UK residents’ perceptions of tourism impact

summer 2012 in the UK stonhenge (6)

The opinions of UK residents on tourism are captured through surveys, research, and direct engagement with local and national bodies. Their concerns—ranging from overcrowding to environmental impact—are being addressed through strategic planning, community-focused initiatives, and policy adjustments that aim to foster sustainable and inclusive tourism growth.

UK residents’ opinions on the impact of tourism are increasingly being heard and addressed through various channels, with both positive and negative effects highlighted in recent research:

  1. Residents’ Awareness and Concerns
  1. How Residents’ Voices Are Heard
  • Surveys and Research: Organisations like VisitBritain and Booking.com conduct regular surveys to track domestic sentiment and the impact of tourism. For example, the Domestic Sentiment Tracker (https://www.visitbritain.org/research-insights/domestic-sentiment-tracker ), launched in 2020, monitors trip intentions and the effects of crises like the cost of living on tourism. This data is used to inform policy and industry responses.
  • Government and Industry Initiatives: The UK government, in collaboration with the tourism industry, plans to establish a new Visitor Economy Advisory Council. This council will work on a growth strategy that includes addressing resident concerns and ensuring sustainable tourism practices. The government’s role in this initiative is to provide a platform for dialogue and to facilitate the implementation of sustainable tourism policies. https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/visitor-economy-advisory-council 
  1. Addressing Residents’ Concerns
  • Strategic Planning: Tourism marketing agencies and local authorities are encouraged to partner and address challenges such as infrastructure strain, rising costs, and environmental impact. The solutions and challenges include promoting sustainable planning and responsible tourism to mitigate negative effects on residents’ quality of life. https://fairmoore.co.uk/ .
  • Community Engagement: Initiatives like the Aito Sustainable Tourism Webinar Series aim to educate travel agents and operators on best practices, including how to involve and benefit local communities, reduce waste, and support conservation https://travelweekly.co.uk/news/aito-launches-sustainable-tourism-webinar-series-to-promote-industry-wide-best-practice 
  1. Economic and Social Impact
  • Economic Benefits: Tourism has a significant impact on the UK economy, supporting jobs and local businesses. This positive impact is a reassuring aspect of the industry. However, the influx of tourists can also drive up living costs and strain local resources, which residents often highlight as major https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/sn06022/ 
  • Policy Responses: The government and industry are focusing on striking a balance between growth and sustainability, ensuring that tourism benefits both visitors and residents. The benefits include investing in infrastructure, promoting off-season travel, and supporting local economies. 

https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/sn06022/
https://www.visitbritain.org/news-and-media/industry-news-and-press-releases/visitbritain-upgrades-2023-inbound-tourism-forecast 

summer 2012 in the UK Bristol (19)

At a global scale, the Booking.com report 2025 reveals

With just under half (48%) of travellers believing there is the right amount of tourism where they live, as residents, they highlight some of the common challenges they face related to tourism, including: traffic congestion (38%), littering (35%), overcrowding (30%) and rising cost of living (29%). 

Despite these concerns, only a small number (16%) of travellers believe that capping the number of tourists in their home destination is the answer. Instead, they emphasise the need for investment in their communities with improved transportation (38%), waste management (37%), and environmental conservation (32%) identified as the top types of support they’d like to see.

When it comes to visitor behaviour where they live, more than half of travellers share a positive sentiment, saying that the tourists they see at home often or always respect local customs and traditions (53%), as well as support local businesses (54%). This encouraging sentiment highlights the potential for respectful and beneficial tourism. While this still highlights room for improvement, it does correlate with their own intentions for travel, with 73% wanting the money they spend to go back to the local community, and 77% seeking authentic experiences representative of local culture.

 

Globally, in 2025, travelling more sustainably remains essential for most travellers (84%). This increasing awareness and intent to make more sustainable choices is a reason for optimism about the future of sustainable tourism. Looking back over the decade, the data shows how it has become a larger priority for many when planning trips. Back in 2016, less than half (42%) of global travellers believed they travelled more sustainably. By 2025, 93% of international travellers say they want to make more sustainable travel choices, and to some extent have done so. In addition to increased intent, over the ten years that Booking.com has been gathering insights, there have been shifts in awareness levels, preferences and priorities when it comes to what travellers perceive as having a more positive impact on local destinations, communities and ecosystems. 

During this time, many habits related to waste reduction and energy consumption have become increasingly mainstream and remain the top choices when travellers think of influencing the impact of their trips. In 2020, 43% of travellers said they turned off the air conditioning/heater in their accommodation when they weren’t there, and by 2023, this was up to 67%. This year’s research shows that behaviours relating to community and economic impact now sit alongside these environmental choices, with travellers consciously considering ways they can minimise the impact of the destinations they visit, whether that’s seeking advice on travel at other times of the year (39%) or visiting alternative destinations to avoid overcrowding (36%).

https://news.booking.com/bookingcoms-2025-research-reveals-growing-traveler-awareness-of-tourism-impact-on-communities-both-at-home-and-abroad/ 

UK Academic vs Business

I am verifying whether academic institutions concur with the business findings, and in the UK, this is the case.

Additionally, the topics of sustainability and responsibility in tourism are so well-researched and well-understood that universities and research centres can focus on more challenging issues, such as climate change and tourism, or regenerative tourism.

The University of Surrey and other UK academic institutions actively research residents’ perceptions of tourism, focusing on sustainability, community impact, and the influence of policy. Their work is published in journals, theses, and collaborative projects, often informing national and local tourism strategies. To give you some examples, I found research about ”The social impacts of tourism: a case study of Bath, UK” dated 2004 and Climate change, discretionary air travel and the ‘flyers’ dilemma’  Higham, Cohen, and Cavaliere (2014).

The data confirms the findings of the VisitBritain agency for the situation in Great Britain, and Booking.com’s latest research confirms the same global trends. 

Is more recent research available for all the topics? The original research by Higham, Cohen, and Cavaliere (2014) has been cited and expanded upon in recent studies analysing sociological barriers to changing discretionary air travel behaviour. 

Unfortunately, the most recent research and articles have to be paid for, but this is also a way to allow the researchers to do their job. “Reconfiguring Aviation for a Climate-Safe Future: Are Airlines Sending the Wrong Message?” https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/00472875211033648 

However, we can find this available research, “A review of air travel behaviour and climate change”, published in 2022. https://wires.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/wcc.802, where the results show that many travellers do not consider all flights to be equally important, and a significant proportion of flights are classified as “non-essential” or “unimportant”. The paper suggests that there is scope to reduce discretionary flights, but social norms and habits hinder change.

This is interesting, but I don’t want to go off topic; however, I will soon publish about this topic. Please let me know if you are interested! 

In 2025, the most interesting report regarding the perception of the residents about tourism is from VisitBritain. The title is The Social Value of Tourism, https://www.visitbritain.org/research-insights/social-value-tourism 

This report, commissioned by VisitEngland and produced by Public First, presents 14 case studies analysing the social, cultural and community impacts of tourism in different regions of the UK. Examples include the social and economic effects of tourism in the North East, the value of national parks to local communities, and the cultural effect of events such as Eurovision 2023 in Liverpool. The report highlights how tourism can contribute to social cohesion, well-being and the enhancement of local identities.

A key figure is that in 2024, domestic visitor spending in England reached £76 billion, with significant effects on job creation and community revitalisation.

Two more articles could be worth a mention, but I don’t want to share them on this occasion because they are not about the UK area. They are about Spain and the coastal communities, Macao and historical cities and consolidated destinations. I would be more than happy to share them in private if you need more detailed information. Do not hesitate to contact me!

Summary impacts and solutions

To conclude this article, I would like to highlight and share all the aspects: positive impacts, negative impacts, and solutions in progress or already implemented in the UK. 

Positive Impacts

1. Economic Growth and Employment

Tourism significantly contributes to the British economy, generating £280 billion in 2024 (10.3% of GDP) and supporting over 4.1 million jobs (11.3% of total employment). The contribution helps sustain local communities, especially in rural and coastal areas. 

2. Revitalisation of Rural and Peripheral Areas

Tourism has enabled the economic revival of less developed regions, such as the North East of England and Scotland, creating new job opportunities and infrastructure investments.

3. Enhancement of Cultural Heritage

Events like Eurovision 2023 in Liverpool and local festivals have strengthened the cultural identity of cities, attracting visitors and promoting the preservation of traditions, museums, and historic sites.

4. Support for Local Small Businesses

Tourism benefits small businesses, such as restaurants, artisan shops, and bed & breakfasts, which directly profit from visitor spending. The support helps keep local economies alive and preserves regional uniqueness. visitbritain.org.

 

5. Improvement of Infrastructure

Investments in the tourism sector have led to enhanced public infrastructure, including transport, roads, and services, benefiting both tourists and residents.

6. Promotion of Environmental Sustainability

The government and tourism businesses are adopting sustainable practices, such as renewable energy use, waste reduction, and public transport promotion, contributing to improving environmental quality for residents.

7. Increased Social Cohesion

Tourism fosters cultural exchange and promotes social cohesion, particularly in multicultural cities like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh. Events and festivals create opportunities for interaction and integration. 

8. Valorisation of National Parks and Natural Areas

National parks and nature reserves, such as the Lake District and the Scottish Highlands, benefit from tourism, which funds their maintenance and protection, ensuring access to green spaces for both residents and visitors. visitbritain.org.

9. Innovation and Digitalisation

The tourism sector has accelerated the adoption of digital technologies, such as online bookings, guided tour apps, and virtual reality, enhancing the experience for both tourists and residents who use these services. nature.com.

10. Greater Environmental Awareness

Thanks to sustainable tourism, residents have become increasingly aware of the importance of environmental protection and biodiversity conservation. Initiatives like “30by30” (protecting 30% of land and seas by 2030) experience the support of the local communities, who recognise their long-term benefits. 

 

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Negative Impacts

1. Increased Cost of Living

Tourism, especially in cities like London, Edinburgh, and Bath, has contributed to a rise in the cost of rent, housing, and services, making life more expensive for residents. The issue is evident in central and tourist areas, where the demand for short-term rentals (e.g., Airbnb) reduces the availability of housing for locals.

2. Overcrowding and Strain on Infrastructure

Popular destinations suffer from overcrowding, which puts pressure on public transport, healthcare services, and urban infrastructure. Cities like London and Edinburgh experience peak crowding during the tourist season, leading to inconvenience for residents.

3. Pollution and Environmental Degradation

The increase in tourism leads to greater pollution, particularly in coastal areas and national parks. Littering, traffic, and emissions from transport (cars, buses, planes) worsen air quality and the environment, negatively impacting residents’ health and well-being. Booking.com+1.

4. Gentrification and Loss of Local Identity

In historic and central neighbourhoods, tourism accelerates gentrification: local shops and traditional businesses are replaced by international chains, bars, and tourist-focused restaurants, altering the authentic character of communities.

5. Disturbance of Public Peace

Noise and tourist behaviour, especially at night, can cause public order disturbances. This is a common issue in cities like Brighton, Bath, and central London, where nightlife tourism conflicts with residents’ tranquillity.

6. Pressure on Public Services

Residents report increased pressure on public services such as hospitals, schools, and transport, especially in seasonal tourist destinations. The increased use can lead to a reduction in the quality of services for the local population.

7. Loss of Access to Public Spaces

In some areas, residents complain about losing access to public spaces (parks, beaches, squares) due to tourist overcrowding or the privatisation of areas for commercial tourist activities.

8. Increased Traffic and Road Congestion

Tourism contributes to traffic congestion and road blockages, especially in cities of art and coastal locations. The increased traffic not only increases travel times for residents but also worsens air quality. 

9. Impact on Local Biodiversity

In national parks and protected areas, mass tourism can damage local biodiversity through trail erosion, habitat destruction, and wildlife disturbance. The risk is particularly relevant in places like the Lake District and the Cornish coast. jncc.gov.uk

10. “Tourism-Phobia” and Local Resentment

In some communities, especially in overcrowded destinations, a phenomenon known as “tourism-phobia” is emerging: residents develop resentment toward tourists, perceiving them as a threat to their quality of life and the sustainability of local resources.

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Solutions

1. Regulation of Tourist Accommodations

  • Cities like Edinburgh and London have introduced stricter rules for short-term rentals (e.g., Airbnb), limiting the number of days the property owner is allowed to rent to tourists. The regulation helps preserve housing availability for residents and prevents rising prices.
  • Source: House of Lords, 2025

2. Limiting Access to Overcrowded Areas

  • In popular destinations like the Lake District and Cornwall, booking systems for access to natural sites (e.g., parks, trails) have been introduced during peak periods. This reduces environmental pressure and improves the experience for both tourists and residents.
  • Source: JMIC, 2024 

3. Promoting Off-Season Tourism

  • Campaigns like “Visit Britain’s ‘Seasonal Spread’” encourage tourists to visit destinations outside peak seasons, spreading tourist flows more evenly and reducing summer overcrowding.
  • Source: VisitBritain, 2025 

4. Investment in Sustainable Public Transport

  • The government has launched discounted rail passes for residents and incentives for using public transport, such as electric buses and cycle lanes, to reduce traffic and pollution in tourist cities.
  • Source: GOV.UK, 2021 

5. Tourist Taxes for Impact Management

  • Some cities, such as Edinburgh, are considering introducing a “tourist tax” (also known as an accommodation levy) to fund infrastructure maintenance and environmental protection. The collected funds will be used to enhance public services and mitigate the impact of tourism on local communities.
  • Source: Booking.com, 2025 

6. Support for Community-Based Tourism

  • Programs like “Community Tourism Grants” fund projects that involve residents in managing tourism, such as creating local cooperatives to manage tourist activities sustainably.
  • Source: Travel and Tour World, 2024

7. Protection of Biodiversity and Natural Areas

  • The government launched the “30by30” program, aiming to protect 30% of land and seas by 2030. This program includes creating new nature reserves and limiting access to sensitive areas to preserve biodiversity.
  • Source: GOV.UK, 2024 

8. Awareness Campaigns for Responsible Tourism

  • Initiatives like “Respect, Protect, Enjoy” educate tourists on respecting the environment and local communities, using informative signs, apps, and guides to promote sustainable behaviour.
  • Source: Natural England, 2024 

9. Development of Green Infrastructure

  • Projects like the “Green Infrastructure Framework” aim to integrate green spaces and pedestrian paths into tourist cities, improving the quality of life for residents and reducing the environmental impact of tourism.
  • Source: GOV.UK, 2024 

10. Collaboration with Local Communities

  • Programs like “Local Tourism Partnerships” involve residents in tourism planning, ensuring that policies reflect the needs of local communities. This approach includes public consultations and the creation of mixed working groups (residents, entrepreneurs, administrators).
  • Source: VisitBritain, 2025 visitbritain.org.

Would you like to have this list? Click the link to download it as a PDF. 

Sara Vitali - Snowdonia National Park - Machynlleth -Powys - Wales - UK940

Sources

https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/SN06022/SN06022.pdf 

https://www.visitbritain.org/research-insights/domestic-sentiment-tracker 

Useful booking.com to a global comparison

Sara

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