Overtourism in France Prompts Restrictions as 'Bleisure' Travel Reshapes Industry
France, a long-standing favourite among tourists, welcomed over 100 million visitors last year, contributing to 8% of global tourism. However, the surge in travel has led to overtourism, prompting restrictions in popular spots. Meanwhile, newer destinations and the rise of 'bleisure' travel are reshaping the tourism landscape.
Overtourism has forced many French cities to implement measures like visitor caps, reservation systems, and activity bans. For instance, Paris introduced a tourist tax and restricted access to certain areas. To escape the crowds, travellers are discovering less-crowded alternatives such as Dresden's Neustädter Markt, Esslingen am Neckar's medieval old town, and the Middle Rhine Valley's scenic sites.
The pandemic has fuelled the growth of 'bleisure' travel, blending business and leisure trips due to remote work. Economic fluctuations, however, can temporarily disrupt air travel demand, which typically grows at a steady 4% year over year. As economies recover, so does air travel, putting pressure on popular destinations like Paris and Barcelona, which recently saw record crowds.
With leisure travel accounting for 85% or more of miles flown, airlines like American Airlines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines are expanding their offerings to cater to various budgets. The number of global flyers is closely tied to world GDP, indicating a strong rebound in air travel, as evidenced by World Revenue Passenger Miles returning to pre-pandemic levels. As tourism evolves, so too must destinations and airlines adapt to balance growth with sustainability and visitor experience.
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