Abstract
Tourism has grown substantially in the last two decades, yet its social, cultural, and environmental ramifications often must be explained. This paper addresses the research question: What are the implications of mass tourism for cities globally, and why is responsible tourism of heightened importance? Employing a case study of Venice, the study delves into how the city’s infrastructure increasingly caters to tourism, marginalizing its remaining residents. During peak seasons, with a daily influx of up to 130 thousand tourists, municipal authorities need help to allocate resources to meet residents’ basic needs. A continuous flow of small boats ferries passengers between city docks, and massive cruise ships docked in the lagoon, further straining the city’s resources. Air quality in Venice frequently mirrors that of bustling urban centers. Over the past generation, the resident population has diminished by almost a third. Notable landmarks such as the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Square have transformed into focal points of a Venetian “theme park,” offering locals limited employment opportunities within the tourism sector. Escalating rental prices and the prevalence of Airbnb exacerbate the situation as historical buildings transition into hotels and local businesses increasingly cater exclusively to tourists. Despite these challenges, residents are mobilizing, with over 30 local initiatives emerging to combat the adverse effects of mass tourism.
Presenters
Claudia Ribeiro Pereira NunesStudent, PhD, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Critical Issues in Tourism and Leisure Studies
KEYWORDS
Overtourism, Environmental impacts, Social impacts, Economic impacts
