<
https://theconversation.com/crowds-water-guns-and-protests-could-slow-tourism-be-the-answer-to-an-overtourism-backlash-238316>
"With overtourism in the spotlight as the travel industry continues to rebound
after the pandemic, popular destinations around the world are feeling the
strain.
Bali is overwhelmed by waste and traffic, Australia’s sacred sites have
suffered environmental damage, New York is facing rising rents due to
short-term rentals, and Singapore’s scenic spots are becoming clogged with
crowds.
Frustrated locals are pushing back – from spraying water at tourists in
Barcelona to organising protests in Venice. As the northern hemisphere high
season ends, Aotearoa New Zealand is preparing for an influx of visitors ahead
of its summer tourism season.
And much like those other tourist hotspots, the government is looking at how to
manage the negative effects of tourism on local communities and the
environment. This includes tripling the international tourist tax from NZ$35 to
$100.
The aim of the increase is to attract tourists who are more mindful of their
impact and willing to contribute to its mitigation, while also reducing visitor
numbers to protect the country’s unique landscapes and cultures.
But are there other ways the tourism industry can evolve to ensure benefits for
both travellers and the communities they are visiting? So called “slow travel”
could be the answer."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
