The Royal Mile in Edinburgh, a historic street drawing 5 million annual visitors, is grappling with the effects of overtourism. While this area hosts numerous souvenir shops (72 in total), cafes, bars, and other businesses, local residents express concern over the overwhelming presence of tourist-oriented establishments, which detracts from community life.
Residents like 77-year-old Jimmy Robertson and Hannah Weseman highlight challenges such as reduced local amenities, anti-social behavior, and a decrease in the area’s livability. The Royal Mile’s reliance on tourism has led to a shift in its character, with shops dominated by a few major operators.
Tourism is vital to Edinburgh’s economy, employing over 40,000 people and boosting local businesses. A surge in international visitors has contributed to the growth, but many locals feel neglected, often calling for better management of tourism’s impact. The council acknowledges concerns, promising efforts to maintain cleanliness and safety, and plans to introduce a tourism tax to fund improvements. However, there are doubts about whether these measures will suffice to address the mounting pressures of increased tourism.
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