The article discusses the challenges residents of Montmartre, Paris, face due to overtourism. Olivier Baroine, a local resident, expressed his frustration with the area’s transformation from a quaint village atmosphere to a congested tourist hotspot filled with souvenir shops and selfie-takers. He decided to sell his apartment after pedestrian-only zones made his daily life more complicated as a disabled person.
Montmartre, home to the iconic Sacré-Cœur Cathedral, now draws millions of tourists annually, overshadowing local life. Long-time residents have noted the disappearance of traditional grocery stores in favor of tourist-centric businesses. Activism among locals has grown, with banners proclaiming the struggles of residents amid rising tourist numbers, which have surged to nearly 49 million in Paris, leading to concerns about the community’s future.
The article also highlights similar struggles in other European cities where residents confront the negative impacts of mass tourism, prompting local governments to consider regulations to protect their neighborhoods. However, the continuation of tourism growth poses ongoing challenges for both residents and city planners.
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