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RON & MARY’S EDITOR’S NOTE
OH,
HELLO THERE!
Beyond the Squirt Gun: Finding Balance in Tourism
he recent squirt-gun protest by trification. This phenomenon isn't unique to
Barcelona's Neighborhood Assembly Barcelona; it's a challenge faced by desirable
for Tourism Degrowth (ABDT) drew areas all over the world.
T international attention to the grow- Killing the "golden goose" of tourism,
ing tensions surrounding mass tourism. While though, isn't the answer. Tourism is the top
the ABDT's demand for a radical reduction in economic engine of many popular destina-
tourist numbers resonates with concerns in tions, providing jobs and supporting local busi-
many popular destinations, their methods are nesses. Barcelona's service industry, heavily
questionable. reliant on tourism, would suffer tremendously Theodore Roosevelt National Park is
The downsides of mass tourism are undeni- if visitor numbers were drastically reduced. as unique as it is beautiful. A North
able. Rising living costs often push locals out, So, what's the solution? Squirting tourists
and infrastructure strains under the pressure. was a widely covered publicity stunt, but it's Dakota gem not to be missed. Home
Crowds turn daily life into a frustrating gaunt- not a sustainable strategy. Instead, a collabo- to bison, wild horses and uncrowded
let. However, blaming tourists ignores the root rative approach involving politicians, the
causes – and generates unintended circum- tourism industry, and residents is needed. trails into the painted canyons of the
stances that could impact the protestors Curbing foreign ownership of short-term
themselves. rentals, zoning restrictions on vacation hous- Badlands. Nearby, you’ll find
The true culprits are complex: Greedy ing, and limiting cruise ship size and numbers charming cities and towns ready to
landlords and travel-related businesses that in port are potential measures. Additionally,
recklessly capitalizing on supply and demand. promoting lesser-known parts of the country greet you. Now all you have to do is
The cruise industry's disregard for the prob- and travel off-season can help to distribute get here. What are you waiting for?
lems created when thousands of passengers tourism more evenly.
disembark at once. Global inflation and corpo- Finding a balance between preserving local
rate gouging inflate prices for all. culture and benefiting from tourism is essen-
The very things that attract tourists – cul- tial. By addressing the root causes of the prob-
tural richness, beauty, and vibrancy – also at- lem and implementing sustainable solutions, 1-800-H e ll o N D HelloND.com
tract wealthy newcomers who can afford cities can ensure that tourism remains a posi-
higher rents and home prices, leading to gen- tive force for all.
Ron & Mary James
Publishers & Editors
6 WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE FALL 2024
