财经观察：欧洲和日本为可持续旅游找对策

Core Viewpoint - The protests against "tourism overload" in popular European cities highlight the residents' dissatisfaction not only with the influx of tourists but also with the negative impacts of speculative practices that drive up living costs and monopolize housing markets [1][2][5]. Group 1: Tourism Overload Phenomenon - "Tourism overload" is not a new issue, but it has gained significant attention following large-scale protests in Spain last year, with CNN listing it as a key term for 2024 [3]. - The European Commission defines "tourism overload" based on three core indicators: resident-to-tourist ratio, total overnight visitors, and overnight visitors per unit area [3]. - In the ranking of tourism pressure values, Greek Zakynthos, Croatian Istria, and Spanish Fuerteventura are the top three, each facing over 117,000 tourists per 1,000 residents [3]. Group 2: Resident Concerns - Residents in popular destinations express concerns over cultural erosion, rising living costs, and declining quality of life due to excessive tourism [4]. - The core issue of "tourism overload" relates to sustainability and the carrying capacity of destinations, affecting both natural and cultural environments [4][11]. - Protests are not solely against the number of tourists but also against the current tourism development model that benefits a few while imposing costs on locals [5][6]. Group 3: Policy Responses - Many countries and cities are beginning to implement new policies to address residents' concerns, such as Switzerland's investment in sustainable tourism and the introduction of tourism taxes in various regions [7][8]. - Spain has taken action by removing nearly 66,000 illegal Airbnb listings and implementing digital technologies to manage tourist flows [8]. - Japan is promoting regional tourism to prevent overcrowding in major cities, with a budget allocation of 15.82 billion yen (approximately 788 million RMB) for 2024 to improve the tourist reception environment [8]. Group 4: Future of Tourism - The tourism industry is shifting from "destination marketing" to "destination management," focusing on balancing resident needs with visitor experiences [9]. - The future of tourism must prioritize sustainability and collaboration with local governments and communities to ensure both economic vitality and resident well-being [10][11]. - Emerging opportunities exist for lesser-known cities to position themselves as alternative destinations, attracting travelers seeking unique experiences away from overcrowded hotspots [12].