London (TAN): Threats of overtourism has prompted the establishment of a new body — the World Tourism Association for Culture and Heritage (WTACH). The organisation will encourage ethical practices at and proper management of popular tourist destinations that are crumbling because of unchecked visitor traffic.
WTACH consists of 15 specialist advisors from backgrounds associated with culture and heritage tourism who will work not only to protect historical sites that are already at risk of overtourism, but also places that have just started getting popular among visitors.
Birth of the organisation
The association was formed as the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) reported that international tourism arrivals reached 1.4 billion in 2018, two years ahead of its estimate in 2020. According to UNWTO, global economy went up 3.7 per cent in 2018, boosting international tourism arrivals growth for 2018 to six per cent.
Chris Flynn, Founder and CEO, WTACH, said emerging tourism destinations needed more help, and that overtourism had greater negative influence on lesser economically developed destinations.
“WTACH works with destinations to provide development strategies and policy framework recommendations to avoid the kind of tourism meltdown we are seeing at Angkor Wat, Phi Phi Island and Mt Everest. It’s time for the tourism industry to take step back and look at the long term impact of its decision making,” he added.
WTACH said that it was time destinations stopped emphasising on arrival numbers as the yardstick for success. The body was concerned that Turkey looked to increase tourism arrivals from 40 million in 2018 to 70 million by 2023.
“What interpretive and cultural safeguards have been put in place? Have local communities been consulted? Is there an actual plan that involves a holistic government approach and key stakeholder and community engagement? At WTACH we know there’s a better way. We are now seeking like-minded organisations and individuals to help us advance responsible tourism in culturally sensitive host communities,” said Flynn.
What contributes to overtourism?
Carolyn Childs, Co-founder of WTACH and CEO of MyTravelResearch.com, said: “A unique image can ‘create’ a destination in moments – often leaving it unprepared or wrong-footed. This is particularly true if the image runs counter to cultural values. It risks tourism losing its ‘social licence’ with host communities. Ironically, these ‘instadestinations’ risk destroying the very thing travellers are seeking.”
Travellers seeking ‘authenticity’ also contributes to the problem.
“The pressure on destinations and tour operators to find and monetise ‘unique’ and ‘authentic’ experiences will only increase as both millennial and mature travellers work through their ‘been there done that’ bucket lists. Having the right frameworks in place help communities and tourists. They build a more sustainable destination that delivers truly rewarding experiences,” Childs said.
