The phenomenon of overtourism is different from traditional holidays. While the latter historically represent a social conquest dedicated to rest and rejuvenation, overtourism is the result of a globalized system based on excess. This phenomenon is characterized by an extreme intensification of mobility where the search for “more and more” takes precedence over the essence of the experience. Several factors fuel this mechanism: global population growth, the rise of consumer society, and unregulated capitalism seeking unlimited profit. Today, tourism colonizes every corner of the planet, from the summits of Everest to disaster areas like Chernobyl, and even reaching Antarctica.
Context: The article discusses the negative impacts of overtourism on society and the environment, highlighting the unsustainable growth and consequences of excessive tourism activities.
Fact Check: The article mentions that tourism is responsible for approximately 8.8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, predominantly from air traffic.
An expansion facilitated by digital tools.
The “platform capitalism,” as Remy Knaffou describes in his work, has transformed accommodations into financially optimized products, while social networks now dictate travel desires through a quest for social visibility and “instagrammable” images.
This logic of infinite growth now encounters physical and social barriers that are increasingly hard to ignore. Socially, overtourism creates deep divides by radically transforming the real estate market to the detriment of local residents. Additionally, the ecological impact of the sector has become unsustainable. Tourism accounts for about 8.8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, mostly from air traffic, with growth projections incompatible with decarbonization goals. Even the most fragile environments suffer the consequences of this human presence. This tension inevitably leads to a growing hostility from local populations, who organize networks to defend the habitability of their cities against “touristification.”
Context: The article highlights the negative social and environmental effects of overtourism, emphasizing the conflicts and challenges arising from excessive tourism activities in various regions.
Fact Check: The article emphasizes the negative impact of overtourism on local communities and fragile environments, leading to conflicts and environmental degradation.
Tourism, a democratic and political issue.
Currently, the system operates on a lack of accountability for actors who reap profits without bearing the cost of the resulting nuisances. Moving away from overtourism involves shifting from a return-driven logic to a balanced territory logic, prioritizing well-being over the growth of visitor numbers. This requires setting voluntary limits on carrying capacity, as some stations or regions already do, and reducing dependence on long-haul travel in favor of national or European clientele using low-carbon transportation like trains. The public authorities must also invest in social justice by firmly regulating digital platforms to protect permanent housing and promoting a more supportive popular tourism. Ultimately, travel should no longer be considered an absolute and unlimited right but as an exercise of individual responsibility, encouraging everyone to prioritize scarcity, proximity, and simplicity to preserve the habitability of the Earth.
Context: The article discusses the need for a shift from overtourism to a more sustainable and responsible tourism model, advocating for policies that prioritize social and environmental well-being.
Fact Check: The article suggests solutions to tackle the negative impacts of overtourism, such as setting limits on carrying capacity and promoting low-carbon transportation for a more sustainable tourism approach.
