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<ul class="summary-list"><li>Thousands protested against overtourism in Spain earlier this year, telling tourists to "go home."</li><li>Spain's tourism is still booming, with record numbers of international visitors.</li></ul>Protesters in Spain staged massive demonstrations against <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/overtourism-measures-limit-tourism-going-to-increase-venice-amsterdam-rome-2023-10">overtourism</a> this year that made headlines worldwide — especially after spraying tourists in Barcelona with water guns.But don't expect American visitors to the country to have heard about them, let alone to have altered their travel plans as a result.Spain recorded a record number of international tourists this summer, despite the mass demonstrations in places such as Barcelona, Mallorca, and Malaga throughout the year, according to data compiled by the Spanish government.The country recorded 10.9 million international visitors in July and August, a 7.3% increase from the same months in 2023, according to government <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.ine.es/dyngs/Prensa/en/FRONTUR0824.htm">data</a>. Spain's <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.ine.es/dyngs/Prensa/en/CTH0824.htm">National Statistics Institute</a> also said overnight hotel bookings were up 2.6% in August compared to 2023. In the first eight months of the year, overnight hotel stays were up a total of 5.6% from the year prior.A survey conducted by Mallorca's tourism board and released last month found 89% of US tourists were not even aware the protests occurred, according to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://skift.com/2024/09/26/mallorca-had-record-hotel-stays-despite-overtourism-protests/?utm_campaign=Newsletter%20%7C%20The%20Daily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8fEz_JeOu4dKzkHPM3xPKv0uMPpuEp7GZSIuIFgPUYTxwg-jIPAR0YcLpnRkkdCC0zzoP6Kuh6qy4Z3N2e883I8qy9eQ&amp;_hsmi=326524474&amp;utm_content=326523580&amp;utm_source=hs_email">Skift</a>, a travel industry news site. The survey, which included 1,000 American respondents, found that nearly 70% of those who were aware of the protests said they did not impact their plans to visit the Spanish island. The board did not respond to a request for the survey from Business Insider.Spain is among the global destinations dealing with the impacts of overtourism, such as overcrowding, expensive housing, and high costs of living. The tourism protests intensified in April when an estimated 20,000 to 50,000 people in the Canary Islands demanded tourism limits be enacted. In July, thousands took to the streets of <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/photos-of-protesters-rallying-against-overtourism-in-barcelona-2024-7">Barcelona to protest overtourism</a>, which many blamed for the high costs of living in the city. Demonstrators shot tourists with water guns and shouted at them to "go home."But that message alone is unlikely to be enough to significantly curb tourism numbers, according to Amir Eylon, president and CEO of Longwoods International, a market research consultancy that specializes in the travel tourism industry."When you are looking at where to go, where not to go, it's really the perception of safety that will drive that," Eylon told Business Insider of how tourists decide where to travel.Though the Spain protests made headlines, tourists were not physically harmed in a way that created a negative safety perception, which he said historically can have a significant impact on the number of tourists choosing to visit a destination.Spain, in particular, is a destination that many tourists plan and save for, he said, adding that tourists are unlikely to be deterred by these demonstrations, even if they do hear about them.The protests, however, could impact government policy in a way that may help curb or better manage tourism in the future, Eylon said.Officials in the Canary Islands said earlier this year that they planned to add additional limits and regulations to short-term rentals. Barcelona, which enacted a partial ban on short-term rentals in 2021, said in June it would <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/barcelona-airbnb-ban-florence-amsterdam-lisbon-are-regulations-working-2024-8">ban all short-term rentals</a> in the city by 2028.Eylon said every country and local jurisdiction typically requires a unique approach to managing the impacts of tourism, while still getting the economic benefits. In addition to short-term rental bans or limits, those measures could include visitor caps, increased tourism taxes, or initiatives to build more permanent housing.

Tourism in Spain is booming, despite protests that included spraying visitors with water guns 

Photos show how the Olympics affected tourism in Paris

<ul class="summary-list"><li>New Zealand will triple entry fees for foreign tourists starting in October.</li><li>It will now cost about $62, though Australians and some Pacific Islanders are exempt.</li></ul><a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/new-zealand-best-ways-to-save-money-travel-tips-2023-12">New Zealand</a>'s government <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.mbie.govt.nz/immigration-and-tourism/tourism/tourism-funding/international-visitor-conservation-and-tourism-levy/what-is-the-ivl#:~:text=The%20IVL%20is%20a%20%2435,eligible%20visitor%20to%20New%20Zealand.">announced on Tuesday</a> that it will triple entry fees for foreign tourists starting in October.The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) for foreign tourists will increase from the current fee of NZD 35 (about $22 in US currency) to NZD 100 (about $62 in American money).<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.mbie.govt.nz/immigration-and-tourism/tourism/tourism-funding/international-visitor-conservation-and-tourism-levy">According to New Zealand's Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment, </a>the IVL exists to "address current challenges in the tourism and conservation systems," ensuring that New Zealanders do not "unduly bear" the costs associated with international visitors.The ministry noted that <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/new-zealand-adds-jobs-residency-fast-track-immigration-green-list-2023-9">New Zealand</a> has experienced a significant increase in international visitors in recent years, which it said has challenged the country's "infrastructure, environment, communities, and the social license for tourism to operate in certain areas."Australian citizens, people from certain Pacific Island nations, and those transiting through New Zealand are exempt from the fee.The IVL has been used to fund various tourism and conservation initiatives, including pest control, biodiversity investments, and enhancing visitor access to tourism sites.A <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.mbie.govt.nz/dmsdocument/28322-proposed-changes-to-the-international-visitor-conservation-and-tourism-levy-ivl">consultation held in June on proposed changes</a>, which included 1,100 submissions, found that 88% of submitters agreed that the current level of IVL revenue — about $50 million US — was insufficient to address issues facing tourism and conservation.Additionally, 93% of submitters agreed that the IVL fee should be increased, with a majority favoring the biggest price increase to NZD 100.According to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.mbie.govt.nz/immigration-and-tourism/tourism/tourism-funding/international-visitor-conservation-and-tourism-levy/what-is-the-ivl#:~:text=The%20IVL%20is%20a%20%2435,eligible%20visitor%20to%20New%20Zealand.">the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment, the </a>increased IVL amount is expected to generate about $229 million in New Zealand currency yearly.A study published by<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.tourismnewzealand.com/assets/insights/industry-insights/Views-on-Tourism-New-Zealand-YE-Dec-23-EXTERNAL.pdf"> Tourism New Zealand</a> last year found that New Zealand residents felt that <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/barcelona-overtourism-making-it-impossible-to-live-there-local-says-2024-8">tourism</a> negatively impacted their communities through increased litter, difficulty finding parking, and heavier traffic.About two-thirds of those surveyed also expressed concerns about the impact of tourism on the environment.<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.royalsociety.org.nz/assets/109-Alpha-Series-Tourism-and-the-environment.pdf">According to the Royal Society of New Zealand</a>, an independent non-profit that provides funding and policy advice on the region's science and technology, an influx of tourists can lead to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/popular-travel-destinations-fight-overtourism-unique-strategies-2024-7">overcrowding, </a>habitat destruction, wildlife disturbance, and noise pollution.While tourism contributes to 3.7% of New Zealand's economy, forming one of its main industries, it also directly impacts the country's natural landmarks.According to the country's <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/conservation/human-values/nature-of-wellbeing-summary.pdf">Department of Conservation</a>, about 70% of all international trips involve some "nature-base" activities, such as hiking or visiting scenic natural attractions.The department noted in 2021 that increased tourism to Milford Sound-Piopiotahi, a fjord sometimes touted as the eighth wonder of the world, put it under "considerable stress." Funding from the IVL previously went toward <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.doc.govt.nz/news/media-releases/2021-media-releases/next-step-to-protect-milford-sound-piopiotahi/">a master plan for protecting it.</a>

Visiting New Zealand just got more expensive as the country triples tourism fee

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Sicily, Italy, is in a state of emergency over the worst drought the country has seen in 20 years.</li><li>Water rations are so strict that hotel and inn owners are turning tourists away.</li></ul>An extreme drought in Sicily is the worst the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/things-to-know-change-trip-to-sicily-italy-2023-5">Italian island</a> has seen in 20 years, and it's so bad it's threatening the region's economy.The drought in Sicily has caused the local climate to mirror that of Ethiopia, UK outlet Sky News reported, causing a state of emergency, drying up lakes, and prompting officials to implement strict water rations.The rations are so strict — with some <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/californians-sicily-italy-one-euro-homes-expensive-properties-true-cost-2024-1">residents</a> being asked to cut their water use by as much as 45% — it's prompting some hotel and inn owners to turn guests away because they cannot guarantee showers will run or toilets will flush, CNN reported."Rightly, people ask us for reassurances before coming, but we don't know what to say," Giovanni Lopez, who owns the Le Cinque Novelle bed and breakfast (B&amp;B) in central Agrigento, told CNN. "The situation is quickly impacting the entire tourist accommodation sector, which risks serious economic consequences, given that tourism is a sector almost everyone in this part of Sicily relies on."The economic impact is impossible to ignore — between empty reservoirs and livestock that have died due to the drought, CNN reported the region has lost more than a billion Euros, or nearly 1.1 billion USD.Representatives for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mistakes-tourists-make-in-rome-italy-local-tips-2023-2">Italy's Ministry of Tourism</a> did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider. However, CNN reported that Italy's tourism minister, Daniela Santanchè, suggested in April that Sicily should attempt to expand its tourism beyond summer to address the region's worsening water crisis.In addition to the drought, numerous regions of Italy, including <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/californians-sicily-italy-one-euro-homes-expensive-properties-true-cost-2024-1">Sicily,</a> are also facing population destabilization, prompting officials to offer <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/italy-pays-to-move-tuscany-residence-in-mountains-2024-6">incentives to relocate</a> to its rural regions in hopes that new residents will help stabilize the population levels.

Massive drought in Italy threatens to destroy Sicilian tourism

The Karnataka government is considering proposals to allow tents and <keyword id="21356640" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="alcohol-sales" source="keywords">alcohol sales</keyword> on the state's beaches, similar to <keyword id="19895061" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Goa" source="keywords">Goa</keyword>, in an effort to boost tourism. Speaking at the 'Connect 2024' event in <keyword id="19936741" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mangalore" source="keywords">Mangalore</keyword> on Wednesday, Rajendra K V, tourism department's director, emphasised that changes are necessary to attract tourists. "We need to relax restrictions on alcohol consumption along the beaches of Karnataka, which may bring more influx of tourists just like in the state of Goa," he added. According to him, to enhance safety and encourage people to spend more time at the beaches during the night, the department is contemplating the installation of additional lights along the coast. District officials have been instructed to identify government and private lands near beaches to promote <keyword id="23668481" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tent-tourism" source="keywords">tent tourism</keyword> in the state. Rajendra also revealed that a facilitation centre would soon be established to expedite approvals for tourism projects, including CRZ (<keyword id="20495401" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Coastal-Regulation-Zone" source="keywords">Coastal Regulation Zone</keyword>) permissions. He added that the new <keyword id="20021259" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tourism-policy" source="keywords">tourism policy</keyword> will include specific guidelines for coastal tourism. Deputy Commissioner of Dakshina Kannada, Mullai Muhilan, said tourists should be allowed access to beaches late at night. "Restaurant and licensed business operating hours in Mangalore city have already been extended to 1 am and the same should apply to the beaches as well," he added. He further stated that discussions would be held with the police department to resolve issues regarding the current restrictions on <keyword id="22266283" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="beach-access" source="keywords">beach access</keyword> after 9 pm and appropriate action would be taken.

Karnataka to go Goa way and allow alcohol sales in coastal cities to lure tourists

<ul class="summary-list"><li>I really enjoyed growing up in Barcelona but moved away 10 years ago.</li><li>I'd love to return to my home city, but the cost of living and many tourists make it difficult.</li></ul>I loved <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/surprising-things-moving-to-barcelona-spain-from-us-long-process-2024-3">growing up in Barcelona</a>.There's nothing like the shimmering Mediterranean Sea at the foot of the Collserola mountain range, its monuments celebrating Spanish and Catalan culture, the festivals steeped in centuries of tradition, and even its scars of the 1936 Civil War— bullet holes in walls and alleyways that stand eerily at chest height.From an early age, it was a playground for my friends and me, made accessible by a robust public transportation system and a low cost of living.Yet, in all my memories of beautiful parks and Gaudi-esque architecture soaked in near-eternal sunshine, I cannot remember the first time I saw the all-too-common graffiti that I see now: "Tourists go home."I moved out of Barcelona about 10 years ago, partly because of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/cities-hurt-by-tourism-2017-12">tourism's impact</a><a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/cities-hurt-by-tourism-2017-12"> on locals</a>. Now, at 27, my parents and grandmother are aging, and I'm thinking of moving back.But the choice isn't easy, especially when it feels like Barcelona prioritizes visitors over residents.<h2 id="ce06b32d-2848-4a79-9014-2cffbe7afce9">Tourism has been booming for decades, but Barcelona has become too reliant on it</h2><div type="image" title="Tourists at Sagrada de Familia" height="683" width="1024" msid="112932533" hostid="261" sizebytes="87412"></div>Barcelona is a major tourism destination year-round, and it has been for a while. According to the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/photos-of-protesters-rallying-against-overtourism-in-barcelona-2024-7">Barcelona Tourism Observatory</a>, the city received 15.6 million tourists alone last year.Tourism accounts for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/barcelona-cannot-absorb-infinite-tourism-growth-needs-curbs-mayor-says-2024-07-23/">about 15% of the city's economy</a>, which is bad news for the many locals who aren't reaping the benefits of having millions of visitors in their home.Sure, tourism brings more jobs to Barcelona — but even if that was a career path I wanted to pursue, many of them aren't built to support the actual cost of living in the city.Research published in <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.paradigmpress.org/le/article/view/1206/1067">Paradigm Academic Press</a> in July found that the majority of new jobs in Barcelona's hospitality industry were only part time, and the average monthly wage in this sector is 1,200 euros or $1,327 — 300 euros less than the city's average wage.Meanwhile, Spanish newspaper <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2024-02-24/when-it-comes-to-renting-in-barcelona-anything-goes-storage-rooms-storefronts-and-basements-cost-hundreds-a-month.html">El País</a>, citing official data, reported that the average monthly rent in Barcelona in the third quarter of 2023 was about 1,171 euros or $1,295.But housing has become an issue for workers across industries. Spain's housing crisis — worsened by many <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.reuters.com/markets/europe/spain-crack-down-holiday-rentals-address-housing-crisis-2024-07-03/">homes becoming Airbnbs</a> — means it's hard to find an affordable place to live.It's one of my concerns when I think of returning to Barcelona. Many of my friends must live with their parents well into their 30s because they're struggling to afford to rent an apartment with roommates.Some residents are also forced to split another limited essential resource: water.In <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.npr.org/2024/02/18/1232301986/in-spain-a-years-long-drought-is-pitting-locals-against-the-tourism-industry">recent years</a>, Barcelona and the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://apnews.com/article/spain-drought-barcelona-climate-ba6f65b6ce01e3a7b081586e602a38e7">greater Catalonia region</a> have experienced and been vulnerable to droughts. <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.politico.eu/article/spain-barcelona-tourists-catalonia-anger-rain-water-drought">Water rationing</a> is becoming a new reality for many residents, who are expected to keep their resource usage low and limited while <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ahead-easter-rush-officials-say-drought-must-not-put-off-barcelona-tourists-2024-03-22/">hoping globetrotting guests</a> do the same.It's hard to imagine moving back to a place where residents' basic necessities are often sacrificed for a single industry.<h2 id="850bd518-51c1-4c35-b7a0-3cecaf49fe4b">Recent protests show how much urgent change is needed — and why I'm not sure I'm ready to go back</h2><div type="image" title="tourists not welcome sign in spain" height="683" width="1024" msid="112932532" hostid="261" sizebytes="61708"></div>Last month, friends sent me videos of the viral <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/photos-of-protesters-rallying-against-overtourism-in-barcelona-2024-7">anti-tourism protesters</a> squirting water pistols at tourists. The protesters echoed a sentiment shared by many residents: We need fewer tourists, especially in already overcrowded areas.Local politicians have taken some actions, like limiting the number of hotel beds allowed in Barcelona and raising the cruise tourist tax for those who spend less than 12 hours in the city.<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://apnews.com/article/barcelona-spain-tourist-apartments-154cf293078aa14c299e3539d90e9350">Barcelona City Hall</a> took action against short-term rentals like Airbnb when it announced it would not renew licenses allowing people to rent their apartments to tourists after they expire in 2028. This is partly to help residents deal with <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/top-tourist-destination-barcelona-plans-shut-all-holiday-apartments-by-2028-2024-06-21/">rising rent</a> and real-estate costs.But we need faster changes and more <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tourists-extend-vacations-fewer-longer-trips-more-sustainable-2024-5">sustainable tourism</a>, which starts with less tourism overall.I hope people can come and enjoy the beauty of my home city, but I want them to realize their impact and rise to the challenge of being a tourist in a city that is loved by too many.Maybe it starts with tourists prioritizing small businesses during their trips or <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-lesser-known-italy-travel-destinations-according-to-local">visiting lesser-known spots</a> in the city instead of areas that are already overwhelmed.As for myself, I'm hoping that residents' desire to reimagine Barcelona as it was — not a tourist destination or the backdrop of an Instagram photo, but as a living city — shapes the city's policies going forward.Perhaps it'll lead to positive changes — like more affordable housing and stable employment opportunities — so I can finally book a one-way ticket home.

I grew up in Barcelona and live in the US. I'd love to go home, but tourism is making life unbearable for locals.

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Popular tourist destinations in Greece are struggling with overcrowding.</li><li>Athens is plagued by high rents and short-term rentals, while the islands contend with cruise ships.</li></ul>An anti-cruise rebellion is afoot in popular tourism destinations in Greece.Boats full of tourists who arrive on the island, crowd the streets, and leave trash have led to the "worst season" ever, locals say.It's a story mirrored across Europe this summer, with anti-tourist protests breaking out in famous hot spots.<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/photos-of-protesters-rallying-against-overtourism-in-barcelona-2024-7">In Barcelona</a>, locals have sprayed holiday-makers with water pistols and shouted at them to go home, blaming them for the city becoming unlivable due to high rent prices and apartments being turned into Airbnbs.In Athens and Greek islands, such as Santorini, there's a similar sentiment growing.<h2 id="361e29f8-09c9-466c-953e-69689735c123">Crowded monuments</h2>Vivian Antypa, an archaeologist and tour operator in Athens, told Business Insider that she loves working in tourism and meeting people from all over the world. But her job has become "challenging" recently."The government hasn't put any limitations to the number of people that can visit the monuments," she said, except for the 20,000 person cap to the Acropolis, which was <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.euronews.com/travel/2023/08/03/greeces-acropolis-cap-on-daily-visitors-and-staggered-entry-times-starting-in-september">implemented last year</a>.All the other archaeological sites in the city are "extremely crowded," Antypa said."This, of course, affects the quality of our work, the experience of the people," she said. "It can be dangerous due to the hot Greek weather."The number of tourists visiting Greece increased by 120% between 2019 and 2023, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://fortune.com/europe/2024/07/09/mayor-of-athens-overtourism-greece-not-viable-visitor-tourism-economy/">Fortune reported</a>, with 33 million tourists heading to the country last year.Antypa said overtourism in Athens is a problem because the city can't accommodate the large numbers of people in the high season.As a result, the center is full of traffic and crowds, which makes it <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxXnr-nRcwU">hard for locals</a> to live their daily lives.<div type="image" title="Tourists at the Propylaea, the entrance of the Athenian Acropolis." height="1500" width="2000" msid="112347386" hostid="261" sizebytes="233924"></div>There are also not enough establishments to accommodate all the people, which has boosted the short-term rental market."That has caused a big disruption for the locals," Antypa said. "People cannot find apartments for long-term renting, and the ones that can be rented are usually extremely overpriced and in poor conditions."<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.ekathimerini.com/economy/real-estate/1237905/why-are-rental-rates-skyrocketing/">According to the Greek news outlet Kathimerini</a>, investors are turning entire apartment blocks in Athens's districts of Pangrati and Koukaki into short-term rental units.Rental rates in Pangrati have increased by 14.3% compared to last year, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.tovima.com/finance/greek-property-market-surge-piraeus-leads-nationwide-price-increases-in-q2-2024">the Greek newspaper To Vima reported</a>. House prices are also soaring, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-11-17/why-athens-home-prices-are-rising-faster-than-other-european-cities">according to Bloomberg</a>.Tourists and locals are equally disappointed in the ramifications of over-tourism, Antypa said, which "sets the standards of the Greek hospitality way back."On TikTok, there's a heated debate between vacationers and locals at top tourist sites. Visitors complain about crowds and dirty streets and share their disappointment about their trip not meeting their expectations. In response, locals call them out for being "ungrateful" and implore them to consider their part in it all.Tourist activities make up 25-30% of the Greece's GDP. Harris Doukas, the mayor of Athens, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.euronews.com/2024/07/08/overrun-athens-how-the-greek-capital-is-finding-solutions-to-the-tourist-influx">told Euro News</a> that "Each visitor brings €0.40 to the city.""And we haven't seen this money yet," he said. "We need sustainable tourism that doesn't worsen city inequalities."<h2 id="3fabe98d-4c04-4ec8-981f-edecb0962ad4">A crackdown on cruises</h2>Antypa said <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/cruise-ships-environmental-impact-tourism-2019-9">cruise ships</a> are a big part of the problem. People aboard follow "a very specific pattern" in Athens, where they arrive very early in the morning and head straight to the landmarks. This causes traffic, queues, and "horrific crowds," she said.<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/syros-greece-underrated-better-than-mykonos-santorini-what-to-do-2024-4">The islands</a> are also impacted. Nikos Drosos, a tour guide who owns the Santorini-based travel company Santo Luxury Escape, told BI, "This is one of the worst seasons that the island has had right now.""There are a lot of cruise ships and a lot of people, like 15,000 per day," Drosos said.When they arrive, the main streets are packed with buses, and people leave behind "a lot of garbage," Drosos said."Because they eat on the ship, they don't buy any souvenirs or eat in the restaurants," he added. "That's the problem for us here."<div type="image" title="A ship full of tourists socks in Santorini." height="3515" width="5272" msid="112347392" hostid="261" sizebytes="751520"></div>Drosis believes there wouldn't be an overcrowding problem if more people stayed on the island for a few days at a time."In fact, we want the people to stay more on the island," he said.<h2 id="256be5cb-54bc-402a-b01d-11950f0c69ca">Priced out</h2>The answer may not be so simple, though, as islands, including Santorini and Mykonos, have become more expensive due to their idyllic landscapes and Instagrammable views, leading to an influx of designer stores <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/where-to-stay-in-santorini-greece-best-hotels">and even a Nobu</a>.Those who may wish to come may not be able to afford a stay there."There is a real problem when locals, both those that live in a place year-round or wish to visit family and friends, are priced out," Richard Krieger, the director at Sky Vacations, told BI. "You only have to look at the prices of hotels and accommodation in the most well known places in Greece to see how expensive things have become."He added that it's not just the most famous destinations. Small towns like Katakolon in the Peloponnese can become "a nightmare when ships pull in and the crowds pour into the streets," Krieger said.Antypa said she has heard similar stories in her industry, and that the majority of visitors on the islands are not spending money there."The islands have started to lose their authenticity, their individualistic fingerprint," she said.<div type="image" title="Tourists taking photos in Santorini" height="2930" width="4395" msid="112347388" hostid="261" sizebytes="653516"></div>Krieger said implementing fees that support the tourism infrastructure and promoting the entire country as a destination is part of the solution."Our collective effort is needed to ensure that the beauty of the country remains unharmed and that by visiting in a responsible manner, we support local communities and help them thrive," he said.In June, Greece's prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-06-14/greece-prime-minister-ready-to-cap-cruise-ships-at-most-popular-islands?sref=PKlsHl88">told Bloomberg</a> the country was <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/greece-restricting-cruise-ship-santorini-mykonos-tourist-compaints-2024-6">moving to limit the number of cruise ships</a> allowed to stop at the most popular islands.Drosos said this will be "good in some ways.""It's going to be better for some people," he said. "The big tour companies with the big buses, I don't think they're going to like it, but it's for their own good, for everyone."Antypa said a response "is just a response," and she wants to see the government take the next step by committing to sustainable growth and protecting Greece's environment and culture."This has been the goal of many European countries for years," she said. "If the government takes action toward the right direction, we can make tourism better for the tourists and the locals."

Greece is in the middle of an anti-cruise rebellion, with locals complaining about over-tourism and trashed streets

Travelling across India is safer and easier for tourists, <keyword id="20130044" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-tourism" source="keywords">Indian tourism</keyword> industry leaders have said, promoting the country, especially <keyword id="19894922" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Uttar-Pradesh" source="keywords">Uttar Pradesh</keyword>, as a premier tourist destination for Singaporeans. Their remarks came as they participated in the <keyword id="23693812" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ITB-Asia" source="keywords">ITB Asia</keyword>, a travel trade show held in Singapore From October 23 to October 25. "We need to educate <keyword id="21866171" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="global-travellers" source="keywords">global travellers</keyword> about the attractions in Uttar Pradesh and make UP known more and above the iconic <keyword id="20045918" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Taj-Mahal" source="keywords">Taj Mahal</keyword> in Agra," said Rahul Wadhwa who leads CAL India Tours and Travel. He estimated a growth of 10 per cent across the UP travel agency business. Further, Wadhwa said his Agra-based travel business was seeking collaborations globally to tie up travel arrangements and promote the state as well as India as a tourist destination. There are a growing number of five-star hotels and continuing investments in highways that make travelling across India, including UP, as seamless as the tourists expect, said the <keyword id="20181038" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="travel-industry" source="keywords">travel industry</keyword> veteran of 33 years. Technology-wise, the travel industry has also done well, moving away from the telex-based phone-call booked communications to speedier online-offline as well as mobile phone app-led bookings and arrangements for globe trotters. Travelling across India is also safer and easier, added Sushil Kumar Singh, managing director of Jatak Travels, dismissing all notions and misunderstandings about <keyword id="20415307" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="safety-and-security" source="keywords">safety and security</keyword> in India. "We have <keyword id="23693813" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tourist-friendly" source="keywords">tourist-friendly</keyword> people and highly rated facilities across the country and in UP," assured the head of the Varanasi-based travel group. The destinations and facilities in India are world-class. "We are no less than any other tourist destination," he stressed. "International tourists are visiting India freely," underscored Singh, who reported 200 per cent growth for his business post-Covid.

Indian tourism industry leaders spotlight Uttar Pradesh as safe and diverse travel destination

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<ul class="summary-list"><li>I grew up in Australia and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tourist-mistakes-rome-longtime-tour-guide-italy-2024-3">worked in tourism</a> for many years.</li><li>I've seen many <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mistakes-people-make-visiting-grand-canyon-first-time-arizona-local-2024-6">tourists make the same mistakes</a>, like expecting warm weather year-round.</li></ul>I'm a born-and-bred Aussie who's been fortunate enough to work in travel and tourism, promoting Australia to international visitors. For many years, I attended international conferences, gave presentations at colleges, and ran seminars about Australia.Tourism is an important part of Australia's economy and is expected to <a target="_blank" href="https://wttc.org/news-article/australias-tourism-sector-set-to-contribute-record-breaking-265bn-to-the-economy">generate $265.5 billion this year</a>. But it's also an incredible way to introduce travelers to everything the country has to offer.Unfortunately, though, while working in the industry, I've seen visitors believe the same misconceptions about Australia and make similar mistakes over and over again.Here are the five most <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/things-never-do-in-australia-from-woman-lives-there">common mistakes</a> I see when tourists visit the country for the first time.<h2 id="c177316d-5917-467d-ac83-a7dc4f87b17c">Underestimating the size of Australia</h2>Australia is the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/list-of-the-total-areas-of-the-worlds-countries-dependencies-and-territories-2130540">sixth-biggest country in the world </a>and the only country that takes up a whole continent. Despite this, many travelers aim to cover all of it on a short vacation.When tourists try to do too much in one trip, they end up spending more time at airports than enjoying the sites.<h2 id="759b98a0-f7ff-42ab-8c9a-171ccbf9b978">Focusing on Sydney and ignoring other parts of Australia</h2><div type="image" title="A view of the Sydney harbor with boats in the water." height="1355" width="1806" msid="111668163" hostid="261" sizebytes="174856"></div>The first place most people think of when they hear Australia is Sydney. However, I believe Sydney lacks the depth and culture of other <a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/where-to-go-in-australia-not-sydney-2019-4">Australian cities</a>.For example, when traveling to Sydney, you'll likely meet many fellow tourists. For a true Australian experience, I recommend checking out other cities, like Melbourne. After all, there's a reason it was named one of the <a target="_blank" href="https://liveinmelbourne.vic.gov.au/discover/melbourne-victoria/why-melbourne">world's most liveable cities</a>.Although I'm biased, I believe my home city of Melbourne offers far more to tourists and is always the surprise hit of any visitor I speak with. Here, tourists can expect lots of festivals and events throughout the year, a vibrant café culture, a famed art scene, and friendly people.I also recommend taking a trip to the Outback before leaving Australia. Despite <a target="_blank" href="https://www.australia.com/en/things-to-do/nature-and-national-parks/guide-to-the-australian-outback.html">covering 81% of the country</a>, few people visit this vast unpopulated region brimming with diverse wildlife and natural wonders like the stunning pink lakes. The crystal-clear skies are also magical for stargazing at night.Visiting Uluru is also a must, as it offers an interesting insight into our history and Indigenous culture.<h2 id="201acd15-8f10-4b51-a427-fdf0df2e7e75">Thinking Australia is hot all the time</h2>Another thing most tourists don't realize is that Australia isn't always hot. The southern half of Australia <a target="_blank" href="https://www.intrepidtravel.com/us/australia/weather-in-australia">experiences a chilly winter</a>, and in some mountainous areas, it snows.Many tourists arrive in the middle of winter unprepared and are forced to buy warmer clothes because summer in the northern hemisphere is <a target="_blank" href="https://ssec.si.edu/stemvisions-blog/what-winter-solstice#">winter down under</a>.The good news is that if you live in the northern hemisphere, you can take advantage of end-of-season winter sales in your home country before your Australian vacation.When the weather is warm, though, it's important to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/sunscreen-mistakes-less-effective-2018-6">wear sunscreen</a>. The sun in Australia is harsher than anywhere else I've been, and it's easy to get sunburned.Even my Texan wife covers herself in lotion — and she's used to the sun and extreme heat.<h2 id="8fd7d993-641e-4fbf-8687-b3dbd23841aa">Not experiencing the local cuisine</h2><div type="image" title="Toast topped with Vegemite on a white plate. There is also a bowl of the spread, a knife, and a tablecloth on the table." height="1049" width="1398" msid="111668162" hostid="261" sizebytes="230042"></div>Australia has a diverse range of great food, and tourists are doing themselves a disservice by not sampling the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/italian-american-food-you-wont-find-in-italy">local cuisine</a>.For a true Australian experience, I recommend trying a meat pie at a sporting event, a "parma" (aka chicken Parmesan) at a pub, and, of course, Vegemite on toast.<h2 id="6ed4cd68-da31-4b7c-80d3-2c09edbd4311">Being overly paranoid about deadly animals</h2>When I worked in tourism, a lot of prospective travelers asked me how I survived all the deadly animals in Australia. Although it's true that Australia is known for having <a target="_blank" href="https://australian.museum/learn/animals/dangerous-animals/">deadly snakes, sharks, and spiders</a>, I've never seen one outside a zoo.In fact, many animals are <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/humans-apex-predators-in-savanna-not-lions-study-2023-10">scared of humans</a> and stay away from the big cities and places where humans are.Of course, tourists should always exercise caution around wildlife. However, the chances of having an encounter with a deadly animal are quite slim.

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