12 Incredible Places That No Longer Exist Because Tourists Destroyed Them
As the saying goes, ‘too much of a good thing is bad.’ While tourism is necessary for many economies, it is all too often a crasser affair, leaving destruction in its wake. The collective footprints of millions of visitors have become too much for some once iconic destinations from overcrowding to environmental degradation.
These are not just history lessons of places lost forever, but reminders that responsible travel is not a trend, but a necessity. Let’s dive into 12 once amazing destinations that were loved a little too much by travelers, and are no longer around to tell us their story.
Maya Bay, Thailand
The 2000 film, “The Beach,” immortalized an area of Thailand called Maya Bay. Once a pristine cove with dramatic limestone cliffs and over 5,000 visitors a day, it experienced devastation to its coral reefs and a disrupted marine ecosystem. In 2018, Thai authorities closed Maya Bay indefinitely to give nature a break.
Lion City, China
Off the shores of Qiandao Lake lies the submerged wonder of China— the ancient Lion City. This city of temples and arches dates back over 1,400 years and was flooded intentionally to create a reservoir in the 1950s. Although not a true casualty of tourism, the attraction of divers to its sunken ruins increased over the decades. However, the increasing number of divers resulted in sediment displacement and even greater degradation of the fragile structures.
The Azure Window, Malta
The Azure Window was one of Malta’s most famous landmarks — a stunning natural rock arch that featured on postcards and Instagram feeds around the world. This geological miracle collapsed into the sea in 2017 after years of illegal cliff diving — and natural erosion.
Pink Sand Beaches, Bermuda
Bermuda’s pink sand beach enthralled visitors who flocked to the site to see its rare hue. Over the years, visitors have taken sand as souvenirs which may seem harmless, but the cumulative effect was devastating. Locals mourned their lost vibrancy as much of the beach’s beauty was lost.
Boracay Island, Philippines
Once, Boracay was touted as one of the world’s best island destinations, attracting millions of tourists every year. However, the influx of visitors transformed the area into a ‘cesspool’, according to the Filipino president at the time, filled with untreated sewage and garbage. In 2018, the government ordered a six-month closure, displacing thousands of workers but allowing the island’s ecosystems the needed break.
Chacaltaya Glacier, Bolivia
The Chacaltaya Glacier, once a popular South American ski resort, is no more. Climate change played a leading role in its destruction, but the glacier declined thanks to heavy tourist activity. Chacaltaya lost 80 percent of its ice cover between 1980 and 2005. Glaciologists said the rapid melting was aggravated by unchecked tourism and human activity. By 2009, the last skiable remnants completely disappeared.
The Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Substantial pieces of the Great Barrier Reef are effectively dead from coral bleaching. Pollution, global warming, and over-tourism have played a part in this loss. In 2016, a report found that 50% of the coral reef had been damaged within just 30 years according to the BBC.
The Fjadrargljufur Canyon, Iceland
Fjadrargljufur Canyon became internationally known after Justin Bieber recorded a music video here in 2015, attracting hordes of fans. Thousands of visitors trampling the fragile vegetation led to the deterioration of vegetative cover. The site was closed on several occasions between 2017 and 2020 so it could recover.
The Temple of Baalshamin, Syria
Palmyra’s Temple of Baalshamin was a jewel of ancient architecture until it was destroyed in 2015. Although tourists weren’t directly responsible for its demise, the years before saw increased tourist footfall that weakened the structures around it. This loss serves as a stark reminder that preserving cultural heritage relies on global collaboration.
The Aral Sea, Central Asia
The Aral Sea was once the fourth-largest lake in the world and is now a shadow of its former self. Although agriculture was largely responsible for its depletion, increased tourism to the exposed seabed resulted in severe environmental consequences. More frequent now are dust storms laden with pesticides and salts putting local communities at risk.
Komodo National Park, Indonesia
Komodo dragons are spectacular, but their home base, the Komodo Islands, is not safe. The local population of dragons has dwindled because of illegal fishing, habitat destruction, and overtourism. The islands’ ecosystems could be nearing a breaking point, according to Global Conservation, without stricter controls.
Venice’s Lagoon, Italy
The fact of the matter is that Venice is sinking. Over tourism and environmental degradation has taken its toll on the city’s historic lagoon – a UNESCO World Heritage site. Erosion has been worsened, and the waters polluted by cruise ships.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights
Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights
10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience
10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience
