This list evolves annually and encourages the emergence of sustainable tourism that is more respectful of local populations. Many states or municipalities are taking this type of measure to limit tourist flows (such as the application of a visitor quota, the implementation of tourist taxes or entry taxes).
Bali in the lead, Everest not spared
Among the most popular destinations is Bali. With its 5.3 million international visitors in 2023, this Indonesian island is gradually regaining its flagship status before the Covid-19 pandemic. However, this tourism rebound threatens the environmental balance. Long symbols of paradise, the beaches of Kuta and Seminyak are drowning in waste, due to a faulty management system leading to no less than 33,000 tonnes of plastic in nature.
Tourist pressure also affects the island’s coastal waters, polluted by toxic substances from sewage and agriculture and the irrigation system of rice fields.
In addition to this ecological crisis, there are especially places where the locals no longer want the presence of tourists at all. Among these destinations, we find Barcelona (Spain), Venice (Italy), Majorca (Spain) but also Koh Samui (Thailand) and especially Everest (Nepal).
Well before the broadcast of the documentary by YouTuber Inoxtag, the Nepalese government had already issued a record number of permits in 2023, for visiting its country. The highest mountain in the world is submerged in waste (30 tonnes on the slopes for 58,000 visitors per year). Faced with insufficient infrastructure, villages are transformed into hotels and overcrowding strongly affects the environment and local life.
Japan is suffering
At the same time, the Fodor publishing house has classified in another category, the destinations which are beginning to suffer from tourism. The American guide has classified several destinations including Kerala (India), Kyoto and Tokyo (Japan), Oaxaca (Mexico), the North Coast 500 (in Scotland), the British Virgin Islands as well as the Sicilian city of Agrigento, future capital Italian culture in 2025. Note that for the moment, the Basque Country therefore seems spared…
Related News :