25 Destinations Being Destroy By Excessive Tourism
Travel is an incredible mean to flourish perspectives and ignite creativity , but the repercussions issue when million of tourist pile up annually at the same location . Regrettably , some of the planet ’ s most precious site are undergoing degradation due to the well-intentioned impact of visitors . From Egypt ’ s worship Great Pyramids to destinations boast in blockbuster films , these worship location face a perilous future . The startling truth is how much the allure of that Instagram or Facebook photo can contribute to environmental deterioration . It might be worth reconsidering your next travel itinerary to bypass these heavily frequented spots , ensuring the chance for future generations to revel in their curiosity .
Say : Boeing 737 Mysteriously Observe In Random Field And No One Knows How It Got There
Hither cost a few of the commonly frequented destinations that tourists seem to disregard
1 . Bali , Indonesia
- Tourist Per Yr : 6.3 million
- Damage : Cultural degradation
Bali , Indonesia , get long been synonymous with a serene and blissful experience . However , the reality contrasts with this ideal as the destination own witness a staggering influx of over 6 million visitor each year in recent years . While this surge has notably bolster the local saving , it has sparked business consider the erosion of the region ’ s ethnic essence and religious atmosphere . Reports in several media outlet and social platform lament the fading“ magic of Bali , ”even this stay a theme of ongoing debate .
2 . Venice , Italy
- Tourists Per Yr : 5.5 million
- Damages : Impact on locals , pollution
Venice , Italy , renowned for its intricate waterway system , draws approximately 5.5 million tourists each year . While this get provided a boon for local businesses , the surge in tourism has put challenge for the city ’ sec residents . During peak months , the excessive influx of tourist hampers the routine activities of the locals , leading to congested areas and strain local service . This much unexplored aspect contrast with the picturesque portrayal of the city in picture .
3 . Mount Everest , Nepal
- Tourists Per Year : 1,000
- Damages : Pollution
Mount Everest , the ultimate challenge for seasoned climbers , hosts fewer than 1,000 climbers annually . Still , the environmental impact remains significant as climbers , equipped with significant gear , inadvertently lead a lead of waste , lay out from food wrappers to discarded oxygen tanks . The concentrated presence of numerous climbing teams simultaneously can place logistical challenge and aggravate environmental worry .
4 . Petra , Jordan
- Tourist Per Yr : 1 Million
- Damages : Impact on sacred site , damage to sandstone
Petra in Jordan , a site of immense historical implication feature intricately carve temple in pink sandstone cliff , attracts over a million visitors annually . The delicate nature of the site , mate with the substantial visitor traffic , evoke business about the erosion of the sandstone structures and the diminish sanctity of the place due to the sheer volume of visitor .
5 . Cozumel , Mexico
- Tourist Per Yr : 4 million
- Damage : Die coral reefs
Cozumel , an island situated off the coast of Mexico in the Caribbean Sea , lure over four million tourist annually . Despite exist family to a comparatively little population of about 100,000 , the island faces the detrimental effects of over-tourism . The thriving tourism industry has filter the island ’ sec ecosystems , result in the endangerment of local fauna and the rapid bleaching of once-vibrant coral reefs .
6 . Lake Lucerne , Switzerland
- Tourist Per Yr : 1.3 million
- Damages : Severe overcrowding
Switzerland , know for its breathtaking landscape , host over 1.3 million tourist annually at Lake Lucerne , which unfortunately detracts from its natural allure . The chief issue stems from the extensive overcrowding , notably highlighted during events like a cliff-diving spectacle in 2018 . The influx of visitors packed the lake with inflatable lots , result in an overcrowded and potentially hazardous environment , heightening the risk of accidents , particularly drowning .
7 . Taj Mahal , India
- Tourist Per Year : 4.4 million
- Damages : Severe overcrowding
The iconic Taj Mahal in India attracts over 4.4 million visitors annually , positioning itself as a vital tourist magnet . However , the immense footfall has result to severe overcrowding , prompting local authorities to raise tag prices and impose fines for extended stays in an effort to deal the influx . Despite these measure , the continuous flood of visitors poses challenge , create it challenging for tourist to seize the perfect picture of this architectural wonder .
8 . Hanoi ’ sec “ Train Street ” , Vietnam
- Tourist Per Year : 29 million ( Hanoi )
- Damages : Puts locals at risk
Vietnam , know for its tourist appeal , faced issue with Hanoi ’ s“ Train Street , ”a renowned spot featuring a 117-year-old railroad track running through a bustling street . However , the popularity among tourists , especially those require selfies , posed a risk due to the influx of masses on the fighting train course . To mitigate this fortune , local authority in 2019 ordered the shutdown of businesses along the street , propose to discourage visitor .
9 . Fjadrargljufur Canyon , Iceland
- Tourist Per Year : 300,000
- Damages : Destruction to the animal
Iceland ’ s scenic Fjadrargljufur Canyon find a surge in visitor after its appearance in a Justin Bieber music TV in 2015 , result in a significant growth in annual footstep . The sudden popularity take a cost on the local flora and fauna , devastating the area due to overwhelming foot traffic . Accordingly , local assurance temporarily shut the canyon in 2019 to facilitate necessary conservation work .
10 . Komodo Island , Indonesia
- Tourist Per Yr : 50,000
- Damages : Endangerment of rare local species
The Indonesian authorities expressed growing concern over the escalating visitor number to Komodo Island , a part indicate for conservation . To safeguard the domain , a visitor cap of 50,000 individual per year equal imposed . Additionally , erect hotel or other accommodations on the island was prohibited to keep disturbance to the special population of the precious Komodo dragon , keep up the habitat of these rare local species .
11 . Machu Picchu , Peru
- Tourist Per Year : 500,000
- Damage : Hard damage to the site , include topple wall
Machu Picchu , a famous relic from the Inca era in Peru , draws over 500,000 visitor each year . Despite most visitor be respectful , incidents occur , lead to substantial damage . In a noted effect in 2020 , a group of tourist visiting the historical citadel at night inadvertently get a rock wall , part of the Temple of the Sun , to fall in , damaging the story . Recreate this priceless site incurred significant cost , the exact sum of which remains unclear but surely substantial and challenging
12 . Burn Man , Nevada , USA
- Tourists Per Yr : 80,000
- Damages : $ 5-10 million per year to throw the festival , including clean-up
Burn Man , once a humble festival in Nevada attended by a close-knit group , has grown in reputation , attracting or so 80,000 participants annually . The effect ’ sec intensify scale make run to soaring price , totaling an estimate $ 10 million , with a significant portion set aside for extensive clean-up feat that affect the Black Rock desert ’ sec environment .
13 . Pig Island , The Bahamas
- Tourists Per Year : 6 million visit the Bahamas
- Price : Pig end , pollution
While an unexpected view for tourists , Pig Beach in the Bahamas ’ Exuma Island hosts a colony of feral pigs . The increasing number of visitor to this spot leads to an unfortunate consequence : tourist feeding the pigs human food and garbage , result in illness among the animals . This surge in tourist interaction poses risks to the pigs ’ health and the environmental balance of the sphere .
14 . Bubble Gum Alley , San Luis Obispo , California , USA
- Tourist Per Yr : 200,000+
- Damage : Grave damage to the wall
San Luis Obispo ’ s Bubble Gum Alley , a peculiar attraction adorned with chew gum left by visitors , draw over 200,000 tourists annually . While unique , the collection of gum on the wall obtain important damage , stimulate locals to regard it as an eyesore , inspire cry for repair despite its quirky appeal .
15 . Ibiza , Spain
- Tourists Per Yr : 3 million
- Damage : Untold damages from partiers
Ibiza , a famous destination in Spain for its vibrant society scene , pull in around 3 million tourists annually . Even so , the revelry and party culture make result in considerable damage to the local environment . The influx of tourists brings forward noise pollution , ethnic erosion , and substantial waste , produce an overall detrimental impact on the island ’ sec ecosystem and traditional way of living .
16 . Maya Bay , Phi Phi Islands , Thailand
- Tourist Per Yr : 260,000
- Damage : Impact on environment
Maya Bay , snuggle in Thailand ’ s Phi Phi Islands , gained fame follow its feature in the film “ The Beach , ” starring Leonardo DiCaprio . The beach witness a rapid surge in visitor numbers , reaching an overwhelming 5,000 masses per day by 2019 , posing a management challenge for the locals . Accordingly , authorities make the bad conclusion to close the location due to serious environmental price . The shutdown was hold out for two additional years to facilitate environmental recovery , with plans to implement stricter regulation upon reopening .
17 . Cave of Altamira , Spain
- Tourist Per Year : 100,000+
- Damages : Damage to the picture
The prehistoric paintings within the Cave of Altamira in Spain have attracted substantial interest over the yr . The caves face up shutdown in 1977 due to damage incurred by the paintings . Despite limited reopening in 1982 , result remain with the appearance of mold in 2002 , leading to the closure of the cave once again . Although discussion about reopen have happen intermittently , the prospect stay uncertain , as it could potentially jeopardize the preservation of these precious ancient picture .
18 . Santorini , Greece
- Tourists Per Year : 2 million
- Damages : Damage to local architecture and streets
Santorini , known for its stunning vistas and iconic white cubic houses , attract over two million tourists each year . However , the surge in tourist number get damaged the local architecture , aggravated by visitor go up on walls for ideal photo opportunities . The island ’ s aged structure and the influx of tourist have necessitated substantial fiscal investment by the local government to address damages caused , particularly by avid social medium users seeking picturesque stroke .
19 . Pont Des Arts , Paris , France
- Tourist Per Yr : 30 million
- Damages : Grave structural price to the bridge
The Pont Des Arts bridge in Paris has make up a dear spot for tourists and pair . However , the tradition of affixing padlocks to the bridge as a symbol of honey , attain over a million locks by 2015 , resulted in severe structural strain . To mitigate the bridge ’ s deteriorate condition , government had to take out the lock and replace the panels , result from the accumulated weight from this gesture of affection .
20 . Duckbill , Oregon , USA
- Tourists Per Year : Unknown
- Damage : Purposeful destruction of establishment
Duckbill in Oregon was renowned for its distinct rock formation resemble a duck ’ s head , attracting visitors for its uniqueness . In 2016 , several individual deliberately pushed the formation down , reportedly due to safety concerns after an earlier accident . This act of destruction depress locals , marking the goal of the attraction ’ sec iconic natural feature .
21 . “ Joker Stairs ” , Bronx , New York , USA
- Tourist Per Yr : Unknown
- Damage : Impact on locals test to use the steps
The Bronx neighborhood ’ s “Joker Stairs” gained popularity after the portrayal of a famous view in the 2019 movie “Joker .” Visitors frequent the stairs for selfies and recreation , which affects the locals ’ access to this in use thoroughfare . This influx of tourist clashing with local residents has run to conflicts , notably when someone hold eggs at individuals need selfies , indicating stress arising from the disruption caused by these visitors .
22 . The Great Pyramids , Egypt
- Tourist Per Yr : 14.7 million
- Damage : Have on away painting and other artifacts
The Great Pyramids of Egypt , a noted tourist attraction , hosts million of visitor annually . The continuous stream of tourist inadvertently contributes to the degradation of the site . Actions such as scratch bag on walls and the moisture from visitors ’ breath interior passageways lead to have on and snap , evoke headache about the long-term preservation of these ancient structures .
23 . The Spanish Steps , Rome , Italy
- Tourists Per Year : 100,000+
- Damages : Price to the measure
Rome ’ s iconic Spanish Measure , popular for photo opportunity , make experience significant wear and tear over the year . In reception , government implemented stringent regulation , such as a “ no seat ” rule , resulting in fines exceed 400 euros for violators . Class with youthful children face up restriction , as strollers be prohibited from refer the steps , make it challenging for them to access the view from the top .
24 . Stonehenge , UK
- Tourists Per Yr : 800,000
- Damage : Write on the stones , taking number of the rock
Stonehenge , a UNESCO World Heritage site , restricted visitor access due to past vandalism and theft . While tourists in former years could approach and touch the stones , example of price and theft head to roping off the landmark in 1977 . Present-day visitor can not make up close and concern the stones , hindering the full experience due to past tourist-related damage .
25 . The Galapagos Islands , Ecuador
- Tourists Per Yr : 150,000
- Damage : Impact on wildlife
The Galapagos Islands , renowned for their unique biodiversity , attract nature enthusiasts . Still , despite not make up heavily visited , the islands face threats from over-tourism . The increasing number of tourists necessitates the structure of more hotels , place a significant menace to the local environment and wildlife . While tourism help the local saving , there ’ s a fragile balance concerning the impact on the island ’ sec fragile ecosystem .
Sources
- “Priceless Destinations Ruined By Tourists. ” . Alex . September 21 , 2023
- “22 destinations that get cost ruined by tourist in the past decade : report. ” Daily Hive . Emily Rumball . January 17 , 2020