Tourism a 'double edged sword' as overcrowding makes life a misery in holiday hotspots

North Wales Live

2 days ago

Eryri local Andy Mctaggart admits to steering clear of driving on weekends. While he enjoys the national park's beauty, he avoids the congestion caused by tourists that fill the roads and snatch up parking spots. He's also cautious about mid-week excursions during peak season.
"We know what times to go out and when not to go out," he stated. North Wales Live readers have been discussing the issue in our comments section.
The situation resonates with many in northwest Wales where weekend traffic can cause chaos, with the A55 and A494 often jam-packed and the A496 so congested that villagers in Llanbedr find themselves ensnared within their own hamlet. In Abergwyngregyn, car lines heading to Aber Falls disrupt daily routines. One notorious hotspot for overtourism is Newborough on Anglesey, infamous for its doubled beach parking fees intended to reduce queues that transform the town into an impromptu car park.
The local economy has seen a boost in some areas, with an influx of new campsites and caravan parks bringing in much needed funds. Post-Covid lockdowns have seen Bala emerge as one of Eryri's top attractions, joining the ranks of popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly those keen on watersports. The surge in popularity has propelled the area to new heights of visitor numbers.
Bala isn't the only location feeling the impact of increased tourism; towns like Dolgellau and Barmouth are described as being "under siege" during peak season, often struggling with facilities that can't cope with the demand.
The effects of tourism aren't confined to northwest Wales either. Plans for a new national park in northeast Wales, focusing on the Dee Valley, are underway, and Flintshire Council is enhancing its coastal attractions, which remain relatively undiscovered by tourists.
Andy points out that the current infrastructure is insufficient for the growing pressures, leaving both residents and tourists short-changed. Clive Hall, CEO of Place Informatics, suggests that UK destinations must adapt by either managing capacity at busy sites or improving infrastructure in quieter areas that see fewer visitors.
Hall observes a change in holiday patterns due to climate concerns, stating: "We're witnessing a climate-driven shift in how and where people choose to holiday," and adds: "The UK is no longer simply a backup option – it's fast becoming a destination of choice."
Commenter Borntobemild says: 'Tourism brings £4.95 billion into Wales per year. Without it the country would be bankrupt. Stop moaning.'
Geedeebee agrees: 'I live on the Denbighshire / Conwy border, on busy days I use Google maps to see where traffic is heaviest, usually A55, or coast road through Towyn, I then use local roads to avoid the jams. There are lots of times, when roads are quieter and there are fewer visitors, just choose when to go out. I can enjoy our land 12 months of the year so missing a few busy days isn't a hardship.'
Cooperman1927 asks: 'So what would people rather see? A border control on the A55 stopping them? Then we can watch all the businesses close down!'
Aledogymru adds: 'We only get a heatwave 2 or 3 times per year. So there is no problem. Just let everyone enjoy the sunshine. Tourists bring in money and jobs. No need to complain.'
Hollyhead believes: 'It's a double edged sword. We need the visitors and the money, but we don't need the car parks and lines of illegally parked cars. Not an easy solution.'
Weneedpie writes: 'Tourists are welcome, but sadly it only takes a small minority of them to spoil everyone's day. And it is not just Wales that suffers from over tourism during summer and school holidays, it's a world wide issue as well. And despite the dire warning of doom and gloom merchants, saying that the Welsh Parliament policies would be a disaster for tourism in Wales, they keep on coming in their droves.
'Over tourism is a sign of success, not one of failure, but at what cost to the environment and rights of local people to go about their daily lives. It's a fine balancing act that no one yet has found the answer to. But soon they will go home, and it will be quiet again, and we will have our beaches and mountains back. And next year it will be the same.'
Gwyndaffy feels differently: 'I live near a hotspot, it's an anxiety and misery inducing nightmare. We went shopping on Thursday to stock up so we have no reason to go out over the weekend. Only extreme family emergencies will get me in the car on a summer weekend.'
Verbatim replies: 'I live in a 'honey pot' location and I absolutely love it when it's heaving with tourists. The money that comes into the town is incredible and helps keep the places going during the long winter months. People moan every tourist season about the inconvenience to the locals, but hey, they'd be moaning if places shut down for the winter. Tourism needs to be embraced and facilities for parking, campervans and coaches should be put in place to help with the much needed income.'
Pcplod thinks: 'This tourist problem has been caused by greedy Airbnb's, second home owners and the Disneyfication of our beautiful country. Stop advertising North Wales as a tourist destination, we have to live here, it's our home.'
Indigodebz points out: 'I've been to many European tourist hotspots where you see street cleaners out day and night keeping everywhere spotless, never seen over spilled bins like this anywhere. Why is it not the same here?'