The Danish capital, Copenhagen, is grappling with a surge in visitor numbers, prompting concerns over overtourism and the potential introduction of a tourist tax. As the city becomes an increasingly popular destination, the rise in tourist numbers has raised concerns about its impact on local life and the environment.
Photo: Dreamstime.
Lars Fuglsang, a Professor of Social Sciences and Business at Roskilde University, explained, 'Overtourism is not an objective category, it's more that people experience it's too much, it's subjective.' His remarks highlight how the perceived pressures of tourism are becoming a growing concern, especially as Copenhagen's appeal continues to draw more visitors.
In the first six months of 2024 alone, Denmark welcomed over 25 million tourists, a new record. This surge follows a trend of increasing popularity, with 32.5 million visitors recorded in 2023, marking a 12 percent rise from 2019. Most notably, Copenhagen remains the top destination, as identified by Visit Denmark. However, this influx has led to noticeable strains on the city's infrastructure, public spaces, and overall quality of life for residents.
Fuglsang emphasised some of the practical issues related to tourism, including the displacement of locals by short-term rental properties like Airbnb, increased noise levels, and overcrowded public spaces. "Tourists take up public space and noise increases, as well as garbage in the city, so there can be a lot of problems and I think the attention on this is growing also in Copenhagen," he said.
The rise in visitors has coincided with what some are calling "coolcations," where travellers are drawn to Copenhagen due to its mild climate, especially as global temperatures rise. In response, the city attempted a short-lived initiative known as Copenpay, which offered rewards such as free food, coffee, and cultural experiences to those who engaged in green actions like picking up litter or using public transport. However, this scheme was only active until August 11, 2024, leaving doubts about its long-term effectiveness in managing tourist behaviour.
Adding to these concerns is the prospect of a tourist tax. Despite suggestions from Copenhagen officials, the Danish government has rejected the idea, arguing that such a tax would unfairly target Danish visitors and potentially harm Denmark's popularity as a tourist destination. This decision has left many businesses and residents in the city divided, as some feel tourism is vital for their livelihoods, while others experience the downsides first-hand.
During the summer, for example, festivals like Musik i Lejet in Tisvildeleje faced a divided reception from locals. Originally drawing just 700 visitors, the festival now attracts around 10,000 attendees, causing some long-term residents to feel overwhelmed by the influx. 'There's scepticism from some people who have lived there a long time, but others want to bring life to their community, so it's a divided situation,' Fuglsang noted.
The rise in overtourism is not limited to Copenhagen, as other destinations across Europe are grappling with similar issues. From anti-tourism protests in Mallorca to concerns about overcrowding in France's picturesque towns, cities are increasingly seeking ways to balance the benefits of tourism with the pressures it brings.
In Copenhagen, the debate continues, with discussions about spreading tourism more evenly across Denmark and encouraging more sustainable practices among visitors. However, the city faces a delicate balancing act, trying to preserve its charm and quality of life while accommodating the growing number of tourists seeking out its unique appeal.
Source: www.express.co.uk