Servantrip’s Post

It is so important to consider not just the economic impact of tourism but the residents of the area. Contemplate what you are doing before you travel.

🚢 Global Cruise Industry: Rising Demand Amidst Port Protests 🌍 The cruise industry is sailing through interesting times - 2024 sees the launch of 14 new liners, including the world’s largest, "Icon of the Seas." With passenger numbers expected to rise 10% by 2028, the industry is booming. But as demand grows, so do environmental protests in European port cities like Barcelona and Amsterdam, pushing for stricter regulations and alternative docking solutions. Despite the challenges, the Caribbean and Mediterranean remain top cruise destinations, while the war in Ukraine keeps Black Sea cruises on hold indefinitely. #CruiseIndustry #SustainableTravel #TravelTrends #GlobalTourism (https://lnkd.in/e-TFYbpf)

Time to reflect on the structure of tourism and its impact of tourism on local communities. https://lnkd.in/eJxAiUKQ

Recently, I attended a party where many attendees, who are otherwise vocal about climate concerns, were discussing environmental issues after a few rounds of drinks. I posed a question - 'Will you cut down on your travel—both official and personal—knowing that airlines are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions?' As expected, the response was met with shifty eyes. This made me ponder why we often look for solutions externally when personal accountability is equally crucial. I know people who proudly share that they take six flights a week. If Gurgaon faces traffic congestion and has implemented odd-even schemes, why are our skies being excessively exploited? Shouldn’t the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Ministry of Corporate Affairs consider rationalizing the number of flights an organization can allocate per employee? Or for that matter the number of flights a family can take for vacation purposes in a year? In Barcelona, locals are protesting against the influx of tourists, a sentiment that is becoming increasingly common. Thank goodness we visited it six years ago! was the response from my husband...Recently, closer home we experienced similar sentiments from locals in Fontainhas, Goa. It’s clear that we all need to rationalize our travel habits for the sake of sustainability. Will you travel only if its really needed? #personalaccountability #sustainability #ministryofCivilAviation #MinistryOfCorporateAffairs https://lnkd.in/gFtYaCKm

Sustainable Tourism: The recent scenario in Spain has gone too far, with people now protesting against tourists. While some specific groups benefit, others are left struggling. In Palma de Mallorca, the capital of Spain’s Mallorca, thousands have taken to the streets to protest over-tourism. On Sunday, around 20,000 demonstrators demanded changes to the current touristic model, which they argue is detrimental to the Mediterranean island. Under slogans like “Let’s change course and set limits on tourism,” the protestors highlighted the strain on public services, natural resources, and the difficulty locals face in accessing housing. Placards read, “Your luxury, our misery” and “This isn’t tourismophobia, it’s numbers: 1,232,014 residents, 18 million tourists.” The protests were organized by about 80 organizations and social groups, calling for limits on excessive tourism. Last year, a record 17.8 million people visited the Balearic Islands, with numbers expected to rise this year. Mass protests were also seen across Mallorca, Menorca, and Ibiza at the end of May, demanding steps to limit over-tourism under the slogan “Our islands are not for sale.” Experts suggest that imposing a tourist tax and regulating tourist rental flats could be part of the solution. Architect Jose Maria Ezquiaga believes that local property owners should set the rules for tourist rentals, while tourism expert Manuel de la Calle suggests that a tourist tax could generate resources for better tourism management and support for the local population. Sustainable tourism can address the crisis in Spain by focusing on a balance between economic benefits and the well-being of the local community and environment. Here’s how: • Limiting Tourist Numbers: By regulating tourist numbers, the strain on public services and resources can be reduced, creating a more manageable situation for locals and the environment. • Fairer Distribution of Benefits: Tourist taxes and regulations on rentals can generate revenue that can be used to improve public services, support the local population with initiatives like affordable housing, and invest in environmental conservation efforts. • Community Involvement: Allowing local property owners to have a say in tourist rentals enables them to participate in shaping tourism, ensuring it benefits the community. • Sustainable Tourist Behavior: Promoting responsible tourist behavior, such as respecting local customs, minimizing waste, and supporting local businesses, can help reduce the negative impact on communities and environments. Tourists should be encouraged to travel off-peak, use eco-friendly accommodations, and participate in activities that benefit the local economy and environment. Overall, sustainable tourism offers a way to manage tourist numbers, ensure the economic benefits are distributed fairly, and protect the environment. This can lead to a situation where tourism enriches the lives of both tourists and locals.

AP: It’s true that many of the demonstrations aren’t aimed at the tourists themselves, but at the leaders who allow the locals who should benefit to become the ones who pay. —————————— This cascading issue starts with traffic jams but ends with water shortage, sewage flows, and delayed emergency response. While some global neighbors are failing to plan, others are laying in infrastructure for a better future. There are lessons to be learned.

If you haven’t heard, there are protests happening in Barcelona around overtourism. A friend sent me this article this morning and I’ve been thinking about this over the past couple of months as things have been coming to a head. You may read this and think, “Shame on them,” but history has shown that when peaceful talks lead nowhere, inaction from some causes passionate actions from others. I don’t condone it, but I can see that there’s a lot of pain and more to the story. We often equate sustainability with climate change and greener efforts. That’s part of it, but there’s more to it than that. Overtourism is not sustainable. Not for the planet and also not for the residents of tourist hot spots. But the good news is, you can help prevent over-tourism, and I can almost guarantee that you will have a better trip. How? Stop going with the trends. Everyone is in Italy, Spain, London and Paris. Greece and Portugal are having moments now too. Go somewhere else. Seriously. Less crowds, less waiting time. The city of Oslo nailed it with their recent ad campaign and you’ll easily see why (see comment section for link). It’s hilarious and #facts. Get on board with the shoulder season. These are the months on either side of a destinations most popular times, (e.g., April / May and September / October for Europe). You will save lots of money, not be with millions of tourists and likely have better weather. You will have more intimate experiences with locals. We once went to Ireland in November and we had the best time. Think pubs and bed and breakfasts with peat moss fires going and trad sessions with locals and no American tourists in site along the Dingle peninsula. Those are some of the big things, but here are a couple of smaller ideas: Shop and eat local. Feel free to walk in to a  Starbucks or McDonalds and marvel at the differences, but then take your money elsewhere. Learn a few words or point to menu items or things in the glass case and smile. Sit and observe the people around you and what they are eating and drinking. Feel your endorphins take over. You just expanded your world a bit. Keep a day or two open and talk to a local or leave it open to happenstance. Visiting the Louvre will enable you to check a box but watching an artisan craft something and being inspired by their process and the output and then purchasing something from them that will be showcased in your own home is something that will help sustain them to keep bringing beauty into the world and bring you ongoing happiness each time the item catches your eye. What are some other constructive other ideas or thoughts around this? https://lnkd.in/gwq2TmVC

FlySafair this is the last time that I will fly with you. What happened to being the most on-time airline in Africa? The flight from King Phalo airport to Johannesburg is delayed by more than an hour. Do you think that FlySafair would timeously let its customers know about this? Not one message until 13h23 when we are supposed to be boarding the flight. No explanation for the delay and no compensation for the inconvenience. FlySafair, you really need to do better. This is absolutely the last time that I will fly with FlySafair. #FlySafair

🌎The Tourism Paradox: Balancing Economic Benefits and Community Well-being in Barcelona🌎 The recent protests in Barcelona against tourism have brought to light a complex paradox. As someone deeply involved in the vacation rental sector, I find it crucial to address this issue. Tourism is the lifeblood of Barcelona's economy, generating significant revenue and providing countless jobs. However, the protests underscore a growing frustration among residents about the impact of mass tourism on their daily lives and the local housing market. With around 3,000 protestors voicing concerns over rising housing costs and the commodification of urban spaces, it's clear that their grievances are valid and deserve attention. If tourism were to come to a halt, we might see a drop in housing prices over the next few years. However, this would come at the cost of economic hardship. Reduced tourism would mean less income for the city, fewer jobs, lower tax revenues, and decreased funding for public services such as law enforcement and infrastructure development. The resulting economic strain could have far-reaching effects on the community. It's also intriguing how a relatively small protest can generate such significant global media coverage. This suggests there might be broader agendas at play, reflecting a deeper unease with the current state of tourism. The challenge lies in finding a balance between maintaining the economic benefits of tourism and addressing the valid concerns of residents. Sustainable tourism practices and responsible urban planning are essential to ensuring that Barcelona remains both a vibrant tourist destination and a livable city for its residents. In today's polarized world, it seems we've lost the middle ground in politics and many aspects of society. Extremes to the left or right dominate the conversation, but the reality is that solutions often lie in balance and compromise. The tourism debate in Barcelona is a prime example of this need for balanced, thoughtful approaches that consider all stakeholders. https://lnkd.in/eRjNzHsh

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