1.4 billion tourists arriving at their destination every year. That’s 45 arrivals every single second.

Exponential growth of tourism

In 1950 there were 25 million international tourist arrivals, in 1970 the number was 166 million, and by 1990 it had grown to 435 million. From 1990 to 2018 numbers more than tripled reaching 1.442 billion. By 2030, 1.8 billion tourist arrivals are projected.

Negative environmental impacts of tourism

The negative environmental impacts of tourism are substantial. They include the depletion of local natural resources as well as pollution and waste problems. Tourism often puts pressure on natural resources through over-consumption, often in places where resources are already scarce.

Tourism puts enormous stress on local land use, and can lead to soil erosion, increased pollution, natural habitat loss, and more pressure on endangered species. These effects can gradually destroy the environmental resources on which tourism itself depends.

Tourism often leads to overuse of water

An average golf course in a tropical country, for example, uses as much water as 60,000 rural villagers. It also uses 1500 kilos of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides per year.

Tourism and climate change

Tourism contributes to more than 5 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, with transportation accounting for 90 percent of this.

By 2030, a 25% increase in CO2-emissions from tourism compared to 2016 is expected. From 1,597 million tons to 1,998 million tons.

394,730,543

Tons of waste dumped

Globally, this year

Square kilometers of land area being degraded

793,184,608,700

Tons of freshwater used

Worldwide, this year

8,024,943,431

Tons of CO2 emitted into the atmosphere

The alternative: Eco-tourism

Eco-tourism offers a greener alternative. Eco-tourism is a rapidly growing industry, with potential benefits for both the environment and the economies of the tourist destinations.

Number of eco-tourist arrivals

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• The Consumer Economy
• Our Global Challenges
• The Project
• Keep the optimism
• Support green companies

Tourism in the United Kingdom

Disclaimer: Some posts on Tourism Teacher may contain affiliate links. If you appreciate this content, you can show your support by making a purchase through these links or by buying me a coffee . Thank you for your support!

Tourism in the United Kingdom is big business! But why is tourism here so important and why does it matter? Read on to find out…

Geography of the United Kingdom

Statistics about tourism in the united kingdom, popular tourist attractions in united kingdom, popular types of tourism in the united kingdom, economic impacts of tourism in the united kingdom, social impacts of tourism in the united kingdom, environmental impacts of tourism in the united kingdom, faqs about tourism in the united kingdom, to conclude: tourism in the united kingdom.

The United Kingdom is a sovereign country located off the northwest coast of continental Europe. It is made up of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

The country has a total area of approximately 242,495 square kilometres and a population of around 68 million people. The capital city is London, which is located in England.

The geography of the United Kingdom is diverse, with a mix of flat, low-lying land, rolling hills, and rugged mountains. Most of the country is covered by lowland plains, with the highest points in the north and west.

Scotland and Wales are known for their rugged mountain ranges, including the Highlands of Scotland and the Snowdonia and Brecon Beacons ranges in Wales. England has several major rivers, including the Thames and the Severn, which flows through the western part of the country and is one of the longest rivers in the UK.

The United Kingdom has a temperate maritime climate with mild, damp winters and cool summers. It is heavily influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, with a prevailing southwesterly wind bringing frequent rainfall to the western and northern parts of the country. The south and east are generally drier and sunnier.

The country has a long coastline, with many popular beaches and seaside towns. The most famous landmark is probably Stonehenge, an ancient prehistoric monument located in the south of England.

Overall, the geography of the United Kingdom is varied and picturesque, with a mix of bustling cities and stunning natural landscapes.

Tourism is one of the major industries in the United Kingdom, contributing significantly to the country’s economy. In 2019, the UK welcomed 40.9 million visitors, who spent a total of £28.4 billion.

The country offers a wide range of tourist attractions, from historic landmarks to natural wonders, cultural experiences, and modern entertainment options. Some of the most popular tourist destinations in the UK include:

• London: The capital city is a vibrant and diverse metropolis with an array of attractions, including the British Museum, the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and many others.
• Edinburgh: The Scottish capital is well known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and cultural festivals, including the annual Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
• Stonehenge: The ancient prehistoric monument located in Wiltshire is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination.
• Lake District: This stunning region in northwest England offers some of the most scenic landscapes in the country, with picturesque lakes, hills, and valleys.
• Scottish Highlands: The rugged and remote region of the Scottish Highlands offers breathtaking mountains, lochs, and wildlife, and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

The tourism industry in the UK supports over 3 million jobs and generates revenues for businesses in the transport, accommodation, food, and entertainment sectors. The government also invests in promoting tourism, with initiatives to increase accessibility to destinations and attractions and support sustainable tourism practices.

Now lets take a look at some statistics that emphasise the scale of tourism in the United Kingdom:

1 – In 2019, the UK welcomed 40.9 million visitors.

2 – The total expenditure by tourists in the UK in 2019 was £28.4 billion ($39.1 billion).

3 – The tourism industry in the UK supports over 3 million jobs.

4 – In 2019, the top three countries of origin for international visitors to the UK were the United States, France, and Germany.

5 – The most popular tourist activity in the UK in 2019 was shopping, followed by visiting historical sites and attending cultural events.

6 – London is the most visited city in the UK, welcoming around 20 million visitors in 2019.

7 – The tourism industry in the UK accounted for 7.1% of the country’s GDP in 2019.

8 – In 2019, domestic tourism in the UK generated nearly three times as much revenue as international tourism.

9 – The COVID-19 pandemic led to a 76% fall in international visitor numbers to the UK in 2020 compared to the previous year.

10 – The British Museum was the most visited attraction in the UK in 2019, followed by the National Gallery and the Tate Modern.

The United Kingdom is home to a variety of popular tourist attractions, ranging from historic landmarks and museums to natural wonders and entertainment venues. Here are some of the most visited attractions in the UK:

• British Museum: The British Museum, located in London, is one of the largest and most comprehensive museums in the world. It contains over 8 million exhibits, including Egyptian mummies, the Rosetta Stone, and the Parthenon sculptures.
• Tower of London: The Tower of London, also located in London, is a historic fortress that has served as a royal palace, prison, and place of execution. Visitors can explore its many exhibits and learn about its fascinating history.
• Stonehenge: Stonehenge, located in Wiltshire, is an ancient prehistoric monument that dates back over 4,000 years. It is believed to have been built as an astronomical observatory, a burial site, or a religious centre.

• Edinburgh Castle: Edinburgh Castle is a historic fortress and royal residence located in Edinburgh, Scotland. Visitors can explore its many museums and exhibits, including the Crown Jewels of Scotland and the Stone of Destiny.
• Buckingham Palace: Buckingham Palace, located in London, is the official residence of the British monarch. Visitors can watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony and explore the palace’s many state rooms and gardens.
• The National Gallery: The National Gallery, located in London, is one of the world’s most famous art galleries, housing over 2,300 paintings from the 13th to 19th centuries, including works by Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, and Rembrandt.
• The Lake District: The Lake District, located in northwest England, is a scenic region of hills, mountains, and lakes that is popular with hikers and nature enthusiasts. It is also home to many historic sites and quaint villages.
• The Scottish Highlands: The Scottish Highlands, located in northern Scotland, are known for their rugged mountains, dramatic coastlines, and stunning natural scenery. Visitors can explore the region’s many historic castles, quaint villages, and outdoor activities.
• The Roman Baths: The Roman Baths, located in Bath, England, are a well-preserved Roman bathhouse and temple complex that date back to the 1st century AD.
• Liverpool’s Albert Dock: Liverpool’s Albert Dock, located in Liverpool, England, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to many museums, galleries, shops, and restaurants, as well as the Beatles Story museum.

The United Kingdom offers a diverse range of attractions and experiences that appeal to various types of tourists. Here are some of the most popular types of tourism in the UK:

1 – Cultural tourism: The UK is rich in history and culture, with many museums, art galleries, historic landmarks, and festivals. Cultural tourism in the UK includes visiting museums like the British Museum, attending cultural festivals like the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and exploring historic landmarks like Stonehenge.

2 – Heritage tourism: With its rich history and cultural heritage, heritage tourism is a popular type of tourism in the UK. Visitors can explore historic sites like castles, palaces, and cathedrals, like Buckingham Palace, Edinburgh Castle, and Westminster Abbey.

3 – City tourism: Cities like London, Edinburgh, and Liverpool are popular tourist destinations in the UK, with a range of attractions, entertainment, and amenities. Visitors can enjoy shopping, dining, and entertainment, as well as cultural and historic sights.

4 – Nature tourism: The UK is home to stunning natural landscapes like the Scottish Highlands, Lake District, and the Yorkshire Dales. Nature tourists can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and wildlife watching.

5 – Coastal tourism: With its long coastline, the UK offers many seaside destinations and attractions, like Blackpool, Brighton, and Skegness. Coastal tourism includes beaches, water sports, and seaside resorts.

6 – Culinary tourism: The UK’s diverse culinary scene is a draw for many foodies. Tourists can enjoy traditional British cuisine like fish and chips, roast dinners, and afternoon tea, as well as international cuisine and street food.

7 – Sports tourism: The UK has a strong sporting culture, with many iconic venues like Wembley Stadium and Lord’s Cricket Ground. Sports tourists can attend sporting events like football matches, horse racing, and tennis tournaments.

Tourism is a significant contributor to the UK’s economy, generating income and employment opportunities across various sectors of the economy. Here are some of the key economic impacts of tourism in the UK:

• GDP contribution: In 2019, the tourism industry contributed £145.9 billion ($201.5 billion) to the UK’s GDP, accounting for 7.1% of the country’s economy.
• Employment: The tourism industry supported over 3.1 million jobs in the UK in 2019, accounting for 10% of total employment in the country.
• Tax revenues: The tourism industry generated £31.6 billion ($43.7 billion) in tax revenues for the UK government in 2019, including income tax, VAT, and other taxes.
• Foreign exchange earnings: Tourism is an important source of foreign exchange earnings for the UK, contributing to the country’s balance of payments. In 2019, international tourism generated £28.4 billion ($39.1 billion) in foreign exchange earnings.
• Regional development: Tourism contributes to the development of regional economies in the UK, with many local businesses benefiting from tourism revenues. In 2019, tourism generated £78.3 billion ($108 billion) in regional gross value added (GVA).
• Infrastructure investment: The tourism industry requires significant infrastructure investment in transport, accommodation, and other services, which can generate additional economic activity and employment.
• Export earnings: Tourism is an important export industry for the UK, contributing to the country’s global trade. In 2019, international tourism generated £28.4 billion ($39.1 billion) in export earnings.

Tourism can have significant social impacts on communities in the UK, both positive and negative. Here are some of the key social impacts of tourism in the UK:

Positive impacts: Tourism in the United Kingdom can bring new cultural experiences, increase awareness of local traditions and customs, and promote intercultural exchange. It can also enhance community pride, create a sense of place, and bring cultural diversity to the local community.

Employment and income: Tourism in the United Kingdom can create jobs and income opportunities for local people. It can also contribute to poverty reduction by creating employment opportunities for disadvantaged groups, such as women and youth.

Improving community infrastructure: Tourism in the United Kingdom can provide funding for community infrastructure, such as new transport links, public facilities, and public spaces. These upgrades can benefit both local residents and visitors alike.

Negative impacts: Tourism in the United Kingdom can also have negative social impacts, such as overcrowding, congestion, and increased crime rates in tourist areas. It can also lead to displacement of local communities, particularly in areas where tourism development is extensive.

Environmental impact: Tourism in the United Kingdom can contribute to environmental degradation and loss of cultural heritage, particularly when infrastructure development is extensive.

Effects on social behaviours: In areas where tourism is the primary activity, the tourism industry can influence the cultural values, attitudes and behaviours of the host population, particularly if tourists have different cultural values and norms.

Therefore, it is important to implement policies and initiatives that promote sustainable tourism practices that minimise the negative impact of tourism and enhance its positive impact. This involves collaboration between policymakers, the tourism industry, and local communities to ensure that tourism development is balanced and preserves the unique cultural heritage and environmental resources of the UK.

Tourism in the United Kingdom can have significant environmental impacts on the UK’s natural resources, wildlife, energy, and climate change. Here are some of the key environmental impacts of tourism in the UK:

• Carbon footprint: Tourism in the United Kingdom is responsible for a significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions, which contributes to global climate change. Travel by air and road transportation, as well as accommodation and food production, are major sources of carbon emissions.
• Water resources: Tourism in the United Kingdom can lead to water consumption, especially during peak tourist season, which can put a strain on local water resources. It can also lead to waste water pollution, including sewage discharge from accommodation and tourist facilities.
• Waste management: Tourism in the United Kingdom generates a significant amount of waste, including food waste, plastic waste, and litter. Improper waste management can harm habitats, wildlife and pose risks to public health.
• Biodiversity: Tourism in the United Kingdom can have negative impacts on local biodiversity, including the degradation of natural habitats, destruction of ecosystems, and disturbance of wildlife.
• Energy consumption: Tourism in the United Kingdom generates high levels of energy consumption, including lighting and heating of accommodation, transportation, and tourist facilities.
• Infrastructure development: Tourism infrastructure, such as airports, highways, hotels, and resorts, can lead to degradation of natural areas, habitats, and fragile ecosystems, like coastal or mountainous areas.

Therefore, the UK government, industry and local communities have implemented sustainable tourism practices to minimise the environmental impact of tourism in the country. This includes initiatives to reduce carbon emissions, promote renewable energy, enhance waste management practices, improve water resources, and support biodiversity conservation. The use of eco-tourism, sustainable tourism certification, and Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS) for businesses is also promoted to help mitigate the environmental impact in the tourism industry.

Now that we know a bit more about tourism in the United Kingdom, lets answer some of the most common questions on this topic:

1 – What are the visa requirements for visiting the UK?

Answer: Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Citizens of many countries do not require a visa for tourist visits of up to six months.

2 – What is the best time to visit the UK?

Answer: The UK has a temperate climate, with mild temperatures year-round. However, the summer months (June-August) are generally considered the best time to visit, with longer days and warmer temperatures.

3 – What are some must-see attractions in the UK?

Answer: There are many famous attractions to see in the UK, including Stonehenge, Buckingham Palace, Edinburgh Castle, and the British Museum.

4 – What is the currency used in the UK?

Answer: The currency used in the UK is the pound sterling (£).

5 – Is it safe to travel to the UK?

Answer: Yes, the UK is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. However, visitors should take appropriate precautions and remain vigilant in crowded areas or tourist spots.

6 – How can I get around the UK?

Answer: The UK has a well-developed transportation network, including trains, buses, and taxis. London also has an extensive subway system called the Underground, or “Tube”.

7 – What types of food can I expect to try in the UK?

Answer: The UK is known for dishes like fish and chips, roast beef, shepherd’s pie, and bangers and mash, as well as traditional afternoon tea.

8 – What are some popular shopping destinations in the UK?

Answer: London has many famous shopping districts, including Oxford Street, Bond Street, and Covent Garden. Other popular shopping destinations include Manchester, Birmingham, and Brighton.

9 – What is the time zone in the UK?

Answer: The UK uses Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and observes daylight saving time from late March to late October.

10 – What is the emergency number in the UK?

Answer: The emergency services number in the UK is 999

As you can see, tourism Yellowstone is big business! However, it is vital that tourism here is managed effectively to ensure that sustainable tourism principles are adopted.

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Thousands protest against over-tourism in Spain’s Canary Islands

Demonstrators say mass tourism is overwhelming the Atlantic archipelago.

Tens of thousands of demonstrators have hit the streets of Spain’s Canary Islands to demand changes to the model of mass tourism they say is overwhelming the Atlantic archipelago.

An estimated 57,000 people joined the protests, which began at midday (11:00 GMT) on Saturday, Spanish media reports said, citing the central government’s representative in the islands.

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Flag-waving crowds packed the streets of the main towns across all of the archipelago’s seven islands, chanting and whistling, and holding placards with slogans like: “The Canary Islands are not up for sale!”; “A moratorium on tourism”; and “Respect my home”.

“It’s not a message against the tourist, but against a tourism model that doesn’t benefit this land and needs to be changed,” one of the protesters told the Reuters news agency during the march in Tenerife’s capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Smaller marches were held elsewhere in the island group and other Spanish cities, all of them organised by about two dozen environmental organisations ahead of the peak summer holiday season.

The protests were called by some 20 social and environmental groups who say tourist overcrowding perpetuates an economic model that harms local residents and damages the environment.

They want the authorities to limit the number of visitors and have proposed introducing an eco-tax to protect the environment, a moratorium on tourism and a clampdown on the sale of properties to non-residents.

“The authorities must immediately stop this corrupt and destructive model that depletes the resources and makes the economy more precarious. The Canary Islands have limits and people’s patience [does], too,” Antonio Bullon, one of the protest leaders, told Reuters.

‘We can’t keep looking away’

The archipelago of 2.2 million people was visited by nearly 14 million foreign tourists in 2023, up 13 percent from the previous year, according to official data.

Authorities in the islands are concerned about the impact on locals. A draft law expected to pass this year – one that toughens the rules on short lets – follows complaints from residents priced out of the housing market.

Canary Islands President Fernando Clavijo said on Friday that he felt “proud” that the region was a leading Spanish tourist destination, but acknowledged that more controls were needed as the sector continues to grow.

“We can’t keep looking away. Otherwise, hotels will continue to open without any control,” he told a press conference.

Anti-tourism protests have multiplied in recent months across Spain, the world’s second-most visited country, prompting authorities to try to reconcile the interests of locals and a lucrative sector that accounts for 12.8 percent of Spain’s economy.

The Canary Islands, which lie off the northwestern coast of Africa, are known for their volcanic landscapes and year-round sunshine attracting millions of visitors every year, with four in 10 residents working in tourism – a sector that accounts for 36 percent of the islands’ gross domestic product (GDP).

Before the coronavirus pandemic brought the global travel industry to its knees in 2020, over-tourism protest movements were already active in Spain, notably in Barcelona.

After travel restrictions were lifted, tourism surged, with Spain welcoming a record 85.1 million visitors last year.

More From Forbes

Fifa and aramco agree global partnership.

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Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and FIFA president Gianni Infantino sealed the partnership ... [+] between Aramco and FIFA.

Aramco, the Saudi state-owned oil and gas major, agreed a four-year global partnership with FIFA, global soccer’s governing body. The deal makes Aramco FIFA’s Major Worldwide Partner, and gives it sponsorship rights at the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup being hosted in the U.S. Mexico and Canada, as well as the 2027 Women’s World Cup. Aramco’s deal with FIFA is reported to be with $100 million annually and follows on the coattails of its new partnership with CONCACAF .

Signing lucrative financial agreements with state-run companies is nothing new for FIFA. Ahead of the 2018 Men’s World Cup in Russia, it signed a deal with Gazprom, the Russian gas company. In 2022 it did the same, making state airline Qatar Airways the main sponsor of the tournament. It also attempted to make Saudi Tourism the title sponsor of the 2023 Women’s World Cup, only to see the deal scuppered by public outcry. The larger issue is that by bringing on Aramco as a sponsor — the world’s largest oil and gas producer and the main source of funding for an authoritarian state — FIFA is eroding what limited credibility existed in its climate change strategy and human rights agenda.

As the climate crisis continues to accelerate, positive impact and emissions reduction plans are what is expected from global leaders, including soccer’s governing body. Sports’ power to change the world, and solve complicated political issues is routinely talked about, yet in a moment of need, FIFA has abdicated its leadership responsibilities, showing a lack of concern for climate change and human rights violations.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino says, “Aramco has a strong track record of supporting world-class events, but also a focus on developing grassroots sport initiatives.” Infantino is right about the former, over the past several years, Saudi Arabia — including Aramco, the Public Investment Fund and other state-owned companies — has secured over 300 sponsorship deals in 21 sports. There is no question the oil company has excelled at pumping money into elite-level sporting events and competitions. Excellent reporting from Danish research organization Play the Game has explained why Saudi Arabia is making these investments, and what the cost is for the integrity of the sports we hold dear.

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Amin H. Nasser, President and CEO of Aramco said, “Through this partnership with FIFA we aim to contribute to football development and harness the power of sport to make an impact around the globe. It reflects our ambition to enable vibrant communities and extends our backing of sport as a platform for growth.” This is the same CEO who just weeks ago at the CERAWeek Conference called on policymakers to “abandon the fantasy of phasing out oil and gas, and instead invest in them adequately, reflecting realistic demand assumptions.” It is therefore hard to understand how Aramco’s partnership with FIFA will “enable vibrant communities.”

In 2022, Aramco had Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions of roughly 71.8 million tons of CO2e. This is equivalent to those of Norway, and greater than those of over 140 countries. Forbes estimates Aramco’s 2023 profits to have been $156.4 billion, and lists the Saudi company's assets at $661 billion. Moreover, the Saudi Arabian state has routinely attempted to slow and obstruct UN climate talks and has developed an Oil Demand Sustainability Programme with the express purpose of creating new demand for oil and gas in Africa, and in the shipping and aviation industries.

Despite being a signatory of the United Nations Sports for Climate Action Network, FIFA has seen fit to seek sponsorship from the very industry that causes climate change. Furthermore, soccer’s governing body remains convinced that the sponsorship deal will help develop the sport globally. When asked how the agreement can be reconciled with FIFA’s Climate Strategy a FIFA Spokesperson said the following:

“In line with its statutes, FIFA reinvests its revenue, including the income of the Aramco sponsorship, in developing football worldwide. It is expected that in the 2023-2026 cycle FIFA will invest in excess of a record USD 3.9 billion in development and education. This includes FIFA Forward 3.0, the Football Development Fund and other initiatives such as women's football promotion and development, refereeing and technical development.

Without FIFA’s support more than half of FIFA’s member associations simply couldn’t operate and properly equip their youth and women’s national teams to participate in international competitions.”

What FIFA’s statement neglects to recognize is that by signing an agreement with Aramco, the governing body of the world’s most popular sport is giving the world’s largest oil and gas producer the license to continue operating in the same manner, which according to last year’s figures means producing 12.8 million barrels of oil equivalent per day at a time when production and emissions must cease. Moreover, the deal will provide Aramco the largest sports advertising platform available, spreading its name, image and influence around the world, everyday, during multiple game broadcasts for over a month.

As if the climate grievances surrounding this partnership did not create enough alarm, Amnesty International has condemned the Aramco becoming FIFA’s Major Worldwide Partner due to human rights concerns. “There is a cruel irony that a Saudi Arabian state-owned company should be considered fit to sponsor the Women’s World Cup when women like Salma al-Shehabopens and Manahel al-Otaibiopens remain imprisoned in the Kingdom for peacefully speaking out for gender equality,” said Steve Cockburn, Amnesty International's Head of economic and Social Justice.

Cockburn went on to say “With Saudi Arabia also currently being the sole bidder to host the 2034 Men’s World Cup, world football could be dogged by human rights violations for years to come unless urgent action is taken to address the country’s atrocious human rights record,” before calling on FIFA to seek binding agreements to protect the people from exploitation before awarding the Gulf kingdom the rights to the 2034 Men’s World Cup.

In just over 24 hours, there has been fierce public backlash to the sponsorship deal. Badvertising , the British organization campaigning “to stop adverts and sponsorships fuelling the climate emergency,” drew up a petition demanding the deal be terminated immediately. Fossil Free Football said the deal “sets the world’s most popular sport on a regressive course just as the global community must lower emissions by around 50% this decade.” Moreover, major U.K. media outlets including the BBC, the Daily Mirror and SportsPro Media have all published pieces laying out similar concerns with the deal.

What remains to be seen is if this backlash will create any change in behavior from FIFA or Aramco, or more importantly increase awareness among fans of the hypocrisy of this agreement.

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