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Dr. Shirley Nieuwland, an esteemed specialist in sustainable tourism, champions 'degrowth' as the most potent remedy for the escalating overtourism crisis. This strategy emphasizes placing social welfare and environmental resilience above economic expansion within the travel industry. Nieuwland contends that this fundamental change is essential for re-establishing equilibrium in highly frequented locations and alleviating the ecological footprint of worldwide travel. Her perspective challenges conventional tourism models, advocating for a more deliberate and responsible approach that considers the broader societal and environmental implications of growth.

Nieuwland's insights stem from direct observations, such as her experience in Venice in July 2019, where she witnessed the profound effects of excessive tourism firsthand. Despite presenting on the detrimental impacts of tourism, she was confronted with the tangible reality of these issues. Over a decade, Venice experienced a 52 percent surge in tourist arrivals and an astonishing 497 percent increase in accommodation options, accommodating 49,260 beds by 2019, up from 8,49 in 2008. Annually, an additional 17.5 million day-trippers further strained the city's resources. The result was ubiquitous crowds, streets dominated by souvenir vendors, and a severe shortage of affordable housing for local residents. Navigating St. Mark’s Square became a daily struggle, a mere glimpse into the constant challenges faced by inhabitants.

The phenomenon extends beyond Venice, impacting places like Kinderdijk in the Netherlands. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, famed for its operational windmills, many of which are still home to local millers, attracts approximately one million visitors annually. However, the community of only 800 residents receives minimal direct benefit. While tourist spending contributes to windmill maintenance, interaction between visitors and residents is limited. Local input in tourism planning is scant, and essential community services are at risk as tourists primarily utilize dedicated infrastructure like visitor centers and tour boats. The high volume of visitors also brings issues such as parking congestion, litter, and a general sense of overcrowding for the local populace.

The concept of 'degrowth in tourism' has re-emerged as a prominent topic in discussions among travel industry leaders and experts, driven by ongoing debates surrounding overtourism and the environmental consequences of travel. This framework is often misunderstood as a call for outright cessation or radical reduction of tourism. However, its true essence lies in prioritizing societal well-being and ecological sustainability over economic growth, necessitating a reduction in tourism levels and travel movements only when these goals are compromised. For instance, in Venice, implementing limits on cruise ship arrivals could improve urban livability and reduce air pollution, aligning with degrowth principles.

This philosophy is rooted in a broader environmental and political movement advocating for a 'post-growth' global economy, where economic expansion is not the sole measure of success. Influential figures like French economist Serge Latouche and Greek ecological economist Giorgos Kallis argue that regulated economic growth is crucial for a sustainable future, one that respects planetary boundaries and promotes social equity. Under this model, growth is not inherently prohibited but is instead pursued if it aligns with broader societal objectives, such as enhancing quality of life or improving public transport. When tourism adversely affects these goals, as seen in cities like Barcelona and Bali where residents are often outnumbered by visitors, degrowth measures become imperative. This nuanced approach recognizes that not all forms of tourism in all locations require limitation, distinguishing between contexts where tourism can be beneficial and where it must be curtailed for the greater good.

A critical aspect of degrowth in tourism is its localized application, addressing the adverse effects of overtourism such as congestion, environmental degradation, and housing affordability challenges. In destinations grappling with excessive tourist numbers, scaling back visitor volumes is often the only viable method to restore balance. This approach necessitates a fundamental reevaluation of whether 'growth' is truly desirable, prompting the question: What does this community genuinely need? For example, if a community struggles to sustain local amenities like bakeries or bus services due to a small permanent population, an increase in tourism could potentially support these facilities. The Valle dei Cavalieri in Italy provides a compelling case study, where an agrotourism cooperative, combining nature-based activities, agricultural practices, and rural lodging, led to the revival of a local bar, restaurant, and grocery store that were previously unsustainable.

Conversely, when overtourism has led to environmental damage or a decline in residential quality of life, reducing tourist numbers becomes essential. Several destinations have already implemented such measures. Bora Bora, the Balearic Islands, and Belfast, Maine, for instance, have capped cruise ship arrivals, while Valencia, Spain, and the Norwegian fjords are moving towards comprehensive bans on mega-cruises. Limiting accommodation options is another common degrowth strategy. Amsterdam has imposed a moratorium on new hotel developments, and Barcelona is gradually phasing out Airbnb accommodations by not renewing expiring licenses, aiming to safeguard housing affordability and enhance livability for its residents.

The second dimension of degrowth in tourism addresses the inherent unsustainability of global travel due to carbon emissions. The current model of frequent, long-haul flights, driven by affordability and availability, is incompatible with global sustainability objectives. To effectively reduce carbon emissions, air pollution, and global warming, highly polluting travel, particularly long-distance and unnecessary short-distance flights, must be curtailed. This does not imply that travel itself is inherently detrimental, but rather that the modalities of travel require a significant transformation towards more sustainable practices.

This shift entails replacing short flights with more environmentally friendly alternatives such as trains, boats, and buses, a transition that demands concerted action from both travel providers and individual travelers. Governments also play a crucial role by ceasing subsidies for airports and air travel, investing in affordable low-carbon transport options, and limiting budget flights to make overland travel more appealing. Examples from France and Austria, where short-haul domestic flights of under two-and-a-half hours have been negotiated with airlines to be replaced by train travel, demonstrate a viable path forward. This comprehensive approach underscores that successful tourism development extends beyond mere economic metrics, necessitating a holistic view that integrates social and ecological well-being.