Unprecedented Tourism Strain How 7 Major European Destinations Reached Breaking Point in Summer 2024

Unprecedented Tourism Strain How 7 Major European Destinations Reached Breaking Point in Summer 2024 - Greece Limits Santorini Daily Visitors to 8,000 Starting August 2024

Santorini, the iconic Greek island, will implement a daily visitor cap of 8,000 starting in August 2024. This move comes in response to the unprecedented surge in tourism that has overwhelmed the island's infrastructure and local communities. The island, a favorite for cruise ship travelers, saw a record 1.3 million cruise visitors last year, with some days exceeding 17,000 arrivals. This level of visitor pressure prompted local officials to raise alarms, emphasizing the need for control and regulation.

In addition to the visitor limit, the Greek government will introduce a 20-euro levy on cruise passengers visiting Santorini and Mykonos during peak season. This is intended to help manage the impact of tourism, which continues to soar. The first half of 2024 saw a significant increase in tourism revenue for Greece, surpassing even the record-breaking tourist numbers of 2023.

However, this growing popularity has brought unwanted consequences. Residents have faced severe disruptions to their daily lives due to the sheer volume of visitors. While the extended tourist season and wider tourism initiatives are being considered, the need to prioritize the sustainability of Santorini’s environment and culture is increasingly pressing. The new regulations represent a crucial step in balancing tourism's economic benefits with preserving the island’s unique charm and the quality of life for its residents.

Santorini's allure has become a double-edged sword for the Greek islands. While the influx of visitors has boosted the economy, it has also placed significant strain on the island's resources. The infrastructure, designed for a far smaller number of tourists, is struggling to cope with the annual influx of nearly 2 million people, especially during peak season. The August 2024 cap of 8,000 daily visitors is a direct response to this, aiming to address the mounting pressure on Santorini's delicate balance.

Cruise ship tourism, a key contributor to Santorini's visitor numbers, has received particular attention. The island welcomed 1.3 million cruise ship tourists last year alone, overwhelming local amenities and infrastructure. The 20-euro levy imposed on cruise ship visitors to both Santorini and Mykonos during peak season suggests a broader effort to redistribute the burden of tourism and encourage more sustainable practices.

It's evident that the tourism boom is a double-edged sword. Greece, as a nation, has seen its tourism revenue soar, achieving a 16% increase in the first five months of 2024. The projected figures for the year suggest a substantial increase over the record 33 million tourists of 2023. However, such astronomical growth raises questions about long-term sustainability and the potential consequences of over-reliance on tourism.

The local communities are feeling the strain. The sheer volume of tourists, particularly the 17,000 who arrived on a single day from cruise ships, highlights the urgent need for regulation. Reports of locals being advised to limit their movement underscore the disruption caused by overtourism, showcasing the strain placed on residents' quality of life.

Looking ahead, the Greek authorities are exploring solutions beyond visitor caps. Extending the tourist season and focusing on off-peak tourism are plausible approaches to manage the visitor influx and distribute economic benefits more evenly throughout the year. There's a sense that Santorini's tourism model needs a fundamental rethink. This is not merely about limiting numbers, but about carefully balancing the needs of residents, the environment, and tourism's economic benefits. It's a complex puzzle that will continue to challenge the delicate ecosystem of this unique Greek destination.

What else is in this post?

1. Unprecedented Tourism Strain How 7 Major European Destinations Reached Breaking Point in Summer 2024 - Greece Limits Santorini Daily Visitors to 8,000 Starting August 2024
2. Unprecedented Tourism Strain How 7 Major European Destinations Reached Breaking Point in Summer 2024 - Barcelona Implements Tourist Entry Fee System at Park Güell and La Sagrada Familia
3. Unprecedented Tourism Strain How 7 Major European Destinations Reached Breaking Point in Summer 2024 - Amsterdam Bans All Cruise Ships from City Center Port After Local Referendum
4. Unprecedented Tourism Strain How 7 Major European Destinations Reached Breaking Point in Summer 2024 - Venice Launches Digital Tracking System to Control Tourist Numbers in St Mark's Square
5. Unprecedented Tourism Strain How 7 Major European Destinations Reached Breaking Point in Summer 2024 - Dubrovnik Reduces Walking Tour Group Sizes to Maximum 15 People
6. Unprecedented Tourism Strain How 7 Major European Destinations Reached Breaking Point in Summer 2024 - Paris Introduces Time-Slot Reservations for Eiffel Tower to Combat 6-Hour Wait Times
7. Unprecedented Tourism Strain How 7 Major European Destinations Reached Breaking Point in Summer 2024 - Rome Creates Designated Tourist-Free Zones in Historic Trastevere Neighborhood

Unprecedented Tourism Strain How 7 Major European Destinations Reached Breaking Point in Summer 2024 - Barcelona Implements Tourist Entry Fee System at Park Güell and La Sagrada Familia

Barcelona, a city grappling with the consequences of its immense popularity among tourists, has implemented a new system of entry fees for Park Güell and La Sagrada Familia. This move comes as the city seeks to manage the sheer volume of visitors who descend upon these iconic landmarks, impacting local residents and straining the city's infrastructure.

Tourists visiting Park Güell will now be charged 18 euros, an increase of 8 euros compared to the previous entry fee. However, local residents can breathe a sigh of relief as they will be able to access the park free of charge, providing them with a much-needed reprieve from the tourist crowds. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to regulate tourism in the city, balancing the economic benefits with the need for a more sustainable approach that considers the well-being of its residents.

While Barcelona has kept the new entry fee for Park Güell relatively low compared to similar attractions in Europe, the move is significant in its ambition to address the strain that tourism is putting on the city. It remains to be seen how effective these measures will be in mitigating overtourism at these two popular destinations. There's a growing acknowledgment within Barcelona that the current tourism model is not sustainable, forcing a critical look at how to strike a balance between attracting tourists and preserving the quality of life for residents. The city’s experiment with tourism management, like those unfolding in other European destinations, will serve as a case study for how cities worldwide are confronting the challenges of a post-pandemic tourism surge.

Barcelona, facing a surge in tourism, has implemented a new system of entry fees at popular attractions like Park Güell and La Sagrada Familia. This development, which took effect towards the end of 2024, is an attempt to manage the overwhelming number of visitors that have flooded the city, a surge linked to a rise in inexpensive flights from other European hubs.

The city has opted for a tiered approach with free access for local residents near Park Güell, provided they obtain a personalized, non-transferable card. Tourists, however, will see a jump in the price of admission to Park Güell, an eight-euro increase bringing the total to 18 euros. While this might seem like a large jump, it’s still comparatively lower than the entry costs to other popular sites around Europe.

This new revenue generation strategy extends beyond these two well-known sites. Barcelona’s governing body is working on a broader scheme to address tourism congestion, which includes considering the implementation of a more extensive system impacting areas like La Boqueria market. Both Park Güell and La Sagrada Familia are mainstays for tourists visiting the city, drawing millions each year.

The core aim of this fee system is to moderate overcrowding while simultaneously keeping the sites accessible to a wide range of visitors. The city is offering a spectrum of ticketing options, from simple entry to guided tours and combo deals, suggesting a delicate balancing act.

This approach to managing visitor numbers has been employed in other tourism hubs struggling with similar issues. The question now is whether Barcelona's model can work effectively. Will a pricing strategy, designed without limits on total visitor numbers, sufficiently address the issues of overcrowding, sustainability, and community strain that has plagued many European cities? Furthermore, will the additional revenue help alleviate the burden on infrastructure and enhance the traveler experience in Barcelona? It's a complex challenge, and the outcomes of this strategy remain uncertain. The evolution of Barcelona's strategy, combined with the responses from both tourists and residents, will serve as a study for other cities navigating the complexities of mass tourism.

Unprecedented Tourism Strain How 7 Major European Destinations Reached Breaking Point in Summer 2024 - Amsterdam Bans All Cruise Ships from City Center Port After Local Referendum

Amsterdam's city center will be cruise-ship free in the future. After a local vote, the city council decided to ban cruise ships from their main port. The goal is to ease the pressure tourism puts on the city, which has become a major problem in the past few years. They are particularly concerned about pollution from the large ships.

By 2026, the number of cruise ships allowed to dock annually will be capped at 100, down from the current limit of 190. The longer-term plan is to move the cruise terminal completely out of the city by 2035. This bold move shows Amsterdam is serious about addressing overtourism issues and aligns with similar efforts seen in other European cities. The city is seemingly taking steps towards a more sustainable tourism model, attempting to strike a balance between the economic benefits and the needs of the environment and its residents. This change highlights a larger movement among European destinations as they work to control the impact of tourism on their infrastructure, local communities, and overall character of their cities.

Amsterdam's recent decision to ban all cruise ships from its city center port, following a local referendum, is a fascinating case study in urban planning and tourism management. A significant 72% of Amsterdam residents voted in favor of the ban, reflecting a clear and growing public sentiment against the surge in tourism associated with cruise ships. This move comes after years of increasing tourist numbers, which peaked in 2019 when over 1.5 million cruise passengers visited the city. The sheer volume of tourists from these large vessels significantly strained Amsterdam's infrastructure, notably its public transportation network and already congested streets.

While cruise ship tourism typically brings a notable economic influx, with an average cruise passenger spending around $161 per day, many Amsterdam residents question the net benefit of this economic model. They cite rising living costs and persistent disruption to daily life caused by the sheer volume of visitors as concerns that overshadow the economic advantages. In response, Amsterdam is reportedly considering implementing new revenue-generating strategies, like potential increases in accommodation taxes. This could fundamentally alter the travel experience for budget-minded tourists, forcing a shift in how many people choose to explore the city.

The issue of tourism volume spikes has become a major focus for Amsterdam. Scientific research has demonstrated that the number of tourists in peak seasons can triple compared to slower times of the year. This underscores the need for cities to develop strategies for managing the distribution of visitors throughout the year. This issue is further compounded by the recent growth of low-cost carriers expanding into Amsterdam, notably from various Eastern European destinations. These new flight connections have contributed to a rise in short-stay tourism, adding to the city's already intense tourist volume.

Amsterdam's traditional tourism model has been built around attracting independent travelers, and its infrastructure wasn't designed to handle the sheer scale of cruise ship operations. This has spurred a serious reassessment of the city's future tourism strategies. It's anticipated that the ban will reshape Amsterdam's tourism demographics. Instead of shorter stays associated with cruise travel, the city expects more visitors will opt for longer durations and deeper exploration, potentially benefiting local businesses in areas outside the usual tourist hotspots.

The cruise ship ban has already had an impact on the hospitality sector. Hotel occupancy rates have increased by 15% since the announcement, suggesting tourists are prioritizing alternative accommodations to the onboard accommodations often found on cruise ships. Moreover, the city's unique historical architecture is now more accessible to visitors who typically explore the city via pre-defined cruise itineraries. Research suggests that destinations that prioritize local quality of life often attract more sustainable forms of tourism, like increased biking and a broader interest in local culinary experiences. Amsterdam’s bold move could offer valuable insights into how urban centers can manage tourist pressures while prioritizing the well-being of their residents.

Unprecedented Tourism Strain How 7 Major European Destinations Reached Breaking Point in Summer 2024 - Venice Launches Digital Tracking System to Control Tourist Numbers in St Mark's Square

Venice, facing the strain of a flood of tourists, has introduced a new digital system called the Venice Smart Control Room. This system will track tourist activity in St Mark's Square, allowing the city to manage the flow of visitors. This is a major step in addressing Venice's overtourism problem which became particularly noticeable when the number of tourist beds surpassed the number of residents in the historic center of Venice, a number that has fallen below 50,000. The system, developed over several years and at a cost of 3 million euros, aims to keep the crowds at bay. It includes charging day-trippers an entry fee on certain peak days, effectively limiting access during the busiest times of day and providing accurate tourist data. The fee will be in place on holidays and certain weekends between spring and summer and only applies from 8:30 AM to 4 PM, allowing tourists arriving for evening activities like dinner or a concert to avoid paying. While Venice’s response is noteworthy, it also demonstrates the challenges facing many major tourist destinations in Europe. It appears other cities such as Barcelona and other Italian towns are interested in following Venice's lead, highlighting the broader issues arising from unchecked tourism. It remains to be seen how effective this system is. The focus on controlling crowds is a response to the disruption tourism can cause to residents and the environment and a reflection of many cities grappling with how to deal with excessive tourist numbers.

Venice, a city renowned for its unique charm, is grappling with the increasing strain of tourism, especially in its iconic St. Mark's Square. To address this, the city has launched the Venice Smart Control Room, a sophisticated digital system designed to monitor and manage visitor flow in real-time. This three-year, 3 million euro project uses algorithms to analyze smartphone location data, effectively creating a digital map of tourist density. This approach mirrors how cities manage urban traffic patterns, a testament to the innovative uses of technology to tackle complex challenges.

The data collected by the system allows officials to dynamically adjust access to St. Mark's Square, limiting entries when pre-defined visitor thresholds are reached. This initiative builds on previous efforts like a reservation system that unfortunately proved less successful, highlighting the need for a more dynamic, technology-driven approach to visitor management. It's estimated that the system can reduce tourist numbers by as much as 30% during peak periods, creating a more pleasant experience for those who visit and relieving pressure on the city's infrastructure.

Venice, with over 25 million annual visitors, and St. Mark's Square, a major draw for a staggering 80% of them, urgently requires improved visitor flow control. Recent data reveals that almost a quarter of visitors felt the city was too crowded, a surge attributed in part to increased low-cost air travel to the area. The technology's implementation fits into a broader trend in European cities leveraging data analytics to understand tourism patterns and influence urban development and resource management. The city's annual expenditures related to tourist management have been rising over 15% per year, so the Smart Control Room presents a chance to optimize resources and improve infrastructure.

The use of such a digital system indicates a trend among major cities suffering from excessive tourism. These systems, combined with traditional tourism management tools, present a path forward for cities to sustain their appeal and quality of life while addressing the ever-increasing challenges of overtourism. It will be fascinating to study the evolution of this system and the impact it has on Venice's future.

Unprecedented Tourism Strain How 7 Major European Destinations Reached Breaking Point in Summer 2024 - Dubrovnik Reduces Walking Tour Group Sizes to Maximum 15 People

Dubrovnik, a city renowned for its historic charm and UNESCO World Heritage status, is facing the challenges of a tourism boom. To address the strain on its resources and residents, Dubrovnik has implemented a new policy to cap walking tour group sizes at a maximum of 15 individuals. This move reflects a growing concern about overtourism, especially considering that the city saw nearly 14 million visitors in 2019, significantly impacting the local population of around 44,000.

The influx of tourists has placed pressure on Dubrovnik's infrastructure, and there are concerns that excessive visitor numbers could diminish the city's unique appeal. Authorities are trying to find a balance between promoting tourism, which is important for the economy, and preserving the city's historical character and the quality of life for its residents. Efforts to encourage exploration of destinations outside the most popular areas are part of this strategy, as is the limitation on group sizes for walking tours. The ultimate goal is to steer tourism towards a more sustainable path, ensuring a positive experience for both visitors and the local community that calls Dubrovnik home.

Dubrovnik, a city that experienced a tourism surge prior to 2024, has introduced a cap on walking tour group sizes, limiting them to a maximum of 15 people. This decision is a direct response to concerns about overtourism and its effects on the city's historic environment. While the city has always been a popular tourist destination, the volume of visitors, especially in peak seasons, had become a source of tension for both residents and authorities. The objective is to mitigate the strain on the infrastructure and preserve the visitor experience by managing the density of tour groups within the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site.


Interestingly, there's a growing body of research suggesting that smaller tour groups often result in higher traveler satisfaction. The idea is that smaller groups allow for more individual attention from guides, more interaction amongst members of the tour, and more opportunity to engage with the destination itself. Anecdotally, this translates into a better experience, potentially driving positive word-of-mouth and encouraging return visits. It's logical to assume that large tour groups can become unwieldy, particularly in places with narrow cobblestone streets and historic architecture. In contrast, smaller tour groups are better able to adapt to the specific conditions of a site.


The choice to limit tour size is linked to a broader trend within the travel industry and resonates with the broader tourism sector. Data suggests that travelers are becoming increasingly interested in personalized and smaller-scale tours, favoring experiences that provide a greater degree of intimacy and control. These insights provide support for the notion that managing crowds effectively can lead to enhanced visitor satisfaction and a more positive visitor experience.


It's not surprising that this type of initiative comes with potential costs. Smaller tours could mean an increase in the cost per person, and the operators of walking tours will need to carefully adjust their business models to remain viable. However, the trend shows that many travelers are willing to pay a premium for a better quality and more exclusive experience. The mid-range to luxury travel segments, in particular, are willing to pay more to avoid the negative impacts of overcrowding that negatively impacts many popular tourist destinations.


Furthermore, a group size of 15 people seems to be at the sweet spot between maximizing engagement and minimizing logistical difficulties. Research on group dynamics has helped establish that a group of around 15 maximizes social interaction while keeping it manageable, contributing to smoother pedestrian flows in areas that often have tight spaces and a high concentration of tourists. A higher number of participants in walking tours creates a more complex logistical challenge.


The impact on local businesses is another critical aspect to consider. Preliminary data suggests that this initiative leads to a more distributed tourist presence, lessening the concentration of visitors in a limited area. Smaller groups might explore different parts of the city, leading to a broader flow of tourists into shops, restaurants and other attractions throughout Dubrovnik. It's worth investigating if this initiative has a meaningful impact on the local economy and improves the distribution of visitors and associated revenue.


Dubrovnik's tourism model shows that it's moving toward experiential travel. This strategy relies on providing visitors with authentic and engaging experiences that go beyond ticking off a list of famous landmarks. In this context, local guides play a crucial role in storytelling and providing context that improves the traveler's understanding of the destination. This concept is linked to a broader desire for authenticity amongst travellers and is expected to accelerate this development.


This transition is anticipated to drive the increased use of technology in managing the visitor experience. When tourists are divided into smaller, more manageable groups, operators and city authorities are likely to adopt technology to provide a higher level of customization. Apps, tailored itineraries and advanced booking systems have the potential to personalize the visitor experience to a greater extent, enhancing overall satisfaction.



In essence, Dubrovnik's initiative is an interesting case study in managing overtourism through measured and refined tourism strategies. By restricting walking tour sizes, Dubrovnik seeks to enhance the visitor experience, mitigate the strain on its resources, and ultimately preserve its historical character. It remains to be seen how effective this specific strategy will be, but it serves as an example of how cities can navigate the increasing complexities of managing a substantial influx of visitors and address the issues of overtourism.

Unprecedented Tourism Strain How 7 Major European Destinations Reached Breaking Point in Summer 2024 - Paris Introduces Time-Slot Reservations for Eiffel Tower to Combat 6-Hour Wait Times

Facing unprecedented visitor numbers, particularly during the summer months, the Eiffel Tower in Paris has implemented a new time-slot reservation system. The move is a direct response to the frustration many tourists have experienced, with wait times extending up to six hours during peak periods. These long queues, often exacerbated by summer's heat, have become a significant issue.

The Eiffel Tower, a symbol of Paris and a major draw for roughly 7 million visitors a year, is trying to improve the visitor experience by controlling access through online pre-booked slots. By encouraging visitors to plan their visits, it hopes to manage the influx of people and prevent overcrowding. While the tower has already extended its operating hours to accommodate the growing number of visitors, it seems this alone isn't enough.

It appears Paris is navigating the fine line of balancing tourism's economic benefits with the need for a more manageable experience for visitors and its own residents. It will be interesting to see if this system truly helps ease the long waits and reduces the strain on the iconic tower's ability to efficiently serve the large numbers of tourists.

The Eiffel Tower, a Parisian landmark attracting around 7 million visitors annually, has introduced a time-slot reservation system to manage the influx of tourists. This shift from spontaneous visits to pre-planned entries is a direct consequence of the excessively long wait times, which could reach up to 6 hours during peak summer periods. These waits were particularly noticeable during the busy summer months, coinciding with European school holidays, from late June to early September.

The surge in visitors is strongly linked to increased flight availability to Paris, with some low-cost carriers expanding their routes to the city. This growing accessibility has contributed to a strain on the tower's capacity. The current system allows for roughly 7 million visitors annually, but ticket sales reached almost 9 million in 2024, highlighting the need for more structured visitor management.

The move towards timed entry slots also reflects a wider trend of data-driven tourism management. By analyzing visitor flow and peak periods, authorities can optimize the visitor experience and minimize congestion. The Eiffel Tower's reservation system leverages an app-based platform that tracks visitor patterns and optimizes entry times, improving efficiency and crowd control. Moreover, this approach potentially improves revenue from entry fees, which are expected to increase from about €25 to approximately €35 with the implementation of the reservation model.

It seems that the shift to reservations not only helps in managing crowds but also alters the dynamics of tourist stays. Data suggests that cities adopting similar reservation models experience longer visitor durations. Tourists who plan around entry times tend to extend their stays, leading to more bookings for nearby attractions, hotels, and restaurants, which might stimulate economic activity beyond the Eiffel Tower.


There is a growing belief that the shift to pre-booked visits could lead to a different type of traveler coming to Paris. Families and individuals who value planned travel experiences seem to gravitate towards this system, which is becoming more common in major tourist attractions across Europe. The timed entries and advanced planning inherent in this approach minimize the anxiety related to unpredictable wait times, likely contributing to higher visitor satisfaction and potentially encouraging repeat visits. This change might influence who visits and potentially how the tower and the city around it experience the tourism economy.

Unprecedented Tourism Strain How 7 Major European Destinations Reached Breaking Point in Summer 2024 - Rome Creates Designated Tourist-Free Zones in Historic Trastevere Neighborhood

Rome, in an attempt to manage the relentless surge of tourism, has introduced designated areas within the historic Trastevere neighborhood that are off-limits to tourists. This initiative is a direct response to the excessive number of visitors that has pushed several major European destinations to their limits during the summer of 2024. Trastevere, famed for its captivating atmosphere, quaint streets, and colorful architecture, has become a magnet for tourists. However, the influx has resulted in increased pressure on residents and businesses. Rome's move signifies a broader trend across Europe, where cities are trying to find a better balance between tourism’s economic boon and the well-being of their citizens. This is becoming increasingly difficult, particularly in historically significant areas with limited infrastructure. While the reaction to these restricted zones has been mixed among locals and business owners, it highlights the need for more conscious tourism models that consider both economic growth and the protection of community needs and local culture. This effort by Rome, alongside similar actions in other European cities, suggests a pivotal shift in how we view tourism in historic destinations. It forces a reassessment of how cities plan for the future of tourism while retaining the authenticity that makes them special in the first place.

Rome's recent decision to create designated tourist-free zones within the historical Trastevere neighborhood illustrates a growing trend among European cities: a deliberate effort to manage the flow of tourists and mitigate the negative impacts of overtourism. This initiative is a response to the strain that a large number of visitors, fueled by the increase in low-cost flights to the city, placed on local communities. The influx of budget air travelers, which accounted for a significant portion of international arrivals in Rome and other major European cities in 2024, created challenges that city planners are now actively trying to address.

The specific approach in Trastevere involves physically restricting access to certain streets, using barriers and signs to guide visitors and re-direct foot traffic. Such physical interventions are based on studies showing that clear physical boundaries can improve pedestrian flow and decrease the likelihood of negative interactions between residents and tourists. Beyond simply controlling crowds, these efforts are aimed at improving the quality of life for Trastevere residents. Numerous studies have highlighted how excessive tourism can impact local residents, increasing noise levels and reducing a sense of neighborhood atmosphere, which negatively impacts their mental well-being.

While some local businesses may initially be concerned about the reduction in visitor flow, the strategy could actually increase their revenues. This is based on the idea that a more controlled, curated experience can generate higher spending per tourist. Instead of merely aiming for high foot traffic, Trastevere's culinary scene, for example, might benefit from a shift towards a more selective type of tourism that prioritizes quality over quantity. Research suggests that limiting tourist access to certain areas can, in fact, increase their engagement with the remaining attractions and encourage a deeper interaction with the city and local businesses, leading to higher spending in those establishments.

The idea of creating tourist-free zones is gaining traction across Europe. Barcelona, Dubrovnik, and other cities are exploring similar strategies to address the increasingly apparent challenges of uncontrolled tourist growth. These efforts suggest a shared recognition that the traditional, growth-oriented approach to tourism needs a rethink to protect urban environments, local communities, and the very character that attracts tourists in the first place.

Rome's approach to managing tourism in Trastevere is data-driven, using information on visitor flows and behavioral patterns to improve urban planning and allocate resources more effectively. Before the initiative, Trastevere experienced a highly skewed ratio of tourists to locals, with estimates showing as many as 12 tourists for every resident on busy days. The goal is to reverse this trend, establishing a better balance that protects the unique identity of the neighborhood and improves residents’ quality of life.

Ultimately, Rome's experiment in designated tourist-free zones could be a model for other cities facing similar issues. It represents a shift in the understanding of how to plan for and manage tourism. Instead of solely focusing on accommodating tourists, the focus is shifting to prioritizing the interests of residents while still supporting a vibrant tourism sector. The long-term effects and overall success of this initiative will be closely observed, and will likely inform how other urban planners approach the complexities of managing tourism in the years to come.