Fish Consumption in Japan

Fish Consumption in Japan

Asia, Destinations, Environment, Sustainable Travel

Fish Consumption in Japan

Last Updated November 12th, 2019

A discussion on the fish consumption rates in Japan. How much is too much & can our oceans recover?

“I wonder how much seafood Japan consumes?” A question I continually asked myself while visiting Tokyo, Japan in November 2018 (this was also my first visit to Asia).

Can the blame of certain fish species population depletions be placed solely on Japan?

Do the Japanese over consume seafood?

It’s said that one out of every ten fish is consumed in Japan. This rings true as the worldwide view of the Japanese diet is based around its affinity to create incredibly delicious sushi.

So with an amazingly popular dish and a unique culture that millions of visitors want to experience each year, why should we care if there may be an overconsumption of seafood in Japan?

It’s important to consider that

  1. Seafood is a top provider of protein for diets around the globe. As more and more people turn away from the heart health problems of red meats, seafood is seen as a healthy conscious choice.
  2. The fishing industry provides jobs for millions of people around the world, as in over 200 million jobs. This means that almost 3% of the entire world’s population is affected by the fishing industry.

 

For decades fishing seemed like an endless opportunity in our oceans, yet overconsumption and unregulated fishing practices have pushed many species to the brink of extinction.

Most notably affected is the torpedo shaped bluefin tuna, which Japan is the largest consumer of. This specis of tuna is a highly sought after endangered species. Oddly enough, we shake our fingers at poachers of endangered rhino species and sign petitions to end dog meat trades, yet are comfortable ordering a plate of sushi that offers an endangered fish.

Please keep in mind, the first two examples are terrible, this statement is merely aiming at opening your perspective in a new way and in no way trying to place negative opinions on those who consumer fish or undervalue the atrocity of other species killings and abuse.

So, how much is too much fish consumption for Japan?

Japan is one of the dominant importers of seafood. Japan’s fishing industry is focused on feeding Japan, with 90% of its caught seafood consumed domestically, and importing the remainder from the United States and South America.

Due to their high consumption of seafood, they are one of a few countries who look to sustainably source their fish, however it’s an uphill battle. It was only in 2017 that agreements were haphazardly agreed upon to structure the fishing of the most popular fish sold worldwide, the bluefin tuna.

 

The population of tuna has been depleted by about 97% due to overfishing and has become a billion dollar industry. In fact, each year there is a New Years tuna auction in Tokyo. This year, 2019, the winning bidder won with a record high $3.1 million! Talk about a supply and demand market that is a perfect example for economics professors to use in their lecture halls.

    Japan asked for an increase in their annual quotas for bluefin tuna, which was thankfully denied by the Pacific Fisheries committee (thanks to the United States opposition to the request). Japan has had plans to rebuild the Pacific bluefin stocks, with a target to regain up to 20% of historic levels by 2034. However their asked for expansion was not approved due to the population levels not improving enough.

    Their Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries has said that fish consumption is down from 2001’s high of 40.7kg to 24.6kg consumed per person each year. (Considering part of this could be due to Japan’s younger generation now having access to other options such as beef and poultry.)

    With the help of the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), fisheries now have access to evaluations and strategies to implement more sustainable tactics. It is clear there is a need to conserve the ocean’s ecosystem and maintain a healthy balance from low lying plankton to large predators, and also preserve the jobs of millions.

    Greenpeace compares this all to ‘simple housekeeping’ that I feel needs quite a bit of regulation and accountability. Luckily there is the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership who has the T75 goal, where 75 % of all fishing will be done sustainably by the end of 2020 (fisheries must be certified by the MSC).

      For a typical consumer it feels overwhelming to consider the ramifications of the interests of business owners overpowering the needs of our environment. You can help make a difference by using your money as your ‘vote’. Here’s how:

      • Only purchase sustainable seafood from brands who only sell seafood with a certified MSC blue label. This is currently the most trustworthy and widely known label for sustainable seafood

       

      • Support restaurants that are MSC certified; even asking if they provide MSC certified sustainable seafood will help. Think about it this way- if enough people ask a restaurant if they sell sustainably certified seafood then they will look into, and hopefully, transition to it.

      The MSC Blue Label

      Image credit: http://global-impacts-report-2016.msc.org/

      The question of whether Japan consumes too much fish is a difficult one to properly answer, especially because I don’t believe we fully understand the impacts of the oceans shifting biodiversity.

      The actions needed to be taken should be based on how we fish around the world, the retail and food services industries seafood choices and higher consumer standards.

        If you’re planning a trip to Japan, then be sure to check these posts about Japanese culture & my First Timers Guide to Tokyo

          Citations:

          IWC “The IWC is the global body charged with the conservation of whales and the management of whaling. The IWC currently has 89 member governments from countries all over the world.

          The Commission’s role has expanded since its establishment in 1946. In addition to regulation of whaling, today’s IWC works to address a wide range of conservation issues including bycatch and entanglement, ocean noise, pollution and debris, collision between whales and ships, and sustainable whale watching.”

           

          Organizations you can support to help with ocean conservation:

          -WWF

          -Greenpeace

          -Marine Stewardship Council

          -Sustainable Fishering Partnership

            Hi! I’m Laura, a sustainable travel blogger, as well as freelancing online brand strategist. I share real & honest information about traveling, how to do so sustainably, and ways to earn an income while working remote.

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            Tokyo, Japan in 4 Days

            Tokyo, Japan in 4 Days

            Asia, Destinations

            Tokyo, Japan in 4 Days

            A four day itinerary for what to do in Tokyo, Japan

            Last Updated April 8th, 2020

            Four days in Tokyo is a great amount of time to spend in the city, if you’ve never been to Tokyo before. This Tokyo itinerary is the best way to spend a weekend here and get the most out of your time in this wonderfully clean, fast paced & unique city.

            Below are four days of what to see and do in Tokyo based on location within the city, including tons of tips and how to be best prepared.

            Things you should know before going to Tokyo:

            • The city is massive, so prepare in advance by allocating time spent getting from one place to the next
            • Each day in this itinerary is stuffed with awesome places to see & things to do, which means these are long days.
            • Be sure to understand Tokyo’s public transportation systems before you arrive. Here is an awesome detailed guide about Tokyo’s public transportation.
            • If this is your first trip & you need general information about Tokyo, then check out this first timers guide to Tokyo
            • You do not have to follow the order of this itinerary, however each day is based on a certain area of the city to make the most of your time there

            While there is definitely an endless amount of things to see & do in Tokyo, here are the

            Best places to see in Tokyo in four days for your first visit:

            Day ONE: Saturday, Central Tokyo

            Fly into Tokyo the day before, Friday

            Explore the Tsukiji Fish Market

            The Tsukiji Fish Market was once the largest wholesale fish & seafood market in the world. Today it is split into two locations.

            1. The wholesale fish market is in Toyosu (the wholesale fish market was the original inner market)
            2. The outer market is still in Tsukiji, and is mostly restaurants and vendors. Here is where you can experience the traditional looking market that many travelers cherish. You will find plenty of sushi, mochi, matcha green tea and more at the Tsukiji outer market. Most of the restaurants and vendors are open until around 3pm, so visiting here first thing in the morning would be ideal.

            *Please note- the Toyosu fish market is located where a previous gas company took residence. It took many years for the transition due to concerns about contamination. It’s said there is no contamination, but for my preference I wouldn’t choose to go or eat from there. Just something to consider…

              Become a real life Mario Kart player!

              Let your childhood gaming dreams come true by booking a go-karting experience through Tokyo. Dress up in cartoon onesies and a local guide will direct you through the beautiful city. You’ll have a hilarious and fun few hours revving your engines while seeing a new perspective of Tokyo.

              After thorough research we chose this company to go-kart with. They had small groups of about six people plus one guide. You will need to bring an IDP — International Driver’s Permit — and your passport with you.

              *Tokyo may be a massive city of 13+ million people, yet their roads felt very safe and easy to navigate (which was a fear of mine going into go-karting).

              *Be sure to dress in layers. Considering the fact that go-karts have no walls, you are zooming through the streets which means lots of wind. Our hands were numb halfway through, and I was very grateful for my goofy onesie as it provided an extra layer of warmth.

                Walk around Ginza

                Ginza is Tokyo’s famous shopping, entertainment & ritziest neighborhood. It felt like a cleaner, more extravagant version of Manhattan. I suggest walking around on a Saturday afternoon as the main street is closed off to vehicles (from 12-5pm) so pedestrians can meander through the streets. Hop in and out of gorgeous department stores, listen to live music on the street and find a great place for lunch to take in the extravagance of Ginza

                  Explore the Imperial Palace

                  Tokyo’s Imperial Palace was rebuilt after its destruction during World War Two to its identical style. While the buildings are not open to the public, you can walk around the gardens. There are options to book a tour guide for these gardens. We did not participate in a tour, however they are free and limited to 300 people (!?) per group. For more information here is the ‘application’ page to book one of the tours.

                    Go out for drinks in Shinjuku

                    Shinjuku is considered the business district, yet it has an exciting night life and turns into an entertainment hub when the sun goes down. It’s also home to the famous Robot Restaurant. Take your time walking around, popping into different stores and bars to gain a sense of how nightlife in Tokyo is done by all ages.

                      Shinjuku is where the popular Golden Gai area is located as well. Golden Gai is a small area with narrow bars and alleyways. The clientele are comparable to the locals you see at your bars, but are very loyal to their small bar in Golden Gai. To be honest, as tourists, we felt uncomfortable entering the narrow establishments. I would suggest only exploring here with a local.

                        Day TWO: Sunday, West Side/Modern Tokyo

                        Wear comfortable shoes today, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking

                        Meander through Shinjuku Garden

                        Shinjuku Garden is a beautiful place to leisurely walk around and disappear from the hustle of Tokyo. It’s beautiful in both autumn (fall foliage) and spring (cherry blossom blooms). The Shinjuku Garden is a national park and has an entrance fee of 200 yen.

                          Step back in time at Yoyogi Park & the Meiji Shrine

                          An even more densely forested area in busy Tokyo, Yoyogi Park is one of the city’s largest parks. The Meiji Shrine sits inside of the beautiful Yoyogi park, and was originally built for the emperor who helped Japan transition to a world power in the early 1900’s. Similarly to the Imperial Palace, the Meiji Shrine was rebuilt after World War Two. When you visit here you may likely witness a traditional Shinto wedding like we did.

                          This Japan Guide provides great instructions on how to get here without having to walk crazy far (…which we may have done ourselves accidentally).

                            Channel your inner child spirit at Harajuku

                            Thanks to Gwen Stefani, we’ve come to know Harajuku girls are fun, eclectically dressed girls, and it originated in Harajuku, Tokyo. The main street is Takeshita Dori, or Takeshita Street. Everything is open on Sundays, and still very busy but very much so worth the experience of shuffling through the crowds. Spend your time here exploring the colorful shops and restaurants (many of which have lines lasting at least 30 minutes just to place an order)

                              Become lost in the crowd at Shibuya Crossing

                              Shibuya Crossing is the busiest crossing section in the world, but oddly enough is not overwhelmingly hectic as you might expect. Curious as to why that is? Read this to learn more about Japanese culture. Unlike most street crossings, Shibuya’s crosswalks will all turn green at once which is why it’s such a busy crossing.

                              *Many people will suggest going into the Starbucks at Shibuya to people watch the crossing. This could be a great option, but you’ll be waiting in an epically long line to cram your way to the glass window. INSTEAD go to the Magnet building roof. It’s free to go up on their rooftop viewing deck, and (in my opinion) has a better view as it’s higher up than the Starbucks window. Plus there was NO line. We casually walked into the elevator with only one other couple, and were greeted by at most 10 people up there.

                                Day THREE: Monday

                                Get a birds eye view of Tokyo from the top of the Government Building

                                While you can go to the top of the Tokyo Sky Tree for a fee, you can visit the top of Tokyo’s Government Building for free! (My excitement for free things to do while traveling apparently makes me rhyme like Dr. Suess) You will get an equally high view of the city, just from the opposing side of the Sky Tree.

                                We arrived 15 minutes prior to it opening and there was already a long line, however it moves quickly. Be prepared for potential motion sickness, as the elevator ascends quickly.

                                  Test your senses on a Japanese food tour

                                  Japanese food is known for sushi, but compared to America’s take on sushi it is vastly different than what you might expect. Having a guide to direct you to the best unknown gems and suggesting new items to try is a great way to test the waters and build your confidence when ordering food on your own.

                                  We booked through City Unscripted. I love their concept of hiring local guides for personalized and private tours.

                                  Personally, I try to maintain a vegetarian diet while traveling, however given certain circumstances I will eat seafood on my travels. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend a food tour in Tokyo for strict vegans or vegetarians as it was quite difficult for our local guide to find places that satisfied our eating preferences.

                                    Have your mind mesmerized at TeamLab Borderless

                                    By far one of our favorite places in Tokyo. TeamLab Borderless is a museum filled with unique rooms with lightshoes. Pictures can do it more justice than I could explaning it, so see below!

                                    NOTE: there are TWO locations near each other in Tokyo–

                                    The difference between TeamLab Borderless and TeamLab Planet:

                                    It is easy to confuse the two. TeamLab Borderless is known for the images I have included in this post, and is further away than TeamLab Planet (by only a 5-7 minute train ride). It is also intended to be permanent.

                                    TeamLab Planet is a temporary exhibit, and doesn’t require as much time to go through & enjoy. It also apparently has an exhibit where you walk through water.

                                    You must purchase your tickets in advance, so book your tickets now! It’s difficult to say what time of day is best as you will want to spend hours inside enjoying everything. Mornings are busy but you will have the most time to explore. However, even with a busy crowd entering we were able to take the pictures we wanted with almost no one in the way.

                                    Fun story: we were SO proud of ourselves as we arrived early and were towards the front of the entrance line, only to find out that we were at the wrong location, and sprinted to the train to get to the correct one we purchased tickets for. A typical travel fail, but oh well, it happens to the best of us.

                                      Maps to reference the two locations of TeamLab

                                      Catch a rainbow view

                                      Enjoy sunset and watch the Rainbow bridge light up. The bridge is located in the same area as both TeamLab locations, which is why I would recommend visiting TeamLab in the afternoon, and staying for sunset. There is an easily accessible beach area where you can watch the bridge light up. The bridge lights up in different colors depending on the time of year, so you may not witness the rainbow colors, however sunset here is beautiful either way. Fun fact about the bridge is that the lights are solar powered- bonus points to Tokyo for sustainability!

                                        Day FOUR: Tuesday

                                        Enjoy Ueno Park

                                        Ueno Park contains quite a few museums and is quite beautiful during autumn and spring (similar to Shinjuku Garden). Choose a museum to explore and spend the morning calmly walking around the peaceful park

                                          Dive into Japanese culture by exploring the Asakusa neighborhood

                                          Asakusa showcases some of the most popular landmarks to see in Tokyo. While walking around here you’ll feel as if you are stepping back in time by walking through what feels like a living museum. The Nakamise Shopping Street here has many small shops that are great for purchasing souvenirs and gifts to bring home.

                                            Marvel at the Sensoji Temple

                                            The Sensoji Temple is part of the Asakusa neighborhood, but rightly deserves its own section here. It is incredibly breathtaking and in the heart of the Asakusa area.

                                            *If you’re curious about what people do in and around the temple read about basic Japanese culture here

                                              Tokyo, Japan is an incredibly unique city that is a great gateway for those who have never visited Asia before. This four day itinerary for Tokyo will have you excited to spend even more time in the city on your next visit. The city feels like a blend of culture, entertainment, history and modernity with some of the most respectful and kind people I’ve ever met.

                                                Tips for Visiting Tokyo, Japan in four days:

                                                • Aim to stay somewhere central, as getting around Tokyo can take quite a bit of time
                                                  • We stayed in the Shinjuku area, but other great neighborhoods would be Shibuya, Ginza or near the Tokyo Station
                                                  • If you can, try staying in a capsule hotel. Note: We couldn’t find one that had availability for both male & females. If you find a capsule hotel that accommodates both please share with me!
                                                • Department stores are great for gift & souvenir shopping. Many are located underground, so look up their locations as opposed to hoping to find one while walking around
                                                • Tokyo is a very large and busy city that can feel overwhelming, so be sure to slow down & enjoy it (which is why I suggested so many parks)
                                                • 7/11’s will be your best friend. You can find relatively cheap food and use their ATMs easily.

                                                  Hi! I’m Laura, a sustainable travel blogger, as well as freelancing online brand strategist. I share real & honest information about traveling, how to do so sustainably, and ways to earn an income while working remote.

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                                                  Japanese Culture

                                                  Japanese Culture

                                                  Asia, Destinations

                                                  Japanese Culture

                                                  Easy to remember & good to know information about Japanese Culture if you are visiting for the first time (or need a refresher!)

                                                  Last Updated April 8th, 2020

                                                  Japanese culture is known around the world as a fascinating, unique and deeply historic culture. Tokyo, Japan’s capital city, is where tradition meets innovation. You can be standing next to a thousand year old temple with a modern day skyscraper in front of you. With the 2020 Olympics just around the corner, Japanese culture and traditions are being highlighted for the world to see. Yet, it was only a few hundred years ago that the country was isolated from the rest of the world. This allowed the famous culture in Japan to become such a fascinating lifestyle to learn about and experience.

                                                  I have only spent a few days in Tokyo, Japan (it was also my first time in Asia) and continue to cherish the beautiful and serene lifestyle. If you are visiting Tokyo, Japan, here are things to know about Tokyo culture to help you feel at home and be prepared for your travels there:

                                                  [Traveling to Tokyo for the first time? Check out my First Timers Guide to Tokyo, Japan]

                                                  Basics of Japanese Culture

                                                  Japanese Food Culture

                                                  1) Japanese food is created with pride and excitement

                                                  The Japanese take great pride and excitement in the food they prepare, with many things being made with the craftsmanship that modern day ‘hipsters’ seemingly adore (however, if we’re being honest, the Western view of local & craftsmanship has shifted away from the typically adored mass production of food in the last few years- maybe the Japanese are onto something…)

                                                    2) The Japanese diet consists mainly of rice, fresh seafood and pickled vegetables

                                                    This healthy diet is considered to be one of the reasons the Japanese live such long lives.

                                                    3) Japanese food is so much more than sushi

                                                    Sushi has become a Westernized speciality for celebratory nights out or a self indulgent treat. It is also the food that Japan has become most well known for. However, Japanese diets go beyond sushi. While fresh seafood is a huge part of their typical diet, vegetarians (like myself) can find plenty of tofu, buckwheat noodles and seasonal vegetables to enjoy.

                                                    4) Chopsticks are the equivalent to a fork and knife.

                                                    And just like we have etiquette with utensils in the United States, there is etiquette for using chopsticks.

                                                    Never point with your chopsticks

                                                    Don’t place your chopsticks in a bowl of rice or pass food around with them

                                                      5) Soy sauce should be used lightly

                                                      The Japanese cook with pride & dousing your rice in soy sauce translates to the chef and restaurant owner that you were served poorly made food

                                                      6) No need to tip

                                                      The Japanese are extremely kind (more on this below) and will provide excellent service regardless, so there is no cultural norm to tip. In fact, most will try to awkwardly give you back your tip if you leave one

                                                      7) Don’t pour your own drinks

                                                      Your host/ess or friend should make sure your glass is always full, and you should do the same for them- Kanpai! (cheers)

                                                      8) Vending machines are everywhere and are filled with unique beverages

                                                      Drinks on the go is a lifestyle here, however the use of plastic doesn’t make this a sustainable tactic

                                                      9) Speaking of drinks, tea is the drink of choice in Japan

                                                      Most restaurants will supply you with hot green tea, just like you would receive a glass of water in western culture. And there are many delicious teas to try besides green tea.

                                                      Japanese People & Mannerisms

                                                      10) Japanese people are very friendly and kind. They will notice if you are a visitor and are helpful if you become lost or confused. You will be in awe with how polite, well mannered and quiet the Japanese are.

                                                      Some say that this mentality stems from the strong history of the samurai (discipline, respect honor), which transcended through time to modern society

                                                      11) PDA is a no-no

                                                      It’s improper to show public displays of affection

                                                      12) Instead of pointing with your finger, show with your hand, palm facing up

                                                      13) Greet with a bow

                                                      A bow is the equivalent to a handshake. You don’t need to bow to everyone who bows to you (otherwise you would bow to every restaurant employee you come across and spend your entire day bent over), you can instead do a polite head nod. However, many Japanese are becoming accustomed to shaking hands

                                                      Bows are silent ways of saying thank you, greeting or saying farewell and for apologizing

                                                        Overall Japanese Culture

                                                        14) Public spaces are quite quiet. You won’t see many loud or rambunctious Japanese in public spaces, however the nightlife can be a completely different story

                                                        15) Overall, the city of Tokyo is very safe.

                                                        We never felt uncomfortable or that there were pickpockets

                                                        16) Try not to stare

                                                        I’m not sure if it’s the sales person in me, but I found myself giving direct eye contact to way too many people when visiting Japan. I noticed I was doing it because they do not do the same. I came to find out that this a cultural norm.

                                                          17) The maps for public transportation can be quite confusing to a visitor. Don’t let it frighten you, because if you look lost someone will most likely stop to help you. At one point during our trip, a gentleman stopped on his way to work to help walk us outside of the metro station and take us to the correct station (did I mention the Japanese are some of the kindest people?)

                                                          Great piece of advice: don’t just stop inside of a train station if you are lost or confused. Move to the side, out of the way, as there are so many people filtering through them

                                                          I put together an awesome guide for how to use Tokyo’s Public Transportation here!

                                                            18) The city of Tokyo is spotlessly clean

                                                            There aren’t many public trash cans, yet the streets are all immaculate (I once saw a man shining a fire hydrant… that’s cleanliness level that Monica Gellar would be proud of). This means that the cities cleanliness is partly self maintained by its people. Respect the country and its people by not littering.

                                                              Interesting Cultural facts about Japan

                                                              19) There’s a difference between a shrine and temple

                                                              A shrine is for the Shinto religion, whereas a temple is for the Buddhist religion. You can tell the difference upon your entrance as a shrine will have water for those entering to wash their hands and mouth in order to cleanse the soul before entering, and a temple will most likely require shoes to be removed prior to entering.

                                                              20) You will see evidence of the country’s religious heritage everywhere you look. The Japanese are very proud of it, although for each person religion is typically a private affair

                                                              21) In fact, many Japanese gardens are based on Buddhism, but the two religions mutually exist together

                                                                Hi! I’m Laura, a sustainable travel blogger, as well as freelancing online brand strategist. I share real & honest information about traveling, how to do so sustainably, and ways to earn an income while working remote.

                                                                Follow Along!

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                                                                As with any country there are different cultural segments among the people – for Japan it would be Shinto, Buddhism, Ryukyukan and Ainu – yet the overall sense of respect and honor transcend throughout its entirety. Japan is a country where traditions that go back for thousands of years are respected, and fast paced evolution with fashion trends, architecture and technology are sought after simultaneously. There is debate among which stands to support Japan moving forward – the traditions or advancements – but that’s a discussion for another time, maybe one we can have during or after the 2020 Olympic games in Tokyo.

                                                                  [If you’re planning a trip to Japan, then don’t miss this Weekend Itinerary for Tokyo, Japan. No trip to Japan is complete without experiencing this incredible city]

                                                                  Things Japan is known for:

                                                                  -sushi

                                                                  -geishas

                                                                  -samurais

                                                                  -iekbana (flower arranging)

                                                                  -origami

                                                                  -kabuki (theatre)

                                                                  -sumo wrestling

                                                                  -anime

                                                                  -tea ceremonies

                                                                  -capsule hotels

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                                                                    23 Ways to Help Prevent Overtourism

                                                                    23 Ways to Help Prevent Overtourism

                                                                    Environment, Sustainable Travel

                                                                    23 Ways to Help Prevent Overtourism

                                                                    Welcome to the second part of Blue Eyed Compass’s Over Tourism series discussing what you can do to prevent over tourism! The previous post discussed what over tourism is, and its cause and effect on residents, visitors and the place itself. It can be easier to discuss what the issue is, yet awareness is only half of the battle. It’s important to know ways that you can enjoy your well deserved travels while also creating a positive impact on the tourism industry.

                                                                    Here are ways that our governments and ourselves can help to prevent over tourism from creating a worse situation:

                                                                    Ways that governments can help prevent over tourism

                                                                    (1) Accurately tally & report tourism numbers based on type of visitors; for example cruise ship attendees, resort guests, backpackers, etc. Having accurate numbers will help determine what future actions need to be implemented

                                                                    (2) Edit the ‘perception gap’ of destination management

                                                                    Geez, I’m proud of myself for using ‘big’ words (haha), perception gap in terms of over tourism means the gap of governments concern for the quality of their destinations → over their desire for more revenue from the industry

                                                                    Governments often think about where the money comes from in tourism, like developers, infrastructure, agencies, etc. instead of remembering that the ultimate tourism product is the actual place itself which ties into the next point: Tweaking their outlook from more tourism is better, to better tourism is better could be very helpful.

                                                                    (3) Use holistic management models.

                                                                    Implement regulations that effectively impact the environment, economic, social and cultural issues. After doing some research, it’s noticeable that irresponsible business practices lead to benefits that are too selective, which then doesn’t motivate anyone to protect things, which creates difficult obstacles for those who do wish to protect places based on legal, political and/or financial problems

                                                                    Examples of destinations tourism goals:

                                                                    San Diego: San Diego put into place a 20+ year plan in 2017 called ‘Experience San Diego Destination 2040’. Their plan is to raise $1.3 billion in its first five years based on an increase in hotels tax rates.

                                                                    Is this plan good? YES! Because the funding goes back into the city to repair roads, work on infrastructure, etc

                                                                     

                                                                    Peru: Promperu, the agency of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism Specialized Technical Agency, predicted a 43% growth of inbound tourism in 2016

                                                                    China: in 2015, the Chinese people took 100 million outbound trips, and are predicted to take 160 million outbound trips in 2020. This makes China the world’s largest outbound tourism market

                                                                     

                                                                    I had difficulty finding specifics for many locations on ways that this tourism would benefit the destinations and/or the residents there (if you are able to find any distinct details please share! I would love to know more)

                                                                    (4) Governments can include the residents & caretakers of the place in their conversations

                                                                    The locals see the impacts on a place first hand and understand best how to support it. Bridging the gap between these two is vital for the elimination of over tourism.

                                                                    (5) Improve visitor management by regulating tourism

                                                                    Examples of this are already being done in these places:

                                                                    • Gorilla tracking in Uganda, Africa; visitors are required to pay for an expensive permit to do so, which limits the number of people going into the forest to see gorillas
                                                                    • Havasupai Falls in Arizona, USA requires hikers and campers to obtain a limited number of permits.
                                                                    • Japan is enforcing new regulations on AirBnbs once the 2020 Olympics are over so they can ensure certain requirements are met, and therefore limit the number of vacation rentals
                                                                    • Iceland AirBnbs are now limited to being in use for only 90 days per year
                                                                    • The Azores have a limited number of hotel rooms available & are working towards becoming certified as a ‘sustainable tourism region’

                                                                    (6) Raise prices (cautiously)

                                                                    • Bhutan’s solution to maintaining their culture is to require visitors to pay $200-$250/day just to be in the country & requires you to book your trip through a government accredited travel agency
                                                                    • It’s imperative to raise prices cautiously because if prices increase too much and only the very wealthy can afford them, then the culture, history & nature of a place can become the private property of the wealthy & they’ll be the only ones concerned with protecting it
                                                                    • *Consider this tactic this way: Apple iPhones are expensive, but those who really want it will pay for it, I believe the same could be possible for high tourism cities

                                                                    (7) Disperse visitors & spread their visitation over time by coordinating with a nearby city to spread economic benefits

                                                                    The Alhambra & Grenada, Spain currently do this by having timed tickets for the palace, so that visitors can spend time enjoying the city

                                                                    (8) Limit the number of visitors to a place

                                                                    (9) Have timed ticket admission

                                                                    (10) Favor longer stays over day trippers

                                                                    (11) Ban tour buses OR design a certain number of routes that run on a lottery of directions to prevent bottlenecking traffic

                                                                    (12) Channel people into spaces that are designed to be trafficked (this could be great for outdoor spaces)

                                                                    Ways that WE can help prevent over tourism

                                                                    (13) Visit unique places that are off the beaten path

                                                                    While major destinations may be overrun, remember there is beauty & diversity at the ‘under the radar’ places. The world is stil a big place filled with natural wonders. Here are a few places I would suggest:

                                                                    • Norway
                                                                    • The Azores
                                                                    • Kennet Canals, England
                                                                    • South Wales, Australia
                                                                    • Slovenia, Ljubliana
                                                                    • Sierra Gorda, Mexico

                                                                    (14) Go outside of the major cities

                                                                    There are less people there & those small towns may very well welcome you with open arms, plus you’ll have a more realistic experience on what daily life looks like there

                                                                    (15) Travel during the ‘off’ season, aka ‘shoulder season’

                                                                    • Doing so will allow you to avoid inflated prices, long queues & herding crowds
                                                                    • I would suggest aiming to visit right before or after peak season

                                                                    (16) Be respectful & check your entitlement

                                                                    Yes, this may mean changing your attitude, however having a little respect to the people & place goes a long way for those who are living in a famous destination and are frustrated with tourists impolite & self entitled attitudes. And if you see this behavior in your fellow travelers, speak up. Often times we may not notice when we need to check out entitlement at the door

                                                                    (17) Open your eyes

                                                                    Instead of going on a vacation to turn away from the stresses of your life at home, and then also looking away while traveling, open your eyes to what you are seeing & be present. Take note of what people are doing, is it respectful? Ask yourself, “Can I do better?”

                                                                    Think about it this way, if you were being paid to stay in a nice resort, eating for free & having concierges look after your every need, you would most likely spread wonderful words about it to everyone you meet

                                                                    The idea behind this tactic is simple marketing, and it’s of course fine. However, as a reader & possibly as a traveler, make your own conclusion about a place & try not to base your travels on the word of those being paid to say good things

                                                                    This could lead to becoming an ethical travel writer – so many travelers are PAID to write about a destination by the same place that they are visiting, so their perspective can be skewed.

                                                                    (18) Avoid geo-tagging and adding your location to social media in fragile environments

                                                                    As much we want to share the hidden beauty of a place, oftentimes it’s become that beautiful because of the lack of human interaction. Leave a little mystery to your audience.

                                                                    (19) Come prepared

                                                                    • Ask yourself why you want to visit a destination – is it because you want to truly experience the place, or are you looking to take a great picture that you saw some Instagrammers shoot pictures at?
                                                                    • Prevent the creation of further waste – find responsible local restaurants ahead of time, bring your own reusable water bottle & cloth bags for shopping, and even pick up trash you see on the ground if you can. With large crowds come lots of trash, so limit how much waste you create.

                                                                    Leave No Trace! is a set of principles for those venturing outdoors. You can see their list of principles here.

                                                                    (20) Worry less about that perfect picture

                                                                    Many travelers will ignore roped off areas or boundaries to be able to capture themselves in a perfect picture. However, those boundaries are these for you protection & for the environments Imagine if all 2 million tourists visiting Iceland every year walked over the roped off areas of their fragile land (which has been happening much more frequently), the reasons everyone began visiting Iceland – for its beautiful nature -will become mud pits from everyone’s shoes.

                                                                    (21) Focus on Quality over Quantity

                                                                    This is behavioral and based on what you, as a traveler, prefer – is it true travel experiences or snap & run selfie stick vacations? Is it better to save yourself money on a cheap fast food dinner, or spend more on a fine dining experience?

                                                                    (22) Local local local

                                                                    • Eat local produce
                                                                    • Stay at a local guest house or a hotel with eco-friendly missions & recycling programs

                                                                    (23) Share with others their environmental impact while traveling

                                                                    Many aren’t aware of the issues at hand and the fragility of the destinations they visit. I only stopped using single use plastic last year, and the friends I’ve seen pay to pet baby tigers only now know it’s horrible after I’ve told them how the animals are treated. Sharing your experience & know how can help to create a larger community, and you never know what you can learn from others.

                                                                    (24) Continue traveling!

                                                                    This list of tips is meant to broaden your knowledge & provide insight into the travelers world. Of course you should continue to travel, but now you are prepared to do so responsibly, so travel & enjoy!

                                                                    We all should rethink how we develop tourism and how we travel. We cannot possibly fit an infinite number of people into finite spaces. And while there is no sole solution, there isn’t a sole cause either. The more the tourism industry refines itself for each destination, the more people will feel comfortable coming to visit. And just like we shouldn’t consume mass produced processed foods, we shouldn’t be mindlessly travelers. So, what do you think? Do you think over tourism is even an issue? If so, do you have any additional tips or tricks to help protect the world?

                                                                    Interested in learning more about Overtourism?

                                                                    Here are a few resources for you to explore!

                                                                    *Be sure to read about what Overtourism is HERE

                                                                    *Overbooked by Elizabeth Becker

                                                                    *Crowded Out

                                                                    *EarthCheck – A group that created scientific benchmarking for destinations to follow in order to be considered sustainable. This link has tons of different topics & resources to dive into

                                                                    *Sustainable Destinations Top 100 list, 2018

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                                                                    What is Overtourism

                                                                    What is Overtourism

                                                                    Environment, Sustainable Travel

                                                                    What is Overtourism

                                                                    Last Updated November 12th, 2019

                                                                    If you love to travel and you love the planet, put those two together and you’d get sustainable travel. Alright, this isn’t the best or exact definition of the phrase, but an easy to understand the perspective of it.

                                                                    My love and respect for both traveling and planet Earth led me down the rabbit hole of research, observation, discussion and acknowledgment of sustainable travel, and one topic that I’ve witnessed more and more personally, which is overtourism.

                                                                    Overtourism is a relatively new ‘buzzword’ that was first coined in 2012, yet only highlighted in the media in 2017 when protests in Barcelona began against tourists.

                                                                    Definition of Overtourism :

                                                                    Overtourism describes a destination negatively by both locals and visitors as having too many tourists. Locals want the tourists to get out of their way, tourists feel like the places are too crowded, and caretakers spend much of their time performing crowd control and wear & tear control duties. Essentially, the quality of life and the quality of the experience has deteriorated.

                                                                    There has been a serious loss in authenticity within popular destinations. Yet, we are all apart of the problem. Think of it in terms of car traffic. We complain about the traffic while we’re driving a car, just like we complain about too long of lines at popular landmarks while we’re waiting in the line. It almost feels like there is no escape from overtourism, and genuine locals are becoming a new endangered species

                                                                    Tourism is a service industry that sells a product of which it does NOT own. The physical place is the product. In most cases, tourism is considered a ‘pastime’ as opposed to an industry- when in fact, it IS an industry, and one that has gone unnoticed as it’s grown so quickly.

                                                                    This global phenomenon of over-tourism is happening all over the world, even in places that you wouldn’t expect. The cost of travel is continually decreasing, and the number of international departures from any given airport increases each year. The tourism industry grows no matter the global issues going on. Effectively creating a destructive force on high-profile and in-demand destinations.

                                                                    Yet, saying a place has an overtourism problem isn’t a specific label, as the phrase’ too many’ is a subjective term. It’s easier to understand when you look at the causes and effects of over-tourism.

                                                                    Read More : Sustainable Travelers Carry-On Essentials

                                                                    What causes Overtourism?

                                                                    Why is overtourism happening?

                                                                    As I mentioned before, tourism is an industry, and like most other sales-driven industries, its success is based around its growth. And it seems that overtourism is a result of success for tourism boards.

                                                                    Many Americans began traveling after World War 2 ended with a significant increase beginning in the 1970s and 1980s. Meaning the travel industry we know today has been around for just about 50 years, a measly few decades of uncontrolled growth. Worldwide we’ve gone from about 30 million travelers each year, to over 1.3 billion travelers every year. And while it’s incredibly exciting to know that so many more people are able to experience the beauty of our planet, it feels as if the tourism industry has gone unchecked during its growth.

                                                                    Think of it compared to our technology advances.

                                                                    I grew up with dial-up internet on a bulky computer, then after college, I moved out of my parent’s house with a small, swiftly functioning smartphone. The travel industry has quickly transformed from an unknown perspective to one with multifaceted options, with little control over travelers behaviors.

                                                                    Read More : 23 Ways to Help Prevent Overtourism

                                                                    What are the Drivers of Overtourism:

                                                                    • Population growth — in 2009 there was about 6.8 billion people in the world, five years ago it was 7.3 billion & currently we are at 7.7 billion people across the globe.
                                                                    • Rising affluence of the middle class –> there are more people who are able to spend part of their income on travel
                                                                    • Lack of an ability to track & report accurate data: government’s report their overall tourist numbers which lump together cruise ships, duty-free shoppers, resort guests, backpackers, etc
                                                                    • Technological advances –>
                                                                      • mass air travel has taken off like a racehorse
                                                                      • the internet is accessible in more places
                                                                      • and the cruise industry has ships larger than many of the cities they port at, with their 8,000 visitors spilling onto the streets of aodrable places, only to have them all flock back for dinner

                                                                    *fun fact- cruise ships are allowed to burn cheap, bad for the environment fuels which is one of the reasons cruise ships can be cheap

                                                                    Effects of Overtourism:

                                                                    A lack of accurate reporting leads to misconceptions and disillusionment of how severe an issue of over tourism may be to a destination. The effects of over tourism reflect on residents, tourists and the destination itself. Here are a few of the effects on all three:

                                                                    Alienated LOCAL Residents:

                                                                    • Irreparable damage to infrastructure, natural areas & cultural monuments
                                                                    • Harsh resident resentment due to excess traffic, too large of crowds in inconvenient places
                                                                    • Inflated real estate & rent prices: this is partly due to businesses like AirBnb (who is often pinpointed as a scapegoat for this issue). This happens because apartments are suddenly for vacation rentals instead of rent, and a lack of living spaces creates a new supply & demand issue
                                                                      • A decreased supply of living spaces → higher demand to find a place to live = which means owners can charge tenants higher rent
                                                                    • A shift of relevant retail stores to souvenir shops, along with other neighborhood setups catered to tourists, as opposed to those residing there
                                                                    • Many jobs are low paying and seasonal, with much of the revenue going back to large, wealthy corporations out of the destination

                                                                    Tourists & they’re mitigated experiences:

                                                                    • Very crowded destinations
                                                                    • A low value for their money spent
                                                                    • No sense of authenticity in a destination, which leads to fewer stories to take home to share

                                                                    Overloaded Destinations:

                                                                    • On the bright side, tourism in some places has brought wealth to lesser-known or forgotten rural communities
                                                                    • Tourism has helped restore crumbling historic infrastructures
                                                                    • Negatively, there is an increase of garbage at these popular landmarks
                                                                    • With an increase of visitors, a destination is often unable to enforce respect & regulations for the place

                                                                    Read More : THE Simplest Ways to be a better Sustainable Traveler

                                                                    These causes & effects all bring about concerns with overtourism. Not only are major destinations losing their unique identity – which is the main reason for so many visiting – there is also a lack of control over the situation. Tourism managements are either nonexistent or are ill equipped to handle the influx of visitors in a way that still produces revenue for the country. And the ‘sweet spot’ number of ‘happy to have’ visitors versus too many people does not exist, and would be unique to each destination. The term ‘carrying capacity’ is used to describe this, and needs to be thought of in terms of physical carrying capacity and social carrying capacity.

                                                                    PHYSICAL — how many people can infrastructures & landmarks contain?

                                                                    SOCIAL — how many visitors can residents & other tourists tolerate before having a negative experience?

                                                                    No matter how you spin it, there is an overall loss of identity that these over visited places are experiencing. Here are a few examples of over tourism from fellow travel writers, bloggers & photographers:

                                                                    Overtourism Example & How Rome is trying to fix it

                                                                    Hi! I’m Laura, a sustainable travel blogger, as well as freelancing online brand strategist. I share real & honest information about traveling, how to do so sustainably, and ways to earn an income while working remote.

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                                                                    Examples of Overtourism:

                                                                    Where is Overtourism occurring?

                                                                    You’ll hear and read about overtourism being a continuous problem in many countries. Most recognized is Barcelona Spain, Venice Italy, Amsterdam Netherlands, Japan, Croatia, and Bali Indonesia.

                                                                    Below are examples of Overtourism witnessed around the world from fellow travel bloggers :

                                                                    Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

                                                                    “The whole park had a little boardwalk that you had to follow to see the waterfalls. It was PACKED”

                                                                    From Nicole, @ourwildestlife

                                                                    Tram 28, Lisbon, Portugal

                                                                    “The other day, I saw a queue of (I counted) more than 200 people lining up for Lisbon’s Tram 28.

                                                                    Tram 28 is one of Lisbon’s most scenic tram routes, and the journey is recommended in countless guidebooks and on travel blogs. Unfortunately, it’s not actually a sightseeing bus: it’s home people in neighbourhoods like Graça get to the city centre.

                                                                    A queue of 200 people not only means that locals can’t use this tram, but it’s also not going to be a particularly fun experience for tourists either.”

                                                                    From James, blogger at Portugalist.com, check out his post on tourist alternatives, like walking the route this tram takes!

                                                                    From James, blogger at Portugalist.com, check out his post on tourist alternatives, like walking the route this tram takes!

                                                                    Basílica del Voto Nacional in Quito, Ecuador

                                                                    “This photo was taken during a trip to the Basílica del Voto Nacional in Quito. Prior to entering, the security guard made it very clear that we weren’t to deface any of the stonework or climb on the structure. Although the Basílica was constructed in sections, parts of it are very old and undergo frequent maintenance work. Upon reaching the top of the tower, we were greeted with this sight. Clearly the memo hadn’t reached everyone.”

                                                                    From Sheree, blogger behind Winging the World

                                                                    Machu Picchu, Peru

                                                                    “We went to Machu Picchu at sunrise, when there were relatively few people. After a tour with a guide, we hiked up to the Sungate. When we got back to the main site, we could barely get around due to the amount of people. The cleared areas you see in the photos are because you can only walk on specific paths around the historic site. I wanted to stay longer at Machu Picchu because it’s incredible, but it was just too uncomfortable with the crowds. Now, I don’t really recommend going to Machu Picchu unless you can arrive at sunrise and have a moment alone with the site.”

                                                                    From Hanna, blogger behind Moderately Adventurous

                                                                    Angkor Wat, Cambodia

                                                                    “This past summer I traveled to the famous Angkor Wat to watch the sunrise. Turns out that it was quite a popular destination with hundreds of people lined up along the water’s edge.”

                                                                    From Chelsey, the blogger behind The Ninja Gypsy

                                                                    Nyaung Lat Phat Kan, Myanmar

                                                                    “…on Christmas Day 2018 (when these photographs were taken) the crowds were out in Bagan. At sunset, the Nyaung Lat Phat Kan hill viewpoint was seriously overcrowded as hundreds of tourists competed to take that perfect sunset photo. Our sunset pictures may look serene but that was far from the reality. Our two small children were towered over by the crowds who pushed past them.

                                                                    Much of the overcrowding at the viewpoints is because nearly all the temples in Bagan that tourists were once allowed to climb are now closed for safety reasons. This is putting a lot of pressure on the few designated viewing places.”

                                                                    From Kirsty, the blogger behind World for a Girl

                                                                    Resort in Kusadashi, Turkey

                                                                    “This is a resort in Turkey that is filled with European tourists. We spent only about an hour on this beach before leaving as it was such an unpleasant experience! I had to move at least half a dozen cigarette butts just to clear enough space for my beach towel! ”

                                                                    From Hayley, the blogger behind Life as a Butterfly

                                                                    The Taj Mahal

                                                                    “We recently visited the Taj Mahal. From distance you can see the impacts of overturisim. The white marble is tainted by the smog and the fog makes the view a little blurry. The lines to enter starts at 6am. Although tourist seems to believe that if they get there early it will be empty, the reality is complete opposite. Inside, crowds gather on the same spot to get the same picture everyone will be posting on instagram. The expectation surrounding the Taj Mahal comes to pieces once you see the real location without filters; magnificent, but far from what you think it would be like. However, It is an impressive view with or without photo editing.”

                                                                    From Laura, the blogger behind Three Decades Ago

                                                                    The Grand Canyon

                                                                    “The Grand Canyon is one of the most popular national parks in the United States, with over six million visitors annually. Most visitors don’t stray far from the the South Rim Visitor’s Center. But the Grand Canyon is nearly 300 miles long! A few minutes walk/drive away from the crowds, visitors can have plenty of space for themselves.”

                                                                    From John, the blogger behind The Hangry Backpacker

                                                                    Venice, Italy

                                                                    “Activists in Venice have formed “No Grandi Navi,” a group which fights against large cruise ships in the Venetian lagoon. These massive vessels contribute to issues related to overtourism in Venice for three main reasons. The first is that many people who arrive by cruise ship are day-trippers that don’t contribute to the local economy by staying in hotels and dining there. The other is the significant movement in the water caused by the cruise boats, which damages Venice’s underlying wooden structure. The final reason is the pollution that the ships bring, which harms the lagoon’s ecosystem. In 2017, a referendum to divert large cruise ships out of the lagoon and into the docks in a nearby town passed with overwhelming support, but some are skeptical about the length of time and logistics needed to make this happen. No Grandi Navi keeps up their fight in order to protect the future of their beloved city.”

                                                                    From Molly, the blogger behind Luggage and Life

                                                                    That Wanaka Tree, New Zealand

                                                                    “Nestled in the heart of New Zealand’s Southern Alps, a curved, spindly tree breaks the still waters of Lake Wanaka. Its branches spread out like fingers, its unique shape instantly recognisable. The landscape is striking yet serene. At least, that’s the expectation and the impression that most photographs of That Wanaka Tree give. In reality, head to the lake shore at either sunrise or sunset and you’ll be met by a coach-load of tourists all fighting for the perfect spot from which to take their image of New Zealand’s most photographed tree”

                                                                    From Joss, the blogger behind Little Green Globetrotter

                                                                    The Mona Lisa, inside of The Louvre, Paris France

                                                                    “Not wanting to be jostled and pushed by fellow tourists I spent less than a minute in her presence. So if you want some peace and quiet to appreciate the Mona Lisa, don’t go to Paris in high season or visit the Louvre on the weekend.”

                                                                    From Katie, the blogger behind Just Chasing Sunsets

                                                                    The Narrows, Zion National Park

                                                                    “This is at The Narrows – one of the most popular hikes in the park (this taken early too – only 10:00 AM!)”

                                                                    From Stephania, the blogger behind Travanie Travels

                                                                    Sunset Beach in Koh Lipe, Thailand

                                                                    “It’s hard to believe that just 30 years ago there wasn’t a single resort or tourist on this 2.5km by 3.5km isle. Whilst it hasn’t suffered extreme overtourism like Koh Phi Phi has, you can start to see strains on this tiny island. The first time I visited Koh Lipe was a year ago at Christmas, which was when this picture was taken. I was surprised when I revisited a month ago in February (1 year later) to find double the number of visitors.”

                                                                    From Sherri, the blogger behind Travel Mermaid

                                                                    Want to learn how you can help prevent Overtourism?

                                                                    23 Ways to Help Prevent Overtourism

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