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Doing It All Wrong: How Overtourism Harms the Very Places People Put on Bucket Lists

In the post-COVID years, the allure of exotic destinations has led to a surge in travel enthusiasts checking off iconic places from their bucket lists. However, the unintended consequence of this rising tourism tide is overtourism—a phenomenon threatening to dismantle the very charm that draws people to these coveted locations. And Portugal is not immune. We ask you to reconsider. Please don't "do Portugal." Explore Portugal, and find the special places that made it such a great destination in the first place.

Moura

The Paradox of Popularity:

As destinations such as Lisbon, Porto, and Sintra gain popularity and find a spot on everyone's travel wishlist, they unwittingly become victims of their allure. The influx of visitors, while boosting local economies, often overwhelms the delicate balance of these once-pristine locales, changing them forever.

In Lisbon's Baixa, once the commercial heart of the city, too many tourists have driven out locals and locally-owned shops and eateries. The impact is evident with 121 closed stores. Vacant buildings are transformed into hotels, and commerce is limited to mediocre restaurants and souvenir stands. The Expresso newspaper looked at how tourism has forever changed Baixa Pombalina, a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage status. They found that centuries-old shops had long gone, and empty storefronts far outnumbered the filled ones. The Baixa is a shadow of its former self. Overtourism also accelerates the erosion of local cultures. Traditional commerce finds itself inundated with tourists, leading to the commodification of their heritage and a loss of authenticity as businesses cater to mass-market demands, diluting the genuine essence of the locale. Overtourism also takes  a toll on the environment too, with fragile ecosystems like the Benagil Caves bearing the brunt of increased traffic. Pollution, habitat destruction, and disruption to local wildlife contribute to irreversible damage, eroding the scenic beauty that made these cave destinations famous.

Read more about Baixa Pombalina here

Strain on Infrastructure:

The surge in tourism strains local infrastructure, often designed for a fraction of the numbers now flooding in. Overcrowded streets, overwhelmed trams, and a spike in waste management issues become prevalent, transforming once-charming neighborhoods into tourist traps devoid of the charm that attracted visitors in the first place.

Rising Costs and Gentrification:

As demand soars, so do prices. Overtourism can drive up living costs for locals, leading to gentrification and the displacement of long-standing communities. The once-authentic neighborhoods and places like Sintra lose their original character, replaced by generic amenities catering to short-term visitors.

Preserving the Magic: A Call to Action:

To save the magic of Portugal's bucket-list destinations, a collective effort is required. Taking it upon yourself to break the mold and embrace sustainable tourism practices, community engagement, and responsible traveler behavior can help mitigate the adverse effects of overtourism.

Sustainable Tourism Practices:

  1. Off-Peak Travel: Consider visiting popular destinations during non-peak seasons to alleviate pressure on local resources. Try the Algarve in the fall, or Porto in the spring.

  2. Support Local Initiatives: Opt for locally-owned businesses to ensure that your tourism dollars contribute directly to the community.

  3. Respect Cultural Norms: Learn about and respect the cultural norms of the destination, ensuring that your presence enhances rather than diminishes local traditions. So, don't look for brunch, kabobs, or Italian food—if you are in Portugal, eat Portuguese.

  4. Get off the beaten path: Explore smaller cities—such as Guarda, Abrantes, Vila Real, Lousã, and Moura. See places where tourism can help, and the crowds, lines, and tuktuks are not a common sight.

While bucket-list destinations beckon with their dazzling allure, it's essential to acknowledge the responsibility that comes with being a traveler. By adopting sustainable practices and fostering community engagement, we can ensure that these gems endure for future generations, resisting the detrimental effects of overtourism. After all, the true magic lies in the preservation of the unique charm that made these places bucket-list worthy in the first place.

Comments

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Maria Grace

This is great information because us consumers sometimes can be somewhat oblivious. I was in Portugal in May and could not believe what happen to some of the areas in the Algarve! Albufeira and Vilamoura are completely devoid of the portuguese charm that once attracted people there, Vilamoura is full of Thai massage parlors, I have to wonder why is the local government allow it? As a national, this breaks my heart. Stop the advertising too“ retire to Portugal on $2,000 a month” is not even reality!

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