Jobs, Opportunities or Overtourism - What’s Tourism’s Real Impact on Destinations?

Tourism creates jobs and drives economic growth – but in some places, it also leads to overcrowded beaches, rising rents, and even protests. In this episode of We’re on it, right?, host Rebecca talks to Alexander Panczuk, Group Director Policy at TUI, about the tension between holiday joy and social responsibility. Together, they take a closer look at Mallorca, where around 14 million tourists visited last year – on an island with fewer than a million residents. They discuss local challenges such as housing shortages and noise pollution, as well as the potential of a more managed tourism model focused on hotels rather than short-term rentals. Later, Rebecca travels to the Cape Verdean island of Sal to meet Elvis Marques – the country’s first local Assistant Manager of its largest hotel – and learns how tourism can also bring real positive change. On Sal, it is clear how tourism can drive development through education, jobs, and infrastructure. An episode about criticism, opportunities – and the question of how we can travel responsibly. 🎧 Tune in to We’re on it, right? – the TUI podcast on sustainability and the future of travel.