This is a huge and controversial topic (as you already know!) and it's very interesting to read about it from the point of view of someone who has been on both sides on the debate. I really hope the music school survives. It's a really the perfect representation of the entire situation: music/culture/posterity/community versus short term profit/profit/oh did I mention profit?!
Um, yes, I think you did mention profit once or twice. Yes, you are exactly right, that's what it comes down to. Which is not a bad thing, it just needs some balance neighborhoods and communities don't lose their essence and people while tourism still contributes to the economy. I'm sure someone is studying this issue somewhere and I hope they hurry up with the answers.
Thank you so much for commenting, vecina. I'm sure you see tourism issues in your neighbhorhood as well.
Yes you are right. I tend to fixate on profit as a bad thing, but as with many things in life it's really more about balance. La Latina has really changed a lot, and quickly… it's the first time in my ten years here I’ve thought it might be time to try a new barrio soon! 😟
As a visitor in Spain this past spring I was stunned by the number of fellow visitors. Some streets in Toledo felt like the Epcot Center except gorgeous and real. Similarly with popular areas of Madrid and Barcelona—yet we were always treated so kindly and felt welcomed. I wondered quite a bit while we were there for how long the level of tourism had clearly exceeded the capacity of the cities to function in their own right.
The short term rentals seem a painful symptom not the cause? The cause is the huge number of people who wish to travel and that they are allowed unfettered access. This over-tourism is happening to popular destinations world wide. It will be interesting to see how different countries and destinations respond.
I felt this impingement when the January 6 militias literally encamped (with their armaments!) in our local hotels in our community just outside DC and walked around the streets demonstrating their legal right to bear arms. This was an excess of tourism in my view and I didn’t leave my home for the day of the insurrection for fear of personal safety. Was this really a legal or welcome use of the resources of our community in Virginia?
Andrea, I am glad you were able to find your way to your lovely square and building before this crisis began to peak, dear friend. I appreciate you for your brain that can change its mind given new perspectives :)
I remember finding the name of the threatened music school when I searched for local music shops in Madrid during my visit. These shops all seem to be retail on the first or second floors of tall buildings in popular areas. I hope some will be spared!!
Thank you, Carol, for your thoughtful comment. I read a comment in one of the articles about out-of-control tourism at a beach in Spain where there was no sand to be seen as it was covered with towels. The article said something like there were so many people that Spaniards didn't want to come anymore because it was swamped with tourists. The tourist replied that there weren't too many people for a tourist. In other words, they'll put up with anything just to be lolling in the sun at a Spanish beach.
Your experience on January 6 sounds frightening. I guess that was in the name of freedom to stay in the hotels, bring guns, and wander the streets.
Not suprisingly, it seems like making money is the bottom line no matter what harm comes of it. I hope many of the beautiful places in the world and local communities figure out a long-term solution.
Andrea - I love reading your thoughtful essays. This is an issue that has come up in many places. In our own little town of Cornwall CT, families who have lived here for generations are finding it impossible for their children to remain because of the shortage of affordable housing. The local inn has lost revenue because of Airbnb and VRBO rentals. All of this was exacerbated by the pandemic when folks decamped from Boston and New York City. There are few businesses here, but long-standing family businesses catering to the local population have been overtaken by upscale markets and bakeries, electric bike shops, etc. Change is constant and inevitable, but figuring out sustainable options to counter the negative aspects and enhance the positive is a challenge for a new generation! Sending hugs to you and Fabio.
Karen, thank you for your kind comments about the Snippets and those on yet another place where tourism is changing the demographics and economics of a traditional place. Yes, change has to happen but there must be a better balance between those who can afford fancy bakeries and those who would prefer the old, traditional style. I hope a new generation starts to figure this out soon.
We have very much the same problem on Cape Cod. It's so difficult, because people require tourist dollars to survive, but can't afford to live where the tourists are.
It really is a dilemma. In so many places, the people who work there can't afford to live there though they make living there possible and enjoyable. One would think the town or city would set aside properties for affordable housing but there are probably many financial disincentives for property owners for a scheme like that. Alas.
Si, podría ser un poco difícil. Se dice que muchos padres (ricos) compran a sus hijos universitarios un piso acá a pesar de la condición de ello. Este factor también sube el precio y limita las opciones. Por lo menos podemos ayudarle encontrar un piso adecuado.
Lovely essay- as per! Challenging issue facing so many cities and tourists spots here in Australia as well. Your stats are amazing, dispersed like tiny seeds amidst the blossoming personal vignettes and photos - great writing style! 💚
Thank you for your thoughtful comment, Betz. Much appreciated. I'm sure that Oz is facing the same dilemma as are many places the world over. It's conflicting to want people to enjoy and appreciate one's country but, at the same time, not overrun or abuse it. It also contributes in many cases to employment and income. I'll be looking for more examples and possibilities for sustainable tourism we we travel. Like to Australia :)
Wonderful, insightful post, Andrea. It’s such a dilemma. I struggled with the “Epcotization” of towns like Dubrovnik in Croatia and Kotor, Montenegro, where there are literally no residents and all the housing is for the tourists.
This is a huge and controversial topic (as you already know!) and it's very interesting to read about it from the point of view of someone who has been on both sides on the debate. I really hope the music school survives. It's a really the perfect representation of the entire situation: music/culture/posterity/community versus short term profit/profit/oh did I mention profit?!
Um, yes, I think you did mention profit once or twice. Yes, you are exactly right, that's what it comes down to. Which is not a bad thing, it just needs some balance neighborhoods and communities don't lose their essence and people while tourism still contributes to the economy. I'm sure someone is studying this issue somewhere and I hope they hurry up with the answers.
Thank you so much for commenting, vecina. I'm sure you see tourism issues in your neighbhorhood as well.
Yes you are right. I tend to fixate on profit as a bad thing, but as with many things in life it's really more about balance. La Latina has really changed a lot, and quickly… it's the first time in my ten years here I’ve thought it might be time to try a new barrio soon! 😟
As a visitor in Spain this past spring I was stunned by the number of fellow visitors. Some streets in Toledo felt like the Epcot Center except gorgeous and real. Similarly with popular areas of Madrid and Barcelona—yet we were always treated so kindly and felt welcomed. I wondered quite a bit while we were there for how long the level of tourism had clearly exceeded the capacity of the cities to function in their own right.
The short term rentals seem a painful symptom not the cause? The cause is the huge number of people who wish to travel and that they are allowed unfettered access. This over-tourism is happening to popular destinations world wide. It will be interesting to see how different countries and destinations respond.
I felt this impingement when the January 6 militias literally encamped (with their armaments!) in our local hotels in our community just outside DC and walked around the streets demonstrating their legal right to bear arms. This was an excess of tourism in my view and I didn’t leave my home for the day of the insurrection for fear of personal safety. Was this really a legal or welcome use of the resources of our community in Virginia?
Andrea, I am glad you were able to find your way to your lovely square and building before this crisis began to peak, dear friend. I appreciate you for your brain that can change its mind given new perspectives :)
I remember finding the name of the threatened music school when I searched for local music shops in Madrid during my visit. These shops all seem to be retail on the first or second floors of tall buildings in popular areas. I hope some will be spared!!
Thank you, Carol, for your thoughtful comment. I read a comment in one of the articles about out-of-control tourism at a beach in Spain where there was no sand to be seen as it was covered with towels. The article said something like there were so many people that Spaniards didn't want to come anymore because it was swamped with tourists. The tourist replied that there weren't too many people for a tourist. In other words, they'll put up with anything just to be lolling in the sun at a Spanish beach.
Your experience on January 6 sounds frightening. I guess that was in the name of freedom to stay in the hotels, bring guns, and wander the streets.
Not suprisingly, it seems like making money is the bottom line no matter what harm comes of it. I hope many of the beautiful places in the world and local communities figure out a long-term solution.
Andrea - I love reading your thoughtful essays. This is an issue that has come up in many places. In our own little town of Cornwall CT, families who have lived here for generations are finding it impossible for their children to remain because of the shortage of affordable housing. The local inn has lost revenue because of Airbnb and VRBO rentals. All of this was exacerbated by the pandemic when folks decamped from Boston and New York City. There are few businesses here, but long-standing family businesses catering to the local population have been overtaken by upscale markets and bakeries, electric bike shops, etc. Change is constant and inevitable, but figuring out sustainable options to counter the negative aspects and enhance the positive is a challenge for a new generation! Sending hugs to you and Fabio.
Karen, thank you for your kind comments about the Snippets and those on yet another place where tourism is changing the demographics and economics of a traditional place. Yes, change has to happen but there must be a better balance between those who can afford fancy bakeries and those who would prefer the old, traditional style. I hope a new generation starts to figure this out soon.
Abrazos to you and Hernan as well. Thank you.
We have very much the same problem on Cape Cod. It's so difficult, because people require tourist dollars to survive, but can't afford to live where the tourists are.
It really is a dilemma. In so many places, the people who work there can't afford to live there though they make living there possible and enjoyable. One would think the town or city would set aside properties for affordable housing but there are probably many financial disincentives for property owners for a scheme like that. Alas.
Thanks for your comments and thoughts, as ever.
Que buen reporte, me asusta por Simon que próximamente tendrá q pasar por la búsqueda de vivienda.
Si, podría ser un poco difícil. Se dice que muchos padres (ricos) compran a sus hijos universitarios un piso acá a pesar de la condición de ello. Este factor también sube el precio y limita las opciones. Por lo menos podemos ayudarle encontrar un piso adecuado.
Lovely essay- as per! Challenging issue facing so many cities and tourists spots here in Australia as well. Your stats are amazing, dispersed like tiny seeds amidst the blossoming personal vignettes and photos - great writing style! 💚
Thank you for your thoughtful comment, Betz. Much appreciated. I'm sure that Oz is facing the same dilemma as are many places the world over. It's conflicting to want people to enjoy and appreciate one's country but, at the same time, not overrun or abuse it. It also contributes in many cases to employment and income. I'll be looking for more examples and possibilities for sustainable tourism we we travel. Like to Australia :)
Wonderful, insightful post, Andrea. It’s such a dilemma. I struggled with the “Epcotization” of towns like Dubrovnik in Croatia and Kotor, Montenegro, where there are literally no residents and all the housing is for the tourists.
Such a shame, Dana. There must an equitable solution somewhere. Thank you for reading and commenting!
So informative and glad to know what's going on in the fast-paced world.
Thanks for reading and commenting, Karin. Much appreciated.
This is a well researched and interesting piece. The writing is polished and engaging, and this is a true and timely "snippet" from Spain. Well done!
Thank you, Tim!! How kind of you to say all that. I imagine you experience some of these effects of tourism in New Zealand.