Can Wales avoid Europe's mass tourism tensions?

Wales is a stunning destination that attracts many tourists, but there are growing concerns about the impact of mass tourism on local communities. Popular locations like Beaumaris on Anglesey are already experiencing an influx of visitors, leading some residents to feel that their way of life is being threatened. As climate change continues to affect global temperatures, more people are seeking cooler vacation spots, and Wales is becoming an appealing option. A recent study indicates that if global temperatures rise by 3-4 degrees Celsius, Wales could see a 16% increase in tourist numbers. This situation raises an important question: could Wales face the same challenges as other European destinations that have experienced 'over-tourism'? In cities like Barcelona, Majorca, and Venice, residents have taken to the streets to protest against the overwhelming number of tourists. They argue that the sheer volume of visitors is damaging their neighborhoods and making it difficult for them to enjoy their homes. Linda Osti, a senior lecturer in tourism management at Bangor University, warns that Wales could also experience 'over-tourism' if visitor numbers continue to rise unchecked. She emphasizes the importance of finding solutions that benefit both local residents and tourists. 'There is no sustainable or regenerative tourism without host communities,' she states, highlighting the need for tourism to support everyone in the area, not just the businesses that cater to visitors. The term 'over-tourism' was first introduced by a journalist discussing Iceland in 2016, who noted the growing resentment among locals towards the influx of tourists. Linda hopes that Wales can learn from this experience and take proactive measures to prevent similar issues from arising. She believes that rebuilding trust between the government and the community is essential, as well as fostering tolerance among all stakeholders involved in tourism. Protests against mass tourism have already occurred in places like Mallorca and Tenerife, where residents are advocating for changes to protect their communities from the negative effects of excessive tourism. Even before global temperatures rise further, Welsh businesses are already noticing an increase in overseas visitors. According to Visit Wales, the number of holidaymakers from Germany has doubled between 2022 and 2023. Additionally, the number of cruise ships visiting Wales has risen to 97 this year, marking a 25% increase from the previous year. Tourists from France are also flocking to Wales to escape the heat. For instance, Fabian Bars and his family traveled from Paris to Ogwen Valley in Eryri, expressing their preference for the cooler temperatures in Wales. They were initially concerned about rain but found the weather to be just right for their holiday. Another family, the Veloppes, chose to visit Wales for similar reasons, enjoying the beautiful landscapes and parks suitable for their children. Phil Scott, who operates a tour boat company on the Menai Strait, believes that attracting visitors during the quieter 'shoulder season' could help balance the number of tourists throughout the year. He suggests that older couples without children could be a different type of visitor, with different spending habits and needs. Anna Hume, who grew up on Anglesey and works in the tourism industry, agrees that extending the tourism season would create more job opportunities for young people. She points out that many young people leave the area due to a lack of year-round employment, making it difficult for them to afford housing. Recently, frustrations about visitor numbers have been felt in Anglesey, particularly at Llanddwyn Beach, which gained popularity after being featured in the HBO series 'House of the Dragon. ' Neville Evans, a local councillor responsible for leisure and tourism, suggests that visitors should be directed to less crowded areas to alleviate pressure on popular spots. He believes that focusing on communities that do not typically benefit from tourism could help create a more balanced experience for everyone involved.