Overtourism has become a pressing issue for many popular destinations worldwide, with overcrowding straining local infrastructure and diminishing the visitor experience. Now, Booking.com CEO Glenn Fogel has proposed an unconventional solution: a 'holiday lottery' system.
The Lottery Concept
Fogel suggests that travellers could enter a random selection process for the chance to visit highly sought-after locations. This approach would theoretically distribute visitors more evenly throughout the year and prevent the overwhelming surges that many destinations currently face.
Why This Approach?
The travel industry executive argues that traditional solutions like raising prices or limiting numbers through permits haven't sufficiently addressed the problem. A lottery system, he believes, could offer a fairer way to manage demand while maintaining accessibility.
Industry Reactions
While some tourism experts welcome innovative thinking, others question the practicality of such a system. Concerns include:
- Implementation challenges across different countries and regions
- Potential impact on last-minute travellers
- How it might affect local businesses dependent on steady visitor numbers
The Bigger Picture
Fogel's proposal comes as overtourism reaches critical levels in cities like Venice, Barcelona and Dubrovnik, where residents have protested against the negative impacts of mass tourism. The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily alleviated these pressures but also highlighted many destinations' economic dependence on tourism.
As travel rebounds to pre-pandemic levels, the industry faces growing pressure to develop sustainable solutions that balance economic benefits with quality of life for local communities.
