Greenpeace Warns Of Six Threats From ‘predatory Tourism’

Tourism is simply a cardinal driver of nan economy, but erstwhile overcrowding takes over, villages go unliveable. Greenpeace has launched a nationwide run informing of what it calls “predatory tourism”, which it says puts residents’ wellbeing, nan situation and moreover nan early of tourism itself astatine risk.

The biology group argues nan problem is not tourism, but “how much”. While administrations push for ever-increasing visitant numbers, towns are near to carnivore nan costs. Greenpeace calls for limits connected wide tourism and for a caller exemplary balancing section needs pinch biology boundaries.

The run highlights six urgent challenges, galore of which are already visible successful nan Costa Blanca.

1. Housing situation – Short-term rentals are pushing locals out. Denia has projected capping tourer accommodation astatine 50 beds per 100 residents successful nan centre, while Calpe has banned converting commercialized premises into rentals. Yet prices proceed to soar, pinch an 80m² level successful Denia averaging €960 a month.
2. Overbuilding – Construction is encroaching connected protected sites. Denia, Javea and Calpe are seeing caller developments contempt biology concerns, while Pego and Llíber look mega-projects of thousands of homes adjacent delicate earthy areas.
3. Crowded beauty spots – Measures specified arsenic limiting visitors to Denia’s Cova Tallada aliases Javea’s coves help, but coastal areas stay overwhelmed. Authorities are moreover considering introduction fees for definite locations.
4. Poor carrier – With nary train links to Valencia and constricted autobus services, astir each visitors get by car. Greenpeace warns against further description of airports and ports, specified arsenic Javea’s projected harbour upgrade.
5. Water scarcity – Towns are rushing to unafraid caller supplies done desalination plants and wells, but experts pass ample developments deficiency sustainable resources.
6. Economic dependence – Greenpeace urges diversification, yet advancement remains slow. Industrial parks successful Pedreguer, Ondara and Gata exist, but galore entrepreneurs still relocate owed to deficiency of alternatives.

For Greenpeace, nan Costa Blanca epitomises nan urgent request to rethink nan tourism exemplary earlier nan region’s “golden goose” is lost.

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