Sustainable roadmaps needed to avoid overtourism

Urban tourism destinations must craft sustainable roadmaps in a bid to protect local communities from overtourism, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) said.

In its report titled ‘Overtourism’? Understanding and managing urban tourism growth beyond perceptions’, the UNWTO studied how to manage tourism in urban destinations to the benefit of visitors and residents alike.

“Over half of the world’s population lives in urban areas and it is estimated that, by 2050, this proportion will reach 70 percent. In addition, the growing number of urban tourists increases the use of natural resources, causes sociocultural impact, and exerts pressure on infrastructure, mobility and other facilities,” the report said.

The UNWTO emphasized that the recent growth of urban tourism requires the sector to ensure sustainable policies and practices that minimize adverse effects of tourism on the use of natural resources, infrastructure, mobility and congestion, as well as its sociocultural impact.

It added that increased reports of negative attitudes among local populations towards visitors, due to perceived overcrowding, noise and other issues, have led to the spread of terms such as ‘overtourism’ and ‘tourismphobia’ in the media.

“Governance is key. Addressing the challenges facing urban tourism today is a much more complex issue than is commonly recognized,” UNWTO secretary-general Zurab Pololikashvili said.

“We need to set a sustainable roadmap for urban tourism and place tourism in the wider urban agenda. We must also ensure local communities see and benefit from the positive aspects of tourism,” he said.

He added that tourism would only be sustainable if developed and managed considering both visitors and local communities.

“This can be achieved through community engagement, congestion management, reduction of seasonality, careful planning that respects the limits of capacity and the specificities of each destination, and product diversification.

The report is the result of collaboration between UNWTO, the Centre of Expertise Leisure, Tourism and Hospitality (CELTH), Breda University of Applied Sciencesm and the European Tourism Futures Institute (ETFI) of NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences.

“There is no one-size-fits-all solution to deal with overtourism. Instead tourism needs to be part of a city-wide strategy for sustainable development”, said Ko Koens of the Centre of Expertise Leisure, Tourism & Hospitality (CELTH) and Breda University of Applied Sciences.

The report recommends a common strategic vision among all stakeholders involved, bringing residents and visitors together and adopting careful planning which respects the limits of capacity and the specificities of each destination.

“The involvement and support of local residents is key in achieving sustainable tourism”, said professor Albert Postma of CELTH and NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences.