The debate over who’s responsible for overtourism in popular destinations has taken an interesting turn. Ryanair’s boss has weighed in on the issue, shifting the blame from flights to Airbnb and cruise ships. According to the airline executive, these two sectors are major contributors to the problem, rather than the aviation industry. This stance is somewhat supported by Airbnb’s own arguments, which point to hotels, cruise ships, and airlines as primary culprits behind the strain on tourism destinations in Europe. Airbnb emphasizes that the continent’s housing crisis would be better addressed by building more homes rather than additional hotels.
It’s worth noting that the discussion around overtourism is complex, involving various stakeholders and industries. While Ryanair’s boss may be trying to deflect blame, the reality likely involves a combination of factors, including air travel, accommodation options like Airbnb, and large tourist groups such as those brought in by cruise ships. As cities and governments grapple with managing tourism sustainably, the conversation around responsibility and solutions will continue to evolve.
