Tourism in Balance

ongoing

Tourism has witnessed significant growth in Europe over the past few decades, up until 2020. However, this rapid increase caused various issues related to the support of local communities and the carrying capacity of destinations. Then, the outbreak of COVID-19 completely devastated the industry. Now, after two years since the pandemic began, cities and regions are faced with the task of rebuilding tourism. For cities that have previously experienced overtourism, finding a balance between visitors, communities, and the environment is an additional challenge to tackle. Six cities and regions - Amsterdam in the Netherlands, Krakow in Poland, Tallinn in Estonia, Andalucia/Sevilla in Spain, Rome in Italy, and Brasov in Romania - that have encountered regular or permanent issues with overtourism have come together to develop new policies and strategies for better distribution of tourism, both in time and space. They are receiving support and guidance from an experienced knowledge partner in tourism research, Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUas) in the Netherlands. The goal of this project is to enhance the effectiveness of local and regional strategies and policies by strengthening their contribution to achieving a balanced approach to tourism. The focus is on spreading tourism across a wider area and taking advantage of the opportunities offered by each city and region, maximising the positive impacts while minimising the negative effects. Through this collaborative effort, these cities and regions aim to create a more sustainable and balanced tourism industry. What will this project change: Through a collaborative effort, TIB aims to create a more sustainable and balanced tourism industry, where local communities are supported and the environment is protected. By implementing these policy improvements and sharing findings, the project hopes to inspire other destinations facing similar challenges and contribute to the overall advancement of sustainable tourism practices.

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