When it comes to dream destinations, it’s not just countries but iconic landmarks that often top the wish list. For many people, visiting attractions such as Machu Picchu in Peru, the Taj Mahal in India or the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that they are determined to have.
But this desire to have the ultimate holiday experience has led to a serious global problem: mass tourism. Many UNESCO World Heritage Sites are under massive pressure – and this endangers not only their future, but also the special charm that makes these places so unique.
The online travel agent Tourlane selected 50 UNESCO World Heritage Sites from 1,223 sites worldwide and examined them on the basis of three criteria: popularity, endangerment and the impact of mass tourism.
Popularity was determined using TripAdvisor ratings. UNESCO’s assessments were used to determine the risk. Although all the selected sites are currently considered safe, Tourlane analysed the extent to which mass tourism is already having a negative impact. The assessment was based on the company’s own experiences as well as assessments by local partners, independent media and conservation organisations.
The Taj Mahal is already showing visible damage to its facade – a natural consequence, given that around 7.5 million people visit the iconic monument each year. The Pyramids of Giza are subject to even greater strain, with as many as 15 million visitors a year.
A European example is Italy’s Cinque Terre. The picturesque coastal villages, perched along steep cliffs, are inundated with thousands of tourists each year, straining local agriculture and the daily lives of residents.
Anyone who thinks that the problem only affects a few particularly popular places is mistaken. Even in the most remote parts of the world, more and more attractions are threatened by overtourism. One example is Machu Picchu, the impressive Inca city in the Peruvian Andes.
Around a million visitors flock to the ruins each year, placing pressure not only on the archaeological site but also on the surrounding natural environment. In order to protect the site, visitor numbers have now been limited. But even with this measure in place, the situation remains tense.
Other World Heritage Sites such as the Grand Canyon National Park in the United States, the Palace and Park of Versailles in France, the Great Wall of China and Vatican City are also struggling with excessive crowds. The consequences can be severe, including abrasion and damage to façades, destruction of fragile ecosystems, and alterations to the local ecosystem. UNESCO has classified these sites as ‘critically burdened’ and is calling for measures to reduce the pressure.
Tourlane’s study also lists 25 alternatives and the particularly overcrowded and endangered World Heritage Sites. Travellers can visit these attractions without feeling guilty:
