Student First name/s Iram Ghias

Student Family
Khilji
Name / Surname

GBS ID Number 211079

Programme title Tourism Impact and Sustainable Development

Cohort January 2024
Level Level 5
Module Number 1
Component of
assessment 1
(either 1 or 2)
Campus Manchester
Group (A1, E2 etc) B2
Assessment Word
2101
Count submitted
Lecturer Name who
Dr. Edmund Cheng
taught the module
Student Signature
(please type your Iram Ghias Khilji
name)

Date 06/01/2024
Introduction

The purpose of this essay is to draw attention to the interrelated problems of

oversaturation with societal displacement brought about by high levels of tourism in

Venice. It seeks to highlight the ways in which the flood of visitors is upsetting the

city's fragile ecology, compromising its validity as a cultural centre, and driving out

the native populace. In order to protect the city's natural beauty and guarantee the

welfare of its citizens, the article aims to provide viable answers and tactics to support

responsible tourist activities.

Summarising Venice, The "City of Canals," Venice, is recognised as a UNESCO

World Heritage Site and is a sight to behold. But the town is suffering from

overtourism, having over twenty million visitors a year clogging its winding

alleyways and brittle architecture. Damage of the surroundings, an increase in living

expenses, and an erosion of originality result from this migration. The town is

struggling from the loss of its former inhabitants and the deterioration of its sense of

unity. In order to maintain Venice's allure for generations to come, the essay

highlights the necessity of striking a balance among tourism and the town's overall

well-being. It also stresses the significance of responsible tourism methods and

conscientious tourist behaviour.

Over Tourism

Overtourism is defined as a rise in tourists to the point where it adversely affects

tourists, locals, and the natural world in a specific place. The true amount of visitors

depends on how many people a particular location can accommodate without

endangering the natural world. However it's fair to state that a place of interest is

experiencing overtourism when both the locals and visitors believe that the

environment, experiences, and quality of life have degraded.Overtourism has several

factors, the most important of that is accessibility. Travel is now more affordable and

convenient than ever because to the growth of inexpensive airlines, ferry companies,

and internet-based booking services. Although this democratisation of travel has

many benefits, it also runs the risk of sending a tidal wave of tourists into well-known

locations. The internet is also a powerful facilitator. When a post on Instagram goes

popular, people become obsessed with trying to recreate the flawless experience.

Locations such as Venice or Maya Bay, overrun by thousands of selfie-stick users

seeking fleeting online approval, succumb to their inherent attractiveness. In addition,

the issue is made worse by financial incentives. Communities at home may put short-

term stability behind tourist numbers in their eagerness to capitalise on the financial

rewards of tourism. Unregulated growth, harm to the environment, and the

commercialization of regional culture are frequently the results of

this.Further, Facilities and Transit Enhancements allow People to travel from and

within locations more easily when there is better transit and infrastructure. There may

be more tourists as an outcome of this enhanced accessibility than the infrastructure of

the area can handle. Speaking of avoiding overtourism, one method to do so is to

travel responsibly, that is, by making the most of your experiences and minimising

your drawbacks. There are two factors to consider: the location and the time.

Additionally, search for locations that have implemented sustainable governance

practices and are dedicated to responsible tourism. A valuable resource are

associations such as the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). Investigate

lesser-known areas or towns with smaller populations that provide a more distinctive
and uncrowded experience rather than swarming to the most famous tourist

destinations.

Overview of Venice and the effect of over tourism

Venice, also known as the "City of Canals," is an unmatchedly beautiful location and

a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But this particular grandeur has turned into a sword

with two sides, drawing millions of visitors annually and contributing to the serious

problem of overtourism. Venice welcomes almost 20 million tourists each year, a

figure that greatly exceeds the city's 55,000 residents. Close to 120,000 people tour

the city on busy days, overflowing its winding streets and brittle facilities. The first

effect of overtourism on Venice and its residents is damage to the environment, as the

steady stream of tourists severely strains Venice's fragile ecology. Historic building

destruction, garbage disposal problems, and the lake pollution are just a few of the

repercussions.

Second, rising costs of living: Residents find it more difficult to make ends meet in

their own city due to skyrocketing rents and real estate prices, which causes a drop in

sense of community and population loss. Not to mention, the degradation of

authenticity: It might be challenging to see Venice, its past, and its customs in its

authentic form due to the overwhelming number of visitors. The city sometimes has

the feel of a theme park, lacking its authentic charm.

It is imperative to strike the right equilibrium between Venice's health and tourism.

To keep the city's charm for generations to come, responsible tourism techniques,

civic engagement, and accountable guest behaviour are all crucial. The administration

of Venice might want to set fees for entry and visitor limits to reduce the number of
tourists that visit each day, as the overtourism problem has resulted in problems.

Second, steer vessels for cruises off away from Grand Canal and promote the

exploration of smaller, more environmentally friendly boats. Encourage responsible

travel: Initiatives to inform visitors on the consequences of their travels and nudge

them to consider their actions are becoming more and more popular.

Tourists have an equally important role to play as does the government; they should

select tour providers who uphold sustainable standards and prioritise assisting local

communities. They should also go beyond the major sights, visit undiscovered

neighbourhoods, and take in the genuine beauty of the city. Consider the effects,

honour regional traditions, practise resource conservation, and refrain from adding to

the pollution.
Ethical Tourism and its importance

Ethics is the study of moral values that guide one's behaviour. Moral views about

what is right or wrong are guided by ethics. Being ethical means establishing moral

guidelines that govern your behaviour when travelling. In addition to taking care of

the planet and local population, ethical tourism also promotes sustainable economic

growth.Consider the effects of your travels on the economy of the area, population,

and ecology when engaging in ethical or ethical tourism.

Ethical tourism is a fundamental change in the way we travel the world, not just a

catchphrase of the day. It's about making the most beneficial contributions and

reducing the bad ones from our trips so that we may benefit the locations that we

visit . First of all, it protects priceless ecosystems. From bleaching reef systems

caused by crowds of travellers to threatened species used for amusement, overtourism

poses a threat to both ecosystems and biodiversity. Selecting ethical actions and

promoting environmentally friendly behaviours are integral components of ethical

travel. It also honours nearby communities. Unrestrained tourism has the potential to

abuse vulnerable populations, uproot locals, and destroy traditions. Ethical travellers

steer clear of damaging development, learn about cultural customs, and patronise

neighbourhood businesses. Ultimately, it improves our personal experience. Richer

memories and stronger bonds are created via real interactions with people and places

and an appreciation of the complexity of their realities. Through ethical tourism, we

may return home with more than just mementos—we can do so with an expanded

viewpoint and an awareness of duty.

There aren't many moral problems in tourism; the allure of adventure tends to mask

these problems. Overtourism ruins local customs, suffocates fragile ecosystems, and

increases inequality. Cruise ships pollute, large crowds stifle authenticity, and

traditional crafts are drowned out by souvenir stands. From juvenile labour in

factories to staged animal experiences, abuse grows. Making thoughtful decisions is

necessary for responsible tourism: reduce your influence on the environment, honour

local traditions, patronise morally-driven companies, and select activities that honour

rather than plunder cultural gems. Only then can a trip genuinely benefit the

destination as well as the traveller.

Giving an example to clarify the idea of ethical tourism, the community-driven

tourism project in the Thai town of Mae Kampong is an outstanding example of

ethical tourism. Through the inclusion of locals in tourism operations, this programme

ensures equitable economic gains while empowering the local community. Travellers

support regional companies, stay in homes, and participate in cultural events. The

project places a strong emphasis on environmental preservation, maintaining the

village's unspoiled charm. Through the promotion of authentic cultural interchange

and active contribution to the welfare of communities, this ethical tourism strategy

reduces adverse outcomes, supports long-term growth, and creates an atmosphere of

mutual benefit for both visitors and residents. In the end, it serves as an example of

how tourism can be a beneficial force for good.

Venice and ethical tourism

Fortunately, the tide is shifting in favour of ethical tourism, giving Venice a breather.

This will relieve the impact on the environment by, among other things, lowering the
number of boats, cleaning up the waters, and imposing reasonable restrictions on

tourist vessels. In order to lessen the demand on already overburdened city services,

ethical tourism and responsible trash management promote appropriate garbage

dumping.With no more piled-high trash cans and dirty passageways, Venice can

reclaim its flawless beauty. Encouraging regional enterprises ensures that tourists pick

locally owned stores and artists over mass-made mementos, keeping profits local and

promoting the preservation of customary crafts. This is part of Nurturing the

Localised Economy. Venice, with its colourful stores and talented craftspeople, can

keep its distinct identity.Subsequently, adhering to cultural standards, moral tourists

accept regional practices and traditions, promoting peace and comprehension. As

opposed to selfie sticks interfering with prayers at St. Mark's Basilica, picture a place

of peaceful devotion. They are also going farther afield, which means that ethical

tourism promotes visiting lesser-known locations and unearthing undiscovered

treasures like the island of Burano or the Cannaregio sestiere.Beyond the chaos of the

Grand Canal, Venice has tranquil pleasures waiting to be discovered.

The two wicked Problems

Over-saturation and societal displacement are Venice's two interrelated terrible

concerns. These difficult problems resist simple fixes and necessitate comprehensive

strategies and sustained dedication.

Overcrowding makes it possible for millions of visitors to arrive in Venice each year,

lured by the city's unmatched splendour. This flood damages infrastructure,

contaminates the delicate lagoon ecology, and jeopardises the basic foundations of the

city. Cruise ships, massive monstrosities that eject thousands of people at once while
spewing fumes, make the situation worse. It takes regular tightrope walking to strike a

balance between the town's well-being and cultural existence and its financial

advantages of tourism.

According to Societal Displacement, the influx of tourists drives out native Venetians,

raising rents and making it unaffordable for residents to live in their own city. Gift

shops and attraction centres supplant conventional merchants and artwork,

undermining the city's distinct identity and driving artists from their homelands of

childhood. The result of this "Venetian exodus" is a city that has lost its vitality and

soul, leaving it a shell that is empty.

These issues are nasty because they are intertwined. For example, restricting tourism

to safeguard the city may have a negative impact on the already fragile local

economy. On the other hand, encouraging tourism in order to increase revenue feeds

the very overcrowding that jeopardises the sustainability of the environment and

culture.

Conclusion

Over-tourism as talked in the beginning is defined as a marked increase in visitors that

has a detrimental impact on the environment, locals, and tourists alike. It depends on

how much a location can handle without harming the environment. Increased

accessibility, the impact of social media, and financial incentives are among the

causes. Responsible tourism, which involves travel that maximises good effects and

minimises negative ones, is essential to addressing overtourism. This can be

accomplished by selecting eco-friendly travel destinations, investigating lesser-known

locales, and lending a hand to regional communities. Preserving the charm of places
like Venice requires ethical tourism, which takes into account the effects of travel on

the environment and locals. It entails reducing adverse effects, honouring regional

traditions, and assisting moral companies.Then we talked about the community-based

tourism effort in Mae Kampong, Thailand, which exemplifies ethical tourism by

empowering the local population and advancing sustainable development. Travellers

may improve the well-being of destinations and create an experience that benefits

both residents and visitors by adopting ethical tourism.

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