Home > Overtourism

Overtourism is a major problem to solve as governments are trying to balance the well-being of their people and the economy as more tourist visit their countries. At the end of this lesson, you will be able to identify and explain why we need to manage mass tourism.
Time
30-40 minutes
Main Skill
Listening
Theme and topic
Sharing the Planet - Overtourism
Download Available
Listening Task Script
Click on the tabs to begin.
Tourism has grown exponentially over the past few decades, but what effect is it having on some of the world’s most beautiful cities? This video breaks down four major ways cities are being impacted by mass tourism. Watch the video and name these four major impacts.
You hear a radio programme about why locals are tired of over-tourism in Europe and looking at ways to reduce visitors.
Read the text about the negative effect of tourism boom in Barcelona.
Here are the keywords and phrases to learn:
- bad behaviour
- cruise ships
- day-trippers
- economy
- exponentially
- heritage site
- local shops
- major impacts
- mass tourism
- overcrowding
- pollution
- popular tourism spots
- rising prices
- visitors
Answers for the video
1. Overcrowding
2. Pollution
3. Bad Behaviour
4. Rising Prices
Answers for the listening exercise.
1. False 2. True 3. True 4. False 5. True 6. False 7. True
8. Modern Tourism 9. historical 10. communism 11. world peace 12. plague
13. C
Discuss the following questions in your classmates or with a friend.
- What are the pros and cons of tourism in your country?
- How does tourism affect your neighbourhood?
- What experiences do you have of the downsides of tourism?
- Do you think you enjoy the benefits of tourism? In what way?
- Do you think tourism should be curbed in any way? If so, how?

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