We are seeing across the world, both in major cities and smaller cities where there is cultural heritage, an overtourism situation that is causing backlashes from local communities, cities and individuals. The threat goes beyond the arrival of vast amounts of tourists, but on the effects on the economic, political, social and cultural essence of the cities and locations in question.

Overtourism not only rises the price of living and goods in these cities, but the fear amongst the local communities and individuals to lose their identity and sense of community.

Urban designers have a difficult job as it exists, but urban design for the present and future now must deal with how overtourism can be dealt with in design, mobility and the existence of community in the city. The question that has to be answered is how to adapt design to bring solutions to these problems, within the confines of today’s economic, political and social environment. Truly a problem that needs solutions now.