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 By Eryn Gordon When someone gets the opportunity to travel, they’re agreeing to a life-changing experience, where cultural immersion, language barriers, and the ability to meet diverse people create an opportunity for a broader perspective. Travel changes us, and most would agree that change is for the better, but are the places we visit experiencing positive change as well? In some cases, the answer is no. A few of the world’s most beloved destinations are suffering from their own popularity, in what is called overtourism, the phenomenon of when too many visitors congregate into a specific destination. Overtourism results in uncomfortable crowding, but can also lead to environmental problems, housing inequality, price surges, and loss of cultural identity. One such example is Venice, Italy. As travelers exploring Venice, we get a pretty clear idea of what overtourism looks like on a typical day. Mid-morning at Saint Mark’s Square. Add in some warm weather and blue skies, and you have a recipe for shoulder-to-shoulder crowds that takes ages to maneuver through. Naturally, this is a nuisance for visitors, as we might be hustling through the crowd to keep in line with a tour guide on foot, or might be running to a lunch reservation. We might get exhausted from having to rub elbows and backs with strangers and ultimately end the day by collapsing with relief into our fluffy Airbnb beds. The experience of a local is another story. The city receives over 30 million annual visitors, contrasting the mere 50,000 residents. 6 out of 10 homes are designated as “tourist only rentals,” leaving about 40% of places to live available to locals. For some who have lived their entire lives in Venice, the city is rapidly changing. Beloved shops replaced by globally recognizable chains; shops selling mass-produced souvenirs take over the boutiques. If the number of people living in Venice continues to decline, it’s estimated that there will no longer be any true local residents of the city come 2030. However, when you ask a local Venetian what the true root of the problem is, they often do not say its overtourism, but the lack of local regulations and available education. There is truly no other place like Venice. Paul Rosenberg, a resident of Venice and owner of Campaign for a Living Venice, once told me that when he walks down the street, he sees at least one person experiencing their dream in real life. Venetians know the magic of their city and are happy to share it with others. But it needs to be done so responsibly, otherwise Venice as we know it may cease to exist. This all ties back to the right to travel, and perhaps even the need to travel, but also, the right locals have to their city. When I began the research for my TEDx talk, What it means to be a good traveler, it was important to hear from travel professionals, but it was essential to learn from the locals who actually have to deal with the negative impacts of tourism every day, night, and even during the slow season. I began seeking out locals, not only from Venice, but in Barcelona, Paris, Bangkok, Lake Tahoe, and a few other notable world destinations suffering from their own success. So many of the people I spoke to share a similar sentiment. They didn’t blame tourists for wanting to come to their city or country but wanted better systems to ensure that the place remained habitable. As I mentioned with Venice, it comes down to a lack of education and regulations. The regulations are, unfortunately, out of our hands for the most part. The average traveler (me included) likely cannot lobby with a law maker for better tourism guardrails on the opposite hemisphere. But here is the thing we can do—we can learn about how that specific destination is being impacted by tourism and do our best to mitigate our contribution. Because overtourism affects different places in different ways, the answer to this question will vary, but a quick internet search should help give you an idea of how that destination is experiencing tourism. For example, the overwhelming majority of the coastline in The Bahamas has been bought up by resorts, which means that a small percentage of beach access is actually available to people who live there. As it happens, many of these resorts are all-inclusive, which means that the majority of visitors do not carry cash. Instead, you could carry a waterproof bag with small bills and be sure you tip every person waiting on you. If you feel comfortable doing so, you may skip the resort altogether and try a locally-owned bed and breakfast, further ensuring your tourist dollars help the local economy. Lastly, many of the locals felt that in the fight for ethical and regulated tourism, they were engaged in a losing battle. There is big money in the tourism industry and from the perspective of lawmakers, it doesn’t make economic sense to stifle tourism. In a lot of ways, we as travelers have quite a lot of power when we visit a destination—some would say it’s an imbalance of power. I think we have a great opportunity to change the course of tourism, and it starts with the choices we make abroad. Our power as travelers is to leave the places we visit a little better than how we found them. Whether that means uplifting residents, flushing the local economy with tourist dollars, supporting small businesses, or a combination of all three. Overtourism may be hurting some places, but we have the power and the responsibility to shift this. Eryn Gordon is a published travel writer and the founder of Earth To Editorial, a community for authentic and sustainable travel. She's also a journalist and TEDx speaker. Every month, she helps 10,000 travelers unlock a sense of adventure, learn how to explore ethically, and become stewards of their favorite destinations. Please note: We invite members of the greater Global Citizens Circle community to contribute to GCC Voices. The views and opinions expressed in each blog post are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Global Citizens Circle. Our power as travelers is to leave the places we visit a little better than how we found them." - Eryn Gordon
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 By José Tulio Gálvez Contreras In a world marked by uncertainty and division, effective leadership is crucial. The Global Citizen Circle (GCC) shines as a beacon of hope, uniting leaders to inspire tomorrow’s change-makers. My journey with GCC began during the pandemic, a challenging time when many felt lost. As a Latino immigrant from Honduras, GCC became a vital source of inspiration and connection. I arrived in the United States in 2007 on a scholarship, driven by the dream of one day giving back to and transforming my home country. In those early years, my aspirations burned brightly. I envisioned creating positive change and uplifting my community. However, as time went on, that fire began to fade. The weight of isolation and uncertainty took its toll. While my dreams remained alive, they lacked the passion I once felt. It was during the pandemic, grappling with these feelings of disconnection, that I discovered GCC. GCC emerged as a platform where diverse voices could unite, fostering dialogue, collaboration, and inspiration—essential elements for effective leadership. The organization created circles of conversation, allowing individuals from various backgrounds to share their experiences and aspirations. This sense of community was crucial during such chaotic times, especially as we confronted not only the pandemic but also the urgent call to support the Black Lives Matter movement and stand against oppression. One of the key lessons from my involvement with GCC is the realization that I am not alone in my struggles. Many others share the desire to enact change in their communities. This understanding reignited my sense of purpose and revealed that our diverse backgrounds enhance the dialogue about our collective future. The stories and insights shared within GCC circles underscored the strength found in unity and the power of collective action. What sets GCC apart is its commitment to empowering individuals as agents of change. By bringing together leaders from different fields, GCC encourages discussions on pressing issues such as social justice and environmental sustainability. These conversations serve as catalysts for action, prompting participants to reflect on their roles in their communities and the wider world. Through GCC, I learned that effective leadership isn’t merely about wielding power; it’s about listening, understanding, and collaborating toward shared goals. Engaging with fellow members provided invaluable support, motivating me to take an active role in my community. Together, we brainstorm ideas and hold each other accountable for change, reinforcing that real transformation often begins at the grassroots level. In conclusion, the Global Citizen Circle illustrates the transformative power of community and dialogue in fostering leadership. During a fragmented time, GCC offered hope and connection, profoundly shaping my journey as a Latino immigrant. It reignited my passion for change and strengthened my commitment to helping Honduras. As we move forward, we must recognize our potential to contribute to a more equitable world. Through organizations like GCC, we can cultivate future leaders, united by a shared vision for positive change. José Tulio Gálvez Contreras is the Director of Affordable Solar at Solar One, a position he has held since 2019. He manages solar projects and leads research initiatives to enhance solar access for multifamily affordable housing. With over a decade of experience in renewable energy, sustainability, and community development, José is committed to addressing social and environmental injustices. He is currently completing his doctoral studies in Public and Urban Policy at The New School, focusing on environmental justice and energy democracy. José holds master's degrees in Public and Urban Policy and Environmental Law and Policy. In his free time, he enjoys nature, meditation, martial arts, dancing, exploring new cuisines, and meeting new people. Please note: Each week, we invite members of the greater Global Citizens Circle community to contribute to GCC Voices. The views and opinions expressed in each blog post are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Global Citizens Circle. What sets GCC apart is its commitment to empowering individuals as agents of change. By bringing together leaders from different fields, GCC encourages discussions on pressing issues such as social justice and environmental sustainability. These conversations serve as catalysts for action, prompting participants to reflect on their roles in their communities and the wider world. |
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