A Brief 700-Year History of Overtourism
Foreign tourists like to complain there are too many of themselves. But the locals do too — and have horror stories to tell. A grainy CCTV video apparently shows a visitor to the crowded Uffizi Gallery in Florence awkwardly posing in front of an 18th portrait of a Medici heir only to buckle a bit and tear a hole in the painting with either his hand or elbow. Last summer, the mayor of Rome declared that 'there can certainly be no space for hooligans and idiots' after a visitor allegedly used a key to carve his name into a wall of the Colosseum. The previous year, a visitor from Bristol had done the same and pleaded ignorance of the monument's antiquity. A month ago, there were news accounts of an American tourist who impaled himself on a metal fence while trying to take a selfie at the 1,953-year-old ruin. The veracity of those reports, however, has been questioned. For many Italians, however, it was the perfect fable of comeuppance: Foolish tourist gets punished by his own foolishness.
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CNN
2 hours ago
- CNN
Watch out, Orlando, a new world theme park capital is rising in the Arabian desert
EDITOR'S NOTE: This CNN Travel series is, or was, sponsored by the country it highlights. CNN retains full editorial control over subject matter, reporting and frequency of the articles and videos within the sponsorship, in compliance with our policy. For decades, Orlando has reigned as the global capital of theme parks — a place where Disney, Universal, SeaWorld and countless other attractions have drawn millions of visitors. But a challenger for the crown has emerged from an unlikely place: the deserts of the Arabian Gulf. In a destination once known more for oil wealth and camel racing than roller coasters, Abu Dhabi is building an adrenaline-charged playground that could give Orlando a run for its money. And it just landed the ultimate weapon: Disney. In May 2025, when Disney announced its first new theme park in 15 years, it chose Abu Dhabi over other key theme park destinations in California, Japan and even Orlando. There was 'no question,' says Josh D'Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences. The UAE capital, already home to Ferrari World, with the world's fastest roller coaster; Warner Bros. World (built under license by CNN's parent company, Warner Brothers Discovery); Yas Waterworld, an epic network of slides and pools; and more recently, SeaWorld Yas Island Abu Dhabi. It's clear the emirate is emerging as the most serious challenger Orlando has ever faced. Disneyland Abu Dhabi, expected to open on Yas Island in the early 2030s, will be the company's most technologically advanced park ever. Renderings show a shimmering, futuristic tower at its center — more closely resembling Abu Dhabi's gleaming skyline than a traditional European castle. It will be the first Disney resort set on an accessible shoreline, located just 20 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi. What began as a shared passion between two friends has grown into the "Abu Dhabi House Movement" — a fast-growing community redefining the city's music scene. Co-founder Tom Worton takes us inside this grassroots world, where music lovers, DJs, and cultural spaces collide. The theme park will be developed, built and operated by Miral, the Abu Dhabi company behind Yas Island's roster of other attractions. Disney Imagineers will handle creative design and operational oversight, making sure the new park is in keeping with Disney's brand. Miral's CEO, Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, says demand already exists: 2024 saw a 20% rise in theme park attendance on Yas Island. And expansion is already in the works — a Harry Potter–themed land at Warner Bros. World, more record-breaking rides at Ferrari World, new themed hotels, and even two beaches along Yas Bay Waterfront. Abu Dhabi's location, a medium-haul flight away from both Europe and Asia, and relatively short hop away from India, means millions of potential visitors are within relatively easy reach. 'This isn't about building another theme park,' Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Abu Dhabi's director general of tourism, told CNN. 'It's about defining Abu Dhabi as a global destination where culture, entertainment and luxury intersect.' Abu Dhabi's rise comes as Orlando and US tourism more broadly face headwinds. International travel to the US has slowed recently, with lengthy visa processes, unpredictable immigration checks, and heightened security scrutiny all blamed for deterring visitors. Abu Dhabi currently offers a smoother alternative to the US. Many nationalities can enter the UAE visa-free or with an e-visa, and the capital's airport — currently being expanded — has a reputation for fast border processing and easy connections. Despite wider regional tensions, Abu Dhabi continues to position itself as a safe, reliable tourism hub. The UAE ranked highly on the 2024 Global Peace Index. 'In times of uncertainty, people look for destinations they can trust,' Al Geziry added. Once on Yas Island, visitors experience indoor, climate-controlled attractions, shorter lines, and a level of sophistication not typically associated with theme parks. 'For families used to theme parks in the US or Europe, Abu Dhabi is a revelation,' says Steven Hopkinson, a British expatriate living in Abu Dhabi. 'You don't spend hours waiting in the heat, and everything feels more refined, more accessible, which is such a luxury when you're with small children.' Orlando may have Florida sunshine, but in summer it also has humidity and crowds. Temperatures still soar in Abu Dhabi, but its climate-controlled indoor parks keep the experience consistent no matter what's happening outside. Warner Bros. World and Ferrari World are entirely enclosed, with air-conditioned walkways and restaurants, and even SeaWorld's aquariums and animal experiences are under cover. 'Compared to places like Florida, it's a different level of comfort,' said Ahmed El Khoury, a Palestinian expatriate and father of three. Despite the comparisons, Abu Dhabi isn't positioning itself as a direct rival to Orlando — it's aiming to be something more. The emirate sees its theme parks as part of a bigger portfolio of attractions, alongside cultural landmarks, luxury hotels, pristine beaches, and desert adventures. A 15-minute drive from Yas Island, Saadiyat Island is home to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, a franchised outpost of the famous Paris art museum, which welcomed 1.4 million visitors last year, 84% from abroad. The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum are both under construction, adding to a cultural district that will be one of the region's most concentrated hubs of art and heritage. 'Abu Dhabi's unique appeal lies in the diversity of our tourism offering,' Al Geziry added. 'For thrill-seekers, we have record-breaking roller coasters and dune bashing in the desert. For culture lovers, historic sites like Al Ain Oasis and institutions like the Saadiyat museums. And for luxury travelers, world-class dining, private island resorts, and high-end shopping. 'Where else can you start your day under the Louvre's iconic rain-of-light dome and end it in the immersive, story-driven worlds of Warner Bros. World or Ferrari World?' Still, not everyone is convinced that Disney's expansion into the Middle East is a sure bet. 'The region has seen its share of false starts,' says Dennis Speigel, founder of the International Theme Park Services consultancy, comparing it to neighboring Dubai's patchy record with theme park expansion ambitions in the mid-2010s. 'Several of them struggled for profitability in their first decade.' Spiegel believes Abu Dhabi is different. 'Disney made a smart choice. The infrastructure, safety, and existing leisure developments create an ideal entry point,' he told CNN earlier this year. 'It's a much more controlled and calculated move.' Under its Tourism Strategy 2030, Abu Dhabi aims to grow annual visitors from 24 million in 2023 to more than 39 million by the end of the decade. With Disneyland as a centerpiece, those targets may well be surpassed. The city's population has already grown from 2.7 million in 2014 to more than 4.1 million today, a reflection of its rising profile as a regional hub. Yas Island alone has been transformed in the space of a decade from a largely undeveloped stretch of sand to a self-contained resort destination, complete with golf courses, marinas, a mall, more than 160 restaurants, and a cluster of high-end hotels. Orlando's head start remains formidable — it still offers multiple Disney and Universal parks, has decades of brand loyalty, and an infrastructure built to handle tens of millions of tourists annually. But Abu Dhabi is catching up fast. Its combination of frictionless travel, year-round comfort, cutting-edge attractions, and a cultural scene that adds depth to the experience gives Abu Dhabi its own unique selling point, potentially offering a model for the next generation of theme park capital. CNN's Natasha Chen and Liam Reilly contributed to this report.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
'Front porch' of Bloomington to get some attention as the new Stadium District
After a delightful townie summer, Bloomington has begun to welcome back 45,000 Indiana University students who are already breathing new life into our streets, businesses and neighborhoods. Move-in week, football weekends and other campus events draw tens of thousands of visitors from across the state and beyond. They fill our hotels, explore our downtown, eat at our restaurants, shop at local stores and experience the vibrancy of our city firsthand. These visitors — and the energy they bring — are a vital part of our community. But tourism also plays a deeper role. It acts as a traded sector — meaning it brings new money into our local economy rather than just circulating existing dollars. Every hotel stay, dinner, ticket or piece of art purchased by a visitor helps fund the businesses and services we all rely on. And just as importantly, tourism tells a story: It shapes how the world sees Bloomington and what they believe is possible here. Other challenges: Bloomington civic, business leaders share ideas for overcoming regional economic challenges More than ever, cities are competing for people. Remote work, flexible careers and generational shifts have changed what workers — and employers — are looking for. Quality of place matters. Workers don't just follow a job; they want to live where life feels good. In Bloomington, we have an embarrassment of riches in terms of community character — the historic charm of downtown, the energy of Kirkwood, the distinct identity of the Trades District and the broad appeal of the B-Line Trail and Switchyard Park. We have the new Hopewell Commons (plan a visit for Tuesday Farmers' Market!) and the development at the future convention center. We also have key neighborhood assets that we tend to overlook — like the commercial areas on the east side, west side, Renwick, Hillside and the developing south Sare Road. Each of which responds to specific community needs and provides a welcome counterpoint to downtown. One area we are particularly focused on right now is what we hope will soon be named the Stadium District — the area surrounding Millers-Showers Park. This area is the front porch of Bloomington as visitors either head east on the bypass or drive south on College Avenue. Local businesses advanced a plan to call this area the Stadium District, and city staff are preparing legislation to do just that. This area has undergone a transformation in the past few years, which can be seen by the addition of new apartment complexes and commercial spaces as well as the redevelopment of properties and opening of new businesses. Local businesses old and new are magnetizing this neighborhood through yoga, dance, barbering, baking, brewing, banking and the many other services available in the area. The city also has made significant investments in the Stadium District, including major maintenance of the Millers-Showers water feature (which supports stormwater detention), the installation of a multi-use path along 17th Street, which improves connectivity from North Monroe Street and Tri-North Middle School to the north-south arteries of College Avenue and Walnut Street as well as improvements to Cascades Park. The limestone Bloomington gateway sign welcomes visitors, and the Bloomington Arts Commission will release the call for the public art gateway piece later this year. Naming this area the Stadium District continues the work that the city started with its citywide branding campaign earlier this year. It distills part of our identity; it guides visitors; and it celebrates our role as a major force in collegiate athletics. By investing in our public spaces and storytelling, we are doing more than attracting tourists — we are building the foundation for sustainable economic growth. These efforts to improve Bloomington's quality of place make the city more livable and attractive, which in turn helps retain talent, attract new residents, and draw businesses in high-wage industries. In short, quality of place isn't just a cultural asset — it's a critical economic strategy. Jane Kupersmith is director of economic and sustainable development for the city of Bloomington. This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Bloomington to name Stadium District near Miller-Showers Park and IU Solve the daily Crossword
New York Times
3 hours ago
- New York Times
In Norway, Are ‘Coolcations' Taking a Toll?
As Jay and Kate Boyer and their two children hiked to a waterfall on an unusually hot July day in the fjord-side village of Geiranger, Norway, they were surprised by both the 90-degree temperatures and the cruise passengers clogging the path, as Ms. Boyer put it, 'like ants.' The Los Angeles couple had chosen the Nordic region for their family vacation after dealing with heat and crowds on a previous trip through southern Europe. 'We decided on this trip based entirely on the fact that it wouldn't be hot,' Mr. Boyer said, noting the irony of having arrived during a rare heat wave. 'But obviously we're not alone. Someone here told us there's even a word for this kind of trip.' The word is 'coolcation,' and in an industry that has never met a trend it couldn't slap a portmanteau onto, the term refers to the growing number of travelers who are avoiding the heat of traditional summer spots in favor of chillier climes. In Europe, as heat waves close the Acropolis in Athens and spark wildfires in Spain and Portugal, coolcations are driving tourists to Nordic countries. But in a region that takes pride in environmental and social sustainability, the development is prompting as much concern as celebration. Record Arrivals Perhaps nowhere is that more true than in Norway. Although delighted with the new interest, the country is also grappling with how to avoid overtourism and how to protect the nature that is part of its national identity. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
