5 European Destinations Negatively Impacted By ‘Over-Tourism

BY  Sibashree Apr 28, 2025

This time, I was on a 2-day Paris travel and was working on how the best hotels in Paris have been supporting the thriving tourism scene in the city. I did my case study on the hotels near Opera Paris France, to get the entire picture.  I also had the opportunity to meet the leaders of Citadines Apart'hotel Opéra Paris, which The Ascott Limited operates. They shared their insights and observations with me. Paris had a footfall of 11.2 million during the Summer Olympics of 2024. The success story with great numbers continued as Paris consolidated the Olympics’ success for the rest of the year.  This boost in the number of tourists has further facilitated growth in the hospitality sector. The French hospitality sector is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.34% from 2023 to 2028.  However, these two booming industries are also bearing the wrath of overtourism in the city.  So, there could not be a better time to delve deeper into how the best hotels in Paris have been supporting tourism so far. Also, we need to talk about how they respond to minimize the impact of overtourism with sustainable practices.  Best Hotels In Paris: Working And Growing With The Tourism Industry Of The City The best hotels in Paris are beyond tourist accommodations. With luxury in mind and an upscale shift, these hotels are influencing the spending patterns of tourists.  France was the most-visited country in the world in 2024, with an unbelievable footfall of around 100 million.  Now, a large number of these tourists look for accommodations in luxury hotels. With their hotel expenses and overall luxury spending increasing, the city gains revenue.  This approach aligns with what Nathalie Delattre, the French Minister of Tourism, stated in response to the anticipated tourism boom in France for 2024.  “We need to work to increase the average each visitor spends and get our visitors to stay longer.” The impact of hotels in Paris on tourist spending patterns extends beyond the standalone tourism and hospitality industry. It’s about the overall GDP and economy of the city.  But the “luxury experience” here is not to scare you if you are a tourist. It does not mean that you cannot visit Paris within a budget. It’s true that Paris, as a travel destination, is somewhat expensive, and accommodations are pricier than those in similar setups in other countries. However, the city offers a diverse range of hotel tariffs. A Shared Market Space Creating Discord Between The Hotel And Tourism Sectors? A shared market space!  This has been one of the biggest challenges for the top hotels in Paris, as they collaborate with the tourism industry to boost the city’s economy.  Now, services like AirBnb are offering more flexibility in booking and better pricing options. So, of course, there is the “price sensitivity” factor. Additionally, Airbnb is eager to seize opportunities, as it did during the Summer Olympics in Paris last time.   Airbnb was the official sponsor of the Paris Olympics, and it played a significant role in the 44% surge in short-term rental bookings in 2024 from the summer of 2023.  Also, Airbnb was direct when it approached the visitors of the Paris Olympics to avoid the “touristy side of Paris" and book short-term rentals on the “Paris-y side of Paris.” Moreover, Airbnb, through the “Airbnb500 Travel Grant,” offered discounts to tourists visiting Paris during the 2024 Summer Olympics.  Now, with discounted pricing and Parisians willing to give up their accommodation on rent through Airbnb, many hotels in Paris have suffered.  "The rate discounting that's happened, the occupancy levels, they're definitely being suppressed and compressed by the short-term rental market, without question.”Blake Reiter, Director of Research, Lighthouse Having said that, the best hotels in Paris have been able to keep their presence strong as they cater to the group of tourists seeking a high-end experience.  Additionally, city officials have introduced restrictions on short-term rentals to prevent Airbnb and similar businesses from causing significant harm to the hospitality industry.  Moreover, in November 2024, France approved an “Anti-Airbnb Bill” to control the increase in vacation rentals.  So, the threats of a shared market space have become less for the best hotels in Paris and other parts of France.  Overtourism In Paris: How The Best Hotels In Paris Respond To It? The best hotels in Paris had a slow start in summer 2024. However, with the Summer Olympics inching closer, occupancy rates in these hotels increased despite challenges from Airbnb and other short-term rental services.  During the summer Olympics, the hotel occupancy rate in this area reached 84%. Of course, there was revenue growth with a higher occupancy rate, discounts, and non-refundable rooms for tourists.  Still, the housing industry could not avoid an accommodation crunch, hygiene issues, safety threats, and other impacts of overtourism.  A sustainable collaboration between the best hotels in Paris and tourists is crucial. It will minimize the environmental impact and enhance the overall quality of life in the city.   For example, The Ascott Limited's sustainability program has helped me understand how the best hotels in Paris are doing it right. They are trying to minimize the impact of overtourism on the city’s environment and natural resources. Showing Commitment To Sustainability The Ascott Limited is sincere about taking care of the environment. Also, it has earned the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Committed status.  Moreover, Ascott Limited aims to achieve GSTC-Accredited Body certification for its global portfolio by 2028.  The sustainability program, known as “Ascott CARES,” is based on five fundamental pillars, and those are: Respect Alliance Community Environment  Supply Chain Also, Ms. Beh Siew Kim from Ascott has mentioned that sustainability has always been a key priority for the business. “The Ascott Limited aiming to have all their properties certified by GSTC-accredited Certification Bodies by 2028 where applicable* is a testament to how serious they are committed as an organization to environmental and social responsibility. We applaud Ascott’s leadership and vision in prioritizing sustainability, and I am confident that their efforts will set a benchmark for others in the sector to follow.”Randy Durband, CEO, The Global Sustainable Tourism Council With Ascott Limited as an example, the best hotels in Paris are also redefining the tourism landscape. They are also trying to fight overtourism by building a sustainable future. 

BY  Joy Majhi Jul 19, 2022

Are you familiar with the terms “photography tourism” and “photography tours?” With many iconic hotspots like Westminster Bridge & Big Ben, Notting Hill, etc, you will find many places to take pictures in London.  Now, taking snaps at these places is beyond capturing the moments or creating souvenirs for posterity. For the longest time, photography has been a crucial part of tourism.  Along with being the most beautiful documentation of personal memories, photography has also been an important tool for marketing or promotion.  However, recently, the “Photography” part has taken center stage with the rise of “Phototourism.” In Photography tourism or photographic tourism, a traveler visits a place with the primary interest of clicking pictures of the unique landscapes or subjects.  In fact, I was exploring Instagram, and I found 337k posts with #phototour and #19.9k posts with #phototourism. In fact, photography tourism is cool in this age of social media, with pictures and videos being the primary elements in travelogues, reels, and vlogs.  Further, editing photographs has now become easier with photo editor tools. Click a good snap and make it great with simple tricks! So, are you ready to explore photography tourism in London? These are the places you can visit.  Places To Take Pictures In London: 11+ Places You Cannot Miss With the rise of photography tourism in London, you can now be a part of various photography tours. The tours include “Private Landmark Photo Tours,” “Night Photography Tour, “Exploring the Iconic Landscapes of London,” etc.  The cost of these photography tours in London will be between £150 to £265. You can even join a street photography workshop in London, and that will cost you around £515.  Having said that, these are the best places to take pictures in London. 1. The Houses of Parliament  The Houses of Parliament tops our list of best places to take pictures in London. When you are on a tour of the UK Parliament, you take photographs for personal or non-commercial use.  To be more specific, you can take photographs in St. Stephen’s Hall and Westminster Hall. Further, photography is allowed at New Palace Yard’s visitor area. From the Visitor Area, you will get an excellent view of the Elizabeth Tower.  Tour And Travel Note  If you want to take photos or videos for wider publication, you need permission in advance. You can email the Media and Communications Team. Moreover, if you want to take photographs at the House of Lords, you can call Black Rod’s Office at 020 7219 3099.  2. Big Ben/ The Elizabeth Tower Usually, people take the snap of the Big Ben or the Elizabeth Tower from the Westminster Bridge. However, if you want to try a different spot and capture a better frame of Big Ben, you must go under the bridge. Take the staircase and take the walkway that stretches along the River Thames. Find your spot with the River Thames creating the barrier between Big Ben and you.  Tour And Travel Tips If you want the best snap of the Big Ben, you must be under the Westminster Bridge at around 7-8 AM. The light is soft in those hours and the rush is less.  3. St Paul’s Cathedral  St Paul’s Cathedral, the beautiful building and the seat of the Bishop of London, is best photographed from Millennium Bridge. You can also take photographs inside St. Paul’s Cathedral when you are on a sightseeing tour. The common places for photography inside the church are the Golden Galleries, the Crypt, or the Stone.  4. Tower Bridge You can head to More London or London Bridge City to get the best shot of this iconic landmark. The Tower Bridge is probably the most popular landmark appearing in the photo postcards of England.  Along with More London, some other places to Take photographs of the Tower Bridge include,  Butler’s Wharf London Bridge Tavolino Bar & Kitchen Thames Path So, it’s your turn to capture this Victorian structure and an engineering marvel.  5. The Tower  While you are at More London, swivel slightly and get a long-distance snap of The Tower, to get the best snap of The Tower. Of late, The Tower of London has become a great place of interest for photography enthusiasts.  2024 has been the 130th birthday of this London Landmark and an open-air exhibition held earlier this year to mark the occasion had some rarest photographs of the London Tower.  These unseen photographs were from the opening week of The Tower in 1894.  6. Westminster Bridge The Westminster Bridge, with its Gothic architecture, is one of the best places to take pictures in London. Its distinct architecture complements the structure of Big Ben and the UK Parliament.  You can take a panoramic snap of the Westminster Bridge, and you know why this landmark has inspired William Wordsworth and many other noble minds for their creations.  Further, for the best snaps, visit the bridge during sunrise or sunset.  7. Notting Hill Notting Hill in West London exudes a casual and bohemian vibe with its quaint cafes. Further, the annual Notting Hill Carnival is the biggest draw for tourists. You can explore the best chances of street photography here.  8. Covent Garden Covent Garden is a popular shopping and tourist attraction in London. The highlight of this district is the Royal Opera House, which is often called the “Covent Garden.”  Now, Covent Garden is one of the best places to take photos in London with the following areas.  The Covent Garden Infinity Chamber Neal's Yard The Dial  Ave Mario The Royal Opera House Flower Barrows British Phone Booths Floral Court Covent Garden becomes the ideal place for photography tourism during Christmas. The festive spirit is high and tangible here, with themed decor and the best delicacies served.  9. Greenwich Park  Greenwich Park is the home of the Greenwich Observatory and the Prime Meridian, and it also has panoramic views of London. So, it is the perfect place to get fantastic snaps. This YT video highlights three great photography spots within Greenwich Park and explains how to take the perfect photograph of each one of them. 10. Holland Park This park is the most heavily wooded in London, so if you want shots of avenues of trees, it is the place to head to.  When you are at Holland Park, don´t forget to take a few shots of its beautiful waterfall and interesting statues. 11. King Henry VII´s Mound In Richmond Park If you love history and photography, King Henry VII´s Mound In Richmond Park will be an ideal destination. This burial ground from the Bronze Age became famous after King Henry VIII stood here once for hunting. Further, it was a popular viewpoint for falconry and hunting.  12. Parliament Hill At Hampstead Heath Parliament Hill At Hampstead Heath is the best place to capture the London skyline. Further, Parliament Hill itself can be a subject of photography thanks to its association with the English Civil War.  Restaurants That Have The Wow Factor! Great Places To Take Pictures In London In London, there is no shortage of places to eat. According to the latest data from  The Office of National Statistics, the city has 9,505 full-service restaurants and clubs.  It also has thousands of bars serving food, street stalls, and food trucks. So, it is not hard to find somewhere to enjoy a nice meal. As you can see from this list of most Instagrammable restaurants in London, many of them have invested a lot into transporting their diners to another world.  When you eat in these restaurants, don’t miss your chance to take pictures. Here are the details of our few favorite favorites. If it is the food you want to take pictures of, head to Heston Blumenthal´s Dinner at 66 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7LA. Call them at +44 20 7201 3833.  For snaps of you dining in unique restaurant settings, head to Sketch at 9 Conduit Street, Mayfair, W1S 2XG (Contact No: +44 20 7659 4500).  The dining area is divided into four zones making it easy to get the interesting shots you are after. For more inspiration, click the link above. If you want the sunlight beaming through the window arches to be the hero of your photography, 65a in London will be your go-to place. Visit this restaurant and bar at 65a Brushfield Street, E1 6AA. You can reach out to them at +44 20 7846 6548. Read Also: 6 Things To Do At The Beach This Fall 10 Best Days Out In London For Football Fans 10 Best Places To Travel In June – Travel Guide 2022

BY  Barsha Aug 16, 2023

There's something magical about the snowy mountainside that can entice even the most reluctant of travelers to take a chance and experience the exhilaration of skiing. And when it comes to skiing destinations, few places compare to Les Deux Alpes in southeastern France.  In this article, we'll explore the top four reasons why you should visit Les Deux Alpes for your next ski break. 4 Reasons To Visit Les Deux Alpes During Ski Break Situated right at the center of the French Alps, Les Deux Alpes offers breathtaking views, endless slopes, and an abundance of activities for all levels of skiers. Reason 1: Extensive skiing terrain One of the biggest draws of Les Deux Alpes is its extensive skiing terrain. With over 220 kilometers of slopes, skiers of all levels will have plenty of runs to choose from. From gentle beginner slopes to challenging black runs, there's something for everyone. The resort also offers off-piste skiing for the more adventurous skiers, with opportunities for heli-skiing and ski touring.  The resort is also known for its high-altitude skiing, with runs reaching up to 3,600 meters. This means that skiing is possible even in the late season, making Les Deux Alpes a popular destination for spring skiing. Don’t forget to book your ski pass at Erna Low in order not to waste your time waiting in long lines. Reason 2: Great for families and beginners  While Les Deux Alpes offers plenty of challenging runs for experienced skiers, it's also a great destination for families and beginners. The resort has a dedicated beginners' area with gentle slopes and ski schools for all ages.  The ski institutes provide a range of lessons, from group lessons to private lessons, which is relatively easy for everyone to gain knowledge at their own speed. The resort also has a range of activities for non-skiers, including snowshoeing, ice skating, and tobogganing.  There are also child-friendly activities, like a sledding area and a snow garden, making Les Deux Alpes a great choice for families with young children. Reason 3: Apres ski and nightlife Les Deux Alpes isn't just about skiing - it's also one of the most awesome Alpine Apres-ski resorts. The resort has a range of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs catering to all tastes. Whether you want to enjoy a quiet drink after a day on the slopes or party until the early hours, you'll find something to suit your mood.  One of the most popular apres-ski activities in Les Deux Alpes is ice skating. The resort has a large ice rink that is open throughout the day and into the evening, making it the perfect place to unwind after a day on the slopes. There is also a range of restaurants and cafes around the rink, serving everything from hot chocolate to cocktails. Reason 4: Stunning scenery Finally, Les Deux Alpes is known for its stunning scenery. Located at the heart of the infamous French Alps, the resort offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.  There is also a range of activities for those who want to take in the scenery, including snowshoeing and guided mountain walks. One of the most popular activities in Les Deux Alpes is a ride on the Jandri Express cable car.  Tips To Keep In Mind While Visiting Les Deux Alpes  Who doesn’t enjoy a holiday with their favorite set of people at Les 2 Alpes? The snow across the glacier and cannons surely make you refreshed and energized. But there are certain factors one should keep in mind while traveling to Deux Alpes. Shortlist The Places You Wish To Travel Visiting a ski resort is fun, but not everyone in your group will agree on a common plan. Different people would want to travel to different parts of the city. Hence, in order to avoid confusion and conflicts, prepare a list beforehand. Hand out the list of common places everyone will visit collaboratively to each group member. This way, each one of you can enjoy without worrying about individual interests. Catalog Skiing Needs People with their personal cars and ski equipment have no worries about storing the boards, skis, and shoes in their trunks. But what about the rest? They might want to try new skis. The skis technology never stands still- a titanium and carbon plate adds extra speed to the ski. Choose an all-mountain freeride ski if you wish to travel off-piste.  In case you are a technical skier, rent an additional sharp-carved ski. Maximum hotels have preset agreements and collaborated with ski rental companies offering extra discounts. Check Out Fun Things To Do In Les Deux Alpes It’s time to spice things up a bit. This step is also important to determine the individual interests of each group member. Les Deux Alpes offers everyone a range of entertainment zones. Check them out here: Ice Glider Who doesn’t love to drive bumper cars? But would you dare to drive them on icy ground? This activity might charge you around 5 euros for 5-6 minutes, and only two people are allowed in a single Ice Glider. Also, it is open from 4 pm to 10 pm on Thursdays. Bowling At 12 Place de L’Alpe de Venosc, you get bowling with six lanes. A maximum of 8 players in each lane can play, which makes advance booking highly significant. The cost is somewhere around five euros for each person in the game. There are also darts and air hockey, along with a minibar.  Wrap Up Winter sports holidays are totally fun for your physical and mental well-being. And when you visit Les 2 Alpes, fun is guaranteed. Make sure you take note of the aforementioned tips to make your stay a pleasurable experience.  So, this was all about it. I hope you liked the article which guided you all the way through ski holidaying in Les Deux Alpes. Don’t forget to share your experiences with us. Happy reading! Read Also: Taco Bell Breakfast Hours: When Does Taco Bell Serve Breakfast? You Won’t Believe The Best Things To Do When In Fiji! Romantic Weekend Breaks Scotland