Filenews 28 July 2024 - by Angelos Angelodimou
There is one issue that concerns almost the whole of Europe very strongly. In fact, this year much more than other years. And this is none other than overtourism. Indeed, not only does it concern most European countries, but it has provoked reactions and protests among the local population.
Here it is necessary to clarify that this problem does not concern Cyprus. However, there are two points in relation to this issue that those responsible here should look at. The first is the possibility that we can benefit from this situation. Overtourism in many European countries could perhaps create the opportunity to attract more tourists. On the other hand, we must take some precautions so that we do not encounter similar problems in the future. That is, to be careful what kind of tourism we attract.
According to international reports, which have been almost daily lately, from Santorini to Barcelona, from Venice to Amsterdam and from Mallorca to Lisbon, there are strong reactions from local populations to this phenomenon. This is because overtourism, among other things, has increased the value of real estate, making it difficult for residents to live in the city where they work. In particular, residents complain that housing has become unaffordable, public transport is not working, medieval city centers have become "Disney", water supplies are running low and anti-social behaviour is pervasive.
All this was inevitable that at some point it would provoke reactions. So protesters in Barcelona doused visitors to the city with water from water pistols during a demonstration in July, forcing them to "flee" from restaurant rooftops.
Meanwhile, over the past three months, anti-tourism protests have drawn 56,000 people across the Canary Islands and 10,000 people on the island of Mallorca, where locals got up early to "occupy" one of its most popular beaches on Instagram. On the southern coast of the mainland, more than 5,000 appeared in Malaga along with several thousand in Alicante and Cadiz. Understandably, the biggest problem seems to be in Spain.
But there was also an incident a few days ago, which took place in Santorini and caused a storm of reactions. Specifically, Panos Kavalaris, president of the municipal community of Thira, made an unprecedented post on social media, calling on locals to reduce their movements. "Another difficult day for our city and our island with the arrival of 17,000 visitors from cruise ships!! We kindly ask for your attention and as much as we can we reduce our movements !!," read the statement, which was later removed from his profile.
So what emerges is that it is important for local economies to attract tourists, but it is also important that the inhabitants of these cities can have a normal life. This has led several tourist destinations to start taking measures. Venice has become the first city in the world to charge a fee to visiting tourists as part of efforts to make it friendlier and more sustainable for its residents. The pilot project foresees a fee of €5 for day trippers to the city.
Also, across the Balearic Islands, a decree adopted in May bans people from drinking outside approved venues and orders party boats to stay away from shores.
San Sebastián has limited tour groups to 25 people to reduce sidewalk congestion. Barcelona has promised to close its 10,000 Airbnb-style apartments – which account for 40% of guests' beds – by the end of 2028.
Let us hope that we will not see such phenomena on our island and that tourism will continue to develop for the benefit of the economy, but also of the country's inhabitants.
