Overtourism: How to be a responsible tourist - The Global Story podcast, BBC World Service

[@Angels2005]

I’m a hotel front desk agent for 30 years here in the big island of hawaii, I have experienced a lot from the tourist there are good and bad. Back in the 80’s, the tourist were more caring and more respectful, now a days a lot of tourists are more rude, demanding, and some of them when they check out they forget to even flush they’re own “shit” and leave trash everywhere. Our housekeepers are extremely exhausted and tired, I know it’s there job to clean the rooms for the next guests. Hawaii depends on tourism please do your part treat our islands like your home, show some respect, read and follow the rules of each resorts, we’re here to service you with Aloha ❤😊

[@IRINEU918]

I was in Salvador - Brazil, 20 years ago Iberostar, also has a Frontdesk worker . I remember the quality of the People from everywhere.... Today I am a Licensed local Guide in Rio de Janeiro, doing my Job Guiding a Group of 19 PAX, I was on the Way to Christo Statue, where in some point of the way, we need to stand till the line go ahead to get inside a Van, in the main time I need to take place in the front of our group, crossings one by one , because the way was narrow, a Latino Tourist MAN with a Child, in his arms, moved his feet, like if I didn't see his movement I could get down. I Don't know Why hi did that, perhaps his intention was not to allow me to cross the line, without know why I was doing that, acctually hi was not supposed to care as TOURIST, what Iam doing... and If I am doing that this my problem, not his . So A Tourist come to Rio de Janeiro, not to Visit the City, but to Create real Problem with the Locals. This is not Real !!!! Iam 53 years OLD. I Dont think I can Work with Tourist Anymore .

[@domdela5217]

Bad behavior isn't limited to tourism. Bad behavior is everywhere. Why do you think teachers are leaving their careers. I don't know what happened to parenting. P.s. I don't have any kids.

[@sushmaj15]

How can I contact you?

[@PHlophe]

@@IRINEU918 Salvador, Bahia, is the region i became familiar with because my aunt married a Brazilian and we now have a place to stay. But my first time there , i stayed a Hotel. Salvador is the most glaring case of very overt racism and very old school colonial selection and placement. and this is on top of it being full of smoke screens. Hotels are the most visible example of this. Front desk it is the white girls and occasionally a mixed girl for "seasoning". Dame de Chambres, all of them are overworked Black ladies with darker skin. same with gardeners , morning porters et.. literally all the demanding physical work with risk of potential injuries is done by Black people and all the local whites are just there for everything that isn't menial. Our tour guides, a few were mixed but their leads were all local white dudes. It was maaaaad uncomfortable and i felt terrible when a bloke i travelled with remarked that the set up reminded him of the painting a redenção de Cam . As a mixed guy myself just be around so much tolerated cyclical violence was disheartening. so to me a tourist being randomly rude to a local Black person , you guys really think that person is going to report when most Black youth are barred from Hotel fronts and "private beaches" because i have seen enough professional Black Bahians being randomly frisked all in the 10 days i spent there .

[@congruous-witch]

​@@domdela5217everyone now is afraid to traumatize a kid by teaching, so they don't teach them the world is not for their satisfaction only. In Russia it's a big problem now, especially in big cities they are extremely egocentric, don't understand the world is for all the people also, they shouldn't hurt other people, etc. Previously I thought physical punishment was inappropriate, but now I think that for some kids it's the only way.

[@tatzybatzy1286]

You are a guest when you travel is exactly what my grandmother used to say. Be a polite guest, not a rude intruder.

[@Halcyon-kw8nj]

But also don't be rude to tourists too

[@LindaC616]

​@Halcyon-kw8nj I get where the sentiment is coming from. I live in a tourist town, and we are currently experiencing problems because millionaires and corporations are buying up properties, and even local people are buying up houses and using them for short-term rentals. People who live here and work on this island can't afford to stay here because they cannot find a year lease. An apartment now goes for $2,400 every month, more than a mortgage. I was lucky to get a small 2 bedroom house a few years ago, with a good interest rate, for 380,000. It will bring me more when I sell it, based on location. A person needs $70,000 a month a year to live here, but the service industry does not pay that kind of a wage. What that means is that eventually, the town will be a town without young people, as only older retired folk can afford to live here. No young people means no schools, and no schools means you will not get firemen, police officers, teachers or nurses to move here. So I understand why they want to limit short-term rentals. I don't think they want to eliminate tourism itself. If they truly do, Portugal would probably be happy to take them

[@MsJubjubbird]

One of the reasons they closed Uluru and also the issue they are having on Mt Everest, is the amount of rubbish from tourists

[@JPcommunicates]

​@@MsJubjubbirdThe rubbish of people. Waste isn't an issue of tourists but people.

[@MsJubjubbird]

@@JPcommunicates The people going to those places are tourists. Places that aren't tourist attractions don't have high concentrations of people. Plus people have more regard for their own backyard

[@w.urlitzer1869]

I went to Japan, avoided Fuji, I took a slow train so saw plenty of it, and Kyoto, went to secondary quiet cities, and still got upset by tourist who couldn't behave. Japanese people told me it disturbed them a lot.

[@befree4820]

The worst tourist I've seem in my own country are the Japanese. So rude, so entitled.

[@izaskuncaro5662]

Now they banned some streets for the harassment of geishas….a shame…..that instant photos is ruined concerts too, now you don’t take one or two pictures, you’ve a camara recording the hole thing….what’s the point of enjoy the moment…..

[@LINJ638]

What is causing them to behave like this?????

[@bonitobonita9263]

@@LINJ638lack of respect and common sense

[@ReservedForAReason]

​@@LINJ638 Because Japanese yen is so weak, a lot more people could afford trips to Japan right now. Many of them are first time travelers, lacking experience, education, and respect. Such is the case of a Canadian teenager vandalized a Japanese temple built in the 8th century. Another issue is the businesses (often unlicensed) in Japan that are run by the Chinese living in Japan. They provide unlicensed lodging, tansportation, tour guides etc. all services in Chinese to visitors from China. The visitors behave as if they were in China; talking really loud everywherem, and not following traffic rules, not lining up to wait or not cleaning after themselves...

[@phisit8813]

“You are a guest …” 👍 that’s so true! Respect the local culture.

[@JPcommunicates]

Nope, because everyone is indigenous on earth. The borders are created by humans. Nobody is a visitor. There are just people who claim land as their own. Respecting culture is something what people choose. It's not anything what can be forced.

[@Itsallillusional]

​You stay home. It's exactly this type of attitude and selfishness that is creating problems around the world.

[@Ukie88]

Unless you are an illegal immigrant who doesn’t think HE needs to integrate in the host country.

[@Ukie88]

@@JPcommunicatesI can chose to call you down for disrespecting my culture. And I will.

[@hopedee5719]

​@@JPcommunicatesgtfoh. Only someone with a colonist mindset thinks like this

[@TruePeaceSeeker]

I am very glad you mentioned Bali. There has been tons of tourist abusing their tourist visa to harm the land and locals

[@hermesliteratus882]

It's very sad. But the local economy is heavily dependent on the tourism industry, they have little choice.

[@ljo847]

@@hermesliteratus882there are still a lot of domestic tourists

[@ArgeologicalMonkeyZone]

good

[@Bayernvern]

They chose the right guy who talks critically about that issue. He is the one who gets paid to promote places with a huuuge viewers base and as the result, brings the masses to new places and making them a new Bali!

[@monballet2295]

You forgot to mention the people who go on a trip not to do tourism, but to drink, party and not want to understand anything about the country they visit. In this type of tourists there is egocentrism and great lack of culture. Precisely in Spain we have good examples of your compatriots who come just to do what perhaps at home they would not dare to do... you have not talked about this tourist profile, and there are many. Thank you

[@Alberto-by1nq]

👏👏👏👏👏

[@chiara640]

Exactly! Very few people actually travel because they are interested in another countries’ culture, art etc. Most of the time is a ‘bucket list’, getting social media shots or party wild kind of travel…I live in a city overrun by tourists and unfortunately I see this everyday…

[@heatherfruin5050]

Yep, a lot of tourists who go to Bali are clueless when it comes to the rich local culture. My husband and I are lucky to have Balinese friends not involved in the tourist industry. Unfortunately we only get to see them once a year. Too many young people just want selfies at certain picturesque spots or a temple gate. It may look like noone else is around but there's a big queue waiting for the same shot. I'm so glad I went there years ago before the over tourism.

[@Discoverer-of-Teleportation]

exactly 💯

[@phil20_20]

That's what places like Hedonism II are for. These places are set up for it, so people should go there instead if they don't want to meet real people.

[@rougeur]

Explore the world with kindness and care! Be a responsible tourist, support local communities, and preserve the beauty of our planet. If you want to be successful have the mindset of the rich, spend less and invest more,. Don't give up your dreams, I pray whoever likes and reads this will be successful!

[@AllisonSherman657]

I agree with you and I believe that the secret to financial stability is having the right investment ideas to enable you earn more money, I don’t know who agrees with me but either way I recommend either real estate or bitcoin and stocks..

[@face2lune]

I keep wondering how people earn money in financial markets, i tried trading on my own made a huge loss and now I'm scared of investing more…

[@rougeur]

@@face2lune Understanding your financial needs and making effective decisions is very essential. If I could advise you, you should seek the help of a financial advisor. For the record, working with one has been the best for my finances...

[@face2lune]

Mind if I ask you to recommend this particular coach you are using their service? Seems you've figured it all out.

[@rougeur]

@@face2lune I get guidance from *Susan Tori Davis* Most likely, the internet should have her basic info..

[@annaliza230]

They said it all. Please travel but be conscious of the local culture, respect it. As simple as that.

[@hermesliteratus882]

But there will always be some uninformed, arrogant, ignorant, and entitled tourists out there making a bad name for all of us.

[@gosikh]

As a backpacker, we spend money in local shops and stay at local hostels. All that money stays in the region. Staying at high end hotels means all that money goes out to MNC hospitality companies.

[@LindaC616]

Thank you!

[@izzyrov5814]

The problem is, not anyone can stay in hostels. We'd like to have a relaxing not stressful vacation.

[@LindaC616]

@izzyrov5814 you don't have to stay in a hostel. You can stay in a hotel or a pensión.

[@martinmaynard141]

@@LindaC616 Yes. Most of my travels were based around hostals and pensiones. Some of them good some of them not so good. I hate the sterile "could be anywhere" hotels

[@deannab9511]

I think the point is there is still too many people in a particular area!

[@axnyslie]

What everyone is tired of is obnoxious wannabe influencers with a bad case of Main Character Syndrome ruining it for everyone, locals and polite tourists.

[@Shes.A.Sagittarius]

EXACTLY!!!!!!

[@SamWilkinsonn]

It’s so common these days for everyone to blame complex issues on one contributing factor.

[@jim2376]

@@axnyslie "Main Character Syndrome". Quite apropo. I'll remember that.

[@jiaheung4628]

Banning instagrammers and influencers would solve most of the overtourism problems

[@Shes.A.Sagittarius]

@@jiaheung4628 so true

[@LazyDaisyDay88]

Interesting points raised. My Aunt lives in a cottage in Bibury in the Cotswolds. She has (more than once) opened her front door and asked a party of Japanese tourists to kindly leave her private garden. They open her gate and walk in to take selfies - like its a miniature Disneyland. They all arrive in coaches inundating the few shops and tea rooms. Its the same in Burford where I live. Its the sheer amount of people that arrive at one time and the issues with their not having researched or been told what is and isn't appropriate. There is so little care and understanding. Selfie culture really gives me the ick.

[@MariA-nw5qx]

Just remembered the news in Kidlington years ago. The town was troubled by some Chinese tourists who walked into people's gardens without permission. If my memory was right, one of the towns folks began serving tea for a few pounds in his own garden. Genius.

[@sabinabirnie3761]

I live in Stow and one time I went into my back garden to find a Japanese girl photographing my garden having opened my gate and walked up my drive and another time I heard talking outside my front door to find a Belgian lady standing on my front path and under my porch asking her husband to take photos of the structure as she wanted him to make her the same front when back home! It’s extremely rude and disrespectful the way folks take it upon themselves to invade your privacy and property…. I hate it.

[@clairdelune7181]

日本人観光客が失礼な振る舞いをしてしまい、大変申し訳ありませんでした。海外旅行となると気持ちが浮かれ、大胆な行動をしてしまいがちですが、恐らく彼らは凄く素敵な庭に興奮し過ぎたのかもしれません。事情は全く理解していなかったと思いますので、入り口に『個人のプライベートな庭です。立入らないで下さい。』と、英語や立ち入り禁止のマークでもいいので小さな看板を立てて頂けますか?🪧😿🙏

[@LazyDaisyDay88]

@@clairdelune7181 That is very sweet of you. And my aunt has already put up a sign. When she is working on her garden, she now invites people in to take photos. Have a lovely day x

[@henrietta9206]

there are floating homes in Penang with visitors opening doors and walking into private abodes. They do not sell air tickets to good people these days.

[@brucebaldwin8348]

Same problem in Queenstown New Zealand workers living in their cars to service international hotels many of them foreigners on short-term work visas. It is about the dollars paying workers as little as possible and maximising the return to shareholders😢

[@LindaC616]

Same here in Newport Ri, IS

[@LindaC616]

But it's actually affecting locals who want to continue living here, and do not make $70,000 a year. Rents are now $2,400 a month for a basic apartment

[@daisy8297]

Canada is the same in tourist areas like Banff etc. there is no housing for the workers, who by the way, are foreigners as well.

[@whitneyanders5945]

Oh well. Complain to the NZ government and the Indian and Chinese governments about it. Indians and Chinese have taken over NZ and Australia and Canada. The Chinese are consistently voted as the world’s worst tourists and studies have been done showing they prefer giving Chinese business money as opposed to other local businesses. The money just goes back to China.

[@angeladawn805]

❤ I was going to say exactly the same. Extortionate rents for poorly paid workers.

[@cstone3178]

It is absolutely absurd this Selfie-madness.

[@edprestoza4099]

More like DISRESPECTFULLY AND SHAMEFULLY SELFISH SELFIE-MADNES.

[@solangelauthier2381]

@@cstone3178 It should be forbidden to take selfies in museums

[@moniquesilverans3842]

@@solangelauthier2381 En Italie il y a des endroits où on ne peut pas faire de photos

[@solangelauthier2381]

@@moniquesilverans3842 Et, en Italie aussi, où l on ne peut pas s asseoir sur les marches. Parfait.

[@axnyslie]

@@solangelauthier2381 A number of places have banned selfie sticks and take them upon entry.

[@aspiring...]

I have never stayed in an Airbnb. I hope this helps. I come from a country that depends on tourism. I understand there must be balance. Ultimately, the needs of locals must come first.

[@cyberfunk3793]

Needs of the locals like the work they have due to the tourists?

[@aspiring...]

@@cyberfunk3793 like water to drink and affordable housing. It said in the video.

[@Tourist-guide-Mateja]

Hotels do not employ locals, profits do not stay in the local economy- renting apartments you support local economy

[@LindaC616]

​ "needs of the locals" as in an affordable place to live while they are working in the store, restaurant, or Hotel downtown. She is right, and I am the same. I have never stayed in one and never would. Too many short-term rentals in our town because of people being greedy and making the profit off their second houses as well as corporations who are buying up every piece of property they can. Young people who want to have a life here can't do so because they don't make 70,000 a year. The pandemic exacerbated the problem.

[@LindaC616]

​@@Tourist-guide-Mateja you are not supporting locally economy by renting an apartment. You are creating noise for your neighbors, and taking housing from people who work locally. Hotels are going to hire the people who will take the lowest wage, regardless of where they come from. And sadly, people from other countries will take a lower wage than a citizen would. I have seen it happen. Businesses need to pay a living wage, and workers deserve to live less than 2 hours from where they work. I am on an island, ina tourist city, and we are going to see a time very soon when we cannot get people to work at the gas station or the supermarket because minimum wage will not support their driving down from the city an hour away and paying bridge tolls.

[@eii8794]

It’s really a pain now to travel pretty much anywhere. I’m so over it

[@OriginalBernieBro]

anywhere? There are so many destinations unknowned and less traveled.

[@123benny4]

This is my take on things: I don't travel because I want to, I travel because I have to. I don't call myself a tourist, but a visitor. I tend to plan trips where I can stay a month or even two. I only travel once every 5 to 7 years. I often go back to the same places again and again. I get to know the place, not exploit the place. My visits have a purpose: a camino, a workshop, a visit with friends or family that I have overseas. I've even worked in some places: London as an actor (U.K.) or Mexico as a teacher. It's to escape my lonely life here in Canada, where I'm stuck in a routine with my nose to the grindstone. I force myself to get out there to build my confidence, to experience new things, to get out of my comfort zone, to learn about the local culture and history. No cruise ships, no guided tours, no 7-day resorts, no paid luxury vacation in 5-star hotels. Yes, you see the iconic sights, but I much prefer going off the beaten path to discover something else. No selfies here. I leave technology at home. That's one reason I have to get away, to get away from that. I want to be set free from all those constraints and spend time wandering, sitting in cafes people watching, and spending time with people; be they family, friends, or people I met along the way. Travelling opens up a whole new world and is part of self-development, education, and contributes to bringing us together.

[@Clockwork.Lemon854]

This was nice to read.

[@josemenchu6764]

Bonita estancia y vivaz viaje para compartir cultura, exelente!

[@QuynhNhu102VN]

This topic is really engaging. Living in a tourist destination, I can see clearly the benefits as well as drawbacks due to overtourism. Travelling is great but just please respect, being a well-behaved guest☺️

[@thinking102]

YEAH NICE sentiment, they don't behave though do they, they are arrogant, rude, entitled, the majority do not behave well, I hate long weekends even when our local cafe gets crushed out and they spread out like fat cats in the sun, its gross.

[@Nick2Stix]

i live in Haiphong City. No tourists but plenty of work and industry.

[@SkyeAten]

Benefits? Do share which ones? I couldn't afford to live in my own city (Cape Town) because rich Americans and Europeans keep buying up real-estate and renting it out at prices no local could dream to afford. I literally ended up moving countries. Best part? The local white people who have lived there since birth receive ALL the blame for the inequality between black and white people, but white locals can't afford those neighborhoods either, I literally nearly starved... so I took the first chance I had out of that country 🙄🥴 I was lucky... most aren't.

[@雨-s1q]

I live in Japan. One issue is what was also mentioned on the show: It concentrates on very few places. Everyone wants to see the big temples in Kyoto, so everyone goes there. The smaller cities around Tokyo that are easy to get to, like Kamakura, are flooded. On the other hand there are many places in Japan that see very few foreign visitors, even though they are worth a visit. In a country that has pronounced it a goal to increase the number of tourists, I think the first thing to do would be to promote tourism into those areas, to at least not add further stress.

[@のりづけ]

もうしてるだろ 人気のない自治体が「ようこそ」ってかかれたプラカード引っ提げてんのに 東京とか大阪の陰に隠れてよくみえないんよ 実際に「効き目のある観光の促進情報」なんざ海外圏のインターネットの動画とか写真がメインなんだから 政府とかが無駄に取り組むより 海外の人の拡散動画とかのほうが遥かに効果がある それなのに東京ばかり拡散するもんだから こんなことになってる

[@noorchawla3968]

Hi. We are planning a trip to Japan and learning how to respect the japanese locals from Google. Reading about overtourism conflicts with my zeal to see new places. So I am inclined to visit less strained places. If its ok with you, can you please share some places that are less visited so I can include them in my itinerary. Also, any tips ok what to do to respect locals? Thanks

[@雨-s1q]

@@noorchawla3968 Really anything outside of Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara and Hiroshima is going to suffer from overtourism a lot less. You can choose basically any other place and not be part of the problem.

[@cdyd5409]

I’ve been to Gifu(gero onsen)and Nogaya before, but I have to say these two places are quite boring.

[@susanrogers7164]

I have just come back from Barcelona, the influencers draping themselves over Gaudi's masterpieces, hogging views was disgusting, so self involved and selfish. It was laughable to see these idiots.

[@jilly5950]

I agree with your comments. Same thing in Malaysia/Thailand people queuing for selfies couldn't see because of them, really pissed me off. I am lucky enough to do most of my travelling before smart phones and selfies where invented!!!

[@LindaC616]

The same thing happened to me in Ireland a few years ago. I wanted to revisit a place in the country I had seen and did not have a rental car, so I took a bus tour. There were four guys traveling on business at the front of the bus, and they were the first ones out the door at every single stop. Rush to the overlook, take their pictures, and then sit there, ignorant to the fact that they were blocking everyone else's views and photo opportunities. It was the most selfish thing I had seen in a while

[@martinmaynard141]

A number of years ago I went to the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, took the lift to the top of one of the towers and on my way down their were 2 girls doing a photo shoot and they wanted "no one" to get in their way - entitled attitude or what.

[@margauxkol8124]

​@@LindaC616couldn't you use your tongue and tell them to take their asses out of the view ? I never hesitate even for a sec.

[@camiller4916]

Influencers r so self entitled. We thought they were so ridiculous that we’d stand right next to them and do the over-the-shoulder pause and look back. One lady told me to move and I was so exhausted that I said no, I can’t move right now. Ur gonna have to crop me out.

[@solangelauthier2381]

Tourists who do not travel in groups, dress appropriately, do not hit you with their backpacks and generally behave themselves do not cause problems

[@supriadiramlan5545]

that what u said was "more seasoned" traveler, of course they behave well :) i agree with u most the "annoying " tourist was that in travel group (meaning the newer in travel) so they still learning, what we can do is to inform them with good info so they can get "seasoned" faster :)

[@vivdoolan6846]

But if you have loads of people turning up it doesnt matter how polite they are there are just too many people

[@solangelauthier2381]

@@vivdoolan6846 which is true too

[@solangelauthier2381]

@@supriadiramlan5545 « Still learning » what ? They are not 3 years old, they should know ! Manners begin at home. They only take their bad manners with them when travelling.

[@TheSpanishNotebook]

​@supriadiramlan5545 I wouldn't consider myself a "seasoned" traveller, unfortunately (I wish). However, I'm simply a polite, respectful person who appreciates the places she visits and tries to blend in. I don't travel in groups (no, thanks), actually, lately mostly on my own. I think it's an attitude and personality more than having traveled a lot. Personally, I think "all-included" have completely corrupted travel. That's the different between a mindless "tourist" and the mindful TRAVELLER.

[@bartolobartolotti4974]

I live in a destination of growing success. In everyday life I can say that I don't see "personal growth", "relationships between different cultures". It's basically a rush to check off some item on a "bucket list" with no real interest in what the tourist sees. It's all based on stereotypes and well known things. Well recognisable, without surprises. Among other things, everything must be as expensive as possible in relation to the low quality of the offer.

[@juliagardner9750]

I have been travelling for over 40years!!I have returned to places I have loved...oh what a mistake.Over tourism and just too many people.Timed entry into many places and towns is one solution.

[@SkyeAten]

Ah must be a boomer... money for 40 years worth of global travel. Probably own 2 homes as well. Yeah, over tourism is bad, so don't contribute to it anymore, you've had your fun. Plenty of.

[@NewReality-e3r]

I dont travel at all. So this is my contribution to make good environment in a lot of places! Good luck to all of you! 😊

[@mao73a]

So do I. I am concerned about co2 emissions. I perceive this travelling fashion as a madness.

[@The-Dirty-Straw]

Dear God, do people actually live this way dogmatically?

[@cathynewyork7918]

How sad that you do not travel - how sad that you are not interested in learning about other cultures and visiting world-class museums and cultural sites and learning more about our world.

[@sacredbulla2010]

@@cathynewyork7918 There is more than one way to learn about different cultures. Besides, I'm not sure that the majority of travelers are there to learn.

[@cathynewyork7918]

@@sacredbulla2010 Even if not trying to learn, a person is bound to learn something about another culture by travelling to another country. You wanting to stay in your bed and go nowhere is very sad.

[@VirtualTeds]

I live in Japan and overtourism is crazy here. It is impacting work commutes for locals on already packed trains. If I were in a position to do so, I would charge an entrance tax on people coming from abroad and hotel taxes both national and local. The tax should exceed what is required to deal with tourism issues, but also go to offsetting the income tax and residential (local) tax burden. I would also tax international chain hotels at a higher rate since they will mostly send their profits abroad.

[@erikalin3782]

Can't agree anymore 🙌

[@bruteforce_programmer4942]

Ask the government to stop promoting the country may be more effective

[@李洋-k4f]

@@bruteforce_programmer4942exactly, then they f**k off their economy and cry out to bring tourists back, total nonsense

[@LindaC616]

People are floating that idea where I live, a tourist City on the east coast of the US

[@person.X.]

It is a bit hypocritical of the Japanese though. During the heyday of their economy hordes of Japanese tour groups used to overwhelm popular attractions in Europe, US, Australia etc. At the time there was little foreign tourism into Japan so they could have their cake and eat it. Now the tables are turned. In my experience the Japanese are polite but extremely xenophobic and so it only takes tourism to go beyond a low threshold before the mask drops as they cannot cope. Imagine if Japan had the level of tourism in Europe or Thailand? They are not even close to that.

[@yeyramos1]

Skip travelling to Barcelona. Have told my friends to cancel all tour in Barcelona this November. Change of plan

[@ArgeologicalMonkeyZone]

you should have a trip

[@jonpostigo4381]

The problem is the gentrification of the cities. Airbnb has destroyed the market, making impossible por locals to rent. This turns the cities into photocopies, so artificial.

[@roddo1955]

My own city isn't even a real tourist place. But it is being gentrified. The old centre is turning into a place for the rich and the normal people are pushed to the outskirts. It's starting to look like London.

[@jaad9848]

@@roddo1955 Its because the issue isnt tourism but tourism is scapegoated. Everyone is experiencing crazy inflation and gentrification and the locals are all finding scapegoats.

[@silentwilly2983]

Airbnb is just a minuscule fraction of the housing. Pretty shallow to blame it for the problems of gentrification. Gentrification is a far more complex issue that happens in non-touristy areas too. It has to do with the economic system, with the power of money, with the policies of local government etc.

[@LindaC616]

​@@silentwilly2983 it is more than the 1% quoted. In part, because it has spawned illegal rentals of the same nature. I live in a tourist town on the East coast, and it has been a problem for at least 10 years. Millionaires and corporations are buying up properties as well as local people who are doing it for a second income. People who work in the service industry can't afford to live where they work, because it costs $70,000 a year to live here, and we don't have enough jobs that pay that. Eventually, what you will wind up with is a town full of old people. All old people means no kids in the schools, so the schools go away. No schools means you will not attract new firemen, police officers, nurses, teachers. The word on the street for years now, anyway, has been that the millionaires wanted their Island back, and I think they're getting it. I had been 10 yrs in an apartment in an old mansion that sold a few years ago. It displaced five people or couples and they did it to overhaul the inside and then market it to sailing teams for 2 months out of the year. Instead of housing 5 to 8 people for a year, it now maybe houses a sailing Team 2 months out of the year. The first year, they wanted $125,000 a month. The second year, they wanted $95,000 a month. This year, I see they are asking only $20,000 a month. The building brought in more rent when we all lived there. Fortunately, I was able to find a place for less than $400,000 and a good interest rate. It will sell for almost twice as much when I leave, in spite of the fact that it is a very basic two-bedroom house, based purely on its location. Spain has had an issue with finding housing in cities for young people and people wishing to start their own family for at least 20 years. Airbnb has just exacerbated the problem

[@MsJubjubbird]

@jaad9848 in small towns a lot of people out of town but up the real estate then rent them out as holiday rentals. It means the locals can't find affordable places to rent as holiday rental prices are three times more expensive than long term rental prices

[@gudlisner501]

Recently in Galway I had a conversation with English tourists that were very keen to know what life was like for the “ex-pat community” here in Galway. On further questioning this discovered that they meant “British Immigrants” and that arrogance is the nub of the matter. I explained that I lived and worked in London for eight years and was considered to be an Irish immigrant all the time I was there. I could quickly see that they weren’t “getting it” so I bid them good day.

[@timp3931]

The Irish always hate the English and vice versa.

[@PHlophe]

to be fair, whites in general ( irish included y'all are doing the most too ) DO NOT like the world "immigrants" applied to them. hence the stylish "ex-pat". and "settlers" . it screams "we are not like those brown and black people over there". even though economic immigration i usually the reason people emigrate. My dad is white and during lockdown i actually overheard him refer to himself as "expat". eventually i had to let him know , but like how can you be an expat when you've raised a whole family outside your own country and your grand kids are not even from your home country. This is pervasive because i have heard of white quebeckers refer to themselves as "Canadiens de souche" too. They dont even process it , how bizarre that sounds. As if they are Chippewa or oJibway

[@Muddrelks]

I also visited Galway recently and completely agree! Anyone who refers to themselves as an ex-pat is guaranteed to be a self-centered, arrogant person. I'd add that when I was there Galway was full of loud, arrogant Americans, who were very rude and inconsiderate of people around them. Such a shame, because I loved the city!

[@matthewbarry376]

​@@Muddrelksway too many "Expats" coming to Ireland. The other immigrants are also a problem but Brits really do think Ireland is just another place in the UK. Pushing up prices especially in the West of Ireland. It's just colonisation.

[@marychristmas4911]

Stay in hotels, guest houses and apartments built for tourists, avoid housing on Airbnb, it's destroying communities.

[@Staronqueen]

I have travelled to several countries on four continents and I have never ever stayed in an Airbnb. I don’t care to stay in someone else’s home. I am a budget conscious traveling but comfort, cleanness and safety is my number one priority when I am traveling away from my home country. I like the smell of bleach in the bathroom on the towel and the bed linens so to speak.

[@5995Jiol]

Real tourists don’t do airbnbs cause comfort and cleanliness is a priority

[@LindaC616]

That's the ticket

[@whitneyanders5945]

I’m a real tourist who has stayed in airbnbs many times. Never stayed in a non clean or unhygienic place though.

[@Itsallillusional]

​@@whitneyanders5945Airbnb also contributes to the housing shortage locals are facing in almost every country.

[@KeepWalkingNeverStop]

Im from Athens, Greece, have lived in Amsterdam, NL, for 8 years, and have recently repatriated to Greece in Paros. I work in a hotel and can only afford to do so because I have my own place on the island. Airbnb has ruined the island and has made accommodation absolutely unaffordable. There is no housing, not even for doctors and teachers who are desperately needed here. The resulting staff shortages put immense pressure on local workers who have to do double shifts to make up for the lack of employees on the island caused by the shortage in housing. The cost of accommodation has also made tourists feel a massive squeeze on their budgets, preventing them from going out to taverns, boat trips, and destinations around the island outside of Paroikia (capital) and Naoussa. We get all the negatives of over tourism with too many people concentrated on the main villages, and many tourists cannot stretch their money enough to truly enjoy all that Paros has to offer. All we're left with are obnoxious and entitled rich American tourists who drive up prices and only know how to be American, messing with our local way of life. A lose-lose situation for us all.

[@sylviaweimholt2309]

😢

[@inday.strolls]

It's great to see this increasing awareness of overtourism and its profound implications for local cultures and the environment. Recognizing our impact when we visit these destinations is crucial, prompting us to adopt measures that safeguard their sustainability.

[@xinbeicao6885]

Absolutely no mention of the environmental impacts of air travel…? International travel has become so ingrained in this consumer culture that people are internalizing this social expectation by convincing themselves that travelling is a life-changing event even when it is not. I can have just as much fun discovering every nooks and of crannies my own city.

[@macsmiffy2197]

I don’t have a passport anymore, travelling has become very stressful. My idea of a holiday is going out for days and coming home to sleep in my own bed.

[@charleneware6574]

I am new to international travel. For the first time in my life I can afford it and I am itching to explore and learn. To see how "entitled travlers" dirty up the places they visit makes me cringe. I don't want to be "that" tourist. I have planned my vacations around public transport, local activities (cooking classes and such) and eating like the locals. I hope that locals from other countries will appreciate this and welcome me as I would them if they came to visit my home.

[@bless-294]

Same immediate concerns, the locals in Bohol, Philippines are experiencing illicit drugs influx, local foods harder for the locals to afford, less water availability for the locals since supplies are routed to the tourist establishments.

[@moniquesilverans3842]

C'est la même chose à la Côte d'Azur où les hôtels en bord de mer pompent toute l'eau et les habitants de l'arrière-pays ont des problèmes d'approvisionnement d'eau donc le tourisme détériore la qualité de vie des habitants

[@user-bl7tm5km5o]

this problem also happens in Japan it is so serious problem I often hear the news about scribbling shrine and temple we want to respect our culture😢 if you visit Japan,I want you to behave like other Japanese people 😢 （i have just started learning English,i can’t explain it well,,,sorry 😭）

[@JagaRico14344]

yes Indeed. Like S Koreans leaving hotel room full of GARBAGE and Food leftover 🤮 And yeah Chinese are worst 😤

[@Littleraccon]

あなたの英語は素晴らしいです! :) 他人の家を傷つけるのは失礼です。:( Your English is great! :) It's disrespectful to hurt someone else's home. :(

[@pseudotatsuya]

日本人も海外で落書きよくやってたのよ

[@louisesouthgate5231]

Excellent English! 👍

[@babyboo3236]

You are absolutely right. Japan is a beautiful, culturally rich country I love visiting and as guests of your amazing country we should always be respectful. Domo arigato gozaimasu.

[@noland345]

We have the same problem here in Thailand. A lot of misbehave tourists.

[@gaillessard2786]

Always in comment sections, you see people bitching about other people. People are bad. People are selfish. People are rude. But it's never them that they're talking about. It's always other people.

[@GR8Tmate]

Poorly behaved people are generally the minority, so that kind of makes sense. In my country, tourists that misbehave, let’s just say, the go missing. I believe many of them End up in landfill somewhere, it’s the circle of life 🙂 Please be respectful when You visit my island 😊

[@LindaC616]

​@@GR8Tmatesadly, on my island, they make life hell just about every night of summer. We used to enjoy the fall, now we get the Leaf peepers (even though we don't get good fall color here on the coast). So we basically get to enjoy a few cold months in the winter being able to visit our own restaurants, pubs, etcetera without spending an hour looking for parking or dealing with drunken bast#(ds in the streets

[@GR8Tmate]

@@LindaC616Linda, I just won’t tolerate it here but I live on the most pristine island in the world, I eject poorly behaved tourists if I come across them 😂. You need to adopt my policies there 😂👍

[@LindaC616]

@@GR8Tmate we wish we could....in the summer months, our name.changes from "Newport" to "Zooport" 😔

[@AminaPhilosophy]

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@helencarter4905]

I am so happy that I explored Europe several times over my 73 years albeit I visited Rome and Venus and Paris…the City of lights!

[@Not-So-SuperheroAcademy]

As a local living in Croatia, I can personally attest to how tourism has turned our lives upside down. Prices for everyday essentials have soared, making it tough to afford basic things like groceries and housing. It's heartbreaking to see our beautiful hometowns transformed into tourist hotspots while we struggle to make ends meet. The charm of our local communities is fading, and many of us are feeling left behind. We really dont want tourist here anymore!!!

[@CuteCatsofIstanbul]

I don't think there is a solution. More and more people from all around the world - 8 billion of us - we all want a better life, we all want our dreams to come true, we all want to travel (I personally don't, but I'm the minority). More tourists is a reality for every single destination on this planet (and beyond!). More tourists means huge issues in every single country. These destinations will belong to tourists, not the locals. AirBnB like rentals, expats, people working from 'home' they can move to anywhere they like = house rental/sale prices will skyrocket. More people more problems. Add the mix of climate crisis to the mix ... the future is grim.

[@xcel5203]

Simply horrible just thinking about it .I love travelling but I'll definitely not travel to some of these destinations which have now become obnoxious due to becoming victims of over-success .

[@LindaC616]

​@@xcel5203I have never and would never stay in an Airbnb because of the troubles that people in my city experience due to short-term rentals

[@Itsallillusional]

​@@LindaC616Yes they're causing huge lack of rental housing problems in countries as well as, in local neighborhoods.

[@LindaC616]

@@Itsallillusional yes, 3 years ago when I had a great salary, I got a letter at the end of July telling me at that we had to be out of the building by October 1st. They had sold the building and wanted to overhaul it. It was an old mansion that had been divided into apartments with a business on the first floor. Now, it is one mansion and they have tried to Market it to sailing teams for only the two months out of the year when there are sailing races here. At first, they asked for $195,000 a month for those two months. The next year it went down to $90,000 for those two months. Now, I see that it's at $20,000 for those two months. Our 5 Apartments brought in more than $40,000 a year. Such a shame. Luckily, my situation allowed me to find a place because rents were $2,400 a month which would have been 50% of my take-home salary. So I found a place and I now have a mortgage, which is cheaper than a rental. But it took me 5 or 6 weeks of driving 5 or 6 hours a day, bidding on houses and losing them to people with a suitcase full of cash, and getting a place at the last minute

[@shawnbell6392]

Japan is truly driven by its very deep culture. If your interest is a selfie of Mount Fuji and to drive the Mario carts in Tokyo and you have no interest in the culture and can't respect other places and other people than don't go. Its a long way to fly for such shallow and impacting behavior. This is what I support in my opinion as a life long traveler.

[@MikeManning-p8u]

Traveling is so stressful. Especially being at the airports. The time that I spent rushing through the crowded airports, waiting in long lines, walking for almost an hour to get to the terminal, carrying heavy bags and suitcases, dealing with delays and cancellations, eating bad and expensive food at the airports, dirty and crowded bathrooms, sitting in small seats and packed airplanes, sitting next to screaming babies, dealing with sick people on the airplane. It added up to be a big stressful experience.

[@dagmaranja888]

So true!

[@lajjbee]

In that case, don't travel Millions of people haven't been able to set foot in a plane Thousands are yearning to be able to travel once in their lifetime

[@nagendrabudhathoki2867]

Don't travel with 'heavy bags and suitcases'. Travel light. Simple as that. Makes your life a lot easier.

[@BarnaliD]

@@nagendrabudhathoki2867 Boy did I learn my lesson the hard way this time around forgetting that I SHOULD NOT HAVE HAD CHECKED LUGGAGE! It's a great way to miss connecting flights. They are heavy, cumbersome, annoying to go through and look at every time I change destinations. If you are going to more than one destination on your itinerary, do carry on only. "Travel light" is going to have to stick with me the next time around.

[@demayoexperience]

That’s stressful to you? Dang.. that’s just my Tuesday

[@KateWitt]

In Seattle we don't have a lot of tourists but when the cruise ships dock and we get tourists for a couple of days, it's always really nice to see them. So I guess the key is to find the places that want you to stop by and spend money. 🤷

[@LindaC616]

Be careful what you wish for. I am in Newport Rhode island, and those tourists buy mostly tchotchkes. They can eat on the ship, and they don't spend large amounts of money, and meanwhile just cause all sorts of problems downtown with traffic, congestion, Etc

[@bndergltd3053]

Seattle and Olympia state park are on my travel list in the near future. Glad to know that I will be welcome as a tourist there 😀. I don’t have any interest in going in a place where tourists are not welcomed so I guess it’s a win-win for me and that place.

[@KateWitt]

​@@LindaC616 TBH we need more people going to the Market and other stores downtown to offset the fentanyl users. Not too worried about Seattle. We like our visitors.

[@lyndakling901]

The cruise ships have destroyed many cities….

[@hansteichmann]

I thought Seattle was a no go zone with antifa and with the woke government there. I’d love to visit Seattle but I have the feeling I wouldn’t feel safe at all.

[@bpxl53yewz29]

There’s a great increase in tourism because people post selfies boasting where they’ve been. If you don’t want that place you visited to become a crowded stampede, don’t post photos on social media. People just don’t think.

[@Itsallillusional]

That's on the selfie obsessed though not the locals.

[@paperplane-db8qf]

@@Itsallillusionalbefore selfies people were posing for pictures and asking someone else to take it. Nothing changed except the selfie gen stopped bothering someone else.

[@anawiener150]

Traveling is one of the best things in life, let’s do it with responsibility. It needs education. Learning about the places, about people, about different cultures is so interesting. And logically massive travelers are causing madness in locals. Everything in extreme is terrible. I do not travel to crowded places anymore. It’s such a different world!!! Let’s change things for the best of humanity and for the planet.

[@Tourist-guide-Mateja]

Thank you for mentioning Slovenia 🇸🇮 and our Ljubljana. Slow travel is in, stay longer, plunge in our culture, experience with locals, months between October and May are marvellous, December is magical ❤

[@zamar2158]

As long as they don't change your culture.

[@TheSparga]

I stayed there for two incredible weeks, such a beautiful city.

[@vesnacrncec6268]

Ljubljana center is overfloded with tourists. Have you been there this summer? You oviously haven't.

[@googledoodle3977]

Travelled to Mongolia twice through work, was a incredible place this Ulaanbatar,it’s a city part of the silk route, get to see the story of this with depiction of statues of double humped Bactrian camels, land race Bankhar dogs and the Mongolian horses that was made famous with Ghengis,Chingghis Khans conquest of the world ,when I visited Ulanbatar it was -17 C ,was indeed a great experience of my lifetime. Another one standing on the Tropic of Capricorn in the Australian town called Emerald, and seeing a turtle 🐢 swim freely in Dalrymple Bay ,was truly amazing.

[@googledoodle3977]

Then was in Gold Coast after taking a train from Brisbane, a sea gull swooped and tried to snatch the cookie in my hand, plenty of sea gulls in Gold Coast.

[@googledoodle3977]

The best thing was to go almost 2 kms depth underground mine in Kiruna ,Lapland in Sweden…… one heck of a experience, with just some vents here and there for air circulation, imagine how challenging situations miners face , fascinating and dangerous job.

[@googledoodle3977]

Then was in Lone Pine koala sanctuary in Brisbane have a pic of holding koala in 2002 ,it was long back , again I went toLone Pine Koala Sanctuary this year, could see lot more animals, had a long walk for 4 hours seeing Kangaroo , the Tassie, Kookaburras, cassowary,Emu, few ducks , possum, Dingo,red tailed black cockatoo, Australian lizards . Then went for a coffee to Mount Coot-Tha, you can see the meandering Brisbane River…….was very close to the Story Bridge in Brisbane, everyday could see the lights being changed and had a lovely walk around the wonderful Brisbane river,it’s such a pleasant experience……But prefer Australian outbacks, small quaint towns,with only a few thousand people.

[@googledoodle3977]

I really liked the Southern Hairy nosed Wombat, they are so cute and cuddly,the platypus was kept in a dingy environment,the Parakeets, Parrots, Finches, Galah, but way back in 2002 there were more birds and cassowaries,this time around, didn’t see much cassowary.

[@nicktw8688]

My advice….travel to destinations in their off-season. It’ll be calmer, more authentic, definitely not busy. Even in off-season, any destination can be interesting. For example, travel to Egypt in the hot season, you just need to adjust your touring and do it at dawn before the blazing heat.

[@fnma21]

Not easy when you travel with kids. With don't have the liberty to travel any time we want, on school holidays only, sadly.

[@thatguy8869]

More authentic is almost always better.

[@englishtea9163]

I'm a teacher. I cannot travel any time. Only in summer, during a high peak.

[@Fyrestar101]

I think this is my favorite Global Story so far!!

[@ArgeologicalMonkeyZone]

that right

[@edwarding4355]

In June 1989 I stayed two nights in San Gimignano. There weren't huge numbers of tourist numbers. If there were, most were day trippers. I saw a sign in Italian saying there was as free concert. So that, I thought would be my entertainment for the evening. It turned out to be a musical recital at the local music school. It was fabulous. It was a living town back then.

[@VishalWasteWarrior]

At Waste Warriors, we work to clean up all the litter, and trash left behind by tourists in the eco-sensitive Indian Himalayan regions. These regions lack the basic infrastructure needed to handle the volume of waste generated. The problem is growing much faster than we can handle, yet we believe that traveling in the true sense, experiencing nature can really heal people, and also make them more conscious about their impact on the environment.

[@elza148]

This is also the outcome of too many Air B and B accomodation vs hotels or enough purpose built tourist accomodation. It was originally designed for people to let a room to help pay bills; without doing full rentals in their homes. Perhaps denying air b and b holiday homes could assist bring up prices and less available accomodation. Or charge holiday lets treble tax if not own permanent residence.

[@LindaC616]

We are considering options where I live, because it has become a problem. First, they are trying to crack down on the illegal rentals, because not all short-term rentals are legal. Second, the city decided last year that people who occupy their home full-time or rent out their second homes with a year's lease instead of a short-term lease get $1100/yr back on their taxes. It's a step forward. It has angered those people who spend winters in the south, in a state where there is no property tax, and summers here. But that's really too bad.

[@martinmaynard141]

Barcelona has announced their intention to clamp down on Air B and B and Seville, where I live, is looking at something similar. Saw a news report today that there are now over 9,000+ air b'n'bs in a city of less than 75,000 residents which means that larege sections of the centre are off limits to locals wanting to live. The historic Sta Cruz area now has no normal shops, the schools are closing and everything is just mor expensive. It was being commented on even before Covid. There was a koke doing the rounds "Back in the 60s the worst problem the Parish Priest of Sta Cruz had was deciding which dowger he was going to have tea with. Now it's how he will pay the electicity bill because he has so few parishioners"

[@LindaC616]

@@martinmaynard141 I haven't been there in about a decade, but I remember housing was an issue then. A colleague whose wife is from a nearby town wanted to retire there, but in the city, after selling the house in the village. They didn't go through with it, cost was the issue.

[@MCY-b8e]

The issue is that Europe's economy relies heavily on tourism, but much of the revenue flows back to large American companies, rather than staying within the local economy. Unfortunately, addressing this requires action at the governmental level.

[@mariahung2946]

I live in Calgary Alberta Canada. Every year during July we hold the world greatest out door show ,the Stampede. And every year tourists around the world come to attend it. For 10 days we have people that is making headaches to the locals. We would tolerate it as it brings in money that boost our economy. But that really makes us who are living here upset when there are morons and idiots whom don’t respect the citizens who have a life here. I ,myself,would try not to be a nuisance to the locals when I am a tourist to others. I wish people are not so selfish

[@PHlophe]

Never heard of this outdoor show. This is on my to do list. i will be in Alberta next year

[@ΕιρήνηΟύμα]

I have heard of this stampede of yours. It is, as you say, for 10 days, however. Popular with tourists cities, her in europe, can get this year round...

[@clairehagel6624]

@@ΕιρήνηΟύμαIn Canada it is very cold half of the year. Most people don’t want to go somewhere that is too hot or too cold, so that helps keeps tourism from getting crazy. There are pros and cons to any location people live. I am from Calgary, Canada too. Whenever winter comes I think “why do I live here?” lol. But I realize the cons (the cold) also keep my country quieter and less populated (the pros). If I wanted a sunnier climate year round, all those countries have tons of people and tourists because they are so nice. So I chose to stay here. I guess my point is everyone has a choice of where to live.

[@ΕιρήνηΟύμα]

@@clairehagel6624 Thankfully, we get much less tourists in Greece, during the winter, too. Even, here, in a big city like Athens (where tourism is not particularly "beach focused"). Because contrary to popular belief abroad, Greece actually does have a winter :) (not comparable to the Canadian one, of course). Anyway, up to about 2010 I always thought tourism in Greece was quite ok. Even a blessing. It contributed a lot to the economy, and perhaps it even contributed culturaly by enriching the place with some new ideas and perspectives. Back then tourism was focused in specific touristy areas -and you could still, as locals, access other beautiful areas not so well know by the tourists. Generally speaking it had not exceeded the capacity of the place. Another important factor was that Greece was not yet hit by a heavy and persistent economic crisis (that is why I chose the specific date), which meant that we Greeks, when vacationing, felt ourselves being at equal standing with the foreign tourist. But, now, after 14 years of looting of our social rights and our finances etc, (and with tourism really exceeding capacity and spilling out everywhere...) many of us tend to feel like we are being colonised...

[@moniquesilverans3842]

@loupashire Mais ce n'est pas une raison pour que les touristes gênent les locaux

[@hemjoo]

Was at Hallstatt in early May and there wasn’t any restriction at that spot he mentioned. In fact we had an amazing time there. In a sense it was because it wasn’t peak travel season yet and the crowds hadn’t descended there… yes, agree that HOW we travel is impt. Be respectful and considerate. How we use hotel facilities is part of it eg not wasting electricity and water.

[@rosiebadesha]

I am from Banff Canada. I can see how over tourism has affected the place and ease for the locals. Tourists are over crowding every single place where we could just go and sit and relax. There need to be some kind of restrictions with the numbers of tourist allowed

[@edgeofEurasia]

​@@Virtus555 that is ridiculous. Why make the world only for wealthy people? Plus who will clean the hotel rooms, work in restaurants, make coffee in these places if your solution of charging more is implemented?

[@gracielagonzaleztoledo109]

Hey hey, I live in one of the most touristic places , and let me tell you this is no tourists fault. the same locals engage in temporary rent which make it hard for us to find a whole year round flat.

[@LindaC616]

Same where I live!

[@Itsallillusional]

It's probably about eco tourism. Holiday with the local community in mind stay in hotels or even homestays atleast the owners live there. Airbnb is just lining some individuals greedy pockets and causing affordable housing crisis in almost all countries now.

[@patriciafeeley7997]

I live in Coastal New England , small area compared to what you describing , but this issue has worn us down years ago .

[@LindaC616]

I feel like we might be in the same town, lol

[@IanMay-g5u]

I live in coastal old England. It is cold and raining. July 9th 2024. Can I come to the new one please? The old one is broken.

[@Itsallillusional]

As an expat living in a foreign country in its most famous tourist city. I can say in all honesty that myself and the locals enjoy meeting people from around the world. They want people to come but if you don't respect them or their culture they will deal with you rather quickly. There is also no Airbnbs here which helps the local economy by employing locals in the hotels and guesthouses. I'd never go to Europe to the big tourist destinations because I hate crowds and seeing on the Internet how some people behave over sunbeds and roam the streets drunk etc. It looks like hell.

[@emmaeIIe]

Aren't you an immigrant?

[@wisecanadianwoman]

In my travels I have gone through volunteer agencies. This allowed me to live within the community and get to know the people and their cultures better. It was also very humbling. This way you are also contributing to the communities you are volunteering in. It is most gratifying.

[@Itsallillusional]

It is I've done it for years myself, but the tourists causing all the mayhem in other countries are not the type of people to see the benefits of volunteering or giving back. They think that just by spending money gives them more rights than the locals.

[@Ogogogmomomoalalal]

Travelling is definitely enriching, however, compulsive travelling leaves no significant experience in people who do it constantly. And it does have many negative impacts on housing prices, local resources and local cultures. So, travel respectfully but do also travel less. You don't need to visit every place you come across on social media

[@ariatamar2706]

Nonsense. You can't do anything about it. We all live once. There has to be strict punishment for slightest misbehavior and those should be sent home regardless of age or income.

[@Ogogogmomomoalalal]

@@ariatamar2706 Thanks for labelling my comment as "nonsense", very respectful. That, along with the eye-opening "We all live once" shows how much of a tourist you must be.

[@ariatamar2706]

@@Ogogogmomomoalalal "travel less" advice is nonsense. The new middle class sees fulfillment in "experience" now, thanks to social media.

[@Ogogogmomomoalalal]

@@ariatamar2706 My comment was not a piece of advice, I wasn't hoping brainwashed instagram users would change their habits after my brief opinion. I was only expressing an increasingly widespread sentiment among many people concerned about social justice and climate change.

[@anyadeising1564]

It’s not for everybody but one great way to travel is by doing work away or Wwoofing. I learned about the local way of life by living and working with locals while saving loads on food and accommodation. I learned some amazing skills that I still use at home!

[@xcel5203]

We are watching two of the luckiest people who are roaming the world as part of their job .

[@koalanotbear]

For developing countries, like Thailand for example, overtourism is kind of a necessary evil as these countries rely on tourism for economic survivability. Thailand is full of luxury malls and upscale restaurants, hotels and resorts, and transportations, all of which only 10% of the local Thai population can afford and so these large-scale businesses rely heavily on foreigners to come buy their goods and services. Without tourists these businesses which account for 20% of GDP in the country will surely collapse sending Thailand back to the under-developed stages. 😢

[@BarnaliD]

What about the massage parlors? They'll always be around.

[@koalanotbear]

@@BarnaliD Yes, the ones with happy endings will probably survive but the ones with real spa treatments will likely not. Btw, have you tried?

[@freemagicfun]

I live on a resort island, and we have about 35,000 residents and 2 million tourists every year. It gets busy, but the municipality has limited the number of tourists allowed on the island at one time. Being an island, it is easier to regulate, but tourist limits can help.

[@monikasrncova6771]

Where????our archipiélago government should learn From yours ..

[@gofurvv]

I’m so glad to hear my nation and I hope it will be heard so many times

[@VictoriaSmithSalgueiro]

Toledo Spain. Over tourism is making my life so hard. I can hardly leave my house on the weekend. Solutions please !

[@monikasrncova6771]

Canarias....tu que crees que tenemos😢

[@Itsallillusional]

That's sad these are real problems when daily life is so interrupted . I guess for now you have to just grin and bear it. Perhaps talk to some of the tourists get to know about their culture as well. Good luck.

[@justV23]

Thank you bring up all of these important topics! Have been considering a few of those already myself and how it can be comfortable for both the guests and the locals. As we all are both of those as well.

[@jim2376]

Having traveled literally around the globe to all six permanently inhabited continents in 1994-5, I can confidently say that tourism is a polluting influence. It fosters over-priced restaurants, hucksters, shops selling souvenirs and other rubbish, overcrowding, an artificial vibe, and other cultural maladaptations. And yes, someone will undoubtedly post that as a tourist myself, I was part of the problem. Perhaps so, but I like to think I left as light a footprint as a could. And this was 1994, not 2024. Unfortunately, the footprint can't be light when, for example, there are 10,000 people swarming Venice in a single day, when the island city itself has a population of about 51,000.

[@bashakruk]

20 million a year.120,000 a day rather in Venice 😢....been there, never want to do it again

[@paperplane-db8qf]

All the problems of over-pricing, souvenirs, etc are caused by locals themselves. At the end of the day if tourists don’t break any laws and are in the country legally then there is nothing wrong with them existing. They pay their own money on another country. Demonizing foreigners because selfish locals screw over themselves is ridiculous.

[@tempehburger]

The cultural, social, and environmental impact that the current situation in Bali, Indonesia is having from a huge influx of Russian citizens escaping the Ukraine war, filling the beaches and rice paddies with ugly villas, resorts, paying crazy prices, destroying the rental market, flooding villages with Russian restaurants, schools, entire communities affected and disrupted by their bad behaviour and lack of morals, in an island traditionally loved and desired for their spirituality and hospitality, deserves a full coverage, and an entire 2 hrs show on its own.

[@whitneyanders5945]

Same thing in Phuket. Full of Russians. The Russians don’t mind the animal abuse of monkeys and elephants.. which is a shame as it would be good to see that kind of tourism die off.

[@Itsallillusional]

They're doing the same in Thailand they've even been given special visas. I get they don't want to fight in a war but be a guest don't change the country your staying in.

[@user-ls8iw2st4s]

The world is full of ethnic restaurants, why suddenly Russian restaurants is an issue for you? Don’t go there if you don’t want to.

[@paperplane-db8qf]

It’s called the free- market. Maybe the local government the locals voted in should just step in and make it illegal for non-residents to buy property.

[@63viet]

I was in Europe and I saw more Indian tourists than Chinese tourists. I was very impressed and surprised at the same time.

[@saeefa]

@@user-er3bx8qb1j If White people can travel freely, so can everyone else

[@UltraMaccabi_Natzis]

They want chinese and Indian arab Africans out😂

[@idharudhar5985]

@@user-er3bx8qb1j We are in 2024, and you are going to be miserable if you feel that way. They are getting permanent residency because your countries are not able to fill certain jobs. Europeans are having one kid, but you want to have a good economy which takes people to perform these roles. Other than those getting legal residencies the travellers are leaving after 2 weeks or so. Compare this to how Europeans and Britishers went around invading and colonizing different countries and looting them.

[@Itsallillusional]

​@@user-er3bx8qb1jWow! I wonder if you're British? You do know what Britain has done to many countries over the centuries by invading them. I'd say you'd better get used to it and be a polite host.

[@striker44]

​@@user-er3bx8qb1j Racist europeans wants the work get done by others but don't want to see those who actually do the work. Europeans when they travel they colonize the people and their lands. Whole of Europe descends on sunny beaches in the Caribbean like the normandy invasion. Pay more attention to what you say or write.

[@mspurefunk5]

This is a very interesting article. I grew up in Florida. The no1 state for tourists. The I’m on vacation attitude has gotten out of control. You’re NOT entitled to go first at everything nor be in the best spot. You share & have good manners especially to elderly or handicapped people.

[@ArgeologicalMonkeyZone]

good job

[@fuglbird]

We visited Uzbekistan in 1979. Samarkand, Bukhara and Tashkent are very beautiful cities. It's a scary thought that hordes of Brits will lay siege to Bukhara and demand bacon & eggs in the restaurants. It will remind the locals of the visit of Genghis Khan in 1220.

[@monos70]

"I just discovered this place. Practicing gratitude, manifesting abundance...."

[@Shes.A.Sagittarius]

Ahahahah!! “Are you done yet?”

[@peldridge2627]

What a perfect line from that commercial, subtly showing the falsity of the trendsetters ... all standing in line behind her to say the same thing

[@grant7739]

It's the "Pioneers vs. Copycats". There are people that truly do want to explore and discover new and amazing places and have unique experiences and share them with the rest of the world. Then, there are people that just want the fame and attention without any effort, so we end up with thousands and thousands of people in the same place, at the same time, all wanting to take the same picture. It's so easy to just do what everyone else is doing. The result is overtourism and crowds. The problem is nobody wants to be original or unique. Ask yourself, why am I traveling? Why do I want to take this picture? Why did I come here? What is my motivation? Do I really want to explore, discover, and create or do I just want to copy what other people have already done? The world is huge people. Like really really huge. Do you realize how many incredible places and unique experiences are out there waiting to be discovered for your own personal enjoyment and experience if you just took a risk and took your own path. You truly do not need to do what everyone else is doing to have an amazing trip.

[@dral9971]

Why visit a city or country where they don't want you to come?

[@TheCelestialnav]

BeCAUSE They Don’t Care Whether They Are Wanted or Not They Simply Want to Fulfill Their Own Desires !

[@paperplane-db8qf]

Just because some Karens don’t want tourists to exist doesn’t mean anything. As much as these “locals” are complaining about tourism, they are the ones who earn money and boost their economy, ante create most of their problems. If realistically all of them didn’t want tourists then tourists wouldn’t get visas or be allowed in.

[@huequang5945]

I would love to say the sentence "You are not entitled to this, you are just a guest" really evokes some emotions and thoughts on me. It makes me realize something liek to raise my indeed awareness whenever I'm travelling. Give a big subscribe to you!!

[@MsJubjubbird]

I know in Australian seaside towns the local fishermen and hospitality workers struggle to rent because people from the city buy up the real estate and rent them out for a few weeks at tourism prices

[@Itsallillusional]

I had to leave found myself couch surfing at 67 couldn't find anything to rent. So ashamed of Australia.

[@TriAngles3D]

Have 3 nationalities and am from the 70s. In recent years the avalanche of tourism has become overwhelming. And, the insanity of social media motivation just makes things even more silly. Meeting with so many different people and places I have built an awareness, a greater sense, that I may not be aware of something. A broader view. Yet tourists seem unaware of themselves.

[@williamlloyd3769]

Usually tens of thousands of worthwhile spots to visit in any country. It’s sad to see an empty village, local museum or natural spot. It’s about travel education and traveling off season.

[@jego207]

as someone from the tropics, cool-cationing (10:40) is what we want to do rather than avoid. We'd most likely go to winter/ snowy countries, a welcome change from the balmy tropics.

[@jacquelinebutters1201]

Price of hotels are ridiculous now. Used to be per room, now per person, doubling the cost. And price for 7 day same as 14 days used to be. Only india and china traveling soon😮

[@J.a.v.i]

The rise of Airbnb is the leading cause of over tourism and higher cost of living for locals. Back in the day the amount of tourist in an area was limited by the amount of hotel rooms available. Now with every apartment or house potentially turning into an Airbnb there is almost no limit to how many tourists can flock to an area.

[@jayneterry8701]

I'm wondering how these affect the building of new homes and apartments for people to live in?🤔

[@nolsp7240]

Here's a wild thought - what about, I don't know, putting limits on the tourist visas being issued?

[@LindaC616]

I imagine that would be difficult for Europe because people from EU countries travel freely

[@merlion6613]

Many countries allow visa free entries for various passport holders. It is a difficult balance of wanting to make it easy enough but not overly so to have some control.

[@LindaC616]

@merlion6613 for tourism, I don't think it matters. But other countries charge no visa fee for many countries except the US or (in the past) England, basically they charge countries what they get charged. So every time our visa fee goes up in price in the United States, so does the cost of a visit to Argentina or Brazil for US residents 😄

[@DrMohsamir]

A great episode. A fab presenter and a knowledgeable guest

[@shanicestella2226]

As Indonesian , speaking about Bali case Getting rid of stereotype is indeed hard AF It isn't surprising that most SEA countries is often seen in rather exotified gaze as institution of fancy bar or nightclub near the blue sea white sand beach by Westerner gaze then in second somebody acted like drunken fool , creating a social disruption Thats why i hate Nouveau Riche tourist , Main character syndrome tourist and Youngling tiktoker teenager tourist

[@Tiaimo]

Hello our Indo friend from Thailand. I agree with you. It's difficult to getting rid of it. No matter where they are coming from. We take them as our guest with best service because it's our traditions to treat our guest well. But once somebody has shown superiority over us without respect like drunken dude, we are please show them the other side of us by giving them tested their blood. Now I don't see much druken one compare to the last decade that we have many drunken dude in many places. In our country, ppl can do anything as long as it doesn't break law and our core values. TBH, we don't care who they are. If they did sth not appropriate, just politely tell them. That's it. Most of them are nice. We're chill and relax. Wish them feel the same way once in Thailand and other cities in our ASEAN countries. Those new rich tiktoker may looks tedious but let them be. They wouldn't stay at any place longer than their clips. 😂😂😂

[@thesparkedlife]

Interesting conversation. I live in a very touristy place. In the height of summer we can get 2000 plus bicycle tourists biking in front of our home a day. For the most part we realize that we live in a beautiful place and we are happy to share it but the most important thing is for tourists to remember that people are also living here… so don’t park your bike in the middle of a sidewalk. If you are lost or want to look around pull over, park and walk (so many drivers going 10 miles per hour and I’m trying to get to an appointment or take my child somewhere for example) and bikes not taking over the entire road, sharing with local traffic. So basically common courtesy and awareness that this is no just a vacation destination. Of course having huge traffic back ups etc in annoying but most of the time we know how to take a back road and get around it. Cheers, travel on and enjoy the world mindfully.

[@peterhaslund]

I was a tourist guide in Norway's deep fjords. One day we had 5 giant cruise ships anchor up in front of our small bygd of 175 people. 10.000 Chinese were put put ashore and put into hundreds busses waiting to take them on a round trip. They were a swarm of locusts, respecting none of my advice, and then they were gone. My Norwegian friends made practically no money off of this but are so proud to show off their beautiful nature. I just don't think they realize how many Chinese there are.

[@deborahb8242]

Yes, kiwis are encouraged to travel abroad. As backpackers! I don't know why she threw the backpackers under the bus, seeing she's from NZ. If you want to know who the problem tourists are, ask the people who live there. No mention of the cruise ships and, she had to queue! Damn those backpackers.

[@Dee-x9f]

@@deborahb8242 Watch again. They were both saying that budget backpackers' behavior tends to be more respectful of culture and contributes to the local economy. The make a point of saying at the end that people should feel free to travel, but perhaps it's HOW we travel that is key. Backpacker tendencies are given as an example of how to travel better.

[@cdyd5409]

Could I know what was your advice to those people, and how did they behave disrespectfully?😮

[@FaithPickles]

Thoroughly enjoyed this episode 🙏

[@Mister.Unknown]

Tourism used to mean a family or couple, saving their money for an entire year to have a couple of weeks to visit a nice place, enjoy the food, make memories... Today, tourism means waves of people in their 20s, booking the cheapest Ryanair flight possible, to stay in an Airbnb for three days, drink themselves to a coma after eating at McDonald's while being a nuance for everyone in a 50m radius and treating the city like its the movie set of their individual lives. Make Tourism Expensive Again.

[@tucoramirez3333]

Need to add tax and vat to airline fuel - currently it’s exempt and this would kill tourism and create a great loss of jobs in many places not to mention the airline industry itself - it would really be a hammer blow

[@CeciliaSalinas-om4br]

No, please. It is already very expensive for south americans like me to travel to Europe or Asia.

[@idabagusdarmaputra125]

Thank you Ms Lucy Hocking for sharing The global Story podcast ....very nice programme of BBC..I like very much due to interesting content and for me in the same time could improve my capability in listening English convrsation..you know I'm Indonesian people and English is my second language.

[@marianjeffrey8684]

These massive cruise ships are an issue.

[@seymourelykeley]

Very true. Cruise ships have ruined cities

[@shameonyoufolks]

Overtourism is a concern in my country, Japan, as well. Attracting many tourists from overseas is beneficial to our economy, but sometimes causes problems for our daily life. I really want many tourists to come to Japan and enjoy our culture and food and more, but I also want some measures to be taken so that the problems are eased.

[@cutifat]

I'm from Taiwan, and unlike most Taiwanese who are crazy about Japan, I prefer Korea. I love the food there, and the not-so-polite people there. In my eyes, they are more sincere.

[@のりづけ]

韓国もいいよね！ 気が向いたら日本にも来てね！

[@cutifat]

@@のりづけ Thank you, pal. I love Okinawa, though. And I hope you don't mind the swarm of tourists too much. ☺️

[@vittorianesse]

Rome was horrifically crowded. We saw a lot of it at 4am to escape the crowds. 😩

[@kauaiboy5o]

Don't forget that most tourists in Europe are Europeans themselves just like most tourists in the US are Americans themselves, and just like most tourists in Asia are Asians themselves. Cost is the main factor and a lot more affordable to vacation close to home.

[@idharudhar5985]

It is true. However, in the last few years things have changed and there has been an uptick of Asian (mainly Chinese and Indian) and American travelers to Europe. This uptick has caused extra burden on the host countries and in addition the Asian culture is different to European culture and these differences in behaviour is upsetting the locals. Just like Westerners going to Japan not respecting the locals culture and upsetting them. It is all about educating oneself before leaving ones home country.

[@popy580]

What a wonderful show with two wonderful people ❤

[@LuciannaG123]

Sadly some tourists treat destinations as a theme park not a real place with real people. I have seen american tourists walk up to a Masai woman and touch her earrings and clothes as though she was an exhibit. Imagine the Masai doing that to a woman in New York. And another American loudy declare that a lift should have been put in when they built the tower of London. 😂

[@tylerEN]

I could write a thesis on badly behaved American tourists; but that’s for another day!

[@notbyinit3756]

⁠@@tylerEN You could write a thesis…. 😂 I live in America . It’s embarrassing that these types of people shed a very bad light on those Americans that are respectful , however my European immigrant parents taught me to act accordingly. “The Tower of London wasn’t built with a lift …… too bad ,so sad , admire it from the ground or go home. “

[@zamar2158]

​@@tylerEN I could write on those from China india etc. It's all the same for those with the $$$ to travel.

[@IanMay-g5u]

Excuse me.......do these stairs go up, or down? Do you live here, or commute? To a Bahamian island worker. What time are the newspapers? Same island. 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@tylerEN]

@@IanMay-g5u Haha. Lord, have mercy!

[@Backpackglobalvlogs]

What an expert. Good knowledge of mass tourism in those destinations. Problems, how to reduce tourism positively, sustainability etc. Good job @bbc

[@PeiPeisMom]

I live in Sacramento, CA. Only place I've ever travelled to outside the country was London because my daughter was going to school there. It was delightful. But I've never travelled for travelling's sake, and I see it as frightfully wasteful. I understand that people can expand their horizons that way, but that's how I've always used books and if there's a library nearby it's free.. I hope more people start to realize their carbon footprint is killing us as much as their diet is, and be more cognizant about the future

[@ginniserena]

🙄 self righteous much?

[@PeiPeisMom]

@@ginniserena selfish much?

[@kmwa1234]

I have a degree in Spanish and French, from a college in the USA. I am now retired in Spain for 9 years. I assume you are a Republican. The reason? INCURIOUS and probably very boring. We live in a small coastal town. I am fluent in Spanish, and we have assimilated completely into the culture. We hate tourists…..rude, don’t even speak basic Spanish and are often visibly irritated when their heavily accented Eliza Doolittle crappy English is not understood. And do not know how to drive! YOU ARE A GUEST IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY!!!! Be exceedingly polite, deferential to locals, tip well, and say “thank you” 1,000 times a day…..in the local language!!!!

[@scottross8578]

I absolutely agree that many of these places are overtouristed. I've experienced it myself even as I was a tourist contributing to the problem. However, there was one point made that I wish they had expanded on with examples. It was when they spoke of money spent in the community not staying in the community and thus not contributing to the betterment of the community. Some illustrations of what this means would have been very helpful because I think tourists believe that buying local goods, eating in restaurants, staying in hotels, etc. helps with wages and profits thus contributing to the tax base for the local as well as regional and national economy.