Posted on 10/28/2017 2:34:11 PM PDT by BenLurkin
So many tourists head up to the Hollywood sign to snap selfies that Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti has suggested building a gondola to reduce congestion on nearby streets and hiking trails.
At Zion National Park, the crowds are so heavy that park officials are considering a congestion management plan that would require visitors to make reservations to enter the popular Utah park.
The problem isn't unique to the U.S.
Venice, Italy, has been so overrun with tourists that the city recently launched a campaign urging visitors not to litter, swim in the canals or cycle in the city center.
The sightseer crush, known as "overtourism," has been noted in Barcelona, Spain, and Reykjavik, Iceland, among other popular European destinations.
Extreme crowding made the agenda at a recent gathering in Los Angeles of the World Tourism Cities Federation, a nonprofit international tourism organization whose slogan is "Better cities through tourism."
Top tourism destinations need to do a better job managing crowds, said Chris Bottrill, a professor of tourism network and destination development at Canada's Capilano University. One solution, he said, is to encourage tourists to visit lesser-known destinations nearby.
"The reality is there are many other attractions that people can see and reduce the stress on the major attractions," he said.
In the U.S., the problem is most prominent at national parks, many of which have addressed crowds by adding extra staff and shuttle buses, among other efforts.
"You have to take care of your resources in order to not lose your customers," said Jeff Olson, a spokesman for the National Park Service.
(Excerpt) Read more at beta.latimes.com ...
“Suggested to my wife going to Yellowstone once more in this life and she reminded me of the lines of people&cars everywhere.
Same with Yosemite, not been to the valley floor in 50 years. Endless line of RVs from what I saw way up above.”
If I want a road rage traffic jam I’ll just drive around Chicago thank you very much.
Wyalusing State Park Wisconsin.
No kidding? Only cost me $10 or less, about the entry fee into the park.
“Thailand encourages tourism, as it’s a big part of their economy. They have been playing to the Chinese low-budget tourists lately, to the tune of about 9 million a year at present. Hour+ long lines at immigration, thousands of tour buses, complete mayhem at all-you-can-eat buffets and etc. They walk around like cattle, shout at each other and even let their kids crap on the sidewalks.”
And enjoy the next Tsunami and poisonous snakes.
Thanks for the suggestion. I’ll add to my to visit list.
“Wyalusing State Park Wisconsin.”
Thanks for the suggestion. I’ll add to my to visit list.
That’s my understanding, the senior lifetime passes were stopped a few years ago, but yours is still valid.
Yes it does.
I had just turned 65 and one of my BIL’s bought the pass for me at Muir Woods as a present for taking them to the park.
It has been a great present and gift.
https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm#CP_JUMP_5088578
The senior lifetime passes are still available:
Senior Pass
•Cost: •$80 Lifetime Senior Pass
•$20 Annual Senior Pass
•Available for: U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or over. Applicants must provide documentation of age and residency or citizenship.
•How to purchase: •In person at a federal recreation site (see PDF list of federal recreation sites that issue passes)
•Online–buy the lifetime pass or the annual pass online now through the USGS store!
•Through the mail using this application form (PDF).
•NOTE: There is an additional cost of $10 for passes purchased online or by mail. See more information about changes to the Senior Pass.
My favorite is still DEAD HORSE POINT Utah. First there in 1955. No paved roads, no walkways, no guard rails, no drinking water, rock cairns everywhere from people making Uranium claims.
Now the roads are paved, walkways everywhere service entrances guard rails. Still magnificent!
Confluence of Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers. Big bluffs on both sides. Breathtaking with fall colors.
“Pick the off season times. You’ll see more and enjoy it more. Walk the paths and it really thins out.”
Decades ago, my wife and I planned to get married in late August.
Several family members on both sides suggest getting married in the middle of September to early October. You have great weather, less crowds and lower prices at great places.
We got married in the latter part of September.
So for our anniversaries, we go to great places, with minimal tourists, lower prices and usually the best weather of the year.
Yes it is good at all national parks. We got our years ago and still using it. Got back from Arches National Park yesterday. Fabulous park.
“Exactly. If there’s man caused GW, it’s because there are over twice as many people as there were when I was a kid, most of them cooking and heating over wood fires.”
There isnt.b
Went to Yosemite in the 60`s and 70`s with the family..Gorgeous and not crowded..Haven’t bothered last 30 years.
We live near Rocky Mountain National Park. Yes, it slows down after peak season, but not as much as it used to.
All of us white-beards with our $10 lifetime passes still go.
“My favorite is still DEAD HORSE POINT Utah”
Looks beautiful on its website. Another stop for my Utah trip next year.
Then I may be wrong. My info was from local radio last week discussing the fee increase for RMNP and several people said they did away with the lifetime passes.
That made sense to me, everything seems to end just before I am able to take advantage. Started with the gas rationing just as I was getting my license.
Haven’t been in several years, but it was sure busy the last time.
Then I may be wrong. My info was from local radio last week discussing the fee increase for RMNP and several people said they did away with the lifetime passes.
That made sense to me, everything seems to end just before I am able to take advantage. Started with the gas rationing just as I was getting my license.
I just shared it in case someone else might still want to purchase a pass. It looks like they’ll keep them even in the future, but the price will go up, I’m sure, if they raise other prices.
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