The impact is worrying for those who advocate sustainability
At Can Cocollona, we conducted a real-time survey through our social networks to understand the community’s opinion regarding the issue of mass tourism, considering that it is a popular topic for the summer of 2024. The survey revealed that 40% of respondents believe that mass tourism degrades the ecosystem. When comparing protected areas with busy places, it is quite evident that the large number of visitors generates an impact on the local ecosystem, and this impact is rarely positive.
When we talk about mass tourism, we must consider the construction of infrastructure, roads, and accommodations. It is precisely during this process that the destruction of natural habitats occurs, significantly impacting the entire ecosystem. There is a loss of biodiversity, deforestation, soil pollution, and the local ecosystem is altered. In this sense, human intervention DOES affect wildlife and flora, divides natural areas, and fragments the habitat.
Continuing with the data identified by the accommodation, it was found that 33% of respondents believe that mass tourism increases pollution. Indeed, with the movement of more tourists, water, air, and soil pollution increase. You don’t need to be a genius to recognize that gas emissions when taking a vehicle or an airplane impact the atmosphere. Likewise, solid waste increases, and that affects the environment. Additionally, water treatment systems can become overloaded, while the increase in waste also has consequences for public health.
“Every flight, every expenditure on mass tourism, increases the global carbon footprint that we are trying to reduce.” Greta Thunberg
Another finding from Can Cocollona’s survey was that 13% considered that mass tourism does not have a significant impact on the environment. This figure is, of course, alarming because it indicates that a significant percentage of people are not aware of the real effects of tourism on the environment or, in some cases, have a different view of the magnitude of the impact. The survey also revealed that the remaining 10% are unsure about the impact of mass tourism. This last point allows us to interpret that there is still a need to raise awareness among the population about the environmental effects that tourism is generating on the planet.
“The reality is that we cannot continue with the same level of consumption and tourism as before if we want to avoid a climate collapse.” Greta Thunberg
Finally, through our survey, we identified that although there is awareness of the environmental impact, there is still a long way to go in combating mass tourism. The enormous carbon emissions, the continuous degradation of the ecosystem, the level of consumption and expenditure, tourist emissions, individual carbon footprints, lifestyles that promote mass tourism, leaders who fail to act to adopt policies and reduce emissions, and every aspect of daily life have an impact on the climate crisis. Although tourism is an economic driver for destinations, it is no excuse for large numbers of people to travel without awareness.
SOS MASS TOURISM
That is why at CanCocollona, we promote #SlowTravel and offer a different lodging alternative. Our mission is always to promote conscious and responsible tourism. Follow us on our social networks and be part of our great community of travelers.
Keywords: mass tourism, environmental impact, ecosystem degradation, pollution, sustainable tourism