Why overtourism could ruin your next vacation | Suresh Subudhi

Popular tourist destinations face a growing crisis as overtourism degrades the quality of life for residents, leading to increased costs, congestion, and local resentment. Travel industry researcher Suresh Subudhi argues that the current model of mass tourism is unsustainable and creates a collision course between visitors and locals. To restore joy to travel, the industry must leverage technology—such as crowd-management sensors and personalized, off-peak itineraries—to balance visitor flow. Furthermore, travelers should shift from passive consumption to active, respectful participation by engaging in local volunteer opportunities or seeking authentic, non-commercial connections. By transforming the traveler’s role from a mere tourist to a mindful guest, the industry can foster mutual benefit, preserve the livability of beloved cities, and ensure that travel remains a source of shared human connection rather than a burden on host communities.