Benidorm, once a quiet Spanish fishing town, now attracts millions of tourists each year, earning the nickname “the New York of the Mediterranean.” This remarkable transformation began in the 1960s when 23-year-old Ramon Martinez Martinez left Madrid in search of better opportunities. What was once known for its tuna fishing and orange groves soon became a hotbed of tourism, offering Martinez and his family the chance to build a better life.

As the tourism boom began, Benidorm’s future was forever changed, although even Martinez could never have predicted the scale of what was to come. By 2023, nearly 2.7 million tourists flooded the town—36 times the size of its permanent population.

Today, Benidorm is a towering city of skyscrapers and busy streets, a symbol of Spain’s rapidly growing tourism industry. Yet it also remains a flashpoint for both admiration and criticism, with some hailing its economic success and others pointing to its over-commercialization. The story of Benidorm’s rise is now the subject of a fascinating new book by British photographer Rob Ball, who has captured the town’s unique landscape and thriving tourist culture.

Benidorm’s most noticeable feature is its appeal to British tourists. In fact, nearly a third of all visitors come from the UK. This has led to a unique blend of British culture and Spanish traditions, with British pubs, English breakfasts, and even horse races from England shown on giant outdoor screens. In March, thousands of Brits descend on Benidorm to watch the Cheltenham Festival, a beloved horse racing event.

Despite its popularity, Benidorm is often divisive. For some, it’s the ideal getaway—hot weather, familiar comforts, and a bustling nightlife. For others, it’s a symbol of everything that’s wrong with mass tourism—rowdy tourists and an inauthentic experience. Ball, however, chose to focus on the town’s positive aspects, highlighting its natural beauty and the happy tourists who gather on its sandy beaches.

Some Brits even refer to Benidorm as “Blackpool with sun,” comparing it to the British seaside town known for its working-class tourists. The nickname is used both affectionately and disparagingly, depending on perspective. As Ball notes, the town’s appeal is simple: it’s a place where hard-working people can unwind and have fun without judgment.

When Ramon Martinez arrived in Benidorm, the town was still relatively quiet. But Martinez, like many others, was seeking new opportunities, and he found them as a painter working on the newly built hotels along the coast. These hotels were being constructed by ambitious developers who couldn’t afford to pay him with cash, so instead, they offered shares in their businesses or apartments in their buildings. Martinez’s gamble paid off.

Behind Benidorm’s growth was the vision of Pedro Zaragoza, the town’s mayor from 1950. Zaragoza recognized the town’s untapped potential and set about turning Benidorm into a tourist hotspot. In 1959, he took the bold step of legalizing bikinis on the beaches—a move that shocked Spain’s Catholic establishment. Zaragoza even traveled to Madrid to secure the support of General Francisco Franco, who gave the green light for Benidorm to become a major tourist destination.

As package vacations became popular in the 1960s, foreign tourists flocked to Benidorm, bringing with them a new wave of growth. The town’s economy boomed, and with it, the number of high-rise buildings, including Spain’s tallest skyscrapers outside Madrid, such as the Gran Hotel Bali and Residencial Intempo.

As Benidorm’s popularity soared, so did its architectural growth. Situated between the mountains and the sea, there was little room to expand horizontally, so the town began to build upwards. The result is a skyline filled with towering structures, a stark contrast to the modest fishing village of its past.

Despite the rapid development, Benidorm has avoided the large-scale protests against mass tourism that have occurred in other parts of Spain. While the town has faced issues such as rising rents, the local attitude remains welcoming. Jaime Martinez Gallinar, CEO of the Hoteles Benidorm Group, explains that tourism is essential to the town’s economy. “During Covid, it was like a ghost town. We discovered how much we depend on the people who come here,” he says.

Gallinar is proud of Benidorm’s lively atmosphere, where people from all over the world, including Spaniards, Brits, and others, gather to enjoy the town’s unique charm. However, he is also aware of the challenges that come with such rapid growth. “The challenge now is how to grow with the natural environment. The land is almost used up. Benidorm is almost full all year round,” Gallinar reflects.

Benidorm’s transformation is a tale of ambition, vision, and opportunity—but it also brings with it the pressure of sustainability. As the demand for its beaches, bars, and high-rise accommodations continues to rise, the town faces the challenge of maintaining its natural beauty while accommodating millions of tourists.

If Benidorm is to remain a top destination, it will need to address the environmental concerns that come with such rapid expansion. However, for now, the town shows no signs of slowing down. It remains a place where the sun never sets on the tourist season and where people either love it or hate it—but can’t seem to stop visiting.

Key Takeaways:

• Benidorm’s transformation from a quiet fishing village to a bustling tourist city has drawn millions of visitors, particularly from the UK.
• The town’s rapid development, driven by visionary leaders like Pedro Zaragoza, has resulted in a skyline full of skyscrapers.
• While some view Benidorm as a symbol of uncontrolled mass tourism, others embrace its vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.
• Balancing growth with sustainability will be key to Benidorm’s future, as the town continues to grapple with the demands of a thriving tourism industry.

Source: – CNN – It was once a small Spanish fishing town. Now it attracts millions of tourists every year

The post From Fishing Village to Tourist Hub: The Rise of Benidorm appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

Overtourism became one of the defining concerns of 2024, with major destinations continuing to face the pressures of overwhelming tourist crowds. The summer season was especially chaotic, marked by protests, heightened visitor fees, and new restrictions aimed at managing the influx. In Barcelona, locals even took to spraying tourists with water pistols as a public demonstration of frustration.

Efforts to address overtourism, including government regulations and local initiatives, gained momentum throughout the year, but the demand for travel showed no signs of slowing down. Experts predict that overtourism will remain a critical challenge well into 2025, with significant implications for visitors, residents, and the destinations themselves.

The Need for Proactive Solutions

Paula Vlamings, Chief Impact Officer of Tourism Cares, a global nonprofit focused on sustainable tourism, highlights the urgent need for a strategic, proactive approach to tourism. “How do we conduct business? How do we market destinations? How do we serve local communities impacted by tourism?” she says, emphasizing that sustainable strategies are essential for the future as more tourists continue to flock to popular sites.

While there has been some progress — such as a growing interest in lesser-known destinations — experts caution that much remains to be done. Popular European cities like Paris, Barcelona, and London are likely to remain crowded, particularly during peak summer months.

Audrey Scott, co-founder of Uncornered Market, a sustainable tourism consulting firm, points out that while some positive changes have occurred in response to overtourism, the demand for travel will likely keep popular destinations struggling with overcrowding. “The crisis from last year might have led to some positive changes,” she says, “but 2025 will still bring the same challenges.”

Increased Regulations and Tourist Fees

In an effort to manage tourist numbers, many European cities have implemented higher taxes, banned cruise ships from historic centers, and restricted short-term rentals. Venice and Amsterdam, for example, have introduced higher tourism taxes and blocked cruise ships from entering central areas. In Japan, a popular tourist town near Mount Fuji erected barriers in 2024 to curb the growing number of selfie-takers. Cities like New York and Barcelona have also cracked down on Airbnb rentals.

Protests against overtourism were widespread in 2024, with locals in places like Spain, the Netherlands, and Greece taking to the streets to voice their frustration. Issues like rising housing costs, overcrowded public transportation, and a loss of community identity were central to these protests.

However, despite these challenges, tourism numbers continued to rise. In 2024, European countries saw a significant increase in foreign arrivals, surpassing 2019 levels. Portugal, for example, saw a 26% increase in visitors. Spain projected a 5% increase in tourism, and major events like the 750th anniversary of Amsterdam and the Catholic Jubilee celebration in Rome were expected to draw millions of extra visitors.

From Destination Marketing to Management

The shift from marketing tourism to managing it has become a key trend in 2024. Destination marketing organizations (DMOs) have started adopting the term Destination Marketing and Management Organizations (DMMOs), reflecting their broader role in managing both tourism and its impact on local communities.

Barcelona, a city often highlighted as a “poster child” for overtourism, changed its tourism slogan in 2024 from “Visit Barcelona” to “This is Barcelona.” This shift signals a commitment to balancing tourism growth with sustainable practices that support local culture and communities. Scott explains that effective destination management involves creating experiences that benefit both tourists and residents, while maintaining environmental and cultural sustainability.

In addition to better management, some cities are also focusing on educating and inspiring tourists. Amsterdam’s controversial “stay away” campaign aimed at discouraging rowdy tourists and Copenhagen’s CopenPay program, which rewards sustainable travel choices, are prime examples of how destinations are taking a more targeted approach.

Sharing the Tourism Load: Exploring Alternatives

While overtourism is a serious challenge, it has also led to new opportunities for less-visited destinations to shine. Many travelers are now exploring “destination dupes” — alternative cities that offer unique experiences but with fewer crowds. For example, Antwerp, Belgium, has become increasingly popular for its food, culture, and fashion, while remaining less crowded than neighboring hotspots like Bruges or Amsterdam.

Programs like Canada’s Tourism Corridor Strategy, which promotes regions beyond its popular coastal provinces, also aim to disperse tourists more evenly. By highlighting lesser-known destinations, these initiatives aim to alleviate pressure on high-demand spots.

Progress on the Horizon

Although overtourism remains a significant issue, experts see promising signs of progress. Local governments and tourism organizations are dedicating more resources to sustainable tourism initiatives. In Lake Tahoe, for instance, a comprehensive stewardship plan has introduced solutions like vanpools and improved parking programs to reduce congestion. Such efforts reflect a growing recognition that sustainable tourism can benefit both visitors and residents.

Similarly, tourism organizations are focusing on ensuring that local communities thrive alongside growing visitor numbers. Scott cites Destination Karakol in Kyrgyzstan, where tourism is being developed with a focus on improving local residents’ quality of life. Such long-term strategies are gaining traction, offering hope for more balanced tourism models.

How Travelers Can Make a Difference

Travelers, too, have a role in mitigating overtourism. Simple adjustments — like visiting popular destinations during the off-season or choosing alternative neighborhoods — can ease the pressure on crowded locations. Vlamings encourages tourists to consider where and how they spend their money, supporting locally owned businesses and services that contribute to the community.

Tourism Cares’ Meaningful Travel Map is one tool that helps travelers discover locally-led accommodations, tours, and services in destinations worldwide. Vlamings emphasizes that sustainable tourism is about more than just avoiding crowded sites — it’s about being conscious and intentional in how we interact with places and people.

Ultimately, sustainable tourism is about making the destination a better place for both visitors and locals. Scott’s definition encapsulates this idea: “Tourism that makes the place better for local people to live.”

Conclusion: A Long Road Ahead

While overtourism remains a major challenge, the ongoing shift towards sustainable, community-focused tourism is an encouraging trend. Governments, tourism organizations, and travelers must continue to collaborate to create solutions that benefit all stakeholders. With concerted efforts and responsible travel choices, the future of tourism can be more balanced and sustainable for both visitors and the places they love to explore.

Source

The post How Popular Destinations Are Tackling Overcrowding in 2024 appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

In the rugged, windswept landscape of the Faroe Islands, where unpredictable weather—fierce winds, thick fog, and torrential rain—often makes travel challenging, the islanders have turned to tunnels to make their daily journeys easier and safer. The Faroe Islands, a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, are known for their impressive network of tunnels, which includes 17 on land and 4 subsea tunnels, offering a vital connection across these remote islands.

One standout feature of the Faroese tunnel system is the world’s only subsea tunnel with a roundabout underwater. These tunnels have become much more than just transportation routes; they’ve become iconic, blending art and engineering to create an unforgettable experience for both locals and tourists.

The Magic of the Eysturoy Tunnel

The Eysturoy Tunnel, which opened in December 2020, connects Streymoy, the largest island where the capital city Tórshavn is located, to Eysturoy, the second-largest island in the archipelago. This nearly seven-mile (11 km) subsea tunnel, which reaches a depth of 614 feet (187 meters) below sea level, has transformed travel between these islands. Every day, over 6,000 vehicles pass through it, including tourists who are drawn to the stunning art and architecture inside the tunnel.

One of the tunnel’s most remarkable features is its sculptural roundabout, nicknamed “the jellyfish” due to its glowing, shifting colors that resemble the Northern Lights or jellyfish in sunlight. This mesmerizing installation, created by renowned Faroese artist Tróndur Patursson, stands as a symbol of the resilience and unity of the Faroese people. The roundabout’s central basalt column is surrounded by a steel sculpture of life-size figures holding hands, evoking the traditional Faroese chain dance.

Art and Sound in the Eysturoy Tunnel

The marriage of art and engineering doesn’t stop at visual art. Jens L. Thomsen, a local musician, composed an ethereal soundscape that can be heard while driving through the tunnel, adding another layer to the sensory experience. Thomsen created this unique auditory art by recording the sounds of the tunnel during its construction, allowing the tunnel itself to “speak” through its acoustics. Drivers can tune into FM97 to hear this hauntingly beautiful soundscape while navigating the tunnel.

The Sandoy Tunnel: Another Subsea Marvel

In December 2023, a new subsea tunnel, the Sandoy Tunnel, opened, connecting the island of Streymoy to the small island of Sandoy. This six-and-a-half-mile stretch reaches a depth of 508 feet (155 meters) beneath the North Atlantic and serves around 1,000 vehicles daily. Like the Eysturoy Tunnel, the Sandoy Tunnel also features captivating artwork and sound installations that enhance the drive.

Prominent Faroese artist Edward Fuglø designed glowing totem-like images along the tunnel walls, drawing inspiration from the island’s folklore. Figures such as a bishop wielding a battle axe, an old witch, and a seal woman appear alongside birds, paying tribute to Díðrikur á Skarvanesi, the first known visual artist in the Faroes. Meanwhile, Sunleif Rasmussen, another renowned Faroese composer, created the soundscape for this tunnel, drawing inspiration from the sounds of the tunnel’s construction and nature, mixed with music from the pop group Snowflakes. This electroacoustic composition adds an otherworldly quality to the tunnel experience. Drivers can tune into FM100 to enjoy the auditory art.

The Transformative Impact of Tunnels on the Faroe Islands

The tunnels have not only transformed travel but have also had a profound impact on life in the Faroes. Before the tunnels, travel between the islands could be treacherous, especially in winter when ferry services were often canceled due to harsh weather. Now, the tunnels have drastically reduced travel times—what once took an hour from Tórshavn to Eysturoy now takes just 15 minutes, making it easier to explore multiple islands in a day.

For residents, the tunnels have had an even more profound effect. Many people are now choosing to move to islands like Sandoy, where previously the lack of reliable ferry services made relocation difficult. For example, Barbara av Skardi, a resident of Sandoy, noted that the new tunnel had made her consider moving to the island, as winter ferry cancellations had once made it an impractical option. Local businesses have also benefitted, with some seeing an increase in visitors, such as Cafe Retro, which was opened by Dávur Jacobsen and his wife Barbara following the tunnel’s completion.

According to Ólavur Jøkladal, director of the Sandur Art Museum, the number of visitors has more than doubled since the opening of the Sandoy Tunnel, demonstrating the broader impact of this infrastructural advancement on tourism.

A New Era of Connectivity

The innovative subsea tunnels in the Faroe Islands are not just about connecting islands—they are about creating a new era of connectivity. These tunnels are a blend of art, culture, and cutting-edge technology, making them an unforgettable part of any trip to the Faroe Islands. As tourism continues to grow and local communities thrive, the tunnels play a key role in shaping the future of the archipelago.

With the Eysturoy and Sandoy Tunnels serving as prime examples of how infrastructure can bring art, safety, and functionality together, the Faroe Islands are redefining the way people experience their remote yet breathtaking landscape.

Source

The post The Art and Engineering of Faroe Islands’ Subsea Tunnels appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.