Overtourism

‘Operators can be pivotal in travel's fight against climate change’

Nobody caught up in the wildfires that swept across Rhodes last summer will forget the devastating scenes, which prompted the largest evacuation effort in Greece’s history.

Tourism can only be sustainable if it is supported by locals, says Tui boss

Sebastian Ebel’s comments followed a meeting with Spain’s top tourism officials, where popular destinations have faced a wave of anti-tourism protests in recent months

Intrepid Travel creates sustainability handbook for agents to harness their 'power to influence'

The 12-page handbook, designed to empower agents to demystify sustainability topics for their clients, is available from the Intrepid website

The Big Question: Is it time to rebrand the travel agent?

The value of personal service to consumers came to the fore during the pandemic. Now, in 2024, does the term ‘travel agent’ accurately convey what they do, and how much baggage does it still carry with it?

TTG Fairer Travel Festival: tune in this week for expert training, practical advice and events

Get loads of practical advice and hear from many inspiring experts to help drive positive change within your businesses

Barcelona mayor threatens to ban Airbnb in city's fight against overtourism

Mayor Jaume Collboni has pledged to revoke the more than 10,000 licences for tourist flats currently active in Barcelona

Why agents are key to Amsterdam's hopes of changing its image

Authorities in the Dutch capital are seeking to change the city’s image, but agents – and the wider travel industry – will be key to their ambitions

Greece hints at capping cruise guest numbers in holiday hotspots

Prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is expected to introduce a cap on the number of cruise ship arrivals into certain Greek destinations next year

The Big Question: Does travel have an ageism problem?

While travel caters for a wide age spectrum, older people can be overlooked in the industry’s marketing and communications. So is this omission holding the sector back?

Why travel must learn to tell its story better: eight takeaways from the ITT conference

Hundreds of current and future travel leaders took on some of the weightiest issues facing the industry this week at the 2024 ITT conference; James Chapple reports

Venice bans large groups and loudspeakers to tackle overtourism

Groups of more than 25 people can no longer enter the city centre as well as the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello

Majorcans urged to 'occupy' beaches this weekend as overtourism protests continue

The first protest will take place on Saturday (1 June) at the Sa Rapita beach in the south of the island

Tunisia clarifies date new tourist tax will apply to package holidaymakers

Package holidaymakers will have to pay Tunisia’s new tourist tax from 1 November, regardless of when they booked their trip

Balearic govt 'to take all necessary measures' to thwart Majorca airport shutdown

It comes after overtourism protesters threatened to obstruct operations at Palma’s Son Sant Joan airport

Scottish councils free to introduce tourist taxes from spring 2026

Edinburgh is expected to become the first Scottish destination to introduce a visitor levy after legislation paving the way was backed by members of the Scottish parliament (MSPs)

Eight takeaways from Abta’s Delivering Sustainable Travel Conference

Abta’s Delivering Sustainable Travel Conference on 15 May addressed overtourism, biodiversity loss and questions around collaboration and communication when it comes to sustainability in the industry

Spanish anti-tourist protests ‘no threat to our bottom line' – Tui

According to Tui Group chief executive Sebastian Ebel, the protests do not involve Tui as they focus mainly on the negative impact of tourism on housing and rising living costs

TTG Fairer Travel Festival to help agents boost responsible travel sales

The week-long event, in association with easyJet holidays, will take place 1-5 July as part of TTG Fairer Travel Month

'More and more agents are concerned about sustainability in tourism'

Ahead of Abta’s Delivering Sustainable Travel Conference on 15 May, head of events Sulamith Waldmeier offers a flavour of what to expect on the day - from overtourism to the ’say-do’ debate

Venice starts charging €5 entry fee for day trippers

Long-awaited move is designed to tackle overtourism in the Italian city

Amsterdam to cut river cruise calls to keep city ‘liveable’

City plans to halve the number of river cruises to reduce congestion and emissions, deputy mayor Hester van Buren said

The Big Question: Can celebrity endorsements ever be truly responsible?

The industry seems ever more willing to engage with TV stars and influencers to promote product, but is it risking a potential media backlash?

Brits ‘ringing hotels in Tenerife to check its safe’ ahead of anti-tourist protest – reports

The concern comes after graffiti telling tourists to go home appeared in some parts of the popular tourist destination, with a protest planned for 20 April

‘Overtourism didn't happen overnight in Barcelona’: so what are the solutions?

With its architectural marvels, fine cuisine and, until recently, all-conquering football team, Barcelona has become not just one of Europe’s, but the world’s most popular tourist destinations – but that popularity comes at a cost