Tourists inspired by social media content are flocking to beauty spots such as Birling Gap in East Sussex.
Alamy
I have a lot of sympathy for places that are struggling with tourism, but this isn’t just a continental European issue (last week’s news: “Why tourism rage is sweeping Europe”). Birling Gap and Cuckmere Haven in East Sussex, featured in your best beaches guide, are becoming like Piccadilly Circus. Their popularity is mainly driven by Instagram, and many of their visitors are Korean. At Birling Gap, you have to struggle to get to the steps that lead down to the beach, and it’s often too crowded to even stand at the viewing area.
Recently, I was leaning against a security fence, trying to calm my mind with the stunning views across the ocean, when a young woman asked me to step aside so she could photograph her friend with the Seven Sisters cliffs in the background. Rather than simply taking a photo, as in the past, she was a potential filmmaker who wanted to spend some time filming on location.
We are happy for our region that people want to visit and see this beautiful area – it always has been – but the reports of tourist restrictions we are hearing about in Venice are starting to look appealing to us.
Edward Thomas, Eastbourne, East Sussex
Impose daily taxes
Katie Gatens looks out over London, one of the key cities affected by overtourism. On a recent visit to Westminster, I was amazed and appalled at the throngs of tourists, some walking on the pavement, some crossing the road and some unable to see what was in front of them (I’m 5ft 3in). Are there plans to impose a day tax on foreign tourists visiting London? If not, there should be.
Christine Houghton, Sherfield-on-Loddon, Hampshire
Visitors Required
The berths are often full. Some people seem to respond by saying, “How dare you come to a place like this, spend money, and contribute to the economy!” It’s better to stop complaining. I’d be lonely if you stopped coming.
Andrew John Crocker, Bath
