Prominently visiting sites suffering from overtourism | Knowledge News

Several prominent places around the world have witnessed significant growth in tourism in recent years. While the growth of tourism has proven to be a boon for several destinations, it has also become a curse for others. As a result of overtourism, many prominent destinations are threatened with destruction.

Overtourism, representative image. (Photo credit: Unsplash)

New Delhi: In recent years, several visiting destinations have witnessed significant growth in the number of tourists. On the one hand, this important development plays a crucial role in boosting the social and economic lives of people who depend on tourism; on the other hand, it has turned into a curse for the places, which are facing several challenges due to overtourism. In a recent development, tens of thousands of residents of Spain’s Canary Islands have taken to the streets to demonstrate against overtourism and demand changes to the mass tourism model they say is sweeping the Atlantic archipelago. However, the Canary Islands are not the only destinations affected by overtourism; there are many more. In this article we will look at places that face the challenges of overtourism.

Rome: Rome is one of the most prominent destinations in the world and faces several challenges due to overtourism. Rome’s historical and architectural beauty is under threat of destruction as a large number of visitors flock to the city’s most popular sights to enjoy its beauty. An incident of overcrowding forced the authorities of the Spanish Steps, a famous site in Rome, to close and clean the visited site several years ago. According to Forbes, approximately $2 million was invested in repairs.

Mount Everest: While conquering Mount Everest isn’t on everyone’s bucket list, it’s hard for some of us to even think about visiting the place. However, the prominent destination, considered the highest mountain in the world, is threatened by overtourism. Although it is hard to believe, there is a long queue at the destination to reach the summit of Mount Everest. As a result, the mountainside becomes full of garbage.

Machu Picchu: Like Mount Everest, Machu Picchu faces several challenges due to overtourism. Located in the Eastern Cordillera of southern Peru on a mountain ridge 2,430 meters high, the site requires patience and has the potential to be explored. However, no special skills are required to reach the spot. As a result, the site attracted more than 1.4 million visitors in one year. The enormous flow of tourists turned into a curse for this UNESCO heritage. Considering this fact, UNESCO has come up with a special measure and limited the visitor limit to 5,000 visitors per day.

Venice: Venice, a city in northeastern Italy and the capital of the Veneto region, is one of the most notable overtourist destinations in the world. This beautiful destination has witnessed huge footfall in tourism in recent years. Travelers crowding the canals have led to the destruction of local cultures. The boom in tourism has increased the price of living in the city and forced the local families, who have called Venice home for generations, to move from the location. Moreover, the overcrowding also spoils the beauty of the streets as most tourists leave their garbage on the ground.