A lot has been written about over-tourism of late. With the summer travel season just beginning, we’re likely to see more about crowding in popular parts of the world, especially Europe.
The latest story on the matter comes from the legendary Cinque Terre in Italy, the five scenic villages that dot the coast east of Genoa.
“Our problem isn’t overtourism but overcrowding, and during certain periods of the year,” Fabrizia Pecunia, the mayor of both Manarola and Riomaggiore, said in a story posted in The Guardian.
Yours truly in the Cinque Terre region of Italy.
“The main challenge is how to distribute tourism across the area, and we need to do it quickly without giving the impression that we are anti-tourist, as for us, tourism is fundamental.”
I had the good fortune of visiting the Cinque Terre in 2006, when it was crowded but not unbearable. I had a brief visit to Riomaggiore and Manarola on my MSC World Europa trip in early March of this year. A group of five or six journalists went on a day when it had rained fairly hard in the morning, and we nearly had both villages to ourselves.
“This is so wonderful,” said our tour guide. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen it like this.”
AUSTRALIA POISED FOR RECORD TOURISM YEAR
Blue Haven Beach in Esperance, Western Australia. JIM BYERS PHOTO
One of my favourite countries, Australia, is poised for a record tourism year. The country received 6.6 million foreign visitors in 2023, but officials say the figure could rise to more than 7 million this year. Like many people, I love Sydney. And I had an excellent visit to the Great Barrier Reef in 2000. But my fave places are a bit lesser-known, including Western Australia, Tasmania and Lord Howe Island, a tiny, tropical speck that’s part of New South Wales.
JAMAICA EYES BILLIONS FOR OCHO RIOS INFRASTRUCTURE
A view from the Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios. JIM BYERS PHOTO
Interesting item here in the Caribbean Journal about a massive investment in Ocho Rios’ market and transportation centre. American Airlines recently began flights to Ocho Rios from Miami; the first international flights to the north shore city.
I had a fabulous stay at the Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios a few years back. It’s a laid-back but beautiful spot with a fine beach, very good food and a fabulous spa. They have amazing villa units on the water, as well.
A HARD DAY’S NIGHT TURNS 60: SPECIAL EXHIBIT IN LIVERPOOL
The Beatles Story is a terrific museum in Liverpool. JIM BYERS PHOTO
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