Mass tourism has many harmful consequences to the environment. We provide you tips on how to avoid overcrowded resorts and take a more sustainable vacation. You can take a regional vacation to discover a place close to you. Alternatively, you can stay at home and log in with the new koi.
Mass Tourism: What is it actually?
The reason for mass tourism is popular attractions such as Mona Lisa in Paris. “Mass Tourism” or ‘Super Travel’ refers to the phenomenon of a large number of vacationers. Gathered in the same place. As a result, there are usually more travelers than locals.
For example, Venice, Majorca and Barcelona are particularly affected by mass tourism. Reasons include famous attractions, buildings, popular beaches or places. It is known as the shooting location of a popular movie or series.
Consequences of mass tourism
The phenomenon of mass tourism has led to pollution to the world’s oceans. Mass tourism initially had a positive aspect. Both the state and the local population make money from tourists. New jobs can also be created.
However, mass tourism also has many shortcomings. Nature and its environment are particularly affected by the negative effects of this phenomenon. The biggest problems caused by mass tourism include:
Rising CO2 emissions due to environmentally harmful modes of transportation: According to the Federal Environment Agency, one of the main problems in mass tourism is choosing environmentally harmful modes of transportation. For example, an airplane or a cruise ship. They produce a large proportion of carbon dioxide, which drives climate change.
Inadequate sewage and waste disposal: The infrastructure of many tourist locations is not designed for so many people. According to WWF, this can cause excessive waste or wastewater to be discharged into the sea, causing widespread pollution to the world’s oceans.
Increased rents and lack of living space in the city center: existing hotels and vacation homes cannot cope with excessive visitors. As a result, more and more vacationers are booking accommodations that are truly targeted at locals. As a result, living space is becoming increasingly scarce and rental prices are rising rapidly.
Destroy landscapes, animal and plant habitats: According to the German Federal Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, the expansion of infrastructure required for mass tourism has not only destroyed natural areas. There are also habitats for animals and plants, which lead to the extinction of species.
How do you make a sustainable holiday
To minimize the impact of mass tourism, you should use sustainable transportation methods. You can also do something yourself about the issues of mass tourism.
This anti-movement is also known as “soft tourism.” We have compiled four of the most important tips to help you take a vacation in an environmentally friendly and equitable way:
- Travel in the low season, if possible: especially for families of school-aged children traveling in the high season. and teachers who want a short break during their regular school vacation. For example, there are many other tourists who want to make the most of the weather during the summer vacation. But if you make sure to travel in the low season, you will usually be more than just cheap. But it is also more sustainable because you will avoid a large number of tourists.
- Nearby Holidays: You don’t have to go far to experience a great adventure. Sometimes it’s a smaller and seemingly inconspicuous place that really surprises you. You can also travel more sustainably if you don’t fly to faraway continents. But prefer vacationing in your home country Germany or neighboring European countries. For example, how about Microroadventure near you?
- Support local providers: The biggest pain in mass tourism is usually locals. If you dine at a local restaurant or in a store in a regional store, you will support locals and mitigate them financially.
- Be aware of more sustainable modes of transport: Traveling by airplane, cruise ship or your own car can lead to extremely high CO2 emissions. Negative impact on climate change. You can offset this by taking public transportation such as trains or buses during the holidays.
