Overtourism is a growing problem affecting many beautiful cities around the world. Unprepared for the influx of visitors, often encouraged by low prices and easy travel, these cities struggle to cope. Residents face higher costs of living, limited housing options, crowded public spaces, excessive water and energy use, noise pollution, waste, and damage to the environment and cultural heritage. This strain on resources and quality of life can leave residents feeling alienated and frustrated.
Technological Solutions: Turning the Tide of Overtourism
While new technologies like social media and peer-to-peer travel apps have contributed to the problem by focusing attention on a limited number of destinations, they also offer potential solutions. Smart Information and Communications Technology (ICT) can be used to redistribute tourists away from congested areas and promote sustainable tourism.
London: Mr. Bean Leads the Way
London, a city renowned for its historical attractions, recognized the need for a tech-driven approach to managing tourism. In 2017, they launched the Play London with Mr. Bean app. This engaging game encourages users to explore lesser-known parts of the city, supporting local businesses and reducing congestion in popular areas. Players earn virtual points that can be redeemed for real-world discounts, creating a tangible incentive to venture beyond the typical tourist hotspots.
Amsterdam: Steering Tourists Towards Sustainability
Amsterdam, another European city grappling with overtourism, is using technology to manage visitor flows and promote sustainable tourism. The city’s Amsterdam City Card provides access to museums, public transportation, canal tours, and other attractions. It also offers discounts at local restaurants and concerts. Data collected from the card’s chip helps the city understand tourist patterns and develop strategies for distributing visitors more evenly, encouraging exploration of less-visited areas.
The Power of Collaboration: Sharing Data and Solutions
Antonio Serra, founder of Espereal, a company specializing in urban tourism technologies, emphasizes the importance of collaboration between cities. He suggests that overtourism-affected cities should network, share data, and develop a unified app that provides information about attractions, events, and transportation options across various destinations. This centralized platform could help tourists make informed choices, promoting more sustainable travel patterns.
Ostend: A Seaside City Embracing Smart Solutions
Ostend, a coastal city in Belgium, faces the unique challenge of a seasonal population boom during peak tourist season. To address this, the city has joined the MAtchUP project, collaborating with other European cities to adopt smart solutions in energy, mobility, and ICT. Ostend is using technology to integrate information about attractions, parking, weather forecasts, and other city features into a unified platform, making it easier for visitors to navigate and explore the city’s diverse offerings.
A Future of Smart Tourism: Embracing Technology for a Balanced Future
These innovative examples demonstrate the potential of technology to address the challenges posed by overtourism. By utilizing data-driven insights, engaging apps, and collaborative initiatives, cities can manage visitor flows, promote sustainable tourism, and create a more balanced experience for both residents and visitors. As technology continues to evolve, we can anticipate even more creative solutions for building a future where tourism benefits both communities and the environment.
