‘Overtourism can affect smaller communities too’
Benjamin Coren G Adventures Summit, Peru
Te overtourism debate needs to focus on the infrastructure of smaller communities more than tourist numbers in iconic destinations, according to G Adventures’ founder. Tere are “two sides” to the
overtourism argument, according to Bruce Poon Tip, who said he was “not a big believer” in the scare stories of overcrowding at destinations such as Machu Picchu, the Pyramids in Egypt and Angkor Wat. Speaking at G Adventures’ Change
Makers Summit in Peru, he said: “It’s almost like talking about regulating traffic in Disneyland, because there are so many people that want to see the Pyramids or Machu Picchu. Tose atractions can handle huge capacity and, sometimes, turn out to be more like amusement parks than atractions.” He warned that the rise in tourists
seeking unique experiences had led to “tour companies taking people to remote areas that don’t have the infrastructure for tourism”. G Adventures had learnt from its
own mistakes when expanding rapidly and bringing “too much wealth” into
Crowds at Angkor Wat, Cambodia
R
One hundred people in a small community has the same effect as a million people in a city
small communities, Poon Tip added. Justin Francis, chief executive of
environmental campaigning operator Responsible Travel, agreed that small, growing destinations needed support, but said “staggering growth” would affect big and small destinations. “One hundred people in a small
Johnny Pollard to appear in
court on charges of fraud Former On the Beach director Johnny Pollard has been charged with 22 counts of fraud. Greater Manchester Police confirmed Pollard had been charged for fraud by false representation and is due to appear before Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court on June 20. The alleged offences are said to have occurred between January and May 2017. Pollard previously sat on Abta’s mem- bership committee and was commercial manager at Bookable Holidays. He denies all charges.
6 13 JUNE 2019
community has the same effect as a million people in a city,” he said. “If you ask the residents of
Dubrovnik, Venice or Barcelona if they have an overtourism problem, they will say yes. Larger places can manage larger numbers, but they still have a limit.” Francis accepted that “theme parks
and all-inclusive resorts do a very good job at handling large numbers of tourists without having a large impact on local residents” but said: “I don’t want Angkor Wat or Machu Picchu to
become like theme parks.” › Change Makers Summit, page 12 › Overtourism survey, page 79
Cruise passengers ‘won’t cancel’ as US sets Cuba ban
Britons will not be deterred by the US government’s decision to ban cruise lines from sailing from the US to Cuba, agents said this week. Donald Trump’s administration
said its new policy was intended to “keep US dollars out of the hands of the Cuban military”. Nearly 800,000 bookings globally
had been affected, Clia said. Despite lines including Virgin
Voyages planning to replace Cuba stops with other calls – and Royal Caribbean Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings expecting a dent in profits – agents believe Britons will not cancel bookings for sailings that will now omit Cuba. Scot Anderson, of Te Luxury
Cruise Company, said “generous” compensation packages would encourage Britons to travel. Jordan Brewer, sales manager at
Worldwide Cruises UK, said: “You can change Caribbean itineraries easily, as happened two years ago when we had the hurricanes.” Cruise Plus by Travel 2 said no
cancellations had been requested by the “small number” of Britons booked on Cuba sailings. NCL passengers booked on
Cuba itineraries are being offered revised voyages, a 50% refund and
50% credit for a future cruise. › Get Social, page 33
Search fails to find woman
missing from Norwegian Epic A search failed to find a 63-year-old woman who went overboard while sailing on Norwegian Epic. The Korean woman was last seen in the early hours of Saturday morning in her pyjamas as the 4,100-passenger vessel sailed between Cannes and Majorca. A spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Line said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the individual’s family.”
Dragoman’s Robert Dunn
found dead in Wiltshire forest The body of Robert Dunn, who worked for adventure operator Dragoman, was found in Savernake Forest, Wiltshire, more than a week after he went missing on May 29. Police said there were no suspicious circumstances. Dunn had worked for Dragoman since 2014 on tours to destinations including India, central Asia, Africa and South America. Dragoman director Charlie Hopkinson said Dunn had been a “much-loved crew member”.
travelweekly.co.uk
PICTURE: Shutterstock
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