In recent years, the tourism industry has undergone a seismic shift. Destinations such as Venice, Bali, and Paris have long been on every traveller’s bucket list. However, the current phenomenon of overtourism resulted in an overcrowding effect in locations, bringing significant challenges to popular destinations.
From environmental degradation to local community discontent, the impact of overtourism is quite undeniable. However, the industry is now embracing a new trend undertourism, promoting offbeat destinations that are less-known. This shift not only reduces the overcrowding in already crowded hotspots but also offers unique and authentic experiences for travellers.
Understanding Overtourism
Overtourism occurs when the number of people visiting a place surpasses its capacity to sustainably manage them. Cities and tourist attractions face overcrowded streets, congested traffic, and over-exerted infrastructure. Environmental damage, such as pollution and habitat destruction also follows, which is quite a pressing concern. Local residents often bear the brunt of overtourism, with their living costs increasing, noise pollution escalating, and their cultural heritage eroding.
Destinations such as Barcelona have implemented measures to curb overtourism by limiting the number of cruise ships that are allowed to dock in their waters. Similarly, Thailand temporarily closed Maya Bay, made famous by the movie The Beach, so that its fragile ecosystem could recover. While these measures provide temporary relief, they are the indicators of the need for a more sustainable approach to tourism.
The Rise of Undertourism
Undertourism, on the other hand, encourages travellers to explore less-known destinations. By shifting focus to these less-known destinations, undertourism provides several benefits:
- Reducing Pressure on Popular Destinations: One of the ways of reducing pressure on popular destinations is to divert tourists to alternative locations. This helps reduce overcrowding in traditional hotspots and spread the economic benefits of tourism more evenly.
- Encouraging Sustainability: Undertourism promotes sustainable travel practices by directing visitors to places that are better equipped to handle tourism or have yet to experience its adverse effects.
- Offering Unique Experiences: Offbeat or less-known destinations often provide more authentic and personalised experiences. Visitors get a chance to experience local culture, food, and customs without the crowds.
Some of the examples of Less-known Destinations
Less-known destinations have found a spotlight with the rising trend of undertourism. Here are some examples of places that are emerging as alternatives to their over-touristed counterparts:
Instead of Venice, Visit Colmar: Located in France, this is a beautiful town famous for its canals and half-timbered houses. Such a setting would bring about the similar pictorial appeal of Venice with fewer crowds.
Instead of Bali, Visit Raja Ampat: Indonesia’s Raja Ampat archipelago is a paradise for divers and nature lovers. The archipelago boasts pristine coral reefs and remote beaches, making it an alternative to Bali.
Instead of Paris, Visit Lyon: While Paris is a cultural hub, Lyon offers stunning architecture and rich culinary heritage, without the teeming tourist hordes.
Instead of the Great Barrier Reef, Visit Ningaloo Reef: Australia’s Ningaloo Reef is a less crowded but equally stunning marine sanctuary where visitors can snorkel and interact with diverse marine life.
How Can Travellers Contribute ?
Tourists play an important role in promoting sustainable travel and undertourism. There are various ways through which they can contribute: Some of them are as follows:
- Research Alternative Destinations: Before planning any trip, look for less-known destinations that align with your interests and values.
- Support Local Communities: GO FOR LOCAL! Choose locally owned services such as accommodation, restaurants, and tour operators. It helps in reducing costs for tourists as well as local economic growth.
- Practice Sustainable Travel: Minimize your environmental footprint by using public transportation, avoiding single-use plastics, and respecting local ecosystems. Reduce your environmental burden by using public transport, avoiding single-use plastics, and honoring the local ecosystem.
- Travel During Off-Peak Seasons: Travelling during the off-season helps in reducing travel costs and strain on resources and provides a pristine experience.
A Win-Win for All
With the transition of overtourism to undertourism, it has become a win-win deal for the travellers, local communities, and the environment. It helps the iconic, underlooked destination to flourish while giving a chance to the overlooked ones to reboot themselves. Travellers will benefit from the unique and surreal experiences, local communities will get a chance to enhance the economic stability, and the planet will get an opportunity to replenish itself.
As the world is reopening after the covid pandemic, the focus on undertourism will give a blueprint for a sustainable and equitable travel future. By accepting the less-known destinations and practicing travel practices, we can create a tourism industry that works for all.
