Is Tourism a Sign of Success or a Recipe for Disaster?
The tourism season is coming to an end, but let's stop for a minute.
In our previous articles, we have provided tips for sustainable travelling. We even shared with you a guide to volunteering throughout your travels, whether as a solo traveller, with friends or with family.
Now, if you took our advice, we would love to hear about your sustainable and responsible travels! Share your journey with our Green Cloud Nine community via social media or comment on this article.
Why are we so concerned with responsible and sustainable travelling? Mass tourism can have a devastating impact on local communities and environments. From overcrowding and resource depletion to cultural erosion and the displacement of locals, the consequences can be far-reaching. It's crucial to recognize that tourism should be a mutually beneficial relationship between visitors and local communities. But in many tourist hotspots around the world, that is unfortunately not the reality.
A Tale of Two Sides
Living in tourist hotspots such as Madrid and Bali gave me a unique perspective on this topic. Some countries/cities are better at managing tourism, so the impacts might not be even visible at first; others don't manage it at all or wait until it's too late. One of the most significant advantages, especially visible to me in Bali, was economic growth.
Economic Implications of Tourism
There is no doubt that tourism can create jobs and bring income to the region, but should a single country, region or island be dependent on such income?
When I arrived in Bali right after the pandemic and talked to the locals, I heard stories about the sudden poverty that the locals experienced. Neighbours literally had to help each other put food on the table. Luckily, things are returning to normal for the local people, but the island is still overly dependent on tourism.
Nowadays, development projects and tourism are booming. Although many locals are earning from this as well, the majority of the lands are not owned by Balinese people anymore; businesses are also often owned by expats or else, and many of these businesses (even those that charge European prices) would heavily underpay their staff.
I can see things changing as prices go up as people gain more knowledge. So, let's empower locals together!
Cultural Impact of Overtourism
Another aspect that I have observed is that tourism can enhance the understanding and preservation of cultural heritage. In Spain, for example, the influx of tourists has led to increased investment in the restoration and maintenance of historical sites such as Alhambra in Granada and the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. These iconic landmarks have become symbols of the country's rich history and culture, attracting millions of visitors annually. However, let me be the devil's advocate and state this isn’t the story everywhere.
Going back to my experiences in Bali, this extremely rich culture is still being preserved in many ways, but in my eyes, it is also depleting. While tourists are mostly keen to experience what I would call “Instagram life” and, on some occasions, witness traditional Balinese dances and ceremonies, there's a growing concern about the authenticity of these performances. As tourism increases, there's pressure to cater to the demands of visitors, potentially diluting the cultural essence.
For instance, the once-majestic Wayang Kulit, a shadow puppetry masterpiece drawn from epic tales and performed through the night, is now a fading art form. The scarcity of true Dalang (Puppeteer) masters underscores this decline.
Additionally, the rapid development of tourism infrastructure often leads to the erosion of traditional landscapes and lifestyles. Just have a look at a picture of cities in Bali a decade ago and compare it to today: beautiful rice fields are being replaced by sprawling villas. This unchecked development not only disrupts the ecological balance but also displaces local communities and erodes traditional lifestyles. The construction of resorts and hotels, while boosting the economy, often comes at the expense of cultural heritage and environmental sustainability.
Facing Environmental Challenges
These negative impacts are compounded by the increasing pressure on natural resources. Tourism demands fresh water, energy, and food, which can strain local supplies. In fact, massive hotel chains are already placing immense pressure on underground water resources, which are slowly diminishing.
Furthermore, the influx of tourists often leads to increased waste generation, pollution, and congestion, further degrading the environment. It’s only recently that my area in Bali started to separate trash. This isn’t even an option for people in villages, as there is little to no waste management infrastructure. Moreover, the traffic is also a massive problem here, with cars and motorbikes often taking double the time to get from point A to B.
Tourism must be managed sustainably to mitigate these challenges and preserve the delicate balance between economic growth, cultural integrity, and environmental protection.
The Many Flavours of Overtourism
Popular travel destinations worldwide are dealing with an influx of visitors. This phenomenon, often termed overtourism, is placing immense pressure on communities, environments, and cultural heritage. A complex interplay of factors is driving this trend, from the allure of iconic landmarks to the influence of social media.
Iconic Attractions
Classic tourist hotspots and popular tourist attractions, such as the Colosseum in Rome or the beaches of Bali, often struggle to accommodate the influx of visitors, leading to long queues, discomfort, and a diminished visitor experience.
The Influencer Impact
Social media platforms encourage people to visit places featured in photos and videos, which leads to overcrowding and environmental damage. It is sort of a psychological effect that we are prone to as influencers pose as authority for us to persuade and lead us towards certain actions.
The Power of Screen Tourism
Locations used in popular movies and TV shows attract fans, putting pressure on smaller destinations. This "screen tourism" often overwhelms smaller communities that are unprepared for the influx.
The Short-Term Rental Dilemma
Vacation homes and short-term rentals contribute to housing shortages and strain local resources. Interesting projects are, for instance, run by the city of Split in Croatia, where most locals rent out their apartments during the summer, but the city encourages them to return after the tourist season to prevent urban ghosting.
Party Tourism
Destinations known for legalized drugs or sex work attract tourists seeking specific experiences, often leading to negative behaviours. The concentration of tourists seeking these activities can disrupt the social fabric of communities, leading to resentment and conflict.
Budget Travel
While many tourists travel for cheap experiences, this often comes at a significant cost to local communities and the environment. Budget travellers seeking to maximize their trip while minimizing expenses may opt for accommodations and activities detrimental to the host destination. This can include supporting businesses that exploit workers and engaging in activities that harm the environment.
Moreover, the pursuit of cheap travel can devalue local products and services, as tourists often prioritize price over quality and authenticity. This can discourage local businesses from investing in sustainable practices and fair labour standards.
Peak Tourism
The concentration of tourists in specific seasons can exacerbate the negative impacts on local communities and environments. This uneven distribution of visitors creates challenges for businesses and residents alike.
Cruise Tourism
Large cruise ships can contribute to overtourism in port cities, as thousands of passengers disembark simultaneously. This can overwhelm local infrastructure and create environmental concerns.
Mass Tourism Packages
Pre-packaged tours often prioritize profit over sustainability, encouraging tourists to visit a large number of attractions in a short period, leading to superficial experiences and a disregard for local cultures.
Addressing overtourism requires a comprehensive approach that involves collaboration between governments, tourism industries, and travellers. Destinations can work towards a more sustainable and equitable tourism model by implementing a combination of strategies, such as tourist taxes, entry fees, time restrictions, and regulations on short-term rentals. However, it is essential to carefully consider the potential impacts of these measures on local communities and economies.
Ultimately, the goal is to strike a balance between economic growth and environmental protection while preserving the authentic character of destinations.
Managing Tourism for Success
Sustainable tourism offers a potential solution. Destinations can create a positive and lasting impact by prioritizing environmental protection, social equity, and economic viability.
One of my personal inspirations, other than Green Cloud Nine, is a hotel called Potato Head in Bali. This hotel chain is driven by its zero-waste mission, recycling all materials and trash, with a mere 3% of its waste going to the landfill.
“At Potato Head, we live by the mantra, 'Good Times, Do Good.' It’s not just something we say to make us feel better. We truly believe that doing good can be and is a blast. And over many years we have witnessed the way this approach to not only business but life has produced a positive ripple effect in communities outside our own.”
Potato Head
Their building designs upcycle old window sheds and flip-flops found on a beach in the area. At the entrance, guests receive toad bags and water bottles made from the plastic bottles that previous guests threw out into the trash. Through creative workshops, guests can learn about different sustainable crafting techniques and much more.
“Decision is the spark that ignites action. Until a decision is made, nothing happens.”
Wilferd Peterson
So, who says businesses cannot be sustainable?
Strategies for Sustainable Tourism
Tourism, a complex interplay of economic, social, and environmental factors, requires a holistic approach. While individual businesses like Potato Head can lead by example, systemic changes are essential for sustainable tourism.
Key strategies include:
- Community-centric development: Investing in local communities through responsible management, promoting rural tourism, and supporting local gastronomy can create a more equitable distribution of tourism benefits.
- Preservation of culture and heritage: Promoting cultural and heritage tourism while ensuring authenticity and community involvement can revitalize local traditions.
- Environmental stewardship: Preserving natural resources requires adopting sustainable construction and operations, conducting carrying capacity analyses, and prioritizing environmental protection.
- Economic diversification: Fostering other industries can reduce overreliance on tourism, enhance resilience, and distribute economic benefits more widely.
Leading by example, countries like Scotland and Finland demonstrate the potential for sustainable tourism. Scotland's commitment to rewilding and climate action aligns with global efforts to combat climate change, while Finland's focus on eco-tourism showcases the power of natural attractions. These nations have implemented various government initiatives to support sustainable practices.
Ultimately, achieving sustainable tourism requires a collaborative effort from governments, businesses, and communities. By learning from successful case studies and tailoring strategies to specific contexts, destinations can create a future where tourism benefits both people and the planet.
Article by Bibiana Eva Bartschova. I am an impact-driven researcher from Czech Republic. My passion for sustainability led me to Green Cloud Nine, as a writer and editor I am able to share with you knowledge contributing to a better world.
