Canadians care.According to a new survey from Flight Centre conducted by YouGov, the vast majority of Canadian travellers (71%) are concerned about the impacts of overtourism.They’ve seen the news about mass tourism protests in Europe—including thousands of Canary Islands residents taking to the streets in May to call for tighter restrictions, better infrastructure and stronger protections for locals—and they’re taking this information to heart.
“Canadians are curious by nature, but they’re also conscientious,” says Nate Mosher, Travel Expert at Flight Centre Canada. “They want to see the world without overwhelming it, and that often means taking the road less travelled.”
Overtourism: Survey Insights
- Overcrowding: 78% of Canadians say that many travel attractions are too busy to enjoy fully
- Destination Dupes: 81% would swap a popular destination for a similar spot that’s less crowded
- Tourist Fees: 57% would be willing to pay a destination fee to support sustainable tourism efforts
- Anti-Tourism Protests: 53% agree that local anti-tourism protesters in heavily visited areas are right to believe that tourists should stop or reduce their travel there
Overwhelmingly, Canadians want the space to enjoy travel without the negative impacts of overtourism: crowding, high prices, environmental damage, noise and an overall less pleasurable experience for locals and tourists alike. Several practices improve travel for everyone, including visiting hidden gems in less-touristed towns and cities, travelling during off-peak season, and supporting small, local businesses.
“Responsible tourism doesn’t mean compromising on experiences,” says Mosher. “It means discovering unique places like Montenegro instead of Croatia or Sevilla instead of Barcelona, and doing it at the right time of year. You still get incredible memories, but with fewer crowds and more connection to the place you are visiting. And those small choices help make those destinations stay special for the people who live there—and for the travellers who will visit next”
A Flight Centre travel expert can advise alternative destinations that can support visitors, quieter periods to plan a vacation, tourist fee requirements and more. The result? Canadians make wonderful memories while also protecting communities, environments and historical landmarks worldwide.
