 |
|
|
 |
21 Mar 2019
Faroe Islands prepare for summer rush by saying no to tourism in April
BY
Tom Anstey
|
 |
|
|
|
|
In a bid to tackle rising overtourism, the Faroe Islands is closing its doors to visitors next month, with a team of volunteers set to spend three days undertaking a number of tasks to prepare the country for its summer influx of visitors. With a population of around 50,000 people but annual visitation double that, the Faroes – an island national governed by Denmark – is no stranger to a busy tourism season.
Fuelled by cheaper flights, greater affluence, the media and new accommodation platforms, tourism has skyrocketed in recent times. International arrivals globally have increased from 25m in 1950, to more than 1.3bn in 2017. The growth of this recession-proof industry is projected to continue year-on-year and the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) forecasts it reaching 1.8bn in 2030.
For the Faroes, to accommodate the huge number of tourists during its summer months – more than two tourists for every one resident – the island will close to visitors between 26 and 28 April. During that time, a team of 100 ‘voluntourists’ will be provided with accommodation, food and lodging. In return, they will carry out manual labour to get the island prepared for the summer.
"We're keen to keep our green islands unspoiled," said a statement from Visit Faroe Islands – the country's tourism body.
"The fragile natural environment in a few popular tourist locations has felt the effects of an increase in visitors. These areas need a helping hand to ensure they remain pristine; sustainability is the goal."
The tourism campaign will see the team of volunteers work with local villagers and farmers to identify several areas where work is needed, hopefully paving the way for a sustainable future for the islands.
Projects will include the construction of walking paths and viewpoints to help preserve nature and birdlife sanctuaries, and the erection of signs to help with wayfinding.
"We hope that our new project may inspire other countries to follow suit, and to set up their own maintenance crews, thereby encouraging tourists to help in whatever way is needed to deal with the particular problem(s) affecting that destination," said the statement.
For more on overtourism, see the Q1 edition of Attractions Management, available here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Connect with
World Leisure |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| News headlines |
|
|
 |
 |
|
26 Apr 2024
There is speculation that Basic Fit will sell the five Spanish Holmes Place clubs it has just acquired from RSG Group in a 47-club deal. In the Q1
.... more>> |
|
|
|
 |
|
25 Apr 2024
Kerzner International has signed deals to operate two new Siro recovery hotels in Mexico and Saudi Arabia, following the launch of the inaugural Siro
.... more>> |
|
|
|
 |
|
24 Apr 2024
The US spa industry is continuing its upward trajectory, achieving an unprecedented milestone with a record-breaking revenue of US$21.3 billion in
.... more>> |
|
|
|
 |
|
24 Apr 2024
Short-term incentives to exercise, such as using daily reminders, rewards or games, can lead to sustained increases in activity, according to new
.... more>> |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
| Company profile |
|
Perfect Gym Solutions S.A.
Perfect Gym is a global software provider specialising in fitness and recreation facility management solutions. Trusted by over 1,500+ sites across 55+ countries, our scalable platform caters to a diverse array of businesses.
View full profile>> |
|
| Catalogue gallery |
|
|
| Featured Supplier |
|
 |
|
|
|
in this issue
• Virgin gets right to wipe out rent arrears
• Fitness industry mourns passing of Jan Spaticchia
• STA offers mindfulness resources
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
| World Leisure jobs |
 |
Party Leader
Salary: Competitive
Location: Gainsborough
Company: Everyone Active
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Diary dates |
|
| Powered
by leisurediary.com |
 |
|
|
|
|
