Tourismophobia Or Venice Syndrome: Characteristics And Consequences

The term turismophobia refers to the fear, aversion or social rejection that local citizens feel towards tourists who visit their city. However, there is no empirical basis in the psychological literature that supports this type of phobia of tourists, as affirmed by the psychologist Sergio García Soriano.

Now, although there is no such thing as a phobia, this does not mean that there is no negative reaction on the part of the residents of a place towards the massive arrival of tourists; above all, if they show excessive behavior and are participants in public scandals. Although it is true that not all tourists are like this.

The manifestations of tourismophobia do not focus on tourism itself, but on the abuses that this activity entails, because this – like any other activity – involves costs and to deny them is to reject the evidence. For example, in the latest survey published on tourism in the population of Venice, it is reflected that the impact of tourism has become the main cause of concern for its inhabitants.

Some of the pernicious consequences of living in cities teeming with tourists are as follows:

• Not being able to rest at night.
• Paying exorbitant amounts for a rental.
• See how local crafts are giving way to chain manufacturing.

Thus, fewer and fewer residents continue to live in the city, and those who remain there do so because tourism is their vital sustenance. In fact, Orozo Alvarado and Quintero Santos (2008) argue that in some destinations there is a process of colonization through tourism that can cause various socio-cultural impacts. Let’s go deeper. 

Why does tourismophobia only occur in some destinations?

There are massive destinations such as the Canary Islands, the Dominican Republic or Peru that, despite the large volume of tourists they host, have not experienced this phenomenon. 

Perhaps it is because their designs are focused on tourism and the local citizenship is linked to this dimension of their country; be that as it may, tourism has not had a negative entry into its neighborhoods.

Rebellion against the tourist

It is increasingly common to hear news about how some cities rebel against the massive arrival of tourists.

Barcelona, ​​Rome, Palma de Mallorca, Venice, Berlin, Toronto, New Orleans or some Asian cities have made themselves heard through social networks to explain their dissatisfaction with the occupation of their places of residence.

Tourism is a million dollar industry. However, the tourist overcrowding, on occasions, can attract problems of coexistence, cause the rise in housing prices and destroy the local business fabric.

Changes in local culture

The handicrafts produced in the different places can be transformed into a low-cost product, as it is manufactured wholesale in order to sell more competitively to tourists. Thus, the roots of heritage and cultural tradition are lost.

In order to satisfy mass tourism, imitation items are produced and marketed at low prices in which the artisan does not intervene. In this way, the large Asian factories are in charge of and benefited from its manufacture.

Neighborhood actions

Vindictive graffiti, neighborhood demonstrations and protests on social networks try to make known that the problem of tourist overcrowding is everyone’s business.

It is also intended to publicize the importance of becoming aware that neighborhoods and cities are being left empty in front of tourist accommodation, holiday apartments and low cost hotels.

While some businesses rub their hands, others are forced to close their doors : hosting tourists has become a double-edged sword.

More and more owners are turning their flats into tourist apartments to get the maximum profitability. The reality is that what the tenant can pay for a month’s rent, the tourist pays in a week’s stay.

Finding a home is mission impossible

Searching for a home, either to buy or rent, has become an arduous task when the area in question is crowded with tourists.

This is a circumstance that is causing the transformation of the historic centers of the main cities. In fact, if we take a walk through the main tourist places, we will quickly discover that the usual stores have closed to make way for others destined for tourism.

Environmental impact

Some of the most negative environmental impacts that must be faced, if we want to stop the deterioration of these attractive destinations  are:

• The saturation of infrastructure and public services to accommodate indiscriminate urban growth.
• An architecture incapable of integrating into the landscape.
• Noise, atmospheric and residual pollution.

Tourismophobia versus tourism fees

Tourism is the main way of life in many cities and capitals of the world. For these cities to reach their economic needs, the arrival of millions of tourists who leave their money in bars, shops, museums, accommodation or transport is inevitable.

The important thing is to be aware that not everything goes. Therefore, regulating tourist rates is not unreasonable and it is necessary to establish a maximum ceiling for visitor places.

This does not mean destroying tourism, but rather improving coexistence, ending speculation in the rental of homes and promoting a responsible, sustainable and balanced model.

If we can carry out this premise in the medium term, we can continue to enjoy our dream destinations!