The trouble with tourism
And it's not just Europe. Tourism sectors are setting or
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Despite growth in niche enterprises promoting green tours and 'authentic travel' pledges, the burden of mass tourism threatens to devastate the very assets that lure visitors, especially in developing countries with delicate ecosystems. Deforestation, pollution, and declining biodiversity are just some of the harms to once-pristine destinations from the Great Barrier Reef to the Amazon. It's enough to make you wonder whether 'sustainable tourism' is an oxymoron.
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As with many things, I blame the internet. Wannabe influencers relentlessly tout their 'hidden gems' and sell tours or travel guides online. Crowds of tourists jostle and vamp for selfies in front of historic buildings and monuments, barely stopping long enough to post their images on Instagram. These are people traveling not to see things but to be seen.
The COVID-19 pandemic only accelerated the tourism boom. Lockdowns created an enormous pent-up demand that exploded once travel restrictions were lifted, and the advent arrival of remote work swelled the ranks of 'digital nomads' who could log on from any youth hostel or Airbnb with a Wi-Fi signal.
To be sure, tourism has major economic advantages. It represents
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Now local governments are getting creative in managing the onslaught. Venice charges day-trippers an
Unfortunately, a passport doesn't come with an etiquette handbook. Foreign travel affords a kind of anonymity that some people abuse, giving them cover to act in ways they might not at home. But we should remember that tourists are unofficial ambassadors of their lands, and the United States could really use some image repair right about now. So be respectful if you travel this summer. Notice if you're the only loud person on a train or in a restaurant. Learn a few basic phrases in the native language. Leave the selfie stick at home. Be a good guest, or you might find yourself doused with a super soaker.
Renée Loth's column appears regularly in the Globe.
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