Combating class tourism

To address the increasing issue of overtourism, many mountain resorts, among others, are shifting their focus towards elite tourism, which tends to generate higher revenue. Claudio Visentin, Professor at the Faculty of Communication, Culture and Society at Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), examines the ethical implications of this approach in an article published by il Dolomiti.

Although Claudio Visentin acknowledges that various regions can implement strategies to alleviate overtourism, he is sceptical about using visitors' income levels as a distinguishing criterion. "Limitations are necessary in increasingly overcrowded areas, but they should not be based on class. First, the strategy of supporting the expensive ski industry amid rising costs seems both desperate and unfounded. In a few decades, skiing may decline significantly due to higher temperatures, reduced snowfall, and the extreme unpredictability of the weather. In the past, tourists could rely on a reasonably long and consistent ski season to plan their trips. Now, however, conditions have become uncertain, requiring more energy and intervention to sustain the ski industry." For this reason, the USI professor suggests the importance of moving away from the monoculture of skiing: "Where it is still possible to ski, it makes sense to continue doing so without new investments and infrastructures. Meanwhile, many other locations are shifting towards alternative tourism models, as future prospects for skiing do not seem promising."

Claudio Visentin also reminds us that it is important to distinguish between the various types of territory: "There is an important aspect to consider: exclusive locations that have traditionally been accessible only to a select few should not be the case for UNESCO sites. When a territory is declared a 'World Heritage Site', it should not become a privilege exclusively for those wealthy enough to access it, as that would be a clear contradiction. However, when managing tourist flows that primarily benefit the upper class, elitist tourism has always existed in many parts of the world, even in places lacking rare natural beauty. I believe it is somewhat inevitable." If access to a World Heritage Site were to be limited based on the economic means of the visitors, international institutions would have to intervene: "It is primarily the territory itself that must recognise the profound contradiction between these two aspects. If it fails to do so, external interventions may be required to manage this evident contrast," said Claudio Visentin.

While there is generally resistance to predatory tourism, the Dolomites present a different scenario, where luxury experiences are offered to tourists. "This situation opens up an extensive chapter on what can be done to counter tourist overcrowding without resorting to these strategies. I feel these choices are very risky: a resistance movement is already emerging against predatory tourism, where investors come into an area, transform it, and maximise short-term profits before ultimately abandoning it. This leaves the local community to deal with the economic, social, and environmental repercussions. This resistance phenomenon can be seen worldwide, and it doesn't always originate from grassroots movements. In recent times, public authorities, governments, and organisations have shifted their focus, as numerous examples illustrate the failures of traditional tourism. When we discuss sustainable and responsible tourism, it is essential to recognise that this approach is not just driven by ethical concerns; it also proves to be more effective in the long run", concluded Claudio Visentin.

The full interview with Claudio Visentin for Il Dolomiti is available at the following link. (Italian only)