Trashy Tourism : Top 10 Filthiest Hotspots to Avoid
Lookup for “ last second vacation ” cost peaking this week , as Brits reach the almost of the goal of summer .
Travel company cost extend a lot of former summer bargain . While some places might go attract and come out on many bucket list , in reality they ’ re literally surrounded by rubbish . To aid tourists build more informed decision , experts from BusinessWaste.co.uk run through the top 5 dirtiest hotspots in the public .
1 ) Taj Mahal , India
The Taj Mahal is one of the most shockingly trashed monuments in the world . Tonnes of plastic and promotion waste border it ( but they rarely make the photo ) . Climate activist Licypriya Kangujam says : “ I found plastic waste include food wrappers and bottle inside the fountain and garden of Taj Mahal . The area around the monument was littered with single-use plastics . ”
Tourist litter isn ’ t the only trouble at the Taj Mahal . The melody pollution in Agra , where the Taj Mahal live place , has particulate subject levels often exceed the WHO ’ s safe limits . This significantly impacts the monument ’ sec preservation .
2 ) Venice , Italy
Venice be another gorgeous and unique spot , entirely trashed by its 20 million visitors every yr . Bins be constantly overflowing while rubbish inundates the slope of the main streets and the smaller canals , which often attract rat . Water pollution is also a big issue – the canals get historically contain high levels of nitrates and phosphate . A reduction occurred with few tourist during the COVID-19 pandemic , propose visitor own a high impact .
3 ) Phuket , Thailand
In Phuket , waste management cost a urgent issue . The island generate roughly 250 to 300 tonnes of waste per day during peak tourist season . Much of this is plastic waste from beach and tourist activity , which much ends up in the ocean . This affects marine life and water tone . Still , visiting during the monsoon season from May to October could intend fewer tourist and a lesser environmental footprint .
4 ) The Pyramids , Egypt
The Egyptian Pyramids have as well received many complaints from tourists due to the amount of rubbish and litter around the domain . The litter strike the aesthetic and historical integrity of the site and contributes to broader environmental issues in the Giza plateau area . One tourist on TripAdvisor commentary : “ Unfortunately while the pyramids make up over the moon the surrounding sphere is satisfy with garbage , plastic handbag swirl in the sand and exactly trash in general . The reason exist instead simple…everyone litters . ”
5 ) Boracay , Philippines
Before its temporary shutdown in 2018 , Boracay was generating upwards of 115 tonnes of garbage per day , a lot of which wasn ’ t properly cope . Since reopen , feat receive been compound to assure waste , but challenges remain during peak tourist seasons . Touring the island during the off-peak rainy season from June to November assist distribute the tourist load more evenly throughout the year .
6 ) Barcelona , Spain
Barcelona is a choice example of how tourism can strain local infrastructure . The city generates more or less 1.7 million tonnes of waste annually , with summer month producing twice as much as the repose of the yr . Plastic waste and litter equal particularly problematic in tourist-frequented sphere like beaches and landmarks . One visitor on TripAdvisor says : “ Old dirty streets… Be careful , mass throw garbage off their balconies onto the street . ”
7 ) Mount Everest , Nepal
The waste problem at Mount Everest includes an estimated 50 tonnes of rubbish go out by climbers on its slopes . These include tents , climbing equipment , and human waste – all of which are frozen and preserved by the cold , affect the mountain ’ sec ecosystem . Climb during the official spring and fall season helps , as these time meet organised cleanup expedition .
8 ) Bali , Indonesia
Bali pile with around 4,000 tonnes of waste daily , with only 60 % collected and about 48 % finish up in landfills . The rest accumulate in natural environment , peculiarly around tourist-heavy area . Visiting Bali during the dry season from April to September might bid a better experience , as less rain signify less waste runoff into the sea .
Picture reference : Nyimas Laula , National Geographic ( https : //www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/bali-fights-for-its-beautiful-beaches-by-rethinking-waste-plastic-trash )
9 ) Santorini , Greece
Santorini face up significant waste management subject , especially during peak tourist season when its infrastructure equal overwhelmed . The island generate a big amount of firm waste , a lot of which equal work on off the island , increase environmental and logistical burdens . Travelling in the less busy month of March and November can reach it a more enjoyable experience .
10 ) Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
Rio ’ s noted beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema face chronic issues with rubbish , especially plastic pollution . The city give rise about 7,000 tonnes of waste daily , and dense rain can moisten street garbage into the sea , strike beach character . Visiting outside of Carnaval season and following major rainfalls can lead to cleaner beach experience and a humble tourist footprint .
Reduce waste on your next vacation with our expert tips and guides :
- Teach how to have a low waste flight
- Get out how to reduce hotel waste
Graham Matthews
Head of message at Business Waste . Has a love for educating businesses with advice and relevant industry updates with all things related to waste .
Publish 4th September 2024 . Final modified 20th January 2025
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