Why 2024 could be the worst year ever for ‘overtourism’

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There are few better ways to cure the January blues than by booking a holiday – with millions of people likely to be planning their next break as they return to work in 2024.

Whether you enjoy relaxing on a beach or strolling through a historic city – the chances are other tourists will be visiting the exact same place at the exact same time.

When the amount of visitors descending on an area has a harmful impact it becomes known as “overtourism” – a problem faced by destinations across the world.

And it could be about to get worse – with the UN’s World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) telling Sky News that 2024 could be a record year for international arrivals across the globe.

Here we take a look at overtourism and what can be done about it.

What is overtourism?

Overtourism refers to when those living in an area, or those visiting, feel the experience has become worse because of the amount of tourists.

The negative impacts vary from place to place.

What problems are caused by overtourism?