Wednesday, November 8, 2017
Dubrovnik, Porto, Barcelona, and the Cliffs of Moher are some of the most attractive tourism locations in Europe. They are also becoming some of the most overcrowded spots.
This year, residents in Barcelona protested against the volumes of tourists there.
Dubrovnik also reported of becoming overburdened with tourists. The authorities there have been advised by UNESCO to sharply reduce daily tourist volumes to protect the integrity of the city.
Such pressures are a result of fast-changing dynamics in the tourism industry worldwide.
The advent of low-cost airlines has opened up markets that previously were too expensive to access. Airbnb has created an entire wave of inexpensive accommodation, which, combined with low-fare flights, delivers huge numbers of tourists.
The growing number of Chinese outbound tourists has also changed tourism dynamics in many popular destinations. Given the absolute size of the population, the rapid enlargement of China’s middle-class is producing a new surge in demand for travel outside of China. It is expected, by large aircraft manufacturers, like Airbus and Boeing, that China will be the key driver of demand for new aircraft for the foreseeable future.
Ireland is appearing on many Chinese tourism lists, particularly after the Wild Atlantic Way won a prestigious award there last year.
China offers Ireland a golden opportunity for many parts of its economy, but this must be handled properly, so that it delivers long-term, sustainable success.
Tags: european cities
