Addressing the Issue of Overtourism
Currently, many popular tourist destinations worldwide are facing growing resistance as tensions between locals and tourists escalate to unprecedented levels.
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From restrictions in Seoul to protests in Barcelona, overtourism is sparking fierce backlash. However, Singapore stands out as an exception, according to CNA (Channel NewsAsia, Singapore).
Restrictions and Measures
Seoul’s authorities have announced that starting this October, they will limit the number of visitors to Bukchon Hanok Village, a historic neighborhood in the heart of Seoul, South Korea. Residents have long complained about noise, litter, and invasions of privacy. They have also expressed frustration that tourists now outnumber them significantly, similar to the situation in Hội An, leading to a considerable decline in their quality of life.
Meanwhile, Barcelona has become a hotspot for anti-tourism sentiment. In July, residents took to the streets, throwing objects, spraying water guns, and even dousing tourists with soda, demanding that they “go home.”
Spanish protesters have gone further, erecting barriers to block entry to hotels and sidewalk cafés, forcing these overcrowded establishments to shut down. This hostility vividly illustrates the deep dissatisfaction of locals who feel their daily lives are being disrupted and community resources strained.
Cities like Amsterdam and Venice are also heavily impacted as tourism has once again surged to unsustainable levels after the Covid-19 pandemic.
To mitigate overtourism, Venice has implemented several measures. Since August 1st, this small, stunning city has capped tour group sizes at 25 people to reduce the tourist load, protect the environment, and preserve the quality of life for locals. Tour guides are now entirely prohibited from using megaphones. Those who violate these new rules face fines ranging from 25 to 500 euros (27 to 541 USD).
Exceptions: Children under two years old and students on school field trips are exempt from these regulations. Additionally, the Italian city has introduced a tourist tax of 5 USD per visitor.
Amsterdam has restricted car access to the city center to reduce pollution and create more space for pedestrians and cyclists. Major tourist areas have attempted to distribute visitors over time and redirect them to less crowded sites, easing the burden on central attractions like the city’s canals. By 2035, it is anticipated that cruise ships will be entirely banned from Amsterdam’s canals.
Prioritizing Wealthier Tourists
Closer to Vietnam, some Japanese businesses are considering a dual pricing system that charges foreign tourists higher fees than domestic visitors. This initiative follows incidents like the erection of barriers around popular photo spots near Mount Fuji, close to Tokyo, due to unruly crowds.
Amid the global tourism boom that is causing widespread congestion, Singapore’s approach to tourism has stood out. The island nation has focused on improving infrastructure and prioritizing high-spending, quality tourists over mass tourism. This strategy has helped Singapore avoid the local backlash seen in other crowded tourist hotspots.
Singapore’s strategy is based on a report by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) published in 2018, which emphasized sustainable growth and quality tourism.
Christopher Khoo, CEO of MasterConsult Services, a tourism consulting firm, stated, “Singapore has been pursuing ‘quality’ tourism since 2013, aiming to attract higher-spending tourists rather than simply increasing visitor numbers.”
Singapore’s commitment to sustainable tourism also aligns with its 2030 Green Plan. Initiatives like the Porsche Experience Centre and world-class wellness tourism sites have been designed to attract affluent visitors. The country also aims to distribute tourist traffic across the island, preventing overcrowding in any particular area. Singapore, although not much larger than Hội An, is more modern, making visitor management significantly easier.
Singaporean travel companies further support this strategy by scheduling visits to popular attractions during weekdays and promoting lesser-known areas to distribute tourists more evenly.
According to the Singapore Tourism Board, 19.1 million tourists visited the country in 2019. This number dropped sharply during the two years of the pandemic but began to rise again in 2022. Last year, the island nation welcomed 13.6 million tourists, with 6.99 million visiting in the first five months of this year, a 35.7% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
It’s important to remember that the responsibility for sustainable tourism lies not only with destinations but also with tourists themselves. Sayaka Kondo, a tourism researcher, noted, “Social media can be a useful tool. Tourists should research and be aware of local customs before traveling.”
As Singapore continues to develop its tourism sector, maintaining a balance between attracting visitors and preserving the quality of life for its residents will be crucial. By focusing on sustainable practices and high-quality tourism, Singapore aims to maintain its position and avoid the overtourism pitfalls that other global destinations, such as Hội An, are currently facing.
Ngọc Trân
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Singapore’s Path to Sustainability
Tourists are encouraged to engage in sustainable tourism activities in Singapore, such as:
- Exploring culture and heritage through tours that showcase Singapore’s preserved cultural and historical sites, like the Emerald Hill neighborhood near Orchard Road, Singapore’s most famous street.
- Participating in sustainable events that Singapore frequently hosts, such as organic food fairs, renewable energy exhibitions, and environmental talks and discussions.
- Supporting sustainable businesses by shopping at hotels, restaurants, and stores committed to sustainability.
- Taking part in green activities like beach clean-ups, tree planting, and other environmental protection efforts.
It’s a translation from a Vietnamese text you can find here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sb_Yx54uFVZP7Nh7EM0EI8gDIaeQusz2/edit?usp=drive_web&ouid=108826815571139180810&rtpof=true
