When Tourism Isn't Such a Great Thing

Those of us in the Destination Marketing field do what we do because encouraging visitation to our locales provides jobs, generates non-resident taxes, breaks down barriers between cultures, offers a test drive for potential future residents and increases corporate investment in our towns.

There, of course, can be a downside...of which we must be vigilantly aware. And, two recent stories caught our eye last week.

The one that many likely saw was the backlash from Barcelona residents that are pushing back hard against tourists that think they can flaunt local sensibilities and run around nekid and drunk. The three Italians that recently did just that for several hours has mobilized the community in a way that the local DMO clealy never wanted.

The other is a new study that suggests that sunscreen may be degrading beach environments around the world. While there is an equally strong argument that it's not a big deal...it's not something our industry can simply ignore.

We can argue whether Google actually is adhering to their stated mantra of "Don't Be Evil," but Destination Marketers should always consider the unintended consequences of their efforts.

Photo Credit: Vicens Forner

Comments

[Dan Quandt]

The combination of naked tourists and sunscreen has to be related.