Sintra, Portugal faces challenges due to overtourism, as residents report significant issues with increased tourist numbers during the summer of 2024. The influx, reaching 5,000 daily visitors, strains local infrastructure and disrupts daily life, leading to heavy traffic and long wait times at attractions. Factors such as post-pandemic pent-up travel demand, digital nomad programs, and foreign investment drive this surge, contributing to rising housing costs. Protests arise as local communities demand better tourism management to protect their living conditions. In response, city officials in Sintra implement measures to reduce visitor numbers and manage traffic. Other regions, including Barcelona and parts of Japan, also engage in efforts to control tourism impact. The World Travel and Tourism Council predicts continued growth in Portugal’s tourism sector, raising concerns about sustaining community integrity. Discussions on sustainable tourism practices emphasize the need to balance economic benefits with residents' rights to ensure coexistence.
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