What Effect Does Overtourism Have on the Environment? 6 Insights

Tourism is the backbone of cities and beach towns worldwide. However, an influx of tourists can negatively impact the local environment and accelerate global warming. Unchecked resource use and growth could devastate residents who remain in the location year-round.

Here are six environmental effects of overtourism on popular destinations.

1. Worn Infrastructure

From Venice to Varanasi, some of the most popular destinations are centuries old. For example, Alexandria, Egypt, has existed since 331 BCE yet still sees tourists in the 21st century.

Therefore, these cities struggle to handle the tourists who flock during peak travel seasons. Increased traffic accelerates wear on the roads and causes congestion and emissions.

Quicker road and infrastructure deterioration requires shortened replacement cycles and resource usage. From concrete to steel production, consumption is necessary to match demand.

The influx of vacationers also significantly strains utility systems and risks breakdowns. Restaurants, shops and attractions need water and electricity, so the environmental impact soars.

2. Elevated Pollution

Pollution is already a problem for the global population. The World Health Organisation (WHO) says 99% of the world breathes air that doesn’t match the organisation’s air quality standards.

Unfortunately, the air only becomes more compromised because of overtourism. When more visitors arrive, there is more road and air traffic, sending greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere.

While electric vehicles (EVs) have no tailpipe emissions, they contribute to the swelled traffic and wasted resources. Pollution also affects tourist towns through cruise ships and increased port activity.

These sizable vessels bring thousands of tourists simultaneously, which can overwhelm a beach town’s infrastructure. When the ships burn fuel, they release air pollutants that compromise the surrounding ocean.

3. Heightened Disaster Risk

Natural disasters are a more significant concern due to global warming. Overtourism exacerbates these worries by increasing the risks for vacationers and their surrounding environment.

When infrastructure weakens, the roads and bridges become more vulnerable to natural disasters. From hurricanes to tornadoes, the residents and tourists are more at risk for physical and economic damage.

Travellers can be more at risk when disasters occur, though they could be the reason for environmental hazards. For example, overtourism can lead to soil erosion and an increased risk of landslides.

The risks also extend into the large oceans, considering coral destruction protects the shore from storm surges. Experts say climate change has worsened the severity of hurricanes and typhoons, demonstrating the ramifications of overtourism.

4. Habitat Damage

Coral reef exploration is popular for families and ocean enthusiasts worldwide. However, overtourism can significantly harm these natural habitats and cause more repercussions.

While people generally stay away from coral reefs, you could still damage these underwater ecosystems. Experts say sunscreen can devastate coral reefs if they contain oxybenzone and octinoxate.

Habitat damage is also visible in areas with high foot traffic. Cities and countries promote walking and cycling to remove vehicle emissions, but footsteps can erode trails and harm vegetation.

Overtourism caused Japanese officials to limit the number of Mount Fuji tourists due to environmental concerns. The restrictions also aimed to protect hikers from accidents.

5. Disrupted Wildlife

Overtourism concerns generally apply to humans, though they’re not the only ones suffering. Wildlife in forests, oceans and deserts see the devastating effects of unsustainable travel practises.

Direct impacts occur when tourist demand increases and necessitates new roadways and business construction. Tearing down trees and other habitats is likely necessary to create spaces for these new buildings.

Tourist infrastructure is popular in hot and humid climates, such as rainforests. Deforestation compromises biodiversity and causes animals to relocate, thus destabilising the ecosystem.

The World Wildlife Federation says the world cuts up to 15 billion trees annually, which changes rainfall patterns and carbon dioxide (CO2) levels.

6. Increased Waste

Food, beverage and other culinary services are necessary when it’s time for tourists. Local restaurants and businesses experience more patronage, though it could quickly lead to increased waste.

The hospitality industry often relies on single-use plastics to serve guests quickly, so the volume of its waste will likely increase. Local waste management systems must be ready to handle the excess or face more negative environmental impacts.

Problems also originate with the food itself. Restaurants — especially on cruise ships — rely on buffet-style setups to serve guests.

Cruise lines generate about 1.3 pounds of food waste per person daily, underscoring the ecological effects. When they discard food in the water, the waste drops oxygen concentration and enhances marine pollution.

Observing the Effects of Overtourism Worldwide

Overtourism isn’t just a future risk — it’s happening right now, worldwide. Maya Bay, Thailand, was once a popular tourist destination, but now it closes in the summer due to coral reef damage. Cities like Barcelona see increased air and noise pollution from the influx of tourists.

The environmental damage of overtourism is real and could compound with the effects of climate change.

Author Bio: Oscar Collins has written in the sustainability space for over five years with bylines at Earth911, Sustainable Review and Happy Eco News. Check out Modded or follow him on X @TModded for frequent updates of his work.