Time to preserve our places and spaces. The Acropolis, St. Marks Square, and Hagia Sophia have an unfortunate connection, record breaking visitor numbers this summer. European sites are maxed out. Over these years, rising tourism numbers - often fueled by continued post pandemic revenge travel, mega ship day trips, and the global appeal of Europe's cultural landmarks—have led to overcrowded cities and coastlines, environmental degradation, and disruptions to local communities.
To solve these challenges, local governments must shape the future of tourism, implementing measures like limiting new hotel developments, capping short-term rentals, and managing tourist flows to reduce strain on local infrastructure. For us, this entails navigating stricter regulations and rethinking how and when we host events. While these policies may present logistical challenges, they are vital measures to safeguard both residents and the natural beauty of these destinations.
Fostering more responsible tourism behaviors can help ensure that Europe’s most beloved locations remain vibrant, welcoming, and viable for generations to come. As Event Engineers, embracing these sustainability efforts not only reduces environmental impacts but also strengthens the long-term appeal of the destinations we depend on.
Its now time to implement an original tenet of backcountry travel to preserve the beauty of nature for present and future generations in global tourism...we have 'packed it in,' its now time to 'pack it out'.
Comments