Overtourism and its Impacts on Local Communities

Overtourism (noun): The situation when a tourist destination experiences an excessive and unsustainable number of visitors.
Infrastructure (noun): The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society, such as transportation systems and utilities.
Off-peak (adjective): Not at the busiest or most popular time.
Promotion (noun): The action of encouraging or supporting the growth or popularity of something.
Tourist trap (noun): A place that attracts tourists and charges high prices or offers low-quality goods or services.
Respectful (adjective): Showing respect or polite behaviour towards others.
Friction (noun): Conflict or tension between individuals or groups.

This chapter discusses the concept of overtourism and its impacts on local communities, highlighting the negative consequences such as damage to natural resources, strained infrastructure, and increased pollution. It explores specific destinations like Mount Fuji, Venice, Machu Picchu, and Santorini that have experienced overcrowding due to mass tourism. The chapter also addresses the reasons behind the rise of overtourism, including the affordability of travel and the influence of social media and influencers.

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