Sunday, December 22, 2024

The European destinations that are still welcoming visitors and digital nomads

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Overtourism has become a growing issue in several popular European countries, where high volumes of tourists are affecting local communities, economies, and the environment.

While tourism brings economic benefits, the sheer number of visitors to certain destinations can result in overcrowding, environmental degradation, and rising living costs for locals.

Holiday hotspots such as Spain, Greece and Italy saw a number of protests from the local this year as they fought back against the growing tourism. 

However, many popular destinations are still welcoming visitors and digital nomads as they wish to bolster their tourism economy. 

Express.co.uk took a look at the countries still looking forward to welcoming tourists.  

Extremadura, a region in Spain, is offering grants of up to €15,000 (around £12465) to attract digital nomads. This initiative aims to encourage remote workers to relocate to the area, helping to boost its economy and counteract depopulation.

Eligible applicants must meet certain criteria, such as working remotely for a company outside the region, and committing to living in Extremadura for a set period.

This programme presents an opportunity for remote workers to enjoy a more affordable lifestyle while contributing to local growth.

Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, has recently inaugurated a new international airport, enhancing the island’s accessibility for travellers.

The upgraded facility features a 2,200-meter runway capable of accommodating large aircraft, facilitating direct flights from destinations such as Copenhagen and Reykjavik.

This development is expected to boost tourism and contribute significantly to the local economy.

While the country attracts many visitors during the summer for adventure sports and nature tourism, drawing travellers in the cold, dark winter months proves more challenging.

To entice visitors to the more remote northern regions, unique accommodations such as aurora cabins and igloos are being developed, offering stunning astronomical experiences.

Romania joined the Schengen Zone this year, streamlining arrivals from countries within the free travel area.

This move aligns with efforts by the country and its tourism sector to attract more visitors. Several campaigns have been introduced to raise Romania’s profile among travellers, including TouristGo.ro, which encourages music enthusiasts to attend the Electric Castle festival in July 2025.

In a promotional video, the event organisers say they are trying to help Spain’s fight against overtourism by sending tourists to Romania instead, reports Euro News

Slogans on their website read, “In some cities they don’t want you, but in Romania we love you” and, “While some places struggle with too many visitors, others would love the attention”.

As part of the campaign, the website also shares lots of tips on what to see, do and eat in Romania.

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