Kyoto takes steps to combat overtourtism

Tuesday, 29 Oct, 2018 0

As Philippines island Boracay reopens after its enforced closure, another Asian destination is seeking to reverse the effects of overtourism.

Japan’s cultural city of Kyoto is taking aim at overtourism and specifically, the increasingly disrespectful behaviour of tourists.

Business owners and annoyed residents in the city’s Gion-Shinbashi district have joined together to form a ‘scenery preservation’ committee demanding more courteous behaviour when sightseeing.

"If no countermeasures are taken, the elegant view of Gion will be spoiled," said Kanji Tomita, vice representative of the group.

It is targeting dawdling ‘selfie-takers’ who it says take an age taking photos at attractions, causing bottlenecks, and is railing against ‘half-naked hikers.’

It comes after the Kyoto Convention and Visitors Bureau recently introduces am ‘etiquette guide’ to warn tourists not to cycle in the city while drunk, hassle Geishas and to treat old temples with respect.

The Kyoto tourist board has been recently working on measures to ease the strain of overtourism by promoting less visited attractions and encouraging early morning visits to popular sights.

"The key is to disperse crowds in crowded times, crowded areas or crowded seasons," Kyoto Mayor Daisaku Kadokawa recently said.

The number of visitors to Japan was up more than 15% in the first half of 2018 to nearly 16 million.

China is the main market, representing nearly 25% of all inbound arrivals.

TravelMole Editorial Team

Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.

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