Overtourism: The Struggle for Balance in Popular Cities

In an article I wrote on 14/8/2023 about the challenges of tourism, I emphasized the impacts of overtourism, likening it to a type of detrimental phenomenon.

Reports on this issue are frequent, starting from Barcelona and now focusing on Amsterdam.

With 23 million visitors in the year 2023, Amsterdam stands out as one of the most frequented cities globally, witnessing a continual rise in its popularity annually.

The surge in tourists has brought forth advantages along with hurdles for the city to navigate.

Presently, authorities in Amsterdam are expressing their desire to reduce the number of tourists.

They aim for visitors who exhibit conduct and show interest in discovering both natural wonders and cultural treasures within the city—less emphasis on partying is sought after.

This fresh strategy is geared towards upholding residents' quality of life and safeguarding the city’s legacy.

The focus for cities and governmental bodies should be on promoting behaviour among visitors, curbing tourist numbers, and reinstating equilibrium.

A thought-out strategy is being developed involving measures such as regulations on cruise ships limiting short-term rentals and hotel accommodations as well as campaigns like "Stay Away" that target fewer but higher quality tourists.

As an illustration, Amsterdam initiated a Stay initiative in 2023 to discourage travellers by highlighting repercussions like fines for public misconduct and arrests for disruptive behaviour.

However, the impact has been somewhat limited.

Amsterdam continues to attract people looking for nightlife.

Despite measures such as fines, arrests and hospitalizations, tourists still see Amsterdam as a place to have fun.

To address this, the city is planning to launch a phase of the campaign in 2024, this time focusing on young male partygoers.

Additionally, a fresh initiative called "Renew your perspective on Amsterdam" aims to attract visitors who will contribute to the city.

?What’s happening in Barcelona and Amsterdam could soon impact popular cities.

From where I stand, Istanbul seems to be reaching that tipping point.

We're seeing an influx of travellers throughout the city, and on cruise days, it becomes almost unbearable.

Istanbul is grappling with maintaining its reputation as a centre while ensuring order and respect for locals and fellow visitors.

Embracing tourism can showcase the city’s dedication to finding solutions.

?Istanbul ought to consider reducing tourist numbers.

It's crucial for the city to limit the number of ships that can dock at its port.

Personally, I believe relocating the port outside Istanbul’s area would be beneficial.

Istanbul and other cities worldwide need to take action against overtourism.

In Barcelona, there have been demonstrations, and a few protestors have splashed water on tourists dining at restaurants.

?The issue of over-tourism has led to rising housing costs; Rent prices in Istanbul have surged by 60-120% in years, rendering the city for locals.

The rental of apartments to tourists has strained the housing market.

Additionally, immigration challenges exacerbate the situation, not to mention the burden of the unsettling economic crisis.

Mayor Ekrem ?mamo?lu of Istanbul should announce a ban on tourist apartment rentals to address the housing crisis caused by tourism.

Furthermore, economic dependency contributes to making locals poorer and less self-reliant.

Istanbul needs to promote tourism practices and implement measures to tackle housing affordability issues.

Residents are seeking a city for themselves that is less reliant on tourism income.

?It is crucial that accessible rental units are prioritized for residents rather than tourists.

New regulations governing short-term rentals should be introduced in Istanbul.

The city ought to increase stays to a minimum of three nights and implement a city tax aimed at improving infrastructure.

Short-term rentals must be stopped altogether.

Houses in Istanbul are meant for purposes, not for renting out to tourists when there are already sufficient hotels available.

There is an increase, in the number of hotels being developed in Istanbul.

With an array of hotels, it's essential to focus on filling them effectively.

Implementing a policy that restricts the introduction of hotels in specific areas could be beneficial.

It's crucial to be mindful of the existing room capacity in our city.

According to a report by TUROB from November 2023, Istanbul boasts 1,717 hotels offering 75,079 rooms and 152,441 beds.

Istanbul should consider implementing a tourist tax aimed at enhancing the city’s infrastructure and services.

The city deserves to be seen as a destination rather than just another place to visit casually.

Setting restrictions and fees could help maintain its charm.

Additionally, promoting good behaviour among tourists and showing respect for the city and its residents should be a top priority.