TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Overtourism has become a serious problem for many popular destinations in the world. As reported by Sustainable Travel, an influx of tourists in a single tourist spot can have negative effects, such as increased population density, environmental and ecosystem damage, limited infrastructure, decreased quality of life for local residents, resource competition, and diminished visitor experience.
Not only is it harmful to the environment, but it also forces visitors to spend more money because some famous tourist attractions, especially in Europe, impose tourist taxes and restrictions on tourist visits to reduce the number of travelers.
If you want to avoid falling into overtourism, here are some alternative tourism destinations that are rarely visited, as reported by Independent.
1. Albania
Soaring mountains, beautiful beaches, and enchanting islands in the Ionian Sea. This country has a vast diversity of natural landscapes in a smaller land area. Dubbed the Albania Riviera, this place is ideal for relaxing and enjoying a vacation, as there are far fewer visitors. While here, don't forget to visit Theth National Park for a pleasant hike, thanks to the stunning views such as the blue eye, a blue spring in a limestone hole.
Not far from Theth National Park, travelers can find the Albanian Alps in the western Balkan Peninsula, as part of the Dinaric Alps. This place offers daunting peaks in green glacial valleys filled with wildflowers in spring. Then, in Tirana, visitors will be treated to city architecture that reflects diversity, including the Tirana Pyramid, Namazgah Mosque, and the House of Leaves.
2. Oman
Oman, one of the countries in the Middle East, boasts desert landscapes, beautiful beaches, and mountains that have escaped the attention of travelers. As an effort to preserve culture and tradition, the country does not build skyscrapers, but instead constructs new buildings in neo-Islamic style, such as the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and the Royal Opera House in Muscat.
Visit the Jebel Akhdar mountains to see pink damask roses in spring, while Jebel Shams is home to Wadi Ghul, the Grand Canyon of Arabia, where Egyptian vultures soar high above abandoned mud-brick villages. Don't forget to visit the Musandam Peninsula, a region with small fjord-like bays.
3. Sulawesi, Indonesia
Bali is not the only tourist destination in Indonesia. There are many alternative destinations besides the Island of the Gods, one of which is Sulawesi. The eleventh largest island in the world is home to thousands of miles of beautiful coastlines rivaling Bali, and all with fewer tourists.
In South Sulawesi, for example, there is Tanjung Bira Beach with its white sandy beaches and palm trees. Then, diving in Bunaken to see colorful coral reefs with around 2 thousand fish species. In addition, the highlands of Tana Toraja are home to the Toraja people, known for their stacked stone graves.
4. Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is a quieter alternative for African safaris. The country offers ample opportunities to see wildlife compared to other regions on the continent. Hwange National Park is the largest game reserve in Zimbabwe and one of the largest in Africa, covering an area of 14,600 square kilometers. Additionally, there is the world's largest waterfall, Victoria Falls, a must-visit tourist spot in Zimbabwe.
Most of the adventures in the country dubbed the Land of Ancient Ruins begin and end in Harare, an area for exploring wide tree-lined streets full of jacaranda trees. Also, make a stop at the National Gallery to see photography exhibitions, sculptures, paintings, and national archives.
NIA NUR FADILLAH | SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL | INDEPENDENT
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News