(Lebanon, N.H. – November 4, 2024) Overtourism is a rising concern among the world’s most experienced travelers, according to the Fall 2024 Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey. Three out of four travelers (76%) expressed concerns about overtourism, while 31% have personally experienced it in 2024. The survey revealed slightly more men (33%) than women (28%) experienced overtourism in 2024 but women (83%) are more concerned about overtourism compared to men (74%).

The combination of the travel industry rebound and government inaction are contributing factors for overtourism, the negative impact caused when too many tourists visit a particular destination.

To keep pace and prevent overtourism, officials at popular and new destinations need to manage the tourism resurgence and growth. “Local governments can institute measures such as limiting the number of visitors to sensitive areas or promoting sustainable tourism practices,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the Department of Commerce.

Overtourism isn’t just a challenge for locals. “Travelers can reduce their impact by choosing off-peak seasons to visit and exploring lesser-known regions,” Richards explained. “Tourists and local authorities must collaborate to ensure that popular destinations are preserved for future travelers while respecting the needs of local communities. Solutions can include promoting lesser-known destinations and educating travelers on responsible tourism practices.”

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Contact  

Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or +1 (202) 560-1195 (phone/text) for more information.  

About the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey  

Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, surveyed more than 1,100 current and former members between October 1-20, 2024. The respondents revealed a variety of behaviors, attitudes and preferences regarding current and future travel.  

About Global Rescue  

The Global Rescue Companies are the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.