The World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC’s) latest report, “Managing Destination Overcrowding: A Call to Action,” puts the spotlight on destinations that are seeing a surge in tourism — and all the challenges that come along with it.
Tourism growth, when it takes place too quickly, can have negative effects on a community, warns the WTTC, which unveiled six actionable steps to mitigate the risks associated with increased visitor arrivals.
These steps include:
- Getting organized with the right stakeholders via taskforces.
- Making a strategic tourism plan that’s anchored by a shared vision.
- Gathering evidence to come up with data-based solutions to tourism-related issues.
- Monitoring destination conditions and acting swiftly.
- Engaging in transparent investing in infrastructure.
- Empowering local residents by letting their voices be heard.
Our Analysis: Increased Tourism Brings Opportunity — But Also Poses a Risk
There’s no question that a thriving tourism industry leads to positive effects for a destination, from boosting its economy and creating jobs to fostering a deeper understanding across cultures and communities.
But it’s also a double-edged sword: A spike in tourism can have significant negative effects on a destination, and overcrowding is just the tip of the iceberg. Under the surface, deeper-rooted issues may include underdeveloped infrastructure, poor urban planning and disjointed decision-making processes at a government level. Destinations — especially tourism hot spots — would do well to take a holistic look on their existing infrastructure (including public transportation and access to clean water, affordable housing and renewable energy) and ensure there is a measurable and sustainable growth plan in place to minimize harm.
Fast Facts: Tourism's Impact on Destinations
- Tourism supports one in 10 jobs and supports 10% of the overall GDP.
- According to the report: “In 11 major European cities with higher-than-average tourism levels, a drop to the regional average could cost up to $245 billion in GDP, $122 billion in tax revenue and nearly 3 million jobs within three years.”
- The WTTC encourages governments, businesses and communities to work together to ensure tourism strengthens, rather than strains, communities.
Growth needs to be managed carefully. We’re encouraging all decision-makers to think ahead, work together and focus on long-term benefits for residents and visitors alike.
- In 1950, 50 million international visitors traveled; by 2024, the number had grown to 1.4 billion.
- Travel companies also funded a destination’s public services through business, labor and consumption taxes to the tune of $1.8 trillion in direct tax contributions in 2023, and a further $1.5 trillion in indirect and induced taxes.
What They Are Saying: Growth Needs to Be Managed Intentionally
“Travel and tourism brings huge benefits including jobs, investment and deeper cultural understanding,” said Julia Simpson, president and CEO of the WTTC. “But growth needs to be managed carefully. We’re encouraging all decision-makers to think ahead, work together and focus on long-term benefits for residents and visitors alike. This isn’t about stopping tourism, it’s about making it work for everyone.”
