Germany | Overtourism influences 1 in 4 people in their choice of destination

Despite the images of crowded beaches and tourist attractions that go around the world, the impact of overtourism on Germans' travel decisions remains limited. This is revealed by a new survey by the travel association QTA (Quality Travel Alliance), which was carried out among 240 travel agents.

Only 25% see a clear impact of overtourism on destination choices

According to the results of the survey, only a quarter of respondents say that overtourism significantly influences their customers' choice of destination. On the contrary, 60% estimate that the impact is limited, while 15% believe that there is no influence at all.

Even when customers complain about conditions in destinations, they rarely change their reservations. Only 8% of travel agents say that customers consciously avoid destinations with excessive tourist pressure. In 47% of cases, such phenomena are recorded in isolation, while 45% have never noticed them.

Tourists are annoyed, but they continue to travel

The reaction of tourists to overtourism is mainly limited to complaints. Participants in the QTA survey note that their customers express their dissatisfaction mainly with the excessive occupancy of popular attractions and the increase in prices in popular destinations. In contrast, environmental impacts or the burden on local life and residents are rarely discussed.

However, over time, a change is evident. 10% of travel agents estimate that the issue will become more important in the future. In addition, 32% believe that raising environmental and social awareness among specific groups of travelers, such as younger or more informed travelers, will increase concerns about overtourism.

QTA proposes visitor management measures

In response to the challenges of mass tourism, QTA proposes a more strategic management of tourist flows. The association’s spokesman, Thomas Bösl, highlights the need for “targeted visitor guidance.” As he emphasizes, uncontrolled access leads not only to overloading attractions but also to a degradation of the tourist experience.

Among the solutions proposed are the introduction of time-phased tickets and the adoption of digital reservation systems, which can contribute to a better distribution of visitors throughout the day and season.

Supporting local communities and protecting housing

The sustainability of tourism, according to the QTA, cannot be ensured without the support of local communities. For this reason, the association proposes investments in infrastructure and the development of services that are also aimed at permanent residents. Although the so-called "local discounts" (Einheimischenrabatte) are limited by European law, other ways of enhancing local utility can be explored.

At the same time, political intervention is being called for to protect housing. Thomas Bösl refers to examples of cities such as Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca, which have imposed restrictions on short-term rental housing with the aim of stabilizing rents and ensuring availability for permanent residents.

Tourism as part of the solution

The QTA spokesperson closes with an optimistic message: “Tourism must be seen as part of the solution.” As he notes, the tourism industry is ready for a constructive dialogue with authorities and local communities in order to formulate sustainable strategies that serve both visitors and destinations.

The QTA research, although limited to the German market, offers useful indications of how tourism demand reacts to mass tourism and highlights the need for coordinated interventions before the effects become irreversible.