Cruise ship routes face HUGE shake-up amid claims of ‘over tourism’ and ‘negative impact’

Cruise ship passengers – and the vast amount of liners mooring up in tourist hotspots – have been accused of sparking “over tourism” in new claims centred on the ”negative impacts” of sea travel. The industry could face huge changes in the coming months, in a crackdown which has come following a horror cruise ship incident in Venice which saw passers-by injured when a ship collided with a mooring. This was followed up with protests over cruises in Barcelona, and a confirmed cull of cruise ship numbers in pretty canal city, Bruges. Now, the UK Government is taking action over what it terms the over tourism of cruise ships and what it claims can harm “local communities and the visitor experience.”

This could mean cruise ship routes and calling points could be hugely impacted in the future, in a significant shake up for the industry.

The Environmental Audit Committee has launched an inquiry into sustainable tourism, and told how the recent incidents had highlighted the need for something to be done.

Chair of the Environmental Audit Committee, Mary Creagh MP, said: “Now that summer is here, families are looking forward to a well-earned holiday.

“But when we book a cruise, flights or visit a popular tourist destination, it’s easy to forget about the environmental impact our holidays are having.

“The recent cruise ship collision in Venice, as well as protests both there and in Barcelona, are a sharp reminder of the effects of ‘overtourism’ and the damage that can be done to the environment and local quality of life.

“The industry adds five percent to global greenhouse emissions, putting our net zero by 2050 target at risk.

“While there are some sustainable practices, we want to look closely at the Government’s actions to ensure the economic, social and environmental impacts of tourism are minimised.

“We will publish a report early next year.”

The tourism industry accounts for an estimated five per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

The amended UK Climate Change Act includes aviation and shipping emissions in the new net zero target.

As one of its core investigations, it will consider the question: “How effective are sustainable tourism practices by large tourism companies such as cruise ship and package holiday operators?”

Earlier this year, Express.co.uk reported how tourists were left horrified after cruise ship MSC Opera smashed into the Venice dock, leaving at least five people injured.

A video posted online captured the drama unfolding, as the vessel drove into the busy Giudecca Canal.

It appeared the vessel lost control, first charging into a small river boat before hotting the dock.

Panicked passengers on board reflected the terror of tourists on dry land, who ran to safety.

Two towboats had attempted to stop the vessel from its disastrous course but to no avail.

source: express.co.uk