Bruges Battles Overtourism as Visitors Steal Cobblestones and Historic Cities Struggle to Cope
Belgium's medieval city of Bruges is losing its cobblestones to theft, while other European cities like Venice and Barcelona face similar challenges in managing mass tourism
The city of Bruges in Belgium has requested that tourists stop stealing cobblestones from its UNESCO-recognized medieval streets.
An estimated 50 to 70 cobblestones disappear per month, with the number increasing during peak season.
The removal of these stones poses a safety risk to residents and visitors, as missing or loosened stones create tripping hazards.
Replacing the stolen cobblestones costs approximately 200 euros per square meter.
Bruges is not alone in its struggle with overtourism, as cities like Venice and Barcelona also face challenges in managing large numbers of tourists.
In an effort to reduce the number of visitors, Bruges has reduced the number of cruise ships allowed to dock in the nearby port of Zeebrugge and ended tourism promotion campaigns in nearby destinations.
Meanwhile, other historic European cities are experiencing similar issues with mass tourism.
Syria, for example, is opening up to international visitors after the fall of its former president's regime, with Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways launching routes to Damascus.
Morocco's Taroudant is being touted as a 'little Marrakech' without the crowds, offering a sun-soaked alternative to the popular destination.
The Philippines' Apo Reef Natural Park is also gaining attention as a less-visited coral reef system, with the government submitting it for UNESCO consideration.
An estimated 50 to 70 cobblestones disappear per month, with the number increasing during peak season.
The removal of these stones poses a safety risk to residents and visitors, as missing or loosened stones create tripping hazards.
Replacing the stolen cobblestones costs approximately 200 euros per square meter.
Bruges is not alone in its struggle with overtourism, as cities like Venice and Barcelona also face challenges in managing large numbers of tourists.
In an effort to reduce the number of visitors, Bruges has reduced the number of cruise ships allowed to dock in the nearby port of Zeebrugge and ended tourism promotion campaigns in nearby destinations.
Meanwhile, other historic European cities are experiencing similar issues with mass tourism.
Syria, for example, is opening up to international visitors after the fall of its former president's regime, with Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways launching routes to Damascus.
Morocco's Taroudant is being touted as a 'little Marrakech' without the crowds, offering a sun-soaked alternative to the popular destination.
The Philippines' Apo Reef Natural Park is also gaining attention as a less-visited coral reef system, with the government submitting it for UNESCO consideration.
