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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Travel
Milo Boyd

Brits warned to avoid hotspots with overtourism - such as Cornwall and Venice

Tourists have been urged to avoid Cornwall and Paris in this year's 'don't visit' list.

Each year 1.5million international tourists and plenty more British travellers visit Cornwall, enjoying its many natural wonders, charming restaurants and cosy pubs.

The French capital is an even bigger draw, with 12.6million people having taken in sights such as the Eifel Tower and Louvre in 2020.

Partly a consequence of both of their popularity, travel company Fodor has urged people to give Paris and Cornwall a break in 2023.

The travel company has released its annual 'No List', looking at factors such as natural attractions that need some time to rejuvenate, cultural hotspots which are overcrowded, and regions impacted by water shortages.

Paris was highlighted as a city suffering from over tourism (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

According to Fodor's research, Cornwall's infrastructure is being harmed due to over-tourism.

“Though some tourism is vital, Cornwall is suffering badly under the sheer weight of numbers it is subjected to each year,” Roger Broussard, a professional pilot and founder of aviation hub Pilot School Hero, told the publication.

The county's narrow country lanes and limited parking are recipes for gridlock and pollution, Roger said, and tourism often leads to litter.

Housing has been a big issue in Cornwall in recent years, with locals concerned that the influx of second home owners renting out properties as holiday lets is causing prices to rise which forces them out.

Fodor suggested people skip visiting Venice in 2023 (Getty Images/EyeEm)

Despite the noise around the topic, Cornwall still has the largest number of second homes in England, and the figure continues to rise.

A total of 13,292 properties in the county are classed as second homes, according to new research by Action on Empty Homes.

Fodor has also urged people to stay away from cities which are similarly mobbed by visitors.

Barcelona, Paris, and Dubrovnik, among many others, have all been highlighted as places where tourists come in large numbers and tread very similar paths in a bid to tick off bucket lists.

Venice - with its world renowned beauty and unique layout - is considered to be suffering from this problem by Fodor.

Mass tourism has long afflicted Venice, with a significant ratio of 370 visitors for every resident per year.

Barcelona was highlighted as a city suffering from over tourism (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

In a bid to stem the flow of visitors, or at least make it more sustainable, tourist will be charged an entrance fee from 2023, while cruise ships weighing more than 25,000 tonnes were banned from docking there last year.

A spokesman for Fodor's said: "This year we’re highlighting destinations to reconsider visiting in 2023 in three main categories: natural attractions that could use a break in order to heal and rejuvenate; cultural hotspots that are plagued with overcrowding and resource depletion; and locations around the world immediately and dramatically impacted by water crises.

"We’re also looking at ways we can be more responsible travelers, by supporting destinations that focus on community-first initiatives and profiling Earth-conscious organizations with unique sustainable and eco-conscious approaches to tourism.

"This year’s No List does not serve as a boycott, ban, or cancelation of any sort; but a call to travelers to consider wisely the choices we make. We can have a positive impact on this world we love so dearly."

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