Overtourism: How to be a responsible tourist - The Global Story podcast, BBC World Service

Comments · 2K

• TA

  @tatzybatzy1286 · 2 years ago

  You are a guest when you travel is exactly what my grandmother used to say. Be a polite guest, not a rude intruder.

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• AN

  @Angels2005 · 2 years ago (edited)

  I’m a hotel front desk agent for 30 years here in the big island of hawaii, I have experienced a lot from the tourist there are good and bad. Back in the 80’s, the tourist were more caring and more respectful, now a days a lot of tourists are more rude, demanding, and some of them when they check out they forget to even flush they’re own “shit” and leave trash everywhere. Our housekeepers are extremely exhausted and tired, I know it’s there job to clean the rooms for the next guests. Hawaii depends on tourism please do your part treat our islands like your home, show some respect, read and follow the rules of each resorts, we’re here to service you with Aloha ❤😊

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• HI

  @hieutrantrung78775 · 10 months ago

  Everyone who is learning English and furthermore, prepare for IELTS, TOEFL, can use this channel. Very useful!

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• TR

  @TruePeaceSeeker · 2 years ago

  I am very glad you mentioned Bali. There has been tons of tourist abusing their tourist visa to harm the land and locals

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• BA

  @Badaboobib · 2 years ago

  “You are a guest …” 👍 that’s so true! Respect the local culture.

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• AN

  @annaliza230 · 2 years ago

  They said it all. Please travel but be conscious of the local culture, respect it. As simple as that.

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• W.

  @w.urlitzer1869 · 2 years ago (edited)

  I went to Japan, avoided Fuji, I took a slow train so saw plenty of it, and Kyoto, went to secondary quiet cities, and still got upset by tourist who couldn't behave. Japanese people told me it disturbed them a lot.

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• MO

  @monballet1900 · 2 years ago

  You forgot to mention the people who go on a trip not to do tourism, but to drink, party and not want to understand anything about the country they visit. In this type of tourists there is egocentrism and great lack of culture. Precisely in Spain we have good examples of your compatriots who come just to do what perhaps at home they would not dare to do... you have not talked about this tourist profile, and there are many. Thank you

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• CS

  @cstone3178 · 2 years ago

  It is absolutely absurd this Selfie-madness.

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• 12

  @123benny4 · 2 years ago (edited)

  This is my take on things: I don't travel because I want to, I travel because I have to.  I don't call myself a tourist, but a visitor.  I tend to plan trips where I can stay a month or even two.  I only travel once every 5 to 7 years.  I often go back to the same places again and again.  I get to know the place, not exploit the place.  My visits have a purpose: a camino, a workshop, a visit with friends or family that I have overseas.  I've even worked in some places: London as an actor (U.K.) or Mexico as a teacher.   It's to escape my lonely life here in Canada, where I'm stuck in a routine with my nose to the grindstone.  I force myself to get out there to build my confidence, to experience new things, to get out of my comfort zone, to learn about the local culture and history.  No cruise ships, no guided tours, no 7-day resorts, no paid luxury vacation in 5-star hotels.  Yes, you see the iconic sights, but I much prefer going off the beaten path to discover something else.  No selfies here.  I leave technology at home.  That's one reason I have to get away, to get away from that.  I want to be set free from all those constraints and spend time wandering, sitting in cafes people watching, and spending time with people; be they family, friends, or people I met along the way.  Travelling opens up a whole new world and is part of self-development, education, and contributes to bringing us together.

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• CH

  @charleneware6574 · 2 years ago

  I am new to international travel. For the first time in my life I can afford it and I am itching to explore and learn. To see how "entitled travlers" dirty up the places they visit makes me cringe. I don't want to be "that" tourist. I have planned my vacations around public transport, local activities (cooking classes and such) and eating like the locals. I hope that locals from other countries will appreciate this and welcome me as I would them if they came to visit my home.

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• VI

  @vi.strolls · 2 years ago

  It's great to see this increasing awareness of overtourism and its profound implications for local cultures and the environment. Recognizing our impact when we visit these destinations is crucial, prompting us to adopt measures that safeguard their sustainability. :face-red-heart-shape:

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