The end of over-tourism? Opportunities in a post-Covid-19 world

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to examine the issues faced by cities known for their struggles with over-tourism, before and during the Covid-19 pandemic. Opportunities to overcome over-tourism in a post-Covid-19 world are discussed. Design/methodology/approach This paper is a review of the fundamental issues of over-tourism before and during the Covid-19 pandemic. Findings The pandemic has turned the state of tourism in many cities from “over-tourism” to “no tourism”, prompting massive state intervention from governments, regardless of their political ideology. The pandemic has also been more effective than top-down governmental orders and ground-up green initiatives to reduce pollution within a short span of time. Practical implications Many have been left behind by the competitive nature of globalisation, and the Covid-19 pandemic could present a case for governments to play a larger role in improving their citizens’ quality of live. These would include a fundamental shift in focus to jobs (instead of gross domestic products) by governments, increased investment in public works and environment-friendly infrastructure and expanding public regulatory and enforcement roles in areas such as crowd control and inspection of home rentals for regulatory compliance. Social implications When normalcy returns and tourists begin to flock to destinations and attractions, there should be a much higher awareness amongst both tourists and locals of the maintenance of personal hygiene and of the need for safe distancing while in dense crowds. A new social norm should emerge. Originality/value A heightened sense of material, community, emotional and health and safety well-beings of local residents would ease concerns and perceptions of over-tourism.