‘Overtourism’ and ‘overimmigration’ are subjective terms that mean essentially the samething.
Discuss.
Thanks to Chris Kittishinnakuppe,Nicolaus Sulistyo,andJohn Morris Williamsfor taking the time to consider the question. Their responses appear in the order received.
And thanks toKevin Phunfor thinking about the authenticity of intent when pursuing sustainability certification. It’s a “Good Tourism” Insight BiteX.
Have a thought to share? Respond in the comments at any time. Or write a Bite of yourown.
In Bali, overtourism isworse
Nicolaus Sulistyo, media and communications officer,IDEP Foundation, Indonesia
The claim that ‘overtourism’ and ‘overimmigration’ are essentially the same might sound convincing. Some may even see them as overlapping phenomena. Both, after all, speak of the anxiety that arises when limited resources are stretched toothin.
Earlier this year, Bank Indonesia reported that the tourism sector contributes around 44% to Bali’s economy. This figure underscores how central tourism is for the island.
Yet, on the other side, more than a thousand villas with private swimming pools depend upon groundwater extraction, accelerating the depletion of aquifers. Major rivers such as Ayung and Pakerisan have also seen quality decline due to pollution.
Tourists in Bali are unlikely to notice this. Water always flows in hotel rooms and villas, and their pools remain full. The crisis is invisible, kept far from visitors’reach.
Meanwhile, locals face dry wells and unequal water distribution in several areas. This is the face of overtourism, where the wheels of the industry are driven by economic growth, while the social and cultural dimensions — arguably its real fuel — are left behind.
Overimmigration, however, tells a different story. Migration can take many forms: people moving across countries, newcomers blending into local culture and identity, or those seeking work and education opportunities.
In Bali, many of these newcomers aspire to secure permanent housing. What starts as a temporary visit can shift into a desire to settle. In this sense, overimmigration can be read as a “slow accident”, waiting for its “inevitable moment”.
Thus, equating the two terms is an oversimplification. Both involve competition over resources, but in Bali, overtourism is what visibly accelerates environmental degradation and challenges the island’s sustainable future.
John Morris Williams, Group General Manager, Sanakeo Boutique Hotel & Flora by Sanakeo, Laos
Overtourism occurs where a destination is so overrun with people that it is difficult for anyone, visitor or local alike, to appreciate the beauty of theplace.
This is what I call ‘retarded tourism’, where tourism departments fail to value what they have; preferring instead to count heads inbeds.
There should be a daily limit for access to certain areas so that people who want to explore, experience, and pay their respects can doso.
These places should not be treated like cash cows. Their local culture, heritage, and environment must be preserved for the long term, not sacrificed to quarterly metrics!
Most agree withthis.
However, the notion of overimmigration is easy to unfairly disparage and dismiss.
As in overtourism, the “over” in overimmigration means “too much”. It’s not that migrants aren’t welcome, it’s that their numbers and/or their attitudes may be inappropriate.
In Cymru [Wales], both Plaid Cymru and Labour seem keen to welcome “illegals” who don’t speak Welsh and have no idea about nor respect for our culture, heritage, and history.
In Cymru, and the UK more broadly, until our own people feel in full control of their destiny; until the appropriate housing and infrastructure is in place; and until trust is restored in local politics, we cannot possibly be considered a sanctuary nation.
In any place, the arrival of people who don’t fit in — be they tourists or migrants — is difficult enough to deal with. This is only exacerbated by pre-existing social and economic problems.
In the UK, we have veterans on the streets, old-age pensioners struggling to make ends meet, and young people raised with little sense of purpose; little pride in their culture, heritage, and history.
As we like to say in earnest talks about tourism, we must respect the local community.
It’s all about overtourism in KhaoSok
Chris Kittishinnakuppe, Head of Marketing & Sales,VHG Hospitality Asia, Thailand
Tucked away in Surat Thani, Thailand, Khao Sok National Park is often described as a hidden gem; though it’s hardly hidden anymore. Towering limestone cliffs rise above the rainforest, Cheow Lan Lake shimmers in shifting shades of green, and the jungle hums with life that has existed for millions of years. It’s no wonder travellers keep coming.
But popularity has its price. Talk to locals and you’ll hear two stories: one about jobs, homestays, and the opportunities that tourism has created, and another about packed boats on the lake, overflowing bins, and jungle trails worn thin. For many, the worry is simple; the park could lose the quiet magic that makes it special.
This is what people mean when they talk about overtourism. It isn’t just about numbers; it’s about the tipping point when a place feels stretched. Venice reached that point years ago. So did parts of Barcelona. Khao Sok isn’t there yet, but the signs are appearing.
Still, there are ways forward. Community-led tourism distributes visitors more evenly and gives residents a stake in maintaining the park’s health. Limits on floating bungalows and stricter rules for trekking are already in place. And travellers themselves can choose to tread lighter: staying longer instead of rushing through, supporting guides who care about conservation, or simply visiting outside peak season.
Khao Sok’s story is really about balance. Growth and protection don’t have to be opposites if choices are made carefully. If managed well, the park can remain both a source of livelihood for the people who live there and a haven for those who seek a rainforest escape.
VHG-affiliated Anurak Community Lodge, located at the edge of Khao Sok National Park, is a valued “Good Tourism” Partner.
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The authenticity ofintentwhen pursuing sustainability certification
Kevin Phun, founder, Centre for Responsible Tourism Singapore; lead independent expert Southeast Asia and the Pacific, Green Destinations
There is something beautiful about a genuine commitment to sustainability during the pursuit of certification.
Increasingly, certification is preferred, if not required, by clients and stakeholders such as governments and procurement agencies. This makes its pursuit all the more pertinent.
The intent behind seeking certification determines the approach. Some will pursue it with a tick-box attitude, aiming to finish as quickly as possible. Others see it as a learning process (completed in good time, of course).
We advocate for the latter; certification should be an opportunity to learn how to adopt best practices and adapt to new situations.
There is much wisdom within a standard, the document on which an auditor bases their checks. Its criteria provide guidance for the organisation, and the process should involve finding innovative ways to meet them. Tackling sustainability obligations in multiple ways enhances efficiency and can lead to cost savings.
Naturally, an intention behind certification is to showcase it. This is not simply about impressing people; it is a way to communicate your journey of contributing to society and the environment, inviting others to see what you do and explore partnerships.
While it is expedient to display a certifier’s stamp of approval, remember that guests are more interested in their own holiday than your virtues. They are more likely to appreciate your sustainability initiatives if those initiatives enhance their stay, or if they can see how your practices positively affect their experience.
The Centre for Responsible Tourism Singapore is a valued “GT” Partner.
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Featured image (top ofpost)
A Gemini-generated image from the prompt: “Create an abstract image representing overtourism and overimmigration”. “GT” added “Overit”.
