Europe sees record tourism rise, overtourism concerns
Europe is experiencing an unprecedented tourism boom, with the continent drawing a record 747 million international visitors last year, according to the UN’s World Tourism Barometer. The continent is now confronting the challenges of “overtourism,” as iconic destinations struggle to cope with surging crowds and mounting pressure on local infrastructure. Southern and Western Europe are being hit the hardest, attracting over 70% of these visitors. From Barcelona to Venice, the impact is tangible: overwhelmed housing markets, strained water supplies, and historic sites teeming with tourists chasing the perfect photo for social media. The flood of visitors is likely driven by cheap flights, digital exposure, and AI-powered travel planning. This surge has sparked growing frustration among locals, leading to protests and increasing calls for regulation. Authorities across the continent are now scrambling to implement measures to protect both residents and heritage sites. From tourist taxes to visitor caps and restrictions, this gallery shows how popular destinations are fighting back against overtourism. Click through to explore the strategies.
2024-05-02T09:09:17Z
Discover the most astonishing beaches of Africa
Africa is a fantastically diverse continent, where vast stretches of velvety sand, endless horizons of sparkling waters, and vibrant sea life await. But where to begin? By combining the travel wisdom of over 1,200 journalists, editors, bloggers, and agencies, Flight Network put together an extensive catalog of African beaches ranked by their untouched beauty, remoteness, sand and water quality, annual days of sunshine, and average annual temperature. Click through to see the 30 best of the best.
2024-03-19T10:52:57Z
