These Destinations Want Your Attention
What most attracts us to a tourist destination
In the age of over-tourism, the least visited places in the
world see a new opportunity.
This year, destinations are curbing over-tourism like never
before: Venice has announced its intention to charge entry, Bruges has capped
the number of cruise ships at two per day and Paris has announced its intention
to ban tourist buses downtown.
But a new phenomenon is developing. "Sub-tourism"
is the increasingly common marketing tactic used by less frequented
destinations. Come here, they say, because we are not as crowded as the
neighbors. Visit us and you won't have to queue for your Instagram likes.
While the headlines full of misfortune put off tourists who
do not want to spend their trip dodging selfie takers, it is a clever decision.
Take Lisbon for example - is it a coincidence that trips to the once-visited
Portuguese capital have exploded since Barcelona began to actively discourage
tourists?
But even the least visited places can risk falling victim to
their own success. "Places that present themselves as" underfunded
"will be the disaster areas of over-tourism of the future unless they
adopt more responsible approaches to tourism planning," Hannan Kayani, CEO
of Responsible Travel Company named YUGO.pk.
So how can we help you? One way is to have a deeper
experience, rather than the delusional attitude of most visitors. It is an
approach that even the destinations flooded with visitors adopt while they
actively promote their less visited corners: Venice, for example, suggests
exchanging Saint Mark's Square for the Lido, an island by the sea where most
restaurants and hotels are locally owned.
Venezia Autentica - a start-up that
showcases the artisans of the city - keeps city dwellers away from tourist
traps and heads to local bars, shops and restaurants.
Sub-tourism can also mean paying more attention to your
surroundings while you are there - the latest marketing campaign in Vienna
urges visitors to give up their phones and be fully present in the Austrian
capital. Or it could just be a destination that needs travelers, like Bali
during the eruptions of Mount Agung; Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria; or Sri
Lanka since the Foreign Ministry relaxed advice on travel to the country after
the Easter bombings.
For your next trip, consider these five alternatives to
favorite destinations around the world to consider for your next trip.
Like Machu Picchu? Try Kuelap
With 400 stone houses perched at the top of the mountain and
a new cable car to get you there, now is the time to see this spectacular Inca
site, which, in fact, is older than Machu Picchu.
Like Venice? Try Trieste
Just a few hours from Venice by train, this elegant Italian
city is stuck next to Slovenia. Cantilevered over the scintillating Gulf of
Trieste, it even has its own beautiful canal, bordered by palazzi.
Like Phuket? Try Kep
As the south coast of Cambodia becomes more and more
popular, Kep - supported by the jungle, bordered by a clear sea and crab huts -
has retained its relaxed and non-festive atmosphere. The beaches are as good as
those of Thailand.
Like Lisbon? Try Guimarães
Northeast of Porto, this small and beautiful city was the
birthplace of Portugal - the country's first king, Afonso. Today there is a
preserved old town, an 11th century castle and many golden churches.
Like Bruges? Try Brussels
These sparkling canals may be missing, but the Belgian
capital has medieval architecture, lively restaurants, lots of chocolate shops
and beer to start. And as a true city of work, it is refreshing and unpretentious.
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