What Could We Really Say About Overtourism?

The present chapter synthesizes an interesting discussion revolving around the problem of overtourism. From its outset, the tourism research has hotly debated furtherly on the dichotomies of tourism consumption and sustainability. While tourism tends to be considered a desirable activity –if not a right of liberal democracy- which brings prosperity and stability to countries, no less true is that the industry generates some collateral damages. Over recent years, overtourism exhibits not only the resentment and hostility of locals against foreign tourists but also the rise of digital technologies which escape from governmental regulation. Technology offers a fertile ground towards new solutions and discussions in the fields of overtourism. Some voices have eloquently alerted on the problems and limitations that Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has brought for tourist destinations. Nonetheless, ICT offers a fertile ground for planning more sustainable destinations while re-socializing tourists. The introduction of new ethical codes about tourism consumption seems to be vital to placate the negative effects of tourism. Said this, scholars should differentiate overtourism which is a direct effect of the industry and touristphobia. While overtourism entails practical solution, touristphobia denotes a slippery matter originated in the incapacity of West to tolerate the “Non-Western Other” who have become in an “undesired guest”. This radical change means the end of hospitality, as least as we know it. Doubtless, the decline of hospitality has made more acute after 9/11 and the War on Terror.