WTTC suggests six-point plan to tackle overtourism

A six-point plan to tackle overtourism has been released by the World Travel & Tourism Council alongside an admission that there is no “simple fix” to the problem.

 

The new report calls for a more balanced approach to managing tourism in popular destinations as the sector enters the height of the summer season.

 

A growing number of destinations have introduced tourism taxes in response to pressure, but the WTTC warned that these measures do not always solve the real problems and can put jobs, income and services at risk.

 

The report found that if 11 major European cities capped visitor numbers, it could cost $245 billion in lost GDP and almost three million jobs over three years.

 

While overcrowding is often seen as a tourism problem, many of the real pressures come from deeper issues such as underinvestment in infrastructure, poor planning, and fragmented decision-making, the WTTC argued.

 

These challenges affect both residents and visitors and need “joined-up” solutions.

 

The managing destination overcrowding study explains that “there’s no simple fix to the problem” and urges governments, local leaders, and businesses to work together to support both communities and visitors.

 

The report looks at some of the root causes of overcrowding in a small number of increasingly popular destinations across Europe and offers “real-world” solutions that can be tailored to local needs - from using better data and planning tools, to involving residents in decisions.

 

The paper outlines six steps destinations can take to manage tourism better:

 

• Get Organised – Bring the right stakeholders together, via empowered taskforces

 

• Make a Plan – Define a shared vision and destination strategy

 

• Gather the Evidence – A lack of data is exacerbating issues in several destinations. It is therefore crucial to carry out evidence-based diagnoses and responses to the unique challenges faced by each destination

 

• Stay Vigilant – Monitor conditions and act early

 

• Invest Wisely – Reinvest in infrastructure and resilience, being transparent about where money is spent

 

• Empower Residents – Make sure residents have a say and understand the benefits of travel and tourism in their communities

 

Governments around the world are estimated to accrue more than $3.3 trillion from travel and tourism businesses, equivalent to 9.6% of global tax revenues. 

 

The industry body urged governments to reinvest this sum in vital infrastructure, and solutions to relieve pressures on already very popular destinations.

 

The paper encourages leaders to think beyond short-term fixes and focus on reinvesting tourism income into critical infrastructure improvements, local services, and resident wellbeing.

 

WTTC president and chief executive Julia Simpson said “Travel and tourism brings huge benefits including jobs, investment, and deeper cultural understanding. But growth needs to be managed carefully.

 

“We’re encouraging all decision-makers to think ahead, work together, and focus on long-term benefits for residents and visitors alike. This isn’t about stopping tourism, it’s about making it work for everyone.”