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Venice is one of several European cities struggling to cope with large numbers of tourists.
As global tourist numbers continue to rise, major European destinations are making major moves to control mass tourism and its effects.
Tourism taxes are one of the tools being introduced or expanded in cities that are suffering most from the surge in tourism. Charges for lodging and cruise ship arrivals will become the norm, making international travel more expensive.
With global tourist numbers more than doubling between 2000 and 2019, the United Nations World Tourism Organization says this year could set a new record for international arrivals around the world. Ta.
Overtourism causes many problems, from tangible problems such as crowded streets and public transport, to long-term problems for local residents.
In cities like Amsterdam and Barcelona, the popularity of buy-to-let properties and vacation rentals has created a housing shortage, driving up rental prices and, in some cases, displacing long-term residents.
From introducing or increasing tourist taxes to limiting the number of people on historic tours, major European destinations are making big changes for 2024.
Amsterdam focuses on local life
The Dutch capital has long suffered from a reputation as a party capital. After last year’s mixed success in an international media campaign to dispel this image, the city’s tourism authorities are trying something new in 2024.
The new strategy, titled ‘Renew Your View’, aims to improve the quality of life for residents by encouraging visitors to experience the city from a local perspective. This includes a decline in the city’s appeal to those seeking nighttime entertainment, which it has long been known for.
Amsterdam introduces new measures to manage visitor numbers and improve quality … [+]
At the beginning of 2024, Amsterdam implemented new regulations that prioritize housing for students, teachers, and apprentice police officers, limit the number of private vacation rentals, and reduce the cap on B&B accommodation by 30%.
The city is also prioritizing local businesses such as bookstores, salons and gyms, and limiting permits for souvenir shops aimed at tourists. The initiative will run until early 2025 and aims to maintain the city’s charm and guarantee a more authentic experience for visitors.
Amsterdam’s tourist tax has also been significantly increased, making it the highest in Europe.
The daily rate charged by cruise lines for day-trippers has jumped to 14 euros ($15) per person, and the price bundled into hotel room rates has risen to 12.5% of the nightly rate. . This increase applies to all accommodations, from luxury hotels to affordable campgrounds.
Barcelona to raise tourist tax
Catalan cities have experienced a tourism boom since the city was transformed for the 1992 Olympics.
As one of the first cities in Europe to declare an overtourism problem, Barcelona city leaders have tried a variety of strategies over the past decade, with varying degrees of success.
The previous government limited the number of hotel beds in the city, banned the opening of new hotels in the historic center, introduced a licensing system for property owners who planned to rent out their apartments as short-term vacation rentals, and We have chosen to limit the number of participants in our accommodations. Guided walking tour of the Old Town.
Recently, city officials have turned their attention to tourism taxes. In addition to the tourist tax already levied on all overnight travelers, Barcelona now also imposes a tax on the arrival of cruise passengers, which is paid for by cruise lines.
Funds raised will be used for community development projects, from heritage tourism routes to public toilets on beaches.
During this period, Barcelona typically sees between four and seven large cruise ships calling at its port each day. … [+]
Further measures targeting cruise ships include the closure of the former city center cruise pier, forcing larger ships to berth further away. The measure also reduces the maximum number of cruise ships that can enter Barcelona’s port from eight to seven.
Venice to limit number of people on tours
Venice’s beauty and romance are undeniable, but the city’s leaders face more challenges than perhaps any other European city. Venice is virtually sinking, and flood damage is increasing every year.
While visitor numbers have increased to a staggering 30 million a year, the number of residents has plummeted from 175,000 to just 53,000 over the past 70 years.
Those who remain in the city are engaged in a long battle against cruise ship tourism. Opponents of cruise ships say they damage centuries-old infrastructure and harm the lagoon’s delicate ecosystem.
Most large cruise ships are currently prohibited from calling in Venice itself, with some cruise lines choosing to dock more than an hour away from the city.
In 2024, Venice will introduce two important measures to reduce overtourism. First, from June 1, tour groups to the historic center and islands such as Murano and Burano will be limited to 25 people.
This is about half the capacity of a standard tour bus and will force tourism operators to rethink their approach. The rules aim to reduce pedestrian traffic and noise pollution, banning portable speakers and encouraging the use of quieter wireless headsets.
Second, Venice plans to introduce an entrance fee for day-trippers during the Festa di San Marco in late April. The non-profit initiative aims to ease congestion in the city and requires day-trippers to register online and purchase a 5-euro ($5.50) entrance ticket, available via QR code.
Although some exceptions apply, the overarching goal is to promote sustainable tourism and protect Venice’s fragile infrastructure from the negative effects of overtourism and environmental issues.
Mass tourism beyond big cities
Despite all the media coverage, overtourism is not a problem that only affects major tourist destinations.
Norway’s picturesque Lofoten Islands also sees tourists far outnumbering local residents, creating a headache for the relatively small local government.
Officials on the Lofoten Islands, facing a lack of funds to pay for essential tourism facilities such as new car parks and additional waste management resources, have been given the green light to trial a tourism tax.
Residents of a picturesque village along the Italian Riviera have long had to put up with tourists suddenly stopping to take photos or parking inconsiderately.
The mayor of Portofino, one of the most famous beauty spots, has introduced a no-queuing zone for the summer season. Those who remain on the pier during the day risk fines of nearly $300.
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