As the travel industry recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, a darker side of tourism has returned to the spotlight—overtourism. From Southeast Asia’s pristine beaches to Europe’s historic cities, the world’s most popular travel destinations are bearing the brunt of uncontrolled crowds, environmental degradation, and local dissatisfaction. Bali struggles with waste management and traffic gridlock, while Australia’s sacred sites suffer environmental damage. In New York, rising rents fueled by short-term rentals are driving residents out of their neighborhoods, and in Singapore, once tranquil scenic spots now overflow with visitors.
These are not isolated issues. In cities like Barcelona, frustrated locals have resorted to spraying water on tourists, and Venice has seen organized protests calling for stricter tourist controls. As the northern hemisphere’s summer high season comes to a close, Aotearoa New Zealand is preparing for its influx of visitors with the onset of its own summer season. Much like other global hotspots, the New Zealand government is seeking ways to mitigate tourism’s negative impacts on both local communities and the environment.
New Zealand’s Approach: Tripling Tourist Tax
New Zealand, known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich indigenous culture, is aiming to balance its thriving tourism industry with environmental sustainability and cultural preservation. The government is considering tripling the international tourist tax from NZ$35 to NZ$100, a measure designed to achieve two objectives: attracting tourists who are more mindful of their environmental and cultural impact, and reducing the overall number of visitors. By raising the cost of entry, New Zealand hopes to deter mass tourism, while encouraging more responsible travel.
The move is part of a broader strategy to protect the country’s unique natural beauty and its fragile ecosystems, including sites like Milford Sound and Tongariro National Park, which have seen significant wear and tear due to tourist traffic. However, critics argue that raising taxes alone won’t solve the problem. They suggest the tourism industry needs a fundamental shift in how it operates. One potential solution that is gaining traction worldwide is the concept of “slow travel.”
Overtourism isn’t simply about the number of tourists in a given place—it’s also about how people travel. Instagram has turned once-obscure landmarks into must-see destinations, drawing massive crowds that disrupt local life and, in extreme cases, force governments to close iconic sites. Examples include Maya Bay in Thailand, which was temporarily closed to restore its damaged marine ecosystem, and Machu Picchu in Peru, where visitor limits are being considered to protect the ancient Inca citadel.
Many travelers adopt a “checklist” mentality, cramming as many famous sights as possible into a short period, racing from one attraction to another just to snap the perfect photo. This hurried approach leads to congestion and pollution and leaves little room for meaningful engagement with the destination or its people.
Furthermore, it’s not just the volume of tourists that causes harm—it’s also their behavior. A 2019 report by the United Nations highlighted the growing issue of waste produced by tourists in small island states, such as those in the Pacific. According to the report, the average tourist generates around 7kg of waste per day, compared to about 2.5kg for a local resident. In many cases, these islands lack the infrastructure to manage the waste, resulting in severe environmental damage.
The key to addressing overtourism may lie in rethinking how we travel, rather than simply traveling less. Enter the concept of slow travel, a movement rooted in the mindfulness philosophy that gained popularity in the 1970s and has since influenced various sectors, including food, fashion, and now tourism. Slow travel encourages visitors to experience destinations at a relaxed pace, fostering deeper connections with local cultures and ecosystems while minimizing environmental and social impact.
Slow travel often involves staying longer in fewer places, opting for eco-friendly transportation, and engaging in immersive activities rather than rushing through tourist checklists. The approach promotes sustainability by encouraging travelers to spend more time in one location, which reduces the strain on infrastructure and natural resources.
Mindful Travel for Deeper Connections
Research supports the idea that mindfulness and immersion lead to richer, more meaningful travel experiences. By engaging fully with one’s surroundings, travelers can foster a deeper connection to the places they visit. This not only enhances personal fulfillment but also minimizes the negative impacts associated with mass tourism. In contrast, fast-paced, chaotic travel often leads to superficial experiences that leave little positive impact on the local community.
Interestingly, even luxury travel, often dismissed as wasteful, can embody principles of mindfulness. High-end travelers, who invest more both financially and mentally, tend to engage more deeply with their destination, respecting the local environment and culture. In contrast, budget or mainstream tourism often leads to overconsumption and waste, as visitors rush through locations with little regard for the local impact.
Activities that emphasize mindfulness, such as forest bathing, hiking, or participating in local traditions, have been shown to enhance well-being and create lasting memories. This mindful approach contrasts sharply with the frantic rush to check off tourist sites and “take a photo for likes,” offering a more sustainable and personally enriching travel experience.
One concept that aligns well with slow travel is the idea of “peak experiences”—emotionally charged moments that leave a lasting impression on visitors. Amusement parks like Disneyland, for example, have long mastered the art of creating these moments, using immersive storytelling and sensory stimulation to craft unforgettable memories. Travelers can also create their own peak experiences by focusing on a singular, deeply engaging aspect of their trip.
Whether it’s embarking on a digital detox, participating in a religious pilgrimage, or simply savoring the silence of a remote mountain hike, peak experiences offer travelers a slower, more mindful way to engage with the world. Even in bustling destinations, concentrating on one unique element can make the visit feel more special and meaningful.
Protecting Fragile Ecosystems and Cultures
Some countries have already embraced the principles of slow travel to protect their environments and cultures. In the Faroe Islands, for instance, authorities encourage slow travel by promoting thoughtful visitor behavior. This includes using local guides to minimize environmental impact and preserving traditional ways of life. As a result, the Faroe Islands have managed to maintain a delicate balance between tourism and conservation.
New Zealand, with its awe-inspiring landscapes and vibrant Māori culture, is well-positioned to offer similar slow travel experiences. Hiking, known locally as tramping, is a popular way for visitors to connect with nature in a mindful, respectful manner. Multi-day hikes along the country’s famous Great Walks offer a chance to immerse oneself in New Zealand’s natural beauty without overwhelming the environment.
However, even New Zealand faces challenges. Popular trails like the Te Araroa Trail are experiencing increased foot traffic, leading to overcrowding at Department of Conservation (DOC) huts and other facilities. There is also a growing need to educate tourists about responsible practices, such as cleaning equipment to prevent the spread of non-native species and understanding their role in preserving New Zealand’s fragile ecosystems.
One of the most significant challenges in promoting slow travel is finding the right balance between making travel experiences meaningful and keeping them accessible to a broader audience. While luxury travelers may have the means to slow down and engage deeply with their destination, not everyone has the financial resources or time to travel in this way. However, slow travel does not necessarily have to be expensive or exclusive. It can simply involve making more conscious choices—choosing public transportation, supporting local businesses, or participating in community-based tourism projects.
Governments, travel companies, and tourists themselves all have a role to play in reshaping the future of travel. Governments can regulate visitor numbers and promote sustainable practices, while travel companies can design itineraries that prioritize quality over quantity. Most importantly, travelers can shift their mindset from checking off bucket list destinations to seeking out deeper, more enriching experiences.
As New Zealand and other destinations grapple with the effects of overtourism, the future of travel is at a crossroads. The industry must evolve to prioritize sustainability, cultural preservation, and the well-being of local communities. Slow travel offers a viable path forward, promoting a more mindful, respectful way of exploring the world that benefits both visitors and hosts.
If the tourism industry can embrace this shift, it may not only reduce the negative impacts of overtourism but also create a new model for travel—one that is more sustainable, meaningful, and enriching for all involved. For New Zealand, and the world at large, slow travel could be the key to ensuring that future generations can continue to experience the beauty and wonder of our planet without destroying the very places they seek to explore.
