Alternative destinations emerge as travelers seek to avoid overtourism impact

As overtourism continues to impact popular destinations, many travellers are seeking alternative locations where they can contribute positively to local economies. Euronews explores how regions like Spain's rural communities and Greenland are attracting digital nomads and tourists, offering new opportunities while promoting sustainable tourism.

As travellers become increasingly aware of the negative impacts of overtourism, many are now seeking alternative destinations where they can still make a positive impact on local economies and communities. 

Many travellers are now seeking to avoid contributing to overtourism and are looking for alternative destinations where they can still have a positive impact on local economies and residents.

Overtourism, especially in European destinations, has been worsened by the resurgence of travel after the pandemic, the growth of low-cost flights, and an expanding cruise industry.

The popularity of digital nomad visas, once seen as a great opportunity, has become problematic as foreign workers have driven up housing prices, fueled gentrification, and placed pressure on local services. This year, various new regulations, such as tourist taxes and selfie bans, have been introduced to manage the overwhelming number of visitors.

Some destinations that once welcomed digital nomads have even removed certain incentives. For example, Portugal no longer offers its non-habitual tax residency (NHR), which once allowed a flat income tax rate of 20 per cent. In many European places, measures to combat overtourism have not proven to be effective enough. This year has seen protests from residents in areas like the Balearic Islands and Venice, who are calling for a reduction in unsustainable tourism numbers.

In response, many travellers are now looking for destinations where they can still contribute positively to the economy while avoiding the negative effects of overtourism. One such destination is Extremadura, a region in Spain that remains relatively under-visited despite its rich natural beauty and historical landmarks. The regional government has begun offering digital nomads up to 15,000 euros to relocate to the area, which has one of Spain’s lowest populations, a low GDP per capita, and high unemployment rates. Extremadura hopes to boost its population and economy, with 2 million euros set aside to support the relocation of 200 remote workers and digital nomads.

As Spain faces population decline, many small villages are eager to attract remote workers and tourists. Juan Barbed, the founder of the co-living experience Rooral, explained, “Spain is one of the countries in Europe with the biggest demographic gap. Half our villages are dying, like in the terminal stage.” Rooral partners with villages to welcome remote workers, and the initiative is already a success in places like Benarrabá. 

Spain’s rural areas are also working hard to draw visitors away from crowded cities and coastlines. The "Los Pueblos Más Bonitos de España" association highlights the beauty of Spain’s rural villages, including Anento, which has seen a dramatic rise in tourists—from 2,000 visitors annually to 45,000—due to its stunning natural spring and Gothic church.

Another village, Libros, is using its literary-themed name to attract attention, with plans for a hotel-library and cultural developments. A social media post sparked a donation of over 50,000 books from around the world, helping rebrand the village as a literary destination.

In Greenland, tourism is also growing. The capital’s new Nuuk airport, which opened on December 1, connects the city to nearly all towns in Greenland and some international destinations. Plans for a second international airport in Ilulissat are set for 2026, aiming to further boost tourism to the popular northern city.

By Naila Huseynova