Protests in popular vacation spots across Europe have been sparked by concerns over mass tourism, with locals arguing that the large influx of visitors is damaging their way of life. As climate change leads to higher temperatures across the continent, more people are expected to seek cooler destinations for their holidays.
For instance, changing global temperatures are influencing Wales’ mass tourism sector. A recent European Commission study suggests that a potential global temperature increase of 3-4°C could result in a 16% rise in visitors to west Wales. However, with protests against “mass tourism” emerging in cities like Barcelona, Majorca, and Venice, there are concerns that Wales could face similar issues if visitor numbers continue to rise.
Linda Osti, a senior lecturer in tourism management at Bangor University, acknowledges that Wales could experience “over-tourism” if the influx of visitors persists. She emphasizes the importance of finding solutions that benefit both local residents and tourists. “Sustainable and regenerative tourism requires the support of host communities,” she notes. “We need to foster cooperation to ensure that tourism benefits everyone in the community.”
Osti points out that the term “mass tourism” was first used by a journalist discussing Iceland in 2016, noting that it reflected local resentment toward tourism. She hopes Wales can address potential issues before reaching that point. Rebuilding trust, creating tolerance among stakeholders, and ensuring that tourism is managed effectively are crucial.
Even before global temperatures rise further, Welsh businesses are already seeing more international visitors. Visit Wales reports that the number of German holidaymakers doubled from 2022 to 2023. Additionally, the number of cruise ships visiting Wales has increased to 97 this year, up 25% from the previous year.
Tourists from France, like Fabian Bars and his family, have come to north Wales to escape the heat in Paris. Similarly, Elisabeth and Benjamin Veloppe chose to visit Dolgarrog due to the extreme heat elsewhere. They appreciate the cooler climate and family-friendly amenities in north Wales.
Phil Scott from Ribride, a tour boat company on the Menai Strait, suggests that attracting visitors during the “shoulder season” between summer and winter could help manage tourism more effectively. A longer tourism season could also provide more job opportunities for local youth, according to Anna Hume, who works at Ribride during the summer.
Recently, the popularity of Llanddwyn Beach in Anglesey, partly due to its feature in HBO’s *House of the Dragon*, has led to traffic congestion and frustration among locals. Neville Evans, the local councillor responsible for leisure, tourism, and maritime, recommends directing visitors to less frequented areas to alleviate pressure on popular spots and ensure that tourism benefits a broader range of communities.
