UNESCO warns European cities: tackle overtourism or face wider protests
European cities are on alert: if the negative impacts of mass tourism on residents are not addressed, there is a risk of widespread protests, a UNESCO official warns.
“The situation is becoming increasingly tense,” said Peter Debrine, Senior Project Officer for Sustainable Tourism at UNESCO. “Public pressure for change is crucial because these are elected officials who are accountable for the needs of their citizens.”
Debrine pointed to Venice, Italy, as a cautionary tale. Protests erupted over environmental and structural damage caused by massive cruise ships sailing through the Grand Canal. The city eventually banned large cruise ships in 2021.
A step in the right direction, but not enough
While cruise ships are now docking further away, the influx of tourists remains. Venice is expecte...