Tourism – The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

The Good: A Tourism Industry Perspective
In 2024, international tourism experienced a remarkable recovery, reaching 99% of pre-pandemic levels. Many destinations even surpassed their 2019 visitor numbers. Globally, approximately 1.4 billion international tourists (overnight visitors) were recorded in 2024, marking an 11% increase from 2023.

Sydney International Airport  by Goran Has

Australia witnessed similar trends. Sydney Airport, a key gateway, recorded its strongest quarterly passenger traffic since 2019, with 11 million passengers in Q4 2024. This figure reflects a 5% increase compared to Q4 2023 and represents 94.4% of the same period in 2019. International passenger numbers saw a 7.4% year-on-year increase, nearing complete recovery.
Tourism exports, the spending by international visitors on Australian goods and services, reached $38.3 billion in 2023–24. This figure was 48% higher than the previous year and even exceeded pre-pandemic levels. On the other hand, tourism imports—spending by Australians traveling overseas—totalled $78.4 billion in the same period, 41% higher than in 2022–23.

Unsplash - John Oswald 

The Bad: A United Nations & EU Perspective
While the industry’s resurgence is promising, several challenges loom over international tourism in 2025. A UN Tourism survey highlights the following concerns:
1. Higher Transport and Accommodation Costs (58%): Inflation, rising fuel prices, and supply chain issues are driving costs up, potentially deterring travellers.
2. Other Economic Factors (51%): Economic instability, fluctuating exchange rates, and the rising cost of living are significant hurdles.
3. Geopolitical Risks (31%): Political tensions and conflicts in key regions pose threats to tourism.
4. Extreme Weather Events (28%): Climate-related events like hurricanes and wildfires continue to impact destinations and infrastructure.
5. Staff Shortages (22%): Workforce shortages in hospitality and aviation remain a challenge post-COVID-19.
6. Low Consumer Confidence (20%): Global uncertainties make travellers hesitant to commit to international trips.
7. Travel Requirements (19%): Complex visa processes and regulatory barriers act as deterrents.
8. Visitor Congestion in Destinations (17%): Overcrowding in popular locations strains infrastructure and diminishes the tourist experience.
9. Airport Congestion, Delays, and Cancellations (12%): Operational inefficiencies in air travel add to travellers’ frustrations.

Unsplash - Miguel Ángel Sanz

10. Regional Conflicts (10% each): Conflicts, such as the Hamas-Israel situation and the Russian offensive on Ukraine, directly impact tourism in affected regions.

The EU in an October 2018 report, defined over tourism as “the situation in which the impact of tourism, at certain times and in certain locations, exceeds physical, ecological, social, economic, psychological, and/or political capacity thresholds.”

The Ugly: A Local Community Perspective
One pressing concern is the impact of "visitor congestion in destinations", which has garnered significant media attention.

Some International Examples:

Unsplash – Marc Land

1. Venice, Italy: Over-tourism from day-trippers and cruise passengers has overwhelmed the city’s infrastructure, causing environmental damage and displacing residents.

2. Machu Picchu, Peru: Excessive foot traffic has led to physical damage and environmental degradation.

3. Kyoto, Japan: Overcrowding in historic districts disrupts local life.

4. Santorini, Greece: High volumes of cruise passengers stress the island’s limited resources.

Authorities in one of Europe's most popular holiday destinations condemned graffiti that appeared on a wall urging locals to "kill a tourist". The troubling message is the latest to be spotted in Spain amid growing unrest among residents, who say travellers are to blame for the country's worsening cost of living and housing crises.

Some Australian Examples:
1. Great Barrier Reef, Queensland: Conservation groups and Indigenous communities have advocated for stricter controls to protect the reef from climate change and coral bleaching.
2. Uluru, Northern Territory: The Anangu people—traditional custodians of Uluru—successfully opposed climbing the rock, emphasizing its sacred significance.
3. Bondi Beach, New South Wales: Residents express frustration over congestion, noise, and littering during peak times and major events.

Bondi Beach by Phil Whitehouse

4. Sydney Harbour Bridge & Opera House, New South Wales: Overcrowding during major events, like New Year’s Eve, leads to traffic congestion and noise complaints from locals.
Councillors in New South Wales Blue Mountains say, the onslaught of coaches arriving each day has badly impacted the "long standing traffic issue" in the region, with figures revealing day trips to the mountains having increased by nearly 30 per cent from 2022 to 2023, and those numbers are still set to rise.

Solutions for Managing Visitor Congestion:

To address these challenges, Go Drivin’ supports and encourages the following measures:

1. Visitor Caps and Timed Entry: Limit daily visitor numbers and implement timed ticketing systems to distribute tourist traffic.

2. Promoting Alternative Destinations: Encourage exploration of lesser-known areas and off-peak travel to ease congestion at popular sites.

3. Education and Awareness: Inform tourists about local customs, sustainable practices, and alternative travel options through signage and campaigns.

4. Tourism Taxes and Fees: Adopt "high-value, low-impact" models by charging entrance fees or sustainable tourism taxes, with revenue reinvested in conservation.

5. Collaboration with Communities: Involve local communities in tourism planning to balance economic benefits with residents’ quality of life.

6. Leveraging Technology: Use apps and data analytics to monitor and manage visitor flows in real-time.

Conclusion:

The dilemma is one many traveller hotspots around the country — and around the world — are facing this year, with local authorities struggling to strike a balance between supporting local needs while reaping the benefits of tourist income.

Tourism’s growth brings both opportunities and challenges. While it boosts economies and fosters cultural exchange, it also places strain on destinations and communities. Collaborative efforts, sustainable practices, and innovative solutions are essential to ensure that tourism benefits everyone—from industry stakeholders to local residents. Whether you’re a traveller, a local, or part of the tourism industry, finding the right balance will spark ongoing discussions and guide the future of tourism.