Europeans Push Back Against Tourism With Water Guns, Protests
Who's to blame for the deluge of visitors? From social media and the rise of the 'bucket-list' travel, to the of explosion of short-stay platforms, there are plenty of potential culprits. Residents say their governments — many of which welcome the income from tourism — could be doing more to ease the strain on them. Feargus O'Sullivan breaks down Europe's over-tourism challenge today on CityLab:
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Forbes
3 hours ago
- Forbes
Around The World In A Bottle: Parfums De Marly's Fragrances Inspire Global Escape
To say that I have something of an obsession with great fragrances is far from an understatement. There's nothing that makes me happier than generously spraying on a scent that makes me smell great, lifts my mood, and often transports me to another place. So many of the best perfumes out there evoke destinations worldwide, source their ingredients from countries everywhere, and are inspired by travel, whether it's a specific place or type of trip. There's no brand that better embodies this philosophy than the Paris-based Parfums de Marly- I've fallen in love with the French fragrance house in the last year. Julien Sprecher established the brand in 2009 and took inspiration from his love of perfumery and 18th-century French art de vivre. The collection he has created features distinctive scents, each with its own compelling story, but all guaranteed to get you noticed I had a chance to catch up with Yvan Jacqueline, President of Americas, who told me more about the ingredients the brand uses, where they come from, and the best Marly scent to take for every type of me about the inspiration behind Marly? What is the brand based on? Parfums de Marly is a story of passion for French heritage and Haute Parfumerie. The brand draws inspiration from the opulence of 18th-century France, particularly the Château de Marly, a private palace reserved for the King of France and his inner circle. Louis XIV, the famous Sun King, imagined and built the château as the most intimate of all the royal residences. An invitation to Marly, far from the strict etiquette of Versailles, was a most precious privilege. It offered the joy of belonging to a circle of aesthetes, the pleasure of festivities, and the ultimate luxury of breaking free from convention. Our founder, Julien Sprecher, envisioned a revival of that golden era through a modern lens. Each fragrance honors that spirit—regal, refined, and resolutely contemporary. Parfums de Marly is an ode to uniqueness, a celebration of individuality, and an invitation to embrace the ultimate luxury: the freedom to be yourself! What ingredients do you favor in the fragrances? As a Maison, we seek ingredients that have both nobility and personality. Whether it is Damascena rose or lavender from Provence, it is always about contrast and duality. Parfums de Marly offers a wide olfactory palette, from woody and spicy to floral and ambery. One of my favorite compositions is Althaïr. It embodies a balance of warmth and strength, blending Bourbon vanilla from Madagascar with refined spices and creamy woods. It is a fragrance with presence—elegant, unexpected, comforting. Where do you source these ingredients from? We work closely with some of the most prestigious fragrance houses and producers around the world. Our natural ingredients are sourced from regions renowned for their excellence: Madagascar for vanilla, as I mentioned earlier, Bulgaria for rose, India for jasmine, and Réunion Island for geranium, to name just a few. But sourcing is only part of the story. What truly matters is how we compose with these ingredients. That's where the magic happens. And that's the amazing talent of our founder and Artistic Director, Julien Sprecher. Can you describe a few of the scents and what destinations they're inspired by? Each Parfums de Marly fragrance captures a unique mood and that's why they may evoke a personal destination, transporting you through scent, even though they haven't been created based on a specific destination in mind. I will give you my own personal connection as fragrance is so intimate. Delina reminds me of the elegance of springtime in Versailles. With its lush notes of Damascena rose, lychee, and rhubarb, it evokes the blooming rose gardens of that iconic French estate. It is fresh, vibrant, yet endlessly captivating with its magnetic ambery base. Valaya takes me to the soft warmth of the Mediterranean, such as Greece with its majestic columns. With a radiant blend of mandarin essence, white floral accord and white musk, it seems to capture the serene beauty of coastal escapes rich in heritage and history. Layton transports me the spirit of the English countryside. Its refined character, balanced by a bright apple accord and lavender essence, reflects the sophistication and gentle energy of a stroll through rolling hills and historic estates, all grounded by an earthy patchouli base. What's the perfect perfume to pack for a beach getaway? Why? Without hesitation, I would say Delina. You can never go wrong with it! Its fresh facets and crisp rose notes make it perfect for a day at the beach, while its ambery base is ideal for those relaxing moments after the sun sets. It is one of the most versatile fragrances that I know, and consistently one of the greatest compliment-getters. I am especially excited to introduce Delina in a travel-size luxury spray, a perfect nomadic format to carry the iconic Delina signature wherever you go, including seaside escapes. What about a hiking trip? Castley, definitely! It captures the spirit of the adventurer, inspired by the explorers and trailblazers of the 18th century France. There is a sense of vitality and openness in the scent—fresh yet grounded, dynamic yet composed. Breezy citrusy and mineral notes contrast with the rich, spicy Timut Pepper, ambery Labdanum and Akigwalawood, unveiling an intense side. It is a vibrant fragrance that paves the way for a bold ascent. A ski escape? For the slopes, I would choose Althair. It is a warm, cocooning embrace amid the crisp mountain air. Its rich, velvety notes wrap you in comforting luxury, making every moment on the snow feel both adventurous and intimate. Perfect for those chilly days when you want to feel grounded yet effortlessly elegant. A European escapade where I'm city hopping? Depending on your taste and the mood you want to set, I would recommend either Percival or Valaya Exclusif. Percival is fresh, vibrant, and effortlessly versatile. With bright bergamot essence and aromatic notes, it is perfect for daytime explorations across Europe's dynamic cities, from the bustling streets of Milan to the historic charm of Prague. For evenings or when you want something a bit more enveloping, Valaya Exclusif is a great choice. Its warm composition of velvety almond and white flowers reminds me of the timeless atmosphere of Europe's grand palaces and candlelit dinners. Both fragrances are companions for discovery, adapting to the diverse rhythms of a European city-hopping escapade. A getaway to Asia? I would say Delina La Rosée. This beautiful fragrance offers a brightness and complexity that harmonizes beautifully with the vibrant energy of Asia and the humid climate found in some countries. It feels like a delicate floral caress on a warm day in cities like Singapore or Tokyo. It is fresh, elegant, and effortlessly radiant. How often does your role have you on the road? Very often! I spend a significant part of the year traveling across the Americas — from New York to Mexico City to São Paulo — meeting with our teams, partners, retailers, and clients. Travel is a constant in my life, but it also inspires me deeply. It is an essential way to stay connected with our community and to understand fragrance desires across diverse cultures. I particularly enjoy hosting masterclasses with customers, as they offer a beautiful opportunity to share my passion for Haute Parfumerie and engage authentically with fragrance lovers. What are your favorite destinations to travel to? I have a soft spot for Mexico City. It's vibrant, layered, and full of art and soul. But Dubai holds a special place in my heart as well, since I lived and worked there for many years, and my daughters were born there. And of course, I love Paris! There's nothing quite like walking through the Tuileries toward the Louvre, leaving a memorable scent behind you. I am very proud that Parfums de Marly became a patron of the Louvre Museum last year, supporting the preservation and celebration of 18th-century masterpieces. What are your travel essentials? Aside from my passport, I never travel without my best suit — it sets the tone for any occasion. I always travel light, with a carry-on only. I never check in luggage. My phone, of course, keeps me connected on the go. On board, I make it a point to sleep as much as possible. It helps me recharge and manage my energy, especially on long-haul flights. And of course, I always bring a curated selection of travel sprays to suit my mood and the place I am visiting. Fragrance is memory, and I like to create one for every journey.
Forbes
4 hours ago
- Forbes
Overcrowded Vatican And Other Micro Countries Top Overtourism Report
From monuments and sites such as the Louvre Museum in Paris and the Trevi Fountain in Rome, islands including Santorini and the main Canary islands, to cities large and small like Spain's Barcelona, Italy's Venice, Croatia's Dubrovnik and Belgium's Bruges, the lists of European destinations impacted by overtourism grow every year. Along with that growth are massive protests of increasingly frustrated and angry residents tired of record crowds,, noise, overwhelmed services, impossible housing costs, traffic congestion that threat their way of life. Posters inviting visitors to 'Go Home' and even cases of physical attacks against tourists like in Barcelona and Valencia this summer where protesters shot water guns to unsuspecting tourists are not rare. Anti-tourism movements are starting to have an effect on local elections. The fear of an "Overtourism Crisis" in Europe with the surging in the numbers of travellers coming to the old continent this summer is real and forcing governments to address the environmental, social and economic pressures it is creating. During the first quarter of 2025, there were 452.4 million overnight stays in tourist accommodations across the EU, according a European Commission's Eurostat analysis. Last year, 747 million international travellers visited the continent, far outnumbering any other region in the world, according to the U.N.'s World Tourism Barometer. Some countries carry heavier loads than others. France, the biggest international destination, last year received 100 million international visitors, while second-place Spain received almost 94 million — nearly double its own population. Visiting many of the most popular sites in Europe has become a physical ordeal where after long lines people are pushed through by the masses trying to take selfies. 'Europe, often dubbed the world's museum, is grappling with an unprecedented surge in tourism, transforming its picturesque streets into crowded thoroughfares and sparking widespread 'overtourism concerns,' writes The Independent. 'The continent's record-breaking visitor numbers are now straining local resources and sparking a backlash from residents as the familiar sight of suitcases rattling on cobblestones and selfie-snappers jostling for position has become a symbol of the strain." Cruise ships, bringing thousands of visitors to locations already overwhelmed by overtourism like Venice, the Canary and Balearic islands, Santorini and other small Greece islands, leave a significant ecological impact while contribute little to the local economy. Foreign visitors accounted for approximately 45.6% of all overnight stays in the first 3 months of 2025, as per the Eurostat report. What is new is the large differences among EU countries, with the smallest ones like Malta (91.2%), Cyprus (85.7%) and Luxembourg (80.4%) getting the biggest share of foreign overnight stays, above the "usual suspects" like Spain, France and Italy. The first places of the top most overcrowded tourist destinations in the world — measured by the number of visitors (taken from tourism figures from national tourist boards and reports), outnumbering the local population by a lot ,- in a new ranking by Go2Africa highlighting the growing global trend. Although, as explained by The Mirror in an article titled 'Do not travel zones where tourists overwhelm locals', 'the ratio of visitors to locals does not tell the complete story of a destination and its relationship with tourism, it gives a good indication of how reliant a place's economy is on tourism and how busy it's likely to feel during peak season.' Vatican City Tops Overtourism Ranking In # 1 with the most disproportionate tourist per local ratio is Vatican City, the world's smallest country in area and population. A sovereign city-state located within Rome it is just 0.44 square kmts. in size and a place of pilgrimage and cultural significance for many people around the world. With just 882 residents the Vatican welcomes a staggering 6.8 million tourists a year which equates to 7,710 visitors for every local. 'Every day thousands of visitors are literally pushed through this Vatican cash machine by the museum's guardians,' writes a visitor in Tripadvisor about the experience at the Vatican Museum. 'Practically no chance to quietly admire the various masterpieces.' Statistics from last May show that the number of visitors at the Vatican can reach 25,000 per day with massive ticket lines often snaking around the walls. That's more than 1/2 million visitors per month. In second and third place are also other European micro-countries. Principality Of Andorra Second In The List The principality of Andorra a land-locked small country of 468 square kms, 2 and ½ times the size of Washington D.C, located between France and Spain takes second place. With a population of over 85,000 people -by a 2023 census-, this small European country best known for its luxury ski resorts and tax-free shopping, receives around 9.6 million tourists per year. This equates to a ratio of 118 tourists per resident. The status of the tiny principality as a tax haven and the fact that it is almost entirely geared towards tourism, contribute to its outsized appeal. Nestled in Pyrenees, Andorra also offers stunning landscapes with peaks over 2,000 metres high, deep valleys and winding rivers. Tiny San Marino And Overtourism The third country in the list, where visitors outnumber the local population is another mountainous landlocked microstate in Southern Europe: San Marino. Surrounded in all sides Italy and founded in 301 AD, it is the world's oldest surviving republic, maintaining its independence for over 1,700 years. A UNESCO World Heritage Site it boasts three imposing fortresses on surrounding towering peaks. The capital, also called San Marino is located in the slopes of Monte Titano and its known for its medieval walled old town and narrow cobblestone streets. Visitors are drawn to the landscape, cuisine and architectural sights. Over 60 kilometres squared, it's the third smallest territory in Europe and the fifth smallest in the world. With only 33,600 residents San Marino attracts 2 million tourists per year which equates to a ratio of 60 tourists per local. At the same time that San Marino appears among the destinations with locals being outnumbered by visitors, it is frequently mentioned in rankings of the l'east visited countries in Europe.' Has Monaco An Overtourism Problem? Another principality, Monaco, a sovereign microstate on the Mediterranean Sea's French Riviera, not far from the Italian region of Liguria, attracts luxury travelers to its famous casinos, yachts, and Mediterranean coastline and the city-state is often packed with visitors. Monaco gets around 340,000 tourists per year. If, according to the local Monaco Voice, 'Monaco seems to have avoided the pitfalls of mass tourism,' it still appears in #8 of the list of places where visitors outnumber the local population. The principality occupies an area of 2.08 square kms, making it the second-smallest sovereign state in the world, after Vatican City. Its population of 39,000 makes it the most densely populated sovereign state. Only around 10,000 residents are Monégasque nationals. Monaco also has a record for the world's shortest national coastline of 3.83 km, not counting landlocked nations and it is recognised as one of the wealthiest and most expensive places in the world. Malta's Dangerous Overtourism 'Malta named as ninth most overcrowded tourist destination worldwide' is the title of the Malta Independent about the new report. With a history going back seven thousand years Malta, located between Sicily and the northern coast of Africa, is renowned for its sun-drenched beaches, ancient ruins, and vibrant Mediterranean culture. Last year, Malta had a registered population of 563,443 people and over 3.5 million tourists which equates to 6.32 tourists per resident. The Malta Business Weekly reports that the country already has already received "a bit over 1.4 million tourists in the first five months of 2025, which normally constitutes around 35% of all tourists for the year. It seems ever more likely that we will get more than 4 million (possibly 4.1 million) tourists in 2025. Last year we had 3.6 million tourists. From 2019 we have increased tourist arrivals by 54%, but real income from tourism has increased by 51%.' In the summer months, Malta's residents have to put up with crowds of tourists, especially young people arriving in low fare flights and cruise passengers, which has raised alarm from environmentalists and local residents of an 'environmental collapse.' The growth in tourist numbers is particularly affecting one of its most iconic, photographed and fragil sites, the Comino Island's Crystal Blue Lagoon, which according to local reports, has reached a tourism breaking point with over 10,000 visitors from across the world per day. A beautiful 1.4-square-mile natural pool with crystal-clear waters and striking limestone formations, the Cristal Blue lagoon has been transformed from a once tranquil place for swimming and snorkeling, into an overcrowded area full with boats and sunbathers during peak season, resulting in a growing imbalance between the polluting tourism and environmental sustainability of rare bird habitats and protected marine zones. This is how the BBC describe the situation at the Comino's Cristal Blue Lagoon: "shoulder-to-shoulder crowds jostle for space, litter spills from overflowing bins and tangles in trampled rock rose shrubs, while gas-guzzling powerboats blast music and leave behind a trail of environmental damage. Frustration over Comino's overtourism has been growing for years, with some disillusioned visitors going as far as to call the day-trip experience from Malta a 'scam' and overcrowded boats, limited amenities and worsening environmental degradation have led to mounting pressure on authorities to act." MORE FROM FORBES
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
‘It's a cry for help': Italian farmers introduce tourist levy on popular hiking trail
Italian farmers are tackling overtourism by charging a visitors a fee for hiking on a public footpath in the Dolomites. Four farmers have set up a turnstile on the Seceda mountain, a popular place to visit for pictures of the striking Odle Peaks, according to The Telegraph. Some 8,000 people walked along the mountain path on a single day last week. Videos on social media show long lines of tourists queuing behind one another on the Seceda trail. It is thought that more visitors are swapping beach resorts for the mountains this year in search of cooler temperatures. While there is a long-established 'right to roam' convention throughout the Dolomites, farmers say that the influx of visitors has damaged their land, and that they do not have the requisite funds to restore it. At the turnstile, visitors have to pay €5 (£4.32) per person for access to the path. The turnstile was set up for a brief period in July as a deliberate protest by the farmers. They hoped the action would compel the authorities to supply compensation for the care of the meadows and path. It was closed down after an initial, seven-day stint, but reopened it this week as the crowds continued to flock to see the peaks. The mountain is accessed via a cable car which carries hikers in the summer and skiers in winter. 'It's a cry for help,' said Georg Rabanser, one of the owners of the land that the path flows through, The Telegraph reported. 'We were hoping for a call from the provincial government, but we received nothing, just hot air, nothing of substance. 'We didn't even receive a cease and desist order,' he added. 'The authorities need to understand that while the cable car operators receive huge amounts of money from the invasion of tourists, we don't make anything and yet we have to bear the cost of damage done to our land and the rubbish that is left behind by badly behaved visitors,' he said. Meanwhile, the local tourist association are questioning the legality of the new turnstile. 'We don't understand on what legal basis the entrance ticket is being charged. It seems the owners just want to make some money,' said Lukas Demetz, the president of the tourist association in the local town of Santa Cristina, according to the publication. Meanwhile, rangers have been recruited to help manage the flow of tourism, which Mr Demetz said has significantly improved the issue of litter and crowding. The Independent has contacted the Val Gardena tourism board for comment.
