Locals across Cumbria are worried that the Lake District could face overtourism (Image: Getty)
Overtourism is a word that travellers around the world are hearing more and more, as an increasing number of popular destinations across the globe continue to suffer from the impact of mass tourism. Spain, Greece, and Malta are just a few of the many summer hotspots that are often associated with severe overtourism.
In parts of the UK, mass crowds taking over some of the country’s most cherished spots have also become a familiar issue. The Lake District, beloved for its breathtaking landscapes, has reportedly become the next victim.
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Cornwall and the Cotswolds are already two destinations that have suffered at the hands of mass numbers of holidaymakers, and according to locals in Cumbria, parts of the Lake District, such as Ambleside, Windermere and Coniston, could be next.
Despite only being designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017, the mountain range has drawn people from around the world for generations. Around 18 million people visit the Lake District every year, with 41 million exploring the wider Cumbrian region.
Dr Karen Lloyd told the Daily Mail that tourism has become « incredibly disruptive for local people » in recent years, with residents facing « gridlocked roads » when trying to visit some of the most stunning parts of the lake.
Residents are also concerned about the environmental damage high traffic could cause across the area.
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The Lake District has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2017 (Image: Getty)
Dr Lloyd says she now « hardly ever goes into the Lake District and hasn’t done for years » because it gets so busy during the day. She added that trying to get a visit is « unpleasant ».
Another issue is the rise in second homes being purchased, pricing many who have lived in the area their whole lives out.
The Lake District’s World Heritage status is believed to have drawn greater attention to the region, and the idea of the title being completely removed is one the author has suggested, though she explained that it would be « controversial ».
Steps are being taken to address issues like targeting second homes.
Local authorities are permitted to double the council tax on second homes, as part of the Government’s Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023. The initiative is being introduced across Cumbria.
The funds are then used to support communities and services within the area.
Residents are not saying that they do not want tourists to visit the districts at all, but they are concerned about what future impact it will have across the region.
Gill Haigh, managing director of Cumbria Tourism, told the Daily Mail: « Tourism contributes around £4.6billion to Cumbria, supporting more than 74,000 jobs and underpinning local facilities such as transport, shops, culture and schools.
« Getting the accommodation balance right, including more affordable housing, is a key part of this, and we look forward to the introduction of the Government’s short-term lets registration scheme. »
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