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Global tourism is at an all-time high, causing concern. Gina Warren is an energy law expert and questions whether this tourism is sustainable.
"By 2020, over 1.4 billion tourists are projected to explore our great planet," Professor Warren said. "Unfortunately, too many tourists are visiting the same places at the same time. Overtourism occurs when tourism exceeds sustainable physical, social, and economic capacity."
But Warren says many governments are now addressing this issue. "Machu Picchu is the most well-known example where the Peruvian government significantly limited the number of tourists and increased the price of entry," she said. "Also, Paris will discontinue big red bus tours and the city of Rome will fine anyone who sits on the Spanish steps. The concern is that the restrictions will negatively impact the less advantaged traveler who cannot afford the extra fees, wait times, or lack of mobility."