Travelers Flock to Quieter Destinations: 61% Now Avoid Crowded Tourist Spots

More and more travelers are seeking peace and quiet, with 61% avoiding crowded tourist destinations over the past year. This growing trend highlights the issue of overtourism and has sparked new strategies to promote sustainable travel. A recent report titled "A Roadmap to Move Destinations Away from Overtourism," created by Mabrian and Phocuswright, offers a fresh perspective on how to manage tourism without overwhelming popular spots.

This timely report will be released just before the Phocuswright Europe event in Barcelona, taking place from June 10-12. It suggests that addressing overtourism should be part of broader efforts to manage destinations sustainably, using smart data and planning tools to make informed decisions.

The report highlights practical ways to ensure tourism benefits both visitors and local communities. For instance, it shows how balancing tourist spending across different areas can boost local economies. An example from the 2023 Saborea Lanzarote festival demonstrates this, where a focus on food experiences led to a 37% increase in spending.

Another key focus is on reducing the environmental impact of tourism. The report points to Spain's success in lowering its carbon footprint per visitor by 4.9% in 2023, while also increasing tourism revenue. This was achieved by promoting eco-friendly practices and measuring CO2 emissions. Costa Rica’s Tamarindo region is also showcased for reducing hotel density by 16% over five years, which improved visitor satisfaction.

The report also encourages destinations to offer a wider range of activities throughout the year, making them less dependent on peak seasons. This helps spread out the number of visitors and creates a more sustainable tourism environment.

Madeline List from Phocuswright stresses the importance of turning good ideas into action. She explains that having a clear, honest approach to managing tourism impacts benefits everyone involved. Carlos Cendra from Mabrian adds that using data to understand these impacts helps create a balance that benefits businesses, locals, and tourists while protecting the environment.

As more destinations strive to find this balance, the roadmap provides valuable insights on creating enjoyable and sustainable travel experiences. This means future vacations could be better for both travelers and the places they visit, ensuring beautiful destinations remain enjoyable for years to come.