Tiresome tourism

The sun was setting over the ancient temples of Bali, Indonesia, casting a golden glow on the stone walls that had witnessed centuries of devotion. Some viral social media images of a tourist couple making out on the temple steps shattered this solemnity, provoking an outcry from the local community.

Thousands of miles away in Hunza, Pakistan, a tourist was seen breaking an entire branch from a cherry tree to savour the fruit, oblivious of the tree’s delicate existence and the locals’ reverence for their natural heritage. Meanwhile, in Florence, Italy, a traveler’s audacious kiss on the lips of a statue of Bacchus, the Roman god of wine and excess, stirred resentment among the city’s residents who saw this act as a profound disrespect to their cultural legacy.

At the heart of these events lies the phenomenon of overtourism, characterized by an excessive influx of visitors to destinations unprepared for such volumes. Globally, this issue is straining environments, disrupting local communities, and eroding cultural identities. The globalization of travel and the allure of social media have exacerbated the problem.

In cities like Venice, the relentless footfall and the constant presence of cruise ships threaten to erode the very foundations of this floating city. The persistent trample of tourists and the careless disposal of waste blemish the historical grandeur of Petra in Jordan. Similarly, in Barcelona, residents are complaining about the noise, the overcrowding, and the inflation driven by short-term rentals, which has forced many locals to relocate. Amsterdam’s infrastructure buckles under the pressure of ceaseless tourist crowds, with public transport systems and historical sites bearing the brunt.

The heavenly landscapes of the northern highlands of Pakistan are also bearing the brunt of overtourism. Lake Saif-ul-Muluk, once an untouched jewel, has been nearly destroyed by the onslaught of tourists and unplanned commercial activities. The Satrangi, Blue and Green lakes in Naltar Valley, with their mesmerising hues, face a similar plight, as does the idyllic Arang Kel in Azad Kashmir. The tranquil Kumrat Valley teeters on the brink of degradation as its pristine landscapes are threatened by the relentless march of visitors.

The effects of overtourism transcend the ecological and infrastructural spheres to the socio-cultural domain. The unique Wakhi and Balti communities are facing the danger of cultural dilution due to the unregulated influx of tourists. The Kalash community, with its ancient traditions, faces the dire risk of extinction as the influx of tourists disrupts their cultural fabric. Additionally, cultural appropriation by tourists unaware of the local history and lifestyles remains a persistent irritant for such communities.

It has become an unfortunate reality that visitors at almost every tourist site in Pakistan are first greeted not by its splendour, but by the horrid presence of empty cold drink bottles, chips wrappers, discarded cigarette packs, and ubiquitous plastic shopping bags. The infrastructure in these regions is also ill-equipped to handle large volumes of tourists, as a result of which roads, waste management systems, and healthcare facilities buckle under the strain.

Countries are adopting various strategies to mitigate the negative effects of overtourism. In Peru, timed tickets are issued upon entry to the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu to restrict the number of visitors. Iceland is promoting off-season travel and eco-friendly practices to mitigate the ecological impact of tourism.

Pakistan has much to learn from these strategies, ranging from regulating numbers to promoting responsible tourism and encouraging off-season travel. Additionally, investment in sustainable infrastructure, adaptive planning, eco-friendly waste management systems, and improved road networks is essential. Another potential solution to the problem is imposing a tourism tax. The revenue can be spent on protecting the ecologically-sensitive areas. Visitors spending thousands of rupees should not object to paying an extra few hundred to ensure the preservation of the sites they cherish.

Local communities’ involvement in tourism planning, ensures that their interests are protected while fostering sustainable practices. Encouraging eco-tourism, which emphasises responsible travel and environmental conservation, is another crucial strategy to mitigate the effects of overtourism. Educational programmes and awareness campaigns can be essential for ensuring that the visitors respect the natural and cultural heritage of the regions they visit.

The issue of overtourism is not merely a logistical challenge but a call to preserve the sanctity of our natural and cultural landscapes. By learning from global experiences and implementing sustainable practices, Pakistan can safeguard its ecological and cultural treasures, ensuring that tourism contributes positively to the local economy and the well-being of its people.

The writer is a senior researcher at the Centre for Aerospace and Security Studies (CASS) in Lahore. He can be reached at: info@casslhr.com