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Overtourism: Should You Abandon Your Travel Bucket List? – Image Credit Unsplash+
- Italy and Japan are promoting lesser-known destinations to combat overtourism and offer unique travel experiences.
- The Faroe Islands introduce a mystery touring concept to distribute visitors more evenly and prevent future overtourism.
In a world where social media heavily influences travel choices, many travelers’ bucket lists are beginning to look strikingly similar, leading to overcrowded popular destinations. This trend has prompted countries like Italy, Japan, and the Faroe Islands to innovate and promote lesser-known areas, encouraging travelers to explore beyond the typical tourist hotspots.
Italy’s tourism campaign, “99% of Italy,” aims to redirect visitors from overcrowded cities like Venice and Rome to hidden gems such as the ancient villages of La Marche and the Etruscan hamlet of Sorano. Dr. Ruben Santopietro, CEO of Visit Italy, emphasizes the need to alleviate the pressure on popular sites and give voice to the country’s more authentic, yet overlooked, regions.
Similarly, Japan’s InsideJapanTours is addressing overtourism by offering itineraries that blend iconic sites with under-visited regions like Toyama. This “undertourism” strategy not only preserves local culture but also supports rural regeneration, providing a more balanced travel experience.
Meanwhile, the Faroe Islands are proactively managing tourism with their Self-Navigating Car, which guides visitors on a mystery route to distribute foot traffic away from typical attractions. This approach aligns with the growing trend of decision-free holidays, offering travelers a unique and hassle-free way to explore the archipelago.
These initiatives reflect a broader movement within the hotel and travel industry to create more sustainable and enriching travel experiences, encouraging tourists to discover the road less traveled.
Discover more at BBC.
