Nick Bonney’s Post

Santorini's overtourism crisis: when 11,000 tourists outnumber 15,000 residents 😱 (if you might know a place that struggles with too many visitors, read on👀) "Limits are necessary," said the president of the Santorini Hoteliers Association, Antonis Pagonis. The case of Santorini is not unique. • 11,000 tourists arriving in a single day • Residents being asked to stay home due to overcrowding • Emergency meetings called by local authorities • Unique local charm being lost in the crowds • Residents' quality of life deteriorating Many popular destinations worldwide are grappling with the consequences of unchecked tourism growth. 🌍 While Santorini represents an extreme case, managing tourism is crucial for major urban centers like Rome, Barcelona, and other cities as well. BUT... 🚫 Banning short-term rentals, as some main cities have proposed, is an absurdity that fails to address the root causes of overtourism. Santorini's authorities are implementing strategies like setting daily visitor limits, working with cruise lines, and promoting off-season travel to create a more sustainable tourism model. What USEFUL strategies are prominent tourist cities in Europe implementing to address overtourism, besides short-term rental bans? Let's avoid the pitfall of blaming short-term rentals and instead focus on addressing the underlying issues. 🎯 Preserving our cities' authenticity and livability requires balancing tourism's economic benefits with social and environmental considerations. 🌇💰🌿. ___________________________ Drop a like if you agree ♻ P.S. I'm sharing my experience as a Property Manager and Mentor Coach at BnB Academy, a leading training academy with over 4,000 aspiring Property Managers. #santorini #overtourism #sustainabletourism #tourismmanagement #localcommunities

Spain's Tourism Landscape Evolves: Short-Term Rental Regulations in Valencia Cities across Spain are taking strategic steps to balance tourism with local housing needs, with Valencia being the latest to implement thoughtful regulations on short-term rental platforms like Airbnb. These new measures aim to: - Protect affordable housing for residents - Manage tourist density in historic neighborhoods - Promote more sustainable tourism practices For travelers, this means: - Potentially fewer rental options in prime areas - Opportunities to explore less-traversed city districts - More authentic and intentional travel experiences The shift represents a proactive approach to urban planning, demonstrating how destinations can thoughtfully manage tourism growth while preserving local community integrity. Travelers can adapt by: - Exploring alternative accommodations - Considering boutique hotels and regulated rentals - Engaging more deeply with local neighborhoods This evolution in travel reflects a broader commitment to responsible tourism—balancing visitor experiences with the needs of local communities. For those planning Spanish adventures, flexibility and an open mind will be key to discovering the rich, nuanced experiences these destinations offer beyond traditional tourist paths. #ResponsibleTravel #TourismInnovation #SpainTravel

Copenhagen's initiative to reward tourists for good behavior is an innovative approach to promoting responsible tourism. By incentivizing positive actions, such as respecting local customs, reducing waste, and supporting sustainable practices, the city can enhance the overall experience for both visitors and residents. This strategy not only helps in preserving the city's cultural and environmental integrity but also encourages a more mindful and respectful form of tourism. It could set a precedent for other popular destinations facing similar challenges with over-tourism and its impacts.Copenhagen's initiative to reward tourists for good behavior is an innovative approach to promoting responsible tourism. By incentivizing positive actions, such as respecting local customs, reducing waste, and supporting sustainable practices, the city can enhance the overall experience for both visitors and residents. This strategy not only helps in preserving the city's cultural and environmental integrity but also encourages a more mindful and respectful form of tourism. It could set a precedent for other popular destinations facing similar challenges with over-tourism and its impacts. #Copenhagen #Travel #Tourism #TravelGuide #ResponsibleTourism #Culture #Exchange #Environment #Destination #BucketList #TraveĺGram #TravelPhotography #Wanderlust #nytimes @nytimes

CAN ECONOMIC SUCCESS IN TOURISM TURN INTO A SOCIAL NIGHTMARE? Overtourism is an emerging issue in many countries. Protests are erupting in highly successful tourism destinations across Europe, notably Spain. The lives of locals are inconvenienced in numerous ways where visitors outnumber the locations’ carrying capacity. Issues with availability and escalation of costs of accommodation and food for locals are pain point. Ecologically, the presence of a large number of tourists can also cause irreversible damage. Sri Lanka needs to consider its tourism strategy carefully. The impact of a high volumes of tourists on the socio-economic landscape and ecology needs to be thought through. There isn’t a strong case for low-end mass tourism. Ideally the mid-to upper end visitors who can spend decent money should be the target. Can we leave this to politicians alone? #srilankatourism

Spain's Tourism Landscape Evolves: Short-Term Rental Regulations in Valencia Cities across Spain are taking strategic steps to balance tourism with local housing needs, with Valencia being the latest to implement thoughtful regulations on short-term rental platforms like Airbnb. These new measures aim to: - Protect affordable housing for residents - Manage tourist density in historic neighborhoods - Promote more sustainable tourism practices For travelers, this means: - Potentially fewer rental options in prime areas - Opportunities to explore less-traversed city districts - More authentic and intentional travel experiences The shift represents a proactive approach to urban planning, demonstrating how destinations can thoughtfully manage tourism growth while preserving local community integrity. Travelers can adapt by: - Exploring alternative accommodations - Considering boutique hotels and regulated rentals - Engaging more deeply with local neighborhoods This evolution in travel reflects a broader commitment to responsible tourism—balancing visitor experiences with the needs of local communities. For those planning Spanish adventures, flexibility and an open mind will be key to discovering the rich, nuanced experiences these destinations offer beyond traditional tourist paths. #ResponsibleTravel #TourismInnovation #SpainTravel

The myth of tourist redirection: a more effective approach to Overtourism ✈️🌍 Is deterring tourists really the answer to overtourism? 🤔 My research suggests that focusing on reducing seasonality and encouraging repeat tourism is a more effective strategy. Here's why: - Overtourism is about managing crowds, not discouraging visitors. Tourism is an important support for local destinations and communities📈, but if not managed well, it can strain resources and infrastructure and disrupt the social fabric ⛓️💥. - Alternative attractions have limitations: convincing first-time tourists to skip iconic landmarks🗼 is a challenge. There are more profitable investments to be made. - Seasonality is critical 📅: spreading tourism throughout the year ☀️❄️ and encouraging repeat visits can alleviate overcrowding and support local businesses, optimizing resources and boosting the job market. 💰🕰️If you are in the budgeting stage, consider focusing your marketing investments in the off-season to reduce seasonality and improve the quality of life for residents and the experience for tourists. What other strategies do you think are effective in addressing overtourism? How to make tourism more sustainable? Let's discuss it together💪 Picture from Ortigia, Siracusa (Italy), September 2024 #overtourism #sustainability #tourism #travel #seasonality #marketingbudget

Travel and tourism: it’s a powerful tool and a wild ride. It brings cash and jobs and peace, but too much of it can turn paradise into a hot mess. Cities like Barcelona, Venice, Majorca, Ibiza, Tenerife, Cotswolds, and Paris are shouting, “Enough already!” as they’re swamped by the selfie-stick army. So, this summer, why not ditch the usual hotspots and become an explorer of the underrated and underappreciated? Here’s how you as a visitor can help deal with #overtourism. Cultural Treasure Hunt: Ever been somewhere so popular that the locals have perfected the art of eye-rolling? Find the offbeat spots where locals are excited to share their stories, traditions, and maybe even a secret recipe or two! Nature's TLC: Swap the crowded beaches for pristine landscapes. Smaller crowds mean you’ll have more room to spread out and Mother Nature will thank you. Plus, fewer people in your vacation photos! Boost Your Travel Karma: Your tourist dollars can be a game-changer for emerging destinations. Think of it as being a travel superhero – swooping in to boost economies, create jobs, and maybe save a cute village café from extinction. So, when you pack your bags this summer aim to make memories but also generate a positive impact. #travelandtourism #forceforgood #regenerative growth Aptamind Partners

Why Experience Buddy is Essential for Tourism? Experience Buddy is essential for tourism because we bridge the gap between those who discover hidden gems, the locals, and travelers seeking unique experiences. In rural areas, digital technology adoption might be slower, making it harder for these authentic experiences to reach a wider audience. We believe everyone has unique stories and experiences to share, which are invaluable assets in today's world. Our platform makes it easy to value and communicate these experiences in an accessible format. Key Trends Driving Demand for Rural Tourism: ▪️ COVID-19 Shifts: The pandemic forced a shift from urban to rural travel, revealing the beauty of nature and the opportunity for self-reconnection. ▪️ Personal Privacy and Comfort: People are tired of overpriced restaurants, overcrowded monuments, and the constant presence of tourists and social media. Traveling to hidden gems offers a more private and comfortable experience, away from the hustle and bustle. ▪️ Lifestyle Changes: There's a growing trend towards health-conscious living, with hikes, camping, and outdoor activities becoming increasingly popular. 🌍 Visit www.experience-buddy.com to start your adventure today! 📩 contact@experience-buddy.com 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eV6mssYd #RuralTourism #TravelOffTheBeatenPath #ExperienceBuddy #HiddenGems #NatureTravel #OutdoorActivities

[WORLD] Overtourism is often misattributed to the sheer number of tourists, but sustainability experts emphasize that the root cause lies in poor local management and planning. #Overtourism #SustainableTravel #TourismManagement #CommunityEngagement #TravelSolutions https://lnkd.in/eJVJKzbV

🎒 What can travel teach us about humanity? Beyond adventures & new experiences, tourism has become a catalyst for local growth & global empathy. 🌇 This is how 3 cities: Paris, Vienna, and Copenhagen are using tourism to drive economic, environmental, & social benefits. #SmartTourism #EU #EUhospitality